The countdown is on as the annual lighting of the Christmas tree sparks start of festive season

The countdown is on to Cairns’ annual lighting of the Christmas tree, returned to its prime position at the Lagoon Plaza after a brief sojourn in Shields St last year.

THE countdown is on to Cairns’ annual lighting of the Christmas tree, returned to its prime position at the Lagoon Plaza after a brief sojourn in Shields St last year.

Held on December 1, the switch will be flipped on at 7pm sharp.

In the lead-up to the big event, residents will be treated to Christmas-themed live music, dance performances, carols, and a special performance by the Queensland Youth Orchestra from 4.30pm.

Meanwhile, the Cairns Regional Council is hard at work putting together another virtual Christmas Carols in Cairns, which will be aired on December 19, featuring 28 local acts from school choirs to retirement home residents.

Council CEO Mica Martin said last year’s event was very successful as the carols was streamed online and enjoyed by more than 34,000 people globally.

She said the council was expecting a more traditional Carols By Candlelight event would return for Christmas 2022.

MORE CHRISTMAS EVENTS:

A Royal Christmas Spectacular

When: Sunday, December 19, 7-9pm

Where: Royals Church Cairns, 9 Hollingsworth Street, Portsmith

Cost: $5, tickets here.

Joy to the World Cairns Community Carols

When: Sunday, December 12, 5-9pm

Where: Cairns Showgrounds

Cost: Free, register here.

Holloways Beach Christmas Carols

When: Sunday, December 4, 5-9pm

Where: Syd and Jane Granville Memorial Park, Holloways Beach

Cost: Free

Originally published as The countdown is on as the annual lighting of the Christmas tree sparks start of festive season