Snow in the tropics?: Council’s Christmas plans revealed
From Christmas carols and bustling markets to festive fireworks and snow in the tropics, the countdown to Christmas is officially on. See what’s happening.
With just over a month to get your presents wrapped and trees decorated, the countdown to Christmas is officially on.
Cairns Regional Council is set to bring festive cheer across the city all season long, with twinkling lights, bustling markets, snowy surprises, carols and fireworks on the agenda.
Cairns mayor Amy Eden said the city’s Christmas celebrations were a highlight of the year and a chance for the community to come together.
“Christmas in Cairns is all about fun, laughter and a little bit of tropical magic,” Ms Eden said.
“Whether you’re dancing to local live outdoor music, buying local at the Christmas markets, watching the lights sparkle or catching snowflakes on the Esplanade, there’s festive fun for everyone.”
Celebrations kick off on Sunday, November 30 with the city’s Christmas Tree Light Switch-On and Twilight Christmas Markets.
Families are invited to gather at Lagoon Plaza for Dusty the Christmas Beetle and Friends, a joyful stage play running several shows between 4:45pm and 8pm, before the giant Christmas Tree is illuminated at 7pm.
The Twilight Christmas Markets at the Shields Street Plaza will showcase local makers, festive foods, and handmade gifts from 5pm to 8pm, creating the perfect opportunity to find something special for under the tree.
The Let It Snow – Tropical Winter Wonderland will transform the Esplanade into a magical winter wonderland, with flurries of snow falling, and will run Thursdays to Sundays, at 7pm and 8pm, from November 30 to December 14 at Lagoon Plaza Lawn.
Visitors can experience the wonder of snow in the tropics, surrounded by festive carols, twinkling lights, Santa’s sleigh, and plenty of holiday cheer under the night sky.
All events are free, family-friendly, and filled with opportunities to celebrate local this Christmas.
CAROLS IN THE PARK
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the city’s annual Carols in the Park at Munro Martin Parklands on Sunday, December 14.
Gates open at 4pm with the chow kicking off at 6.30pm featuring more than twenty live performances, a special visit from Santa, and a selection of food trucks to keep families fuelled for a night of festive singing and joy.
The event will also be livestreamed from the Cairns Performing Arts Centre for a comfortable and airconditioned evening of community celebration.
NEW YEARS EVE
The year will end with a bang at the Cairns Esplanade, where New Year’s Eve festivities will also launch Cairns’ 150 Years program, celebrating the official founding of Cairns.
Events will begin on Wednesday, December 31 from 5pm to 9.30pm at the Western Events Lawn.
The free family concert will feature local performers, live entertainment, and two spectacular fireworks displays at 8.30pm and midnight.
Fireworks will also light up Palm Cove and Edmonton at 8.30pm, ensuring families across the region can enjoy the celebrations together.
ROAD CLOSURE
Council will be closing the Esplanade Sunday December 31 at 4.30pm until 8pm between Spence Street to Aplin Street for the annual Christmas Tree lighting event and public safety.
Originally published as Snow in the tropics?: Council’s Christmas plans revealed
