Flashback: 10 years of Christmas celebrations in Toowoomba

The Chronicle is taking a look back at Christmas events from 2011 to 2021. From Christmas runs to lights on display, see all the photos from 10 years of Christmas celebrations in Toowoomba.

Meg Gannon, Nev Madsen and Kevin Farmer

less than 2 min read

December 25, 2021 - 6:00AM

Toowoomba Chronicle

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It’s been an uncertain two years in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, but the Christmas period in the region has proven that nothing is enough to dull the sparkle of the holidays – and that’s been consistent across the decades.

We’ve taken a look back at 10 years of Christmas celebrations in Toowoomba, compiling photos from 2011 to 2021 of the region’s holiday celebrations.

See all the photos here:

2011

David (top) and Ken Hall at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 03, 2011. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

Mitchell and Natasha Rogers at the Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 03, 2011. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

(From left) Garry, Lachlan and Renee Wright at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 03, 2011. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

(From left) Katie, Brenda and Shane Buttress at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 03, 2011. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

(From left) Caitlin, Brad and Matthew Lyons at the Toowoombas Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 03, 2011. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

(From left) James, Carl, Sienna, Leanne and Chiara Kruck at Toowoombas Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 03, 2011. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

Kahu Ashman (left) with her cousin Lauren Muirhead at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 03, 2011. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

(From left) Jodie and Madison Sander of Toowoomba with their friends from Brisbane Linda and Georgia Bachmann at Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park, Saturday, December 03, 2011. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

2012

Sisters (from left) Mari, Lize and Mia Van Der Merwe at the Toowoomba Christmas Tree Festival at St Luke's Anglican Church, Saturday, December 08, 2012. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

Barbara Bluett (left) and Carolyn Eldridge at the Toowoomba Christmas Tree Festival at St Luke's Anglican Church, Saturday, December 08, 2012. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

Organiser Stephen Buckley alongside a tree designed by Rockville State School students at the Toowoomba Christmas Tree Festival at St Luke's Anglican Church, Saturday, December 08, 2012. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

Stefanie, Noah and Bjorn Jachmann at the Toowoomba Christmas Tree Festival at St Luke's Anglican Church, Saturday, December 08, 2012. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

Toowoomba Christmas Tree Festival organiser Stephen Buckley says this will be the last year the festival is held in its current format, Monday, December 10, 2012. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

Amber Wilson with her nanna Cheryl Wilson at the Toowoomba Christmas Tree Festival at St Luke's Anglican Church, Saturday, December 08, 2012. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

2013

Marshall Cox from Toowoomba West Lions Club getting ready for the Christmas Wonderland of Lights. Photo Nev Madsen / The Chronicle

Lions Club of West Toowoomba members and volunteers including David Orton (left) and Harold Schiller get Queens Park ready for Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland, Monday, November 25, 2013. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

Lions Club of West Toowoomba members and volunteers including (from left) Lesley Henry, Rod Hultgren, Leo Dittman and Johan Human get Queens Park ready for Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland, Monday, November 25, 2013. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

2014

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS: Margaret Wise (left) and Helena Leis at the Toowoomba Hospital Volunteers Christmas celebration. Photo Bev Lacey / The Chronicle

HAVING FUN: Liam Wallace and granddad Arnold Lee enjoy the DDHHS annual Volunteer„¢ Christmas Lunch. Toowoomba Hospital Volunteers Christmas celebration. Photo Bev Lacey / The Chronicle

ENJOYING LUNCH: Enjoying socialising, Jo Ellsum (left) and Lyn Fraser. Toowoomba Hospital Volunteers Christmas celebration. Photo Bev Lacey / The Chronicle

GREAT DAY: Toni and Joshy Mitchell have a great time at the DDHHS annual Volunteer„¢ Christmas Lunch. Toowoomba Hospital Volunteers Christmas celebration. Photo Bev Lacey / The Chronicle

2015

Cody Mutch with his grandparents Sylvia and Sante Andreatta in the Andreatta family Box St entry in the Toowoomba Christmas Lights Competition, Friday, December 11, 2015. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

The Andreatta family Box St entry in the Toowoomba Christmas Lights Competition, Friday, December 11, 2015. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

Jason Eade has entered his family's Prime Minister Dr home in the first time entered category of Toowoomba Christmas Lights Competition, Friday, December 11, 2015. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

John Gamble is proud of his Grant Cl entry in the Toowoomba Christmas Lights Competition, Friday, December 11, 2015. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

Leo Hasted with mum Chelsea Hasted checks out the Christmas lights displays in Audrey Crt, Friday, December 11, 2015. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

Zahli Eade with her sun conure parrot Binky outside her family's Prime Minister Dr home entered in the first time entered category of Toowoomba Christmas Lights Competition, Friday, December 11, 2015. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

Natasha Horder with sons Noah (left) and Xavier Horder have fun at John Gamble's Grant Cl entry of Toowoomba Christmas Lights Competition, Friday, December 11, 2015. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

John Gamble is proud of his Grant Cl entry in the Toowoomba Christmas Lights Competition, Friday, December 11, 2015. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

One of the wonderful entries in the Toowoomba Christmas Lights Competition, December 2015.

Jason Eade has entered his family's Prime Minister Dr home in the first time entered category of Toowoomba Christmas Lights Competition, Friday, December 11, 2015. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle

Toowoomba Lions West's Marshall Cox starts work on lighting City Hall for Christmas. Saturday, Nov 28, 2015. Photo Nev Madsen / The Chronicle

2016

At the launch of Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland are project chairman Marshall Cox with Toowoomba Hospital Foundation's Anna Jones (left) and wonderland committee member Emma Otto, Thursday, October 27, 2016.

Members of Toowoomba Choral Society (from left) Jane Vlismas (correct), Andrew Egan, Sylvia Hedges and Bree Hall are ready to present Classic Cabaret Christmas Edition at Choral Hall, Saturday, December 10, 2016.

Ready for the show are Marie and Richard Webb with Rosemary Morley (centre) as Toowoomba Choral Society presents Classic Cabaret Christmas Edition at Choral Hall, Saturday, December 10, 2016.

Rachel Edwards (left) and performer Elizabeth Egan with their nephew Elijah Bailey as Toowoomba Choral Society presents Classic Cabaret Christmas Edition at Choral Hall, Saturday, December 10, 2016.

In the Christmas spirit, Ben Blades (left) and Matt Bowtell. The Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club annual toy run with toys donated to St Vincent de Paul Society, Toowoomba and the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation. December 18, 2016

2017

Timothy Noll takes third place. Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Christmas centre run. December 2017

Craig Millikan came in second place. Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Christmas centre run. December 2017

Elijah Douglas with his sister Arwen and mum Melody Douglas off to a flying start in the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Christmas centre run. December 2017

Jeremy Yeo in the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Christmas centre run. December 2017

First woman, Kate McLennan. Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Christmas centre run. December 2017

James and Kate McLennan ready for the run. Kate was the first woman home. Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Christmas centre run. December 2017

Family festive fun, Allan Schefe and his family Izaak, Mackenzi and Karen. Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Christmas centre run. December 2017

For the third year the Douglas family, from left; Arwen, Melody and Elijah Douglas take part in the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Christmas centre run. December 2017

Running together, sisters Meg and Kate with parents Kris and Jane Roper. Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Christmas centre run. December 2017

(Back from left) Mary Cole, Naomi Watts and Jennifer Wood. (Front from left) Edith Cole, Fletcher Cole, Alex Cole, Melissa Watts, Abigail Watts and Riley Watts at the Toowoomba Hospice Christmas Carols. Sunday, 25th Nov, 2018.

(From left) Toni, Ruby, Eric and Edward Orford at the Toowoomba Hospice Christmas Carols. Sunday, 25th Nov, 2018.

(From left) Liana Coyne, Rhiarnie Coyne and Bek Thompson at the Toowoomba Hospice Christmas Carols. Sunday, 25th Nov, 2018.

2018

Road Boss Rally entrant Deb Turner with (from left) Abby Taylor, Kamarli Turnbull, Layla Hall and Maddison Gollan. Year 6 Oakey State School students collected Christmas presents to be distributed by the GIVIT charity after collection by Road Boss Rally teams. Monday, 26th Nov, 2018.

(From left) Liana Coyne, Rhiarnie Coyne and Bek Thompson at the Toowoomba Hospice Christmas Carols. Sunday, 25th Nov, 2018.

(From left) Toni, Ruby, Eric and Edward Orford at the Toowoomba Hospice Christmas Carols. Sunday, 25th Nov, 2018.

Cr Geoff Macdonald. Mayoral Christmas party for over 80s at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. November 2018

Mayoral Christmas party for over 80s at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. Santa, Town Crier, Kevin Howath. November 2018

Fay Collins, Paul Antonio, Dulcie Perry. Mayoral Christmas party for over 80s at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. November 2018

Santa (Town Crier, Kevin Howath) with Pearlie Egart. Mayoral Christmas party for over 80s at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. November 2018

(From left) Santa Claus and Genevieve Allpass at the PEACE Christmas party. Monday, 3rd Dec, 2018.

Coralie Charles and Charlie the maltese cross poodle with her Kearney St Christmas lights display. Monday, 4th Dec, 2018.

(from left) Nick and Peter Manthey outside their Banksdale Drive entry in the Christmas lights display. Monday, 4th Dec, 2018.

Natalie Joyce and her Christmas lights display in Brakels Ct Westbrook. Monday, 4th Dec, 2018.

(Back from left) Len Eastwell, Dan Eastwell, Chris Kemp, Eloise Kemp, Jack Kemp, Tim Patterson and Lauren Kemp. (Front from left) Lachlan Eastwell, Norma Eastwell and Jarrod Eastwell. Len Eastwell's Christmas lights at 98 Curzon St. Saturday, 8th Dec, 2018.

SPECTACULAR: Len Eastwell with his Christmas lights at 98 Curzon St. Saturday, 8th Dec, 2018.

Dean and Lucinda Paynter's Christmas lights display in Gowrie Junction. Monday, 10th Dec, 2018.

21 yo Ashley Butler with his Christmas lights display in Fitzpatrick St. Monday, 11th Dec, 2018.

Lucinda and Dean Paynter with their Christmas lights display in Gowrie Junction. Monday, 10th Dec, 2018.

2019

Excited for Christmas and Christmas Wonderland, Quinn Schmidt. City Hall. Lions Club of Toowoomba West. Picture: Bev Lacey

Working on their Christmas donations after receiving a $5000 grant from Australia Post are Toowoomba Womens Shed members (from left) Margaret Graham, Jean Turner and Rosie Henderson, Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Len Eastwell with his Christmas light display at 98 Curzon St. Picture: Nev Madsen. Wednesday, 27th Nov, 2019

Len's neighbours Charlotte and Jess Day look forward every year to Len Eastwell's Christmas light display at 98 Curzon St. Picture: Nev Madsen. Wednesday, 27th Nov, 2019

Toowoomba City Hall lit up for Christmas in the CBD. Picture: Nev Madsen. Thursday, 28th Nov, 2019

Mayor Paul Antonio arrives with Santa and Mrs Claus at the Christmas tree at grand Central. Picture: Nev Madsen. Thursday, 28th Nov, 2019

Harlaxton RSL Brass Band. Toowoomba's Christmas in the CBD. Picture: Nev Madsen. Thursday, 28th Nov, 2019

(From left) Stevie, Andrew and Sharon Potter. Christmas Wonderland at the Botanical Gardens, Queens Park. Picture: Nev Madsen. Saturday 7th Dec, 2019

(From left) Ali, Arham, Farina and Hamza Kashif. Christmas Wonderland at the Botanical Gardens, Queens Park. Picture: Nev Madsen. Saturday 7th Dec, 2019

(From left) Karolyn Bruce, Lily Monteret and Tamara Monteret. Christmas Wonderland at the Botanical Gardens, Queens Park. Picture: Nev Madsen. Saturday 7th Dec, 2019

Michael and Dee Williamson's Roderick Drive entry in The Chronicle Christmas Lights Competition. Picture: Nev Madsen. Friday 13th Dec, 2019

Amutha Kandasamy from Hridayam dance school performs the Bharathanatyum a classical South Indian dance. Pure Land Learning College Christmas party. Picture: Nev Madsen. Saturday 14th Dec, 2019

Madeline Archer and John Nicholson after John proposed at the Christmas Wonderland at the Botanical Gardens, Queens Park. Picture: Nev Madsen. Saturday 7th Dec, 2019

2020

Launch Toowoomba Hospital Christmas lunch at St Joseph's College. From left; Kerry Rowbotham, volunteer pastor Civic Church, Geoff Morgan business manager St Joseph's College and Alison Kennedy, CEO Toowoomba Hospital Foundation.

Announcement of a re-imagined Christmas event in place of the Toowoomba Christmas Wonderland event organised by Lions Club of Toowoomba West Inc. which has been cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. From left; Derek Tuffield Lifeline CEO, Marshall Cox from the Lions Club Toowoomba West (left) and TRC deputy mayor Geoff McDonald.

In the Christmas spirit for the run are (from left) Bruce, James, Archie, Lachlan and Alison McConnel at the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation's Reindeer Run at Baillie Henderson Hospital to raise funds for the Toowoomba Hospital Christmas Appeal, Sunday, December 6, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The crew of Warwick Awesome (from left) Hollie Pleasance, Tara Wakefield, Linda Coombes and Rae Lewis at Toowoomba Hospital Foundation's Reindeer Run at Baillie Henderson Hospital to raise funds for the Toowoomba Hospital Christmas Appeal, Sunday, December 6, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

James McConnel (centre) in the 5km event of the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation's Reindeer Run at Baillie Henderson Hospital to raise funds for the Toowoomba Hospital Christmas Appeal, Sunday, December 6, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Sonia Wood (centre) in the 10km event of the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation's Reindeer Run at Baillie Henderson Hospital to raise funds for the Toowoomba Hospital Christmas Appeal, Sunday, December 6, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

2021

More Coverage

Revealed: The 10 council decisions that changed the face of Toowoomba in 2021

Tom Gillespie

Photos: Huge crowd for opening night of Christmas Wonderland

Tom Gillespie and Nev Madsen

Sue and Pete Black with granddaughter Kira Suey in the foreground enjoying the snow machine. Christmas lights at 60 Gouldson Drive. Thursday, December 9, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Laurie O'Brien makes Christmas trees and decorations from horseshoes. Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

(from left) Ivy, Remi and Aiden Ferguson outside their home's Christmas display in Milford St Westbrook. Friday, December 3, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

(from left) Luca Prole, Emma Bicknell and Nikita Prole. Opening of Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park. Saturday, December 4, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

(from left) Tamara Foden, Liana Foden and Jay Datson. Opening of Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park. Saturday, December 4, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Florida Calibuyut with her daughter Ashley outside their home's Christmas display in Milford St Westbrook. Friday, December 3, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Summer and Dominic Smith. Opening of Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park. Saturday, December 4, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Ella Murtagh. Opening of Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park. Saturday, December 4, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Samuel Zoan and Alison Chiu. Opening of Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park. Saturday, December 4, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Sami Shine (left) and Chelsea Golding. Opening of Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park. Saturday, December 4, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Chelsea Golding (left) and Sami Shine. Opening of Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in Queens Park. Saturday, December 4, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Christmas lights at 11 Waverley St, home of Tony and Leonie Round. They have been lighting the house at Christmas for the past six years. Thursday, December 2, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.