Brisbane Lord Mayor announces cost-conscious Christmas activities

Brisbane’s Lord Mayor has revealed the line-up for this year’s local Christmas events, including more free and low-cost activities.

It’s never too early to put up the Christmas tree, well in Brisbane it’s not.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has officially launched the city’s annual Christmas holiday program, promising more free and affordable events amid the current cost-of-living crisis.

“It shouldn’t just be about spending money, it should be about spending quality time and so we have provided some really quality experiences to enjoy Christmas,” Cr Schrinner said.

Speaking in the Queen St Mall on Thursday, Cr Schrinner revealed the city’s popular Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols would be live streamed to a second site this year.

“If you don’t get a ticket for the Christmas carols at Riverstage, you’ll be able to go to Victoria Park and enjoy the entertainment live,” he said.

Victoria Park patrons will be able to enjoy the live streamed event for free but tickets for the Riverstage live event, which go on sale on Tuesday, will cost $5 for everyone aged over 18 (children are free).

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Central Ward councillor Vicki Howard announce the 2023 Christmas program. Picture: John Gass

While the Brisbane CBD will be feeling the loss of the popular Myer windows this year following the closure of the Myer CBD store and the rebrand of the Myer Centre to Uptown, Cr Schrinner assured locals there were plans in place to replicate the Christmas icon.

“They have plans for the future, however in the meantime, we’re hoping to get an activation Uptown,” he said.

Cr Schrinner said there would be special parking deals for those heading into the city to enjoy Christmas events, with $5 parking at King George Square and Wickham Terrace.

“It’s always a busy time of the year, but we are conscious that we had another interest rate rise this week, so that puts pressure on people,” he said.

“We know that while people will be spending and out celebrating Christmas time, they’ll be cost-conscious and that is what our program is.”

Santa performing in the Queen St Mall on Thursday. Picture: John Gass

Roxanne Maurer who was among the crowd of people who watched a special Christmas performance as the program was announced said she would definitely be attending some of the cost-friendly events with her young daughter.

“I don’t think Christmas should be a downer because of a hard financial situation … it’s about friends and family,” she said.

Christmas in Brisbane: 2023 events list

November 23 - 20 December: The Enchanted Garden, Roma Street Parklands

December 1: Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas tree, King George Square (Free)

December 1 - 24: Christmas on Queen, Queen Street Mall (Free)

December 1 - 24: Christmas at Uptown, uptown Queen Street Mall (Free and paid workshops)

December 1 - 24: Christmas at Wintergarden, Queen Street Mall (Free)

December 2: Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, Riverstage

December 2: Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols Satellite Event, Victoria Park (Free)

December 8 - 9: Brisbane Arcade Christmas Markets, Queens Street Mall (Free)

December 8 - 24: The Lott, Brisbane City Hall (Free)

December 8, 15 & 22: A Whimsical, Wondering Christmas, Queen Street Mall main stage (Free)

December 9 - 24: Christmas at David Jones, Queens Plaza (Free)

December 15: BrisStyle Twilight Markets, King George Square (Free)

December 16 - 24: Starz Christmas Spectacular, Queen Street Mall main stage (Free)

Originally published as Brisbane Lord Mayor announces cost-conscious Christmas activities