Christmas events in the Western Downs: Carols, tree lighting ceremonies and return of the Dalby Christmas Street Party to take place in December
After five years the Dalby Christmas Street Party will return next Thursday, kicking off a month of festive events across the region. Find out more.
Community News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Community News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Western Downs will be embracing the Christmas spirit next month with a number of family-friendly events being held across the region.
Community carols, Christmas carnivals, festive tree lighting ceremonies and the beloved Dalby Chamber of Commerce Christmas Street Party will all take place across December ensuring festive joy for everyone.
Western Downs Regional Council mayor Andrew Smith said the festive season was a time when everyone came together to relax, have fun and celebrate their achievements throughout the year.
“In 2024, we’ve planned an exciting array of festive events throughout the region for everyone to enjoy with friends and family,” he said in a press release.
“The Chinchilla Community Christmas Celebration returns, thanks to a collaboration between the council, the Chinchilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Lions Club of Chinchilla. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, including the highlight of the event, the Mayoral Christmas Carols.
“We’re thrilled to announce that the council will be hosting the Dalby Christmas tree lighting for the second year at Mary’s Place precinct. It’s going to be spectacular to see the area illuminated, so don’t miss out.
“Our libraries will also be getting into the festive spirit by organising a variety of Christmas-themed workshops and craft sessions.”
This year will also see the exciting return of the Dalby Chamber of Commerce’s Dalby Christmas Street Party for the first time since 2019.
Dalby Chamber of Commerce operations supervisor Anna Story said they were looking forward to the return after five years.
“It is very exciting because it hasn't been on since 2019, we have had a wonderful response from the community, they are very excited it is back,” she said.
“We will have local performances from our schools, we have dance performances from community groups, local market stalls, food vendors, the light up Christmas tree in Mary’s Place and story time with the mayor.
“We’ve also got kids activities, jumping castles, petting zoos, balloons, face painting, gaming stations, there is a carols by candlelight and we will announce the winner of our Christmas Window Light Up Competition.”
Ms Story said they were expecting more than 2000 for the event’s grand return.
“We wanted to get festive activities happening in the local town, it hasn't happened for many years and people have been asking about it so we wanted to bring it back,” she said.
“It will bring spending to local trade, it will get out local community together in a festive atmosphere and hopefully everyone will enjoy the night.”
Mr Smith said it was important to come together and celebrate after a difficult year.
“As we all know, on the Western Downs, it’s the people that make it,’ he said in a press release.
“It’s been a challenging few months for our region, but seeing the resilience and unity of our residents and community groups as they organise remarkable Christmas festivities showcases the community pride we share and the wonderful people who make our region so welcoming and inclusive.
“All the details for this year’s holiday events can be found on the council’s website, so I encourage residents to check there for a full list of all the festivities.”
What’s on in December
Dalby Christmas Street Party
Thursday December 5, 2024 – 5pm to 8pm in the Dalby CBD (Cunningham St, Archibald St, Stuart S).
The Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry has proudly partnered with Western Downs Regional Council, Dalby Ministers Fraternal, and Dalby Welcoming Community Inc. to bring you a festive celebration like no other including late night shopping, market stalls filled with local goodies, carriage rides, Kids’ Zone, school and community performances, Carols by Candlelight. Santa will make a guest appearance to help light up the Dalby Christmas Tree.
Chinchilla Community Christmas Celebration
Saturday December 7, 2024 – 4pm to 9pm at Chinchilla Botanical Parklands.
The CCCI Christmas Street Party is an annual community event to promote shopping locally within the Chinchilla community and to celebrate the festive season. The Street Party caters for all age groups and includes Santa, face painting, Christmas carols, children’s rides, shopping and food.
Miles Christmas Celebration
Saturday December 7, 2024 at Centenary Oval, Miles.
Presented by Miles and District Chamber of Commerce together with Miles Senior Rugby League Club this free event will feature emergency services displays, musical entertainment, giant stocking draw, activities for the kids, a chance for a photo with Santa, and market stalls.
Barbecue and bar will be available (no alcohol to be brought onto site). BYO camp chair or picnic rug.
Kids Christmas Movie Night – Bell
Saturday December 7, 2024 – Doors open 6pm, movie starts 6.30pm. Bell Memorial Public Hall – 59 Wallace St.
Gather your loved ones, cozy up, and join us for a heartwarming Christmas movie night. Screening: A Boy Called Christmas (PG). Free entry. Popcorn, snacks more available for purchase – Cash and EFTPOS available. BYO Beanbags/ comfy cushions/ chairs/ blankets. Wear your favourite PJ’s for a chance to win a prize
Wandoan Community Christmas Carnival
Friday December 13, 2024 – 6pm at Lindsay Williams Oval, Lane St, Wandoan.
Photo Booth, Treasure Island, Outdoor Movie, Soccer, Bouncing Elves, Balloon Workshop.
Meandarra Santa Fair
Friday December 13, 2024 from 6pm at Meandarra School of Arts Hall – Sara St, Meandarra. Come join the Meandarra community to celebrate the Annual Santa Fair
Movies@Mary’s – Christmas Edition
Saturday December 14, 2024 – 7.30pm at Mary’s Place – Cunningham St, Dalby.
Movie TBC. Welcome to bring a camp chair, rug and snacks.
Tara’s Community Christmas Party
Saturday December 14, 2024 – 5.30pm to 9pm at Jack Chappell Oval, Tara.
Come along and join in on the Christmas Cheer at the Annual Tara Community Christmas Party hosted by The Tara Future’s Group and The Tara Ambulance Committee. There will be food and drinks available for purchase, live entertainment, markets stalls, rides for the kids and much more.
Condamine Community Christmas Tree
Sunday December 15, 4pm at Condamine State School.
Santa arriving at 6pm. Bring gift labelled with your child’s name for Santa to hand out. Limit presents to $25. Bring a plate to share.
More Coverage
Originally published as Christmas events in the Western Downs: Carols, tree lighting ceremonies and return of the Dalby Christmas Street Party to take place in December
Revealed: Miracle bub crowned Western Downs’ cutest baby 2024
After eight long years trying to fall pregnant, Tiomi Nickolls never gave up hope and in May this year miracle baby Aksel was born. Now, following weeks of voting, the adorable bub has been crowned the Western Downs’ cutest baby.
Grim discovery in freezer of regional Qld ‘house of horrors’
The landlords of a southwest Queensland rental property made the stomach-churning discovery of dead cats in a freezer after a months-long legal battle to evict their ‘horror tenants’. WATCH THE VIDEO.
Words Out West to return for sixth year
Bibliophiles will have something to celebrate with a month-long readers and writers festival returning to the region. Find out more.
Ranked: How every South West Qld school performed in 2024 NAPLAN
The nailbiting wait is over for Queensland schools that participated in NAPLAN testing in 2024. See which South West Queensland schools performed best. SEE THE RESULTS.
Revealed: Western Downs’ favourite hairdresser 2024
The votes are in and residents across the Western Downs have revealed who they think is their favourite hairdresser. See who made the cut.
Callide MP opens satellite office in Chinchilla
Western Downs residents based in the Callide electorate will now have greater access to their MP with a satellite office now up and running. Find out more.