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 3.

Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the St Nicholas Precinct would return this year, with no better place to feel Christmas joy than in the heart of the city.

“There are endless opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit in Division 3. From Friday 13 to Sunday 22 December, St Nicholas Precinct in Tulmur Place will again be the centrepiece of celebrations, attracting people from near and far to enjoy the stunning lights,” Cr Doyle said.

“St Nicholas Precinct will be buzzing with market stalls and live entertainment, while families enjoy the dazzling lights and colour.

“On 28 November, residents can witness the magic as the City Christmas Tree lights up in d’Arcy Doyle Place at 7pm.

“It’s also a great opportunity to support our local boutique shops, as Christmas at Top of Town takes place from 5pm to 7pm. Go for a stroll to spot TOTI the Elf and hunt down that special gift.”

Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said Division 3 offered so many family-friendly Christmas events this year.

“A hilarious lineup of comedians will bring the laughter to the Ipswich Civic Centre for Stitch in the ‘Swich – Christmas Special on Friday 13 December,” Cr Antoniolli said.

“Division 3 is spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the perfect gift, with the Ipswich Handmade Expo Pre-Christmas Extravaganza on Saturday 7 December at the Nicholas Street Precinct from 9am to 1pm, and the Holly Jolly Twilight Event on Saturday 30 November at the Ipswich Showgrounds from 4pm.

“And in Tulmur Place, the spectacular St Nicholas Precinct will host a Low Sensory Night from 6pm to 9pm on Monday 16 December – offering a quieter environment and dedicated low-sensory tent for more families to experience the joy of Christmas.

“There is so much more on offer across Division 3 and the entire city, so join us in celebrating the merriest time of year.”

For the full program, visit Christmasinipswich.com.au

Division 3 stretches from One Mile, Leichhardt and parts of Wulkuraka in the west to Redbank and parts of Goodna in the east, and includes Basin Pocket, Booval, Bundamba, Coalfalls, Collingwood Park, Dinmore, East Ipswich, Eastern Heights, Ebbw Vale, Ipswich, Newtown, North Booval, Riverview, Sadliers Crossing, Silkstone, West Ipswich and Woodend.

CHRISTMAS IN IPSWICH PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

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.

St Nicholas Precinct – Low Sensory Night

6pm to 9pm, Monday 16 December

A special evening at the magical Christmas lighting installation, St Nicholas Precinct, for those seeking a gentler, sensory-friendly experience. With a quieter environment and dedicated low sensory tent, this evening allows more families to experience the joy of Christmas.

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.

Santa and Sirens – Nicholas Street Precinct

5pm to 8pm, Thursday 28 November

Holiday magic meets real-life heroes. This is your chance to meet Santa and friends amidst a variety of emergency service vehicles decorated in festive cheer. Capture the moment with photos and embrace the joy of the season with a nod to those who serve and protect. You'll also be entertained by Journey Church as they present a live carols performance on the Tulmur Place stage.

Holly Jolly Twilight Event – Ipswich Showgrounds

From 4pm, Saturday 30 November

Get into the festive spirit with enchanting Christmas decorations, glittering festive lights, free activities, amusement rides, fun entertainment, Christmas carols and a special visit from Santa himself. There will also be a fantastic variety of Christmas stalls.

Ipswich Handmade Expo Pre-Christmas Extravaganza – Nicholas Street Precinct

9am to 1pm, Saturday 7 December

With over 100 amazing handmade stalls, delightful food trucks, live music and so much for the children to do. Christmas shopping at its best.

Letters to Santa – all Ipswich Libraries branches

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.