Christmas wonderland launches as thousands flock to opening night

Christmas Wonderland has drawn 3200 people to its opening night at Queens Park Botanic Gardens, launching the festive season with entertainment and community spirit.

Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland kicked off another exciting year as they launched their festive celebrations on Saturday night.

The annual event, held at the Botanic Gardens in Queens Park, brought in the Christmas season with plenty of entertainment for everyone.

Event chairman Marshall Cox said they had around 3200 people show up, a good crowd for an opening night.

“We had the big Christmas tree up the top, some of the animated stuff that we’ve got this year was pretty popular,” Mr Cox said.

“It’s great to see the community still supporting the event, and we look forward to their continued support right up to including Christmas Eve.”

Hosted by the Lions Club of Toowoomba West, Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland supports the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Toowoomba Hospice and Lifeline Darling Downs South West Queensland.

The event will be open to the public from 7-10pm until Christmas Eve and entry is with a gold coin donation. To keep up to date with the event schedule, visit their website: https://christmaswonderland.com.au.

Josh and Sadie Doyle at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Hayley Kimmins with daughter Lana Englart at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Hayley Kimmins with daughter Lana Englart at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Sineli Herath (left) and Maka Kachimbura at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Sineli Herath (left) and Maka Kachimbura at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

At Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland are (from left) Mav Green, Cait Green, George Burrell, Stacey Burrell, Patrick Burrell, Michael Green, Jon Burrell and Jeremy Burrell in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

John Hill with grandsons Ollie Jeans (left) and Noah Carlsson at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

At Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland are (from left) Aidan Priestly, Cassie Priestly, Luca Priestly, Gabe Priestly and Ben Hawkins in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Anwar Khalaf (left) and Hoshyar Khdhir at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Alfred Orcher and Tamika Clevin with Autumn Clevin (centre) at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Hannah Sweedman with her nephews (from left) Mack Kennedy, Albie Kennedy and Preston Wood at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Delena and Andrew Kendall with daughter Lucy at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ben and Kirsty Hogan with their kids Paige and Riley at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Chante (front) and Tiana Ridley at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Anna and Adrian Outim at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Originally published as Christmas wonderland launches as thousands flock to opening night