Brisbane welcomes an entirely Christmas-themed cafe

A new festive-themed cafe is set to become a social media sensation, complete with Santa, elves, a tree and presents.

Barista Courtney Nolan at Illusion by No.5 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane's first entirely Christmas-themed cafe. Picture: Lachie Millard

Brisbane has welcomed its first entirely Christmas-themed cafe complete with Santa, a full-sized sleigh, elves and the Grinch.

Illusion By No.5 in Fortitude Valley first opened in July and became an instant Instagram sensation with a unique 2D fit-out that made the cafe look like a cartoon.

Now to celebrate the festive season, the diner has taken on a yuletide theme, with chef-owner Shay Bunn creating dozens of unique, handpainted decorations from recycled timber of everything from Santa and his elves to the Grinch, Christmas trees and presents for customers to pose with alongside their breakfast.

“We just wanted to shake it up and take advantage of the 2D theme and embrace the Christmas spirit,” said cafe manager Hayden Jones.

The interior at Illusion by No.5 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s first entirely Christmas-themed cafe. Picture: Lachie Millard

The festive fit-out took weeks of construction and a three-day installation to bring the vision to life, with customers queuing up to sit in Santa’s sleigh and have their photo taken with Mr Claus’s letterbox.

“We want people to want to come back not just for the great food but also the atmosphere,” Mr Jones said.

The cafe will even be introducing a Christmas-leaning menu on December 1 boasting the likes of eggs benedict with Christmas glazed ham, roast turkey bagels and burgers stuffed with Christmas leftovers.

The festive theme will continue at Illusion until the New Year, before it switches to a Valentine’s concept in February.