St Nicholas Precinct makes joyful return, so come all ye faithful
30 November 2023
Stunning, immersive light displays and installations will once again transform the heart of the city into the ‘St Nicholas Precinct’, running nightly from 8 to 17 December.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the emerging city heart would again evoke the spirit of the season.
“The spectacular lighting installation is the centrepiece of our celebrations, creating a magical walk-through experience of lights, colours and magical moments,” Mayor Harding said.
“There are fun activities for family and friends, with live entertainment, market stalls and great food.
“Entry is free, the area is wheelchair and pram accessible, so be sure to come and explore the Nicholas Street Precinct during the most wonderous time of the year.
“Christmas celebrations go right up to Christmas, with events such as Cinema Under the Stars on 19 and 20 December, Christmas Discos on the 20 and 22 December, Santa and Sirens on 21 December, a Nutcracker performance on 23 December and the viewing of entries to the city’s Christmas lights competition on until 24 December.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the festive spirit would be all around Ipswich Central.
“This year we have Top of Town Twinkle, with dozens of businesses decorating their windows with beautiful festive displays as part of Christmas in Ipswich” Cr Doyle said.
“Select Top of Town traders will also open for a special late night trade event on Friday 8 December to celebrate the first night of St Nicholas Precinct.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Fechner said this year would also feature one night for those seeking a gentler, sensory-friendly experience.
“On Tuesday, 12 December, the St Nicholas Precinct will be quieter, with gentler stage programming and a dedicated sensory tent, which will allow more families to experience the joy of Christmas,” Cr Fechner said.
“Ipswich is an inclusive community and we want as many people as possible to be able to celebrate and enjoy this year’s spectacular Christmas in Ipswich attractions and events.”
Acclaimed event and lighting specialist Sharon Penny designed the light installation, which uses nearly 250 metres of lights.
Amateur photographers who want to use tripods and other bulky equipment are asked to avoid peak times and be mindful of other visitors.
Undercover parking is available in the Nicholas Street Precinct, free after 5pm, with entry from Bremer Street, Ipswich.
This year’s Christmas in Ipswich program is delivered with the support of the following partners: Nine News Queensland, Stockland Providence, Energex, River 94.9, STRUD, Pet Mince Direct, Event Cinemas Springfield, Premier Queensland, Harvey Norman Booval and Choices Flooring by Mallets Ipswich.
For the full program, visit Christmasinipswich.com.au
CHRISTMAS IN IPSWICH PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Letters to Santa – all Ipswich Libraries branches
Tuesday 21 November to Wednesday 13 December
Visit local Ipswich Libraries branches to write and post a letter to Santa. Get in quick to give Santa enough time to respond between wrapping presents.
St Nicholas Precinct – Nicholas Street Precinct
6.30pm to 9.30pm, Friday 8 December to Sunday 17 December
Celebrate the wonder of Christmas as the city’s emerging city heart dazzles with a spectacular lighting installation. The Nicholas Precinct will transform into an experiential atmosphere of lights, colour and magical moments. Experience live entertainment, festive food and market stalls. Entry is free.
Christmas lights tours
6pm to 9pm, Friday 15 December and Saturday 16 December
View a selection of the best displays from this year’s Christmas Lights Competition in air-conditioned comfort. Enjoy a light supper with entertainment and surprise visitors during this magical Christmas adventure. Spaces are limited, bookings essential via Christmasinipswich.com.au
Cinema Under the Stars – Tulmur Place, Nicholas Street Precinct
Screening from 6.30pm, Tuesday 19 December and Wednesday 20 December
Celebrate Christmas week with a festive movie and freshly popped popcorn all under the starry night sky. Bring your blankets, gather your family and make it a movie picnic to remember.
Santa and Sirens - Nicholas Street, Nicholas Street Precinct
6pm to 8pm, Thursday 21 December
Meet Santa amidst dazzling emergency service vehicles. Uniting holiday magic with real-life heroes, along with food trucks, live music and roving entertainment.
Christmas carols and community events
From Brassall to Springfield to Marburg and Ripley, there are a range of community Christmas carols and community events planned across the city. For more information about these local events, visit Christmasinipswich.com.au
Christmas markets
If the perfect Christmas gift continues to elude you, there are several market events in the lead-up to Christmas to visit. For more information about these events, visit Christmasinipswich.com.au
New Year’s Eve celebrations – Tivoli Drive-In, Chuwar
3pm to 9pm, Sunday 31 December
Farewell 2023 in style at the Tivoli Drive-In’s New Year’s Eve festival. There will be a bustling marketplace, exciting on-stage performances and plenty of family-friendly fun. Book your tickets at Christmasinipswich.com.au
Fireworks – across the city
Turn your gaze towards the sky this New Year’s Eve. Fireworks will launch across the region in Springfield Central, South Ripley, Ipswich Central and Chuwar. For more information on the best viewing locations, visit Christmasinipswich.com.au