It’s officially Christmas season in Toowoomba with lighting of 35ft community tree

The festive season has officially arrived in Toowoomba with the annual community Christmas tree lighting held last night.

Excited to see the Christmas tree light up are (from left) Georgia Laing, Poppy Perkins, Indi Brookman, Lily Brookman and Oli Laing at the CBD Christmas tree lighting event at Grand Central.

Families came together last night for the official lighting of the community Christmas tree outside Grand Central.

The event started at 6pm with Christmas themed stage performances before Mayor Paul Antonio lit the 35ft tree with Santa.

Centre marketing manager Julie Thompson said the traditional annual event looked a little different this year, with bookings required.

Santa waves to the crowd after pushing down the lever to light the tree at the CBD Christmas tree lighting event at Grand Central.

“As part of our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our entire community, we implemented a booking system to ensure numbers do not exceed the allowable limit.”

“All proceeds will go to the Lions Club of Toowoomba West, as part of their Christmas Wonderland Reimagined launch.”

Cr Antonio said the council was pleased to partner with Grand Central to keep the Christmas tree lights blazing at the centre’s Community Square this year.

“Apart from the ticketed event to light the Christmas tree on Thursday, residents will be able to visit the spectacle in the lead-up to Christmas,” Mayor Antonio said.

“We are fortunate to enjoy the resumption of some events and I’m positive residents of all ages will feel a sense of joy and excitement when visiting the community Christmas tree and other civic landmarks, including City Hall.

“Christmas is about enjoying the simple things, and this year more than ever, we hope to inject a little Christmas spirit our community this December.”

Ms Thompson said while the centre would be doing all it could to help keep customers safe, everyone has a part to play in stopping the transmission of COVID-19.

The Toowoomba Caledonia Society Pipe Band entertain the crowd at the CBD Christmas tree lighting event at Grand Central.

“When visiting Grand Central, customers should always keep 1.5 metres between themselves and others, maintain personal hygiene by regularly washing their hands and using the sanitiser stations located throughout the centre,” she said.

“Finally, and most importantly, we ask that any customers feeling unwell stay at home and visit us on a different day when they are feeling well again.”