Lights, wonderland, music and festivity: 10 things in Toowoomba

This weekend is all about revving up those motorcycles, gift giving, and summer cheer as Toowoomba accelerates into the Christmas festivities of the season.

Adrian Outim at the start of the 2023 edition of the Downs Motor Cycle Sporting Club's Toowoomba Motorcycle Toy Run at Picnic Point.

Christmas cheer, giving and plenty of songs are on this weekend as Toowoomba lights up for the holidays.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, so let’s get to it – here is what’s on this festive weekend in the Garden City.

1. Toowoomba Motorcycle Toy Run 2024

Leaving from Picnic Point at 10.30am on Sunday, the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club is once again putting on its annual toy run. Come down, cheer the riders on in their festive gear and donate some toys to a good cause.

2. St James Christmas preparation

From 5pm on Sunday, the St James Anglican Church on Mort St will fill up with music, symbols and readings and a two course meal. Funds raised will go towards the parish missions. Tickets $20/person.

3. Christmas Tinsel Trail in Oakey

Take a drive out the western side of the Garden City and explore the magical tinsel lights through the townships of Oakey and Jondaryan.

Best experience starts when the sun goes downs – see the map at the Facebook page: Christmas Tinsel Trail – Maclagan & Districts

4. Rumours International Summer Party

Bringing you the ultimate summer tunes from the 80s and 90s, Rumours International will open its doors from 7pm on Saturday featuring bands like The Patriarchs, The Bends and The Fibonacci Band.

Tickets are $15.

5. Christmas at the Races

Santa and his reindeer will be attending the Clifford Park Racecourse this Saturday from 3pm along with live music, food and drinks, and horse racing. Tickets at the gate.

6. A Very Elvis Christmas Concert

Elvis meets Christmas at the Armitage Centre in an electrifying performance for any Elvis and Christmas fans.

Starts at 7.30pm, tickets start from $40 and are available at empiretheatre.com.au

7. Christmas Wonderland

Open each night from 7pm for a mere gold coin donation, the Garden City’s botanical gardens will light up in wonder for the season.

8. Santa Express Mini Steam Train

Highfields Pioneer Village are holding a Santa extravaganza this Sunday from 10am. Running on a 10-1/4 inch gauge circular track, the mini steam train Myrtle May will be driven by Santa himself, where kids can ride in one of the three carriages.

The day also includes rides on a vintage bus, along with billy tea, damper, ice-creams and a sausage sizzle.

Tickets are $3/child and $5/adult.

9. Saturday and Sunday Markets

Pick up a Christmas gift or find some fresh produce for the week ahead from the morning markets on Saturday at Cobb & Co, or on Sunday at the James St PCYC.

10. Parkrun

Keep the full plate of Christmas celebrations from your waist by joining in on the weekly parkrun in Queen’s Park on Saturday morning from 7am.

Originally published as Lights, wonderland, music and festivity: 10 things in Toowoomba