From carols to New Year’s Eve fireworks, Cairns events for all the family
From singing carols to riding a bike to see the Cairns Christmas lights, donating a gift and loads of fireworks, there’s a huge range of family-friendly activities to enjoy this festive season.
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Christmas in the Cairns region offers loads of family-friendly events from carols to festive season craft markets, a bike ride to view the decorative lights and raise funds for charity, and even snapping a photo with Santa, as well as lots of opportunities to share the festive season with our most vulnerable.
Here’s a few of the events happening in and around the 4870 postcode – and if you think there’s one that we should include, please get in touch!
Email alison.paterson@news.com.au to get your event in the guide.
December 8
Christmas Lights on the Move – Cairns CBD
Meet at Fogarty Park 5pm to register for the bike ride.
Cairns locals are invited to ride, scoot, skate or walk through the best Christmas lights in Cairns to show their support for sick kids.
Participants are encouraged to scoot, skate, walk or stroll the 6km Esplanade Loop (perfect for those with young children) or ride the traditional 16km Christmas Lights Tour, which will take in all the sights and sparkles of the Cairns Christmas spirit.
The event supports the more than 700 families in the Cairns region who rely on the practical care programs provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia every year.
The night will start from 5pm at Fogarty Park and include a sausage sizzle, live Christmas music and a special visit from Santa himself.
Tickets for the Explore Property Christmas Lights on the Move event can be purchased online at rmhcna.org.au.
Online pre-purchases are highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
For more information about the Explore Property Christmas Lights on the Move event, head.
December 9
Port Douglas Country Women’s Association Chrsitmas Sale
8 Blake St, Port Douglas, from 1pm to 5pm
Come on down to the Port Douglas CWA Christmas sale.
Baked goodies, jams and chutneys, Christmas sewing of bags, doggies bow ties, kitchen wares, knitted and crocheted items.
December 10
Herberton Twilight Christmas Markets
1pm – 7pm
Unique and beautiful gift ideas from 34 street stalls and 25 in the Town Hall.
December 11
Carols in the Park – Munro Martin Parklands
5pm at 123 Sheridan St, Cairns City
This year’s event will embody a “Tropical Sparkle” theme, featuring a wide variety of local artists live on stage, with additional screens around the park.
Make it a family picnic, BYO blanket and chairs.
Note: this event may be cancelled at short notice in the event of unfavourable or unsafe weather conditions.
Please refer to Council’s Facebook page for status changes; this web page is not updated for cancellations at short notice.
This is an alcohol-free event, no alcohol will be sold or permitted to be brought into the venues.
Christmas Markets – Mt Sheridan Plaza
106 Barnard Drive, Mt Sheridan, Queensland
The Mt Sheridan Plaza’s Christmas Community Markets will feature 30+ stalls for unique locally made, grown and produced items all under one roof.
December 17
Clifton Beach Markets - Clifton Village Shopping Centre
17th December 9am-2pm
These popular markets featuring over 40 stalls are held in airconditioned comfort on the Captain Cook Hwy, Clifton Beach.
December 18
Christmas Markets – Mt Sheridan Plaza
106 Barnard Drive, Mt Sheridan, Queensland
The Mt Sheridan Plaza’s Christmas Community Markets will feature 30+ stalls for unique locally made, grown and produced items all under one roof.
The Pier Markets – The Pier Shopping Centre
Pick up locally-made gifts at the Pier Markets at the Esplanade.
9am-2pm
Throughout December
Wishing Tree Appeal
The Carey Group are inviting people to drop off wrapped children's gifts under the tree at their Westcourt or Malanda offices which they will pass on to the Women’s Centre FNQ as part of their donations to assist vulnerable families in the region.
Each year, Womens Centre FNQ host a Christmas Party for he families they assist.
The Carey Group offices are located at 188 Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt and at 17 Catherine St, Malanda.
For all inquiries please contact Carey Group on 07 4760 5900.
PCYC Cairns
PCYC Cairns, 91 Macnamara St, Manunda
In collaboration with Harbrow Mentoring, PCYC Cairns are delivering free December and January School Holiday activities targeting young people aged 12-17yrs.
Activities are held at the PCYC Basketball Court on Tuesdays and Thursday 4pm to 6pm.
Week 1: 13th & 15th December
Week 2: 20th & 22nd December
Week 3: 3rd & 5th January
Week 4: 10th & 12th January
Week 5: 17th & 19th January
Activities: Basketball, Traditional Indigenous Games, Futsal and Volleyball.
Tablelands Christmas Lights Trail
The Tablelands is ready for the festive season after Tablelands Regional Council’s Christmas Lights Competition received 35 entries.
Mayor Rod Marti is encouraging residents to get out across the region and see the nominated houses and streets by following the Tablelands Christmas Lights Trail.
“For the first time we’re also running a People’s Choice award for nominated homes,” he said.
“Vote for your favourite residence between 4pm Monday 12 and 4pm Wednesday 14 December.
Street
Main Street, Atherton
Ellwood Close, Atherton
Main Street, Millaa Millaa
Filippo Close, Tolga
Rankine Drive, Tolga
Oleander Drive, Yungaburra
Atherton
5 McKenzie Close
27 Canopus Circuit
2/40 Tumbare Street
8533 Kennedy Highway
33 Paine Street
17 Nerboni Close
3 Danbulla Crescent
2 Fourth Avenue
35 Mountain View Drive
5 Ellwood Close
Herberton
19 Holdcroft Drive
Kairi
33 Irvine Street
Malanda
7 Burton Close
33 Topaz Road
Millaa Millaa
8 Main Street
Mount Garnet
69 Garnet Street
Ravenshoe
18 John Street
53 John Street
16 Rogers Street
380 Millstream Parade
Tolga
1 Karlindon Close
7 George Street
39 Filippo Close
46 Filippo Close
33 Rankine Drive
79 Rankine Drive
Yungaburra
38 Oleander Drive
40 Oleander Drive
3 Wattle Close
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Cairns
Say goodbye to the year that was with a good old fashioned dose of fireworks.
This year there will be two displays – a family-friendly show at 8.30pm and a second show at midnight.
There will also be a screening of the family movie “DC League of Super Pets” at 6.30pm.
Pack a picnic and find a spot along the Esplanade lawns, or take the stress off your shoulders and support local businesses by booking dinner at one of the many restaurants in the CBD.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Edmonton
If you live on the south side, there will also be family fireworks at 8.30pm at Walter Road Sporting Precinct in Edmonton, as well as a screening of the family movie “DC League of Super Pets” at 6.30pm.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Palm Cove
Palm Cove will have their own firework display at Palm Cove Jetty at 8.30pm.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Port Douglas
5.30pm, Dickson Inlet
Free family entertainment including kid’s disco, food trucks, UV glow lighting and face painting.
Fireworks at 8pm and midnight.
All event details are supplied.
Have a festive season event? Contact us at editorial@cairnspost.com.au or alison.paterson@news.com.au
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