Christmas, New Year’s Eve: Every major event across region for 2021 - list

From festive Christmas bonanzas to epic New Year’s Eve celebrations and live music spectaculars, this is your full list of every big event planned from Warwick to the Granite Belt this month.

The Southern Downs’ events calendar is absolutely jam-packed heading into the festive season, with dozens of exciting reasons to get out and about this month.

From Christmas specials to massive New Year’s Eve celebrations and more, this is your full roundup of every major event for the rest of 2021.

See the full list here:

SANTA’S GRAND OPENING

Christmas is almost here in Warwick, and who better to bring the seasonal spirit than the big man in red himself?

Head down to Rose City Shoppingworld this weekend to welcome Santa and catch his special grand opening of the North Pole gingerbread house, along with a few special guests.

Instant photos with Santa will kick off from midday after the arrival ceremony.

WHEN: Saturday, December 4 from 11.30am

WHERE: Rose City Shoppingworld, Warwick

COST: Free entry, instant photos $10 – $80 – click here to book

SANDY CREEK PIG RACES

The famous Noah’s thoroughbred racing pigs will be back in action this weekend at the annual Sandy Creek Pig Races.

It’s set to be a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family with auctions, races, and plenty of food and drinks to go around.

All proceeds raised will be donated to Variety the Children’s Charity.

WHEN: Saturday, December 4 from midday

WHERE: Sandy Creek Pub at 345 Sandy Creek Road, Allan

COST: Free entry

SANTA VISITS THE FARM

Kids will get the chance to hang out with Santa at the Granite Belt Christmas Farm every weekend in December.

Take along your own camera to capture the happy memories with no bookings required.

WHEN: From December 4

WHERE: Granite Belt Christmas Farm at 321 Aerodrome Road, Applethorpe

COST: Free

STANTHORPE CULTURE FIX

Southern Downs Regional Council is hosting the 2021 Stanthorpe Music and Arts Festival at Weeroona Park this weekend.

Attendees can catch performances from the region’s musicians across two stages, art displays and workshops, and even a fire-twirling show in the evening.

There will also be a Granite Belt beer and wine bar and food available.

WHEN: Sunday, December 5 from 2pm – 10pm

WHERE: Weeroona Park, Stanthorpe

COST: $20 for adults, $10 for kids 13-17, under 12 free – click here to book

GLENGALLAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Head down to the Glengallan Homestead this weekend for its final seasonal markets for 2021.

The Christmas markets are usually the biggest of the year and are set to boast a huge array of stallholders from across the region, making it an ideal spot to pick up some extra gifts.

There will be plenty of refreshment options available and live music.

WHEN: Sunday, December 5 from 8am – 1pm

WHERE: Glengallan Homestead at 18515 New England Highway, Glengallan

COST: Free entry, vendor prices to vary

CHERRABAH CHRISTMAS MARKETS

‘Tis the season to be shopping up a storm, so why not take the opportunity to support the region’s own businesses and artisans while doing it!

Cherrabah Resort is hosting a Christmas markets featuring dozens of stallholders from Warwick and the wider Southern Downs.

WHEN: Sunday, December 5 from 8am – midday

WHERE: Cherrabah Resort at 1 Keoghs Road, Elbow Valley

COST: Free entry, vendor prices to vary

STANTHORPE CAROLS IN THE PARK

Get set to jingle your way into the peak of the festive season with the rest of the Stanthorpe community at this year’s Carols in the Park event.

Join a host of the region’s best musical talents for a merry evening of entertainment.

WHEN: December 10 from 6.30pm

WHERE: Weeroona Park

COST: Free

LIVE AT THE FACTORY

Hit Warwick’s thriving Parmalat precinct for a huge night of live entertainment from some of the town’s best homegrown talents.

Rose City favourites Sleeping Dogs will headline the night, with fellow Warwick acts The 78 Sound and Eunoia to round out the line-up.

The licensed event will also include an assortment of food vendors and even a free jumping castle for the little ones, making it a fun night out for the whole family.

WHEN: Saturday, December 11 from 2.30pm

WHERE: Parmalat precinct at 145 Victoria Street, Warwick

COST: $20 entry with kids under 14 free – click here to book

NIGHT OF HOPE CHARITY BALL

Warwick District Chaplaincy is hosting a fundraising evening to support the school chaplaincy program across state schools in Warwick and its surrounding towns such as Killarney and Maryvale.

The evening will be complete with a Christmas dinner, live entertainment, and a multi-draw raffle with donations from small businesses in town.

WHEN: Saturday, December 11

WHERE: Warwick RSL at 65 Albion Street, Warwick

COST: $80 per person, additional $10 for raffle entry – click here to book

ANNUAL FAMILY FUN DAY

Hit the Granite Belt Christmas Farm for one of the region’s biggest festive events of the year.

Take part in a whole host of activities including jumping castles, feeding the animals, and even getting photos with Santa while checking out the Christmas trees.

WHEN: December 11, 9am – 2pm

WHERE: Granite Belt Christmas Farm at 321 Aerodrome Road, Applethorpe

COST: Call 0499 924 289 to book a spot at the cafe

DOUBLE MOTORBIKE RIDE DAY

Take your motorbike from the streets to the track with this Champion Ride Days double-header at Morgan Park Raceway.

These non-competitive days give riders of all experience and confidence levels the chance to test themselves on a technical racetrack and hit the higher speeds.

All attendees must have a motorbike licence, but can choose to either bring their own bike and leathers or use those provided.

WHEN: December 11 and 12, 8am – 4pm

WHERE: Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick

COST: $200 for one day or $350 for the two – click here to book

WARWICK CAROLS IN THE PARK

Join some of Warwick’s best musicians and entertainers in a community Christmas celebration at this year’s Carols in the Park.

Sing along to all the Christmas classics while enjoying a variety of food and drink vendors, and even try your chances for a prize in the ‘best dressed kids’ competition!

WHEN: Sunday, December 12 from 6pm – 8pm

WHERE: Queens Park, Warwick

COST: Free entry, vendor prices to vary

CHRISTMAS DOWN UNDER

Volunteer parishioners from across Warwick’s Christian churches are coming together to bring the community a free Christmas experience.

They will host a four-day pop-up stall at Rose City Shoppingworld that features a nativity scene with free family photos, and a free activity bag for each child.

WHEN: December 14 – 17, 9.30am – 12.30pm daily

WHERE: Rose City Shoppingworld, Warwick

COST: Free

A CELTIC CHRISTMAS

A Taste of Ireland is bringing their Christmas musical extravaganza to Warwick this month.

The show tells the story of star-crossed lovers set against a traditional Celtic landscape, combining the best of Irish dancing with the music of award-winning Irish musicians.

WHEN: December 16 from 7.30pm

WHERE: Warwick Town Hall

COST: $54.89 to $76.89 – click here to book

NOT SO SILENT NIGHT

Interstellar Music is bringing a massive show to Warwick the week before Christmas to help kickstart a huge week of festivities.

It will bring together talents from across Australia and New Zealand such as Rum Jungle, Von Royce, Cheap Date and more for a mix of unique sounds.

WHEN: December 17 from 7pm

WHERE: Kings Theatre at Warwick RSL

COST: $28.60 per person – click here to book

WINERY DEGUSTATION

Heritage Estate Wines is hosting a five-course degustation this December, combining some of the Granite Belt’s finest produce with their own drops.

Guests can enjoy an experience for all five senses with silent movies and a live string orchestra to accompany the feast.

WHEN: December 18, 6pm – 10pm

WHERE: Heritage Estate Wines at 747 Granite Belt Drive, Cottonvale

COST: $170 per person – click here to book

CHRISTMAS EXPRESS

If you’re looking to squeeze in one more day of activities before the big day, climb aboard the Christmas Express with Southern Downs Steam Railway.

The return trip from Warwick to Clifton includes a two-course lunch at the Clifton Hotel and a scenic but short tour, making it ideal for those with young children.

WHEN: December 24, 10am – 3.30pm

WHERE: Depart from Warwick Railway Station on Brosnan Crescent, Warwick

COST: $0 – $80 depending on age and inclusions – click here to book

BOXING DAY RACES

One of Warwick’s biggest racing events of the year is back this festive season with the Boxing Day Races.

Dress up to match this year’s ‘nacho average’ race day theme and hit Allman Park for a massive day of action, including a six-race card and DJ entertainment.

Food and refreshments will also be on theme with a nacho and taco bar along with margarita slushies and more.

WHEN: December 26 from 11am

WHERE: Allman Park on Victoria Street, Warwick

COST: Adults $22, kids 13-17 $11, 12 and under free – click here to book

NEW YEAR’S EVE RODEO

Hit the Warwick Showgrounds and see out the year in style at the 2021 New Year’s Eve Rodeo.

The family-friendly event will kick off at 5.30pm with a huge night of rodeo action, including free jumping castles and face painting until 9pm.

There will fireworks and entertainment to keep the party going well into the night.

WHEN: December 31

WHERE: Warwick Showgrounds

COST: Ticket information not yet released – click here for more info

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT WASHPOOL

The team at Washpool Reserve Camping Grounds is inviting the whole community to their massive New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Send out 2021 in style with a huge assortment of food and drinks, jumping castles and face painting, and a small market during the day to promote the region’s producers and their wares.

On-site camping is available with the party set to kick on well into the night.

WHEN: December 31 from 11am

WHERE: Washpool Reserve Camping Grounds at Lake Leslie

COST: $10 for full day’s entry and activities, extra costs for vendors

STANTHORPE NEW YEAR’S EVE

The Beats and Streets event at the Stanthorpe Exhibition Centre should prove an exciting way to ring in 2022 on the Granite Belt.

With everything from live entertainment and street food to a free jumping castle and more, there’s something for the whole family at this New Year’s Eve special.

WHEN: December 31, 5pm – 1am

WHERE: Stanthorpe Exhibition Centre

COST: Adults $15, family (two adults, three children) $35 – click here to book