Media Statements

Ipswich is ready to deck the halls, with the Christmas in Ipswich program unwrapped to reveal plenty of magical moments across the city and in Division 1.

Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine said she was excited to see significant Christmas events taking place in Ripley, Redbank Plains and Raceview.

“It’s great the community can come together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with their families and friends,” Cr Augustine said.

“Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’ll be making a visit to the Christmas in Ripley event in South Ripley, bringing family fun to Ripley’s premier markets. The afternoon is sure to be a hit and it’s a fantastic opportunity to snap up some Christmas gifts from local businesses.

“The City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition is now open for entries, so dust off your decorations and represent Division 1 with dazzling light displays.

“Outside of the division, the popular St Nicholas Precinct in the city centre will bring festive cheer with a spectacular light display full of photo opportunities for your Christmas card.”

Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said there was no shortage of festive fun to be had.

“There are so many opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit across Division 1. Residents can sing along as carols ring out at the Redbank Plains Community Christmas Carols, Raceview Community Carols under the Big Tree, and Whitehill Church Carols 2024,” Cr Madsen said.

“For almost 45 years, Raceview Congregational Church have brought the community together to enjoy singing carols under the big fig tree. I’m proud council continues to support this important event.

“Don’t forget to head into the Redbank Library, or any Ipswich Libraries branch, to send off your Christmas wish-list to the North Pole too. Make sure to get in quick, so Santa can send his response back to you.

“I’m looking forward to seeing residents enjoy all that is on offer this festive season, from carolling to stunning lights to festive feasting.”

For the full program, visit Christmasinipswich.com.au

Division 1 stretches from Mt Mort in the west to White Rock in the east and includes Blackstone, Calvert, Deebing Heights, Ebenezer, Flinders View, Goolman, Grandchester, Jeebropilly, Lower Mount Walker, Mount Forbes, Mount Walker West, Mutdapilly, Peak Crossing, Purga, Raceview, Redbank Plains, Ripley, South Ripley, Swanbank and Willowbank.

CHRISTMAS IN IPSWICH PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Christmas in Ripley – 6 Amity Way, South Ripley

3pm to 8pm, Saturday 14 December

Ripley’s premier markets - a favourite place to discover, eat, drink and relax plus Christmas activations throughout including performances, a visit from Santa, roving entertainment and more.

Redbank Plains Community Christmas Carols – Redbank Plains Bears Club

5pm, Sunday 8 December

Share in the joy of singing traditional Christmas carols at the Redbank Plains Community Christmas Carols. The evening features pre-event entertainment, food truck alley, a special visit from Santa and a sparkling fireworks finale.

Raceview Community Carols under the Big Tree – 141 Wildey Street

Sunday 1 December, 7pm to 8.30pm

Enjoy carols under the stars under the big fig tree lit up like a Christmas tree. Plenty of carols in the program, plus a coffee van and sausage sizzle on-site. Bring your own blanket.

Whitehill Church Carols 2024 – Whitehill Church

5pm to 8pm, Sunday 8 December

Join Whitehill Church for the annual carols event and fireworks. Plenty of activities for the whole family with free craft, face painting, and jumping castles.  Bring your own rug or chairs. BBQ Food, fairy floss, glowsticks and drinks will be on sale.

St Nicholas Precinct – Nicholas St Precinct

6.30pm to 9.30pm, Friday 13 December to Sunday 22 December

Celebrate the wonder of Christmas as the urban heart of our city dazzles with a spectacular lighting installation. Nicholas Street Precinct will again transform into an experiential atmosphere of lights, colour and magical moments.

Christmas Lights Tours

6pm to 9pm, Friday 20 December and Saturday 21 December

View a selection of the best displays from this year’s City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition presented by Narellan Pools Ipswich in an air-conditioned coach. Enjoy a light supper with entertainment and surprise visitors during your magical Christmas adventure. Spaces are limited and bookings essential.

Lighting of the City Christmas Tree – d’Arcy Doyle Place

6.45pm for 7pm start, Thursday 28 November

Join local carollers and an early visit from Santa to help officially light the City Christmas tree. Extend the celebrations with live carols by Journey Church on the Tulmur Place stage and Santa and Sirens in Nicholas Street Precinct both from 5pm.

Letters to Santa – Ipswich Libraries

During opening hours, Tuesday 19 November to Wednesday 11 December

Collect and post your letter at any Ipswich Libraries branch or UB’s Milk Bar Ipswich. Santa’s reply will be sent directly to your address. Get in quick to allow Santa enough time to respond between wrapping presents.

Christmas Lights Competition

Dig out your Christmas lights and decorations. Entries for the City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition presented by Narellan Pools Ipswich are now open. Win a share in over $8,000 worth of cash and prizes. Entry is free, quick and easy via ChristmasinIpswich.com.au

New Year’s Eve Celebration – Tivoli Drive-In Theatre

3pm to 9pm, Tuesday 31 December

Farewell 2024 at the Tivoli Drive-In Theatre’s New Year’s Eve festival. With a bustling marketplace, exciting on-stage performances, a huge array of family friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks finale, there is something for the whole family. Book your tickets at ChristmasinIpswich.com.au

Fireworks – across the city

Tuesday 31 December

Residents are encouraged to turn their heads towards the sky this New Year’s Eve. Fireworks will launch across the region in Springfield Central, South Ripley presented by Stockland Providence, Ipswich Central and Chuwar. For information on the best viewing locations visit ChristmasinIpswich.com.au

This year’s Christmas in Ipswich program is delivered with the support of the following partners: Nine News Queensland, Stockland Providence, Narellan Pools Ipswich, Energex, STRUD, G.J. Gardner Homes Ipswich, Event Cinemas Springfield, Choices Flooring by Mallets, Ipswich, General Public and Premier Queensland.