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Seven more sleeps: Things to do in Brisbane this week
By Nick Dent
The wait is agonising if you’re a kid, but we have some suggestions to fill in the hours until the unwrapping can begin.
There are carols, mini-golf, movies, live shows, cute animal encounters, Lego and markets to keep them occupied until Monday morning.
For grown-ups looking for holiday fun, the Kransky Sisters have a hilarious new show, and the Museum of Brisbane has a floral-themed art exhibition.
If nothing impresses you like the hum of a high-powered engine, then the Brisbane Motor Museum’s Muscle Cars show is one to check out.
Monday, December 18
Victoria Park’s Christmas Putt Putt.Credit: Must Do Brisbane
Kids: Christmas Putt Putt
This popular mini golf course takes on its yuletide livery again with tinsel, snow people and more. If booked out, try Alex Hills Putt Putt.
Victoria Golf Course, daily from 6am, until Jan 3, $0-$20. Book now.
Music: Carols by the River
Free carols take place each night at 4.30pm, 6pm and 7.15pm – bring a picnic or get takeaway.
Riverside Green, South Bank, Dec 18-23, free.
Tuesday, December 19
Sneakers Unboxed is an exhibition exploring the design and culture of sneakers.Credit: Ed Reeve
Art: Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street
The history and design of sneakers from the sports field to the fashion runway is explored in this inventive exhibition from The Design Museum in London, exclusive in Australia to the Gold Coast.
HOTA Gallery, from Nov 25, daily 10am-4pm, $10-$26. Buy tickets.
Film: South Bank Christmas Cinema
This free outdoor cinema is showing seasonal flicks such as Elf, The Grinch and Home Alone 2. Tonight it’s A Christmas Carol (6pm) and The Holiday (8pm).
River Quay Green, South Bank, Dec 18-23, 6pm & 8pm, free.
Wednesday, December 20
The Kransky Sisters are performing at QPAC this week.Credit: Scott Beveridge
Comedy: A Cracker Kransky Christmas
The twisted sisters from Esk bring their yuletide show with homespun renditions of popular songs by Britney Spears, Spice Girls and AC/DC, as well as Christmas carols done in ways that have to be seen and heard to be believed.
Cremorne Theatre, QPAC, Dec 19-24, $62. Buy tickets.
Music: Furnace and the Fundamentals
The six Australian musical chameleons present A Very Furnace Christmas. Expect songs from their novelty Christmas album, giveaways and an appearance by Santa Claus.
The Tivoli, 8.30pm, $58.20. Buy tickets.
Thursday, December 21
Rearranged: Art of the Flower exhibition at Museum of Brisbane (MoB) invites you to revel in the abundant blooms of Brisbane.Credit: Katie Bennett
Art: Rearranged: Art of the Flower
Twenty local artists take on the floral theme in paintings, textiles, sculptures, ceramics and new media, including Margaret Olley, Michael Zavros and John Honeywill.
Museum of Brisbane, until Aug 11, 2024, free.
Kids: The Smeds and the Smoos
Another picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler – about star-crossed alien lovers – has been adapted as a live kids’ show from the team that brought you The Gruffalo.
QUT Gardens Theatre, Dec 21-23, $24-$45. Buy tickets.
Friday, December 22
The candy man can: Timothee Chalamet as Willy Wonka.Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures / Village Roadshow
Film: Wonka
An origin story for Roald Dahl’s mercurial chocolatier Willy Wonka may sound like a terrible idea, but with Paddington director Paul King on board and Hugh Grant playing an oompa loompa, we’re sold.
In cinemas.
Kids: Holly Jolly Kids
Daily at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm kids can take part in free colouring in, a Wishing Tree installation and the Elf Dance Party.
Little Stanley Street Lawn, South Bank, Dec 18-23, free.
Saturday, December 23
Visitors to the Lyell Deer Sanctuary can meet and cuddle rescued deer in a farm-style environment.Credit: Karen Siveter
Zoos: Lyell Deer Sanctuary
Cuddling and hand feeding the ruminants is encouraged in a farm-like atmosphere that also has cattle, goats, chickens and ducks.
6 Lyell Court, Mount Samson. Sat-Sun 10am-4pm (open extra days during school holidays). $5-$10 (family $25).
Markets: Powerhouse Christmas Markets
The weekly farmers’ markets get a seasonal twist. The Queensland Choir is performing Christmas Carols, there’s a face painter, and extra gift stalls are on for 11th-hour gift buying.
Brisbane Powerhouse, 6am-12pm, free.
Sunday, December 24
A 1962 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop in the Brisbane Motor Museum’s Muscle Cars of Brisbane exhibition.Credit: Brisbane Motor Museum
Museums: Muscle Cars of Brisbane
See a super-rare 1970 Plymouth Cuda AAR among Holdens, Fords, Mustangs and Thunderbirds in this latest exhibition at the Brisbane Motor Museum (entry includes access to the Stylish German Automobiles exhibit).
Brisbane Motor Museum, 959 Nudgee Road, Banyo, Wed-Sun 8am-3pm, until Feb 25, 2024, $12.50-$25. Buy tickets.
Kids: Jurassic World by Brickman
Ryan “Brickman” McNaught re-imagines Jurassic World in an exhibition of large-scale dinosaurs, props, scenes and activities made from more than 6 million Lego bricks.
Queensland Museum, until Jul 14, 2024, $19.90-$29.90. Buy tickets.