Brisbane truly shines during the festive season. December brings warm summer evenings, riverside celebrations, world-class performances, and some of Australia’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks. Whether the plan includes family-friendly Christmas activities, cultural performances, festive dining, or an unforgettable New Year countdown, Brisbane offers something for every style of celebration.
Below is a complete guide to Christmas & New Year’s Eve in Brisbane, covering the city’s best festive events, dining experiences, and celebration hotspots — plus where to stay for maximum comfort and convenience.
Best things to do in Brisbane this Christmas
1. See the King George Square Christmas Tree & City Hall Light Shows
Address: 87C Roma St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000
Dates & Times: Early December to Christmas Eve, nightly after sunset
Entrance fee: Free
Brisbane’s giant Christmas tree towers over King George Square, while City Hall transforms into a canvas of animated festive projections each evening. The experience blends classic Christmas visuals with modern light artistry, creating one of the city’s most photographed seasonal attractions.
Highlights: Towering Christmas tree, choreographed light shows, central CBD location.
Insider tip: Arrive after 7:30 pm for the best projection visibility, then continue the evening with dessert or drinks nearby in Queen Street Mall.
2. Walk through Roma Street Parkland’s Enchanted Garden
Address: 1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane City, QLD 4000
Dates & Times: December evenings, after sunset
Entrance fee: Free
Roma Street Parkland becomes a glowing wonderland during December, featuring illuminated pathways, creative installations, and immersive light displays woven through the gardens. The atmosphere suits couples, families, and photographers alike.
Highlights: Magical light trails, peaceful garden setting, festive photo opportunities.
Insider tip: Comfortable walking shoes make the experience more enjoyable, especially when exploring the full trail after dark.
3. Enjoy Christmas on Queen performances at Queen Street Mall
Address: Queen St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000
Dates & Times: Throughout December, daytime and evenings
Entrance fee: Free
Queen Street Mall fills with roving performers, live music, and festive entertainment throughout December. Shoppers and visitors can enjoy spontaneous performances while browsing stores or relaxing between activities.
Highlights: Live music, pop-up performances, family-friendly entertainment.
Insider tip: Late afternoons offer a cooler atmosphere, followed by easy access to nearby dining options.
4. Visit South Bank Parklands Christmas events
Address: South Bank Parklands, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Dates & Times: Throughout December
Entrance fee: Free (some pop-ups ticketed)
South Bank Parklands hosts festive markets, pop-up food stalls, themed lighting displays, and interactive activities during the Christmas period. The riverside setting creates a relaxed holiday vibe with plenty of space to explore.
Highlights: Riverside atmosphere, festive markets, family activities.
Insider tip: Sunset visits combine festive lights with river views, followed by dining along Grey Street.
5. Attend the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols at Riverstage
Address: 59 Gardens Point Rd, Brisbane City, QLD 4000
Dates & Times: Mid-December, evening
Entrance fee: Free
This iconic annual event brings Brisbane together for an evening of live music, celebrity performances, and community singing under the stars. Riverstage offers a beautiful natural amphitheatre overlooking the river.
Highlights: Live performances, fireworks finale, community atmosphere.
Insider tip: Arrive early with picnic essentials to secure a comfortable viewing spot.
6. Watch The Nutcracker at QPAC
Address: Cultural Precinct, Cnr Grey & Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Dates & Times: Selected dates in December
Entrance fee: Ticketed
The Nutcracker remains a Christmas classic, and QPAC delivers a world-class ballet experience within Brisbane’s premier performing arts venue. The production suits both ballet lovers and first-time attendees.
Highlights: Stunning costumes, live orchestra, festive storytelling.
Insider tip: Pre-show dining at South Bank enhances the evening without rushing between venues.
7. Enjoy outdoor festive films at Moonlight Cinema
Address: Roma Street Parkland, 1 Parkland Blvd
Dates & Times: November-February, evenings
Entrance fee: Ticketed
Moonlight Cinema offers Christmas-themed films and holiday favourites in an open-air setting. Guests relax on picnic blankets or hired loungers while enjoying festive classics under the stars.
Highlights: Outdoor cinema experience, seasonal movie lineup.
Insider tip: Bring a light jacket for later sessions, as temperatures can cool after sunset.
8. Have dinner at Brisbane restaurants open for Christmas Day
Cucina Regina – Queen’s Wharf
Dates & Times: Christmas Day, 5 pm-8 pm
Entrance fee: $225 per person
A four-course Italian Christmas feast with a three-hour beverage package, live entertainment, and classic dishes from oysters to porchetta.
La Boca – Brisbane CBD
Dates & Times: Christmas Day, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm
Entrance fee: $249 per person
A festive buffet featuring maple-glazed ham, slow-smoked wagyu brisket, seafood, traditional sides, and a full dessert station with beverages included.
Bistro Suzette – Brisbane CBD
Dates & Times: Christmas Day, from 5:30 pm
Entrance fee: $319 per person
Sofitel’s indulgent buffet showcases seafood on ice, roast turkey, glazed ham, Yorkshire pudding, and a popular raclette station.
Aloria – Queen’s Wharf Sky Deck
Dates & Times: Christmas Day, 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
Entrance fee: $295 per person
A five-course shared Christmas menu with wine, live entertainment, skyline views, premium seafood, ribeye, and a festive Eton Mess dessert.
Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Brisbane
Watch New Year’s Eve fireworks at South Bank Parklands
Location: South Bank Parklands, Stanley Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Dates & Times: 31 December, 7:45 pm & midnight
Entrance fee: Free
South Bank remains one of the most popular Brisbane NYE fireworks locations, offering riverfront views and nearby dining venues such as Riverland, Fiume Rooftop Bar, and Felons Brewing Co. Many venues offer curated New Year’s Eve packages.
Enjoy a riverside New Year’s Eve at Howard Smith Wharves
Location: 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Dates & Times: 31 December, evening
Entrance fee: Free entry; venue packages available
Howard Smith Wharves combines waterfront dining with unbeatable fireworks views beneath the Story Bridge. The precinct suits relaxed celebrations or premium dining experiences.
Join a rooftop New Year’s Eve party in Fortitude Valley
Popular parties & venues:
- Hey Chica!: Jungle-themed celebration with DJs and optional canapés and drinks packages
- The Wickham: A Valley favourite hosting a dedicated NYE event
- Retro’s: High-energy retro vibes with drinks packages
- Iris Rooftop: 360-degree city views ideal for fireworks spotting
- Lina Rooftop: Sky-high celebration with champagne and late-night beats
These venues place guests close to the action in New Year’s Eve Brisbane CBD and Fortitude Valley nightlife zones.
Choose your best place to stay in Brisbane with L’Abode Accommodation
Experiencing Christmas & New Year’s Eve in Brisbane often means full days of walking, late nights, and multiple locations across the CBD, South Bank, and riverside precincts. Central accommodation becomes essential for comfort, flexibility, and stress-free travel between events.
L’Abode Accommodation offers premium short-term stays and executive leasing across Brisbane’s most sought-after locations. Guests enjoy spacious apartments, hotel-quality standards, and easy access to major festive venues — ideal for unwinding after long celebration days.
Explore L’Abode Accommodation properties in Brisbane
For property owners, L’Abode delivers trusted Airbnb property management Brisbane services and executive leasing Brisbane solutions, ensuring professional care, strong returns, and seamless guest experiences during peak holiday demand.
Whether planning a festive getaway or managing an investment property, L’Abode Accommodation provides tailored solutions designed for Brisbane’s busiest and most exciting season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best family-friendly Christmas activities in Brisbane?
Family-friendly highlights include the King George Square Christmas Tree and City Hall light shows, Roma Street Parkland’s Enchanted Garden, South Bank Parklands Christmas events, and the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols at Riverstage. These activities are free, centrally located, and suitable for all ages. - Where are the best places to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Brisbane?
Popular New Year’s Eve fireworks viewing spots include South Bank Parklands, Howard Smith Wharves, and riverside venues along the Brisbane River. South Bank hosts both early evening and midnight fireworks, making the area ideal for families and late-night celebrations. - Are restaurants open in Brisbane on Christmas Day?
Yes, several Brisbane restaurants open on Christmas Day with set menus and festive packages. Popular options include Cucina Regina, La Boca, Bistro Suzette, and Aloria, offering everything from buffet dining to multi-course premium experiences. - Do Christmas events in Brisbane require tickets?
Many Brisbane Christmas events are free, including outdoor light displays, performances, and carols. Ticketed experiences include theatre performances like The Nutcracker at QPAC, Moonlight Cinema sessions, and Christmas Day restaurant bookings. - Where should visitors stay during Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Brisbane?
Central accommodation near the CBD, South Bank, or riverside precincts offers easy access to Christmas events and New Year’s Eve celebrations. L’Abode Accommodation provides premium short-term stays and executive leasing options, ideal for comfort and convenience during the festive season.