Christmas is just around the corner, and Queensland is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season. With its warm weather, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities, there's no shortage of exciting ways to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you're a local or just visiting, here are 10 Christmas holiday ideas in QLD that are sure to make your season bright.
The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and time spent with loved ones. In Queensland, the festive atmosphere is palpable, with many towns and cities hosting their own unique Christmas events and activities. From Christmas markets and light displays to Santa's arrival and festive feasts, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Queensland's warm and sunny weather makes it the perfect destination for a Christmas holiday. Imagine spending Christmas Day at the beach, or enjoying a festive feast in a beautiful outdoor setting. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities for adventure, QLD is the ultimate Christmas holiday destination.
1. Christmas Lights and Displays
One of the most popular Christmas holiday ideas in QLD is to check out the stunning Christmas lights and displays that can be found throughout the state. From the iconic Brisbane Christmas tree to the magical displays at the Gold Coast's theme parks, there's no shortage of festive fun to be had.
In Brisbane, the City Hall Christmas Tree is a must-see, featuring over 40,000 lights and decorations. Meanwhile, on the Gold Coast, the theme parks come alive with festive lights and displays, including the iconic Santa's Workshop at Dreamworld.
Best Places to See Christmas Lights in QLD
- Brisbane City Hall Christmas Tree
- Gold Coast theme parks (Dreamworld, Sea World, etc.)
- Sunshine Coast's Mooloolaba Christmas Tree
- Cairns' Esplanade Christmas Tree
2. Christmas Markets and Shopping
Christmas shopping is a big part of the holiday season, and QLD has plenty of festive markets and shopping centers to explore. From boutique stores and artisan markets to large shopping malls and department stores, you'll find everything you need to make your Christmas shopping list a reality.
In Brisbane, the Queen Street Mall is a shopper's paradise, featuring a range of high-end boutiques, department stores, and specialty shops. Meanwhile, on the Gold Coast, the iconic Surfers Paradise Markets offer a unique shopping experience, with over 120 stalls selling everything from souvenirs to clothing and jewelry.
Best Christmas Markets in QLD
- Brisbane's Queen Street Mall
- Gold Coast's Surfers Paradise Markets
- Sunshine Coast's Mooloolaba Christmas Markets
- Cairns' Night Markets
3. Santa's Arrival
Santa's arrival is a highlight of the Christmas season, and QLD has plenty of fun and festive ways to celebrate. From Santa's arrival at the beach to special events and activities at shopping centers and theme parks, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
In Brisbane, Santa's arrival is a major event, with the big man himself arriving at the City Hall Christmas Tree in a festive parade. Meanwhile, on the Gold Coast, the theme parks offer a range of Santa-themed activities and events, including meet-and-greets and photos with the big man.
Best Places to See Santa in QLD
- Brisbane City Hall Christmas Tree
- Gold Coast theme parks (Dreamworld, Sea World, etc.)
- Sunshine Coast's Mooloolaba Beach
- Cairns' Esplanade
4. Christmas Feasts and Dining
Christmas is a time for feasting and celebration, and QLD has plenty of delicious and festive dining options to enjoy. From seafood to steak, and from traditional Christmas fare to modern twists and flavors, there's something for every taste and budget.
In Brisbane, the city's top restaurants offer special Christmas menus and events, featuring everything from seafood to steak and traditional Christmas fare. Meanwhile, on the Gold Coast, the theme parks offer a range of festive dining options, including buffet feasts and special character-themed meals.
Best Christmas Dining Options in QLD
- Brisbane's top restaurants (Urbane, The Wolfe, etc.)
- Gold Coast theme parks (Dreamworld, Sea World, etc.)
- Sunshine Coast's Mooloolaba restaurants
- Cairns' waterfront restaurants
5. Outdoor Christmas Activities
QLD's warm and sunny weather makes it the perfect destination for outdoor Christmas activities. From beach days to bushwalks, and from theme parks to outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
In Brisbane, the city's many parks and gardens offer a range of outdoor Christmas activities, including festive picnics and barbecues. Meanwhile, on the Gold Coast, the theme parks offer a range of outdoor adventures, including roller coasters and water rides.
Best Outdoor Christmas Activities in QLD
- Brisbane's parks and gardens (Botanic Gardens, etc.)
- Gold Coast theme parks (Dreamworld, Sea World, etc.)
- Sunshine Coast's beaches and outdoor spaces
- Cairns' Daintree Rainforest
6. Christmas Events and Concerts
QLD has a thriving events and concerts scene, and Christmas is no exception. From festive markets and fairs to concerts and performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
In Brisbane, the city's top venues host a range of Christmas events and concerts, featuring everything from carols to comedy shows. Meanwhile, on the Gold Coast, the theme parks offer a range of festive events and performances, including character meet-and-greets and live shows.
Best Christmas Events and Concerts in QLD
- Brisbane's top venues (QPAC, etc.)
- Gold Coast theme parks (Dreamworld, Sea World, etc.)
- Sunshine Coast's events and festivals
- Cairns' Esplanade events
7. Christmas Shopping Centers
QLD has plenty of festive shopping centers to explore, featuring everything from high-end boutiques to specialty shops and department stores.
In Brisbane, the Queen Street Mall is a shopper's paradise, featuring a range of high-end boutiques and department stores. Meanwhile, on the Gold Coast, the iconic Surfers Paradise Markets offer a unique shopping experience, with over 120 stalls selling everything from souvenirs to clothing and jewelry.
Best Christmas Shopping Centers in QLD
- Brisbane's Queen Street Mall
- Gold Coast's Surfers Paradise Markets
- Sunshine Coast's Mooloolaba Shopping Centre
- Cairns' Night Markets
8. Christmas Theme Parks
QLD's theme parks are a major draw for families and thrill-seekers alike, and Christmas is no exception. From festive decorations to special events and activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
In Brisbane, the city's top theme parks offer a range of festive activities and events, featuring everything from character meet-and-greets to live shows and performances. Meanwhile, on the Gold Coast, the theme parks come alive with festive lights and displays, including the iconic Santa's Workshop at Dreamworld.
Best Christmas Theme Parks in QLD
- Brisbane's top theme parks (Dreamworld, etc.)
- Gold Coast theme parks (Dreamworld, Sea World, etc.)
- Sunshine Coast's theme parks (Aussie World, etc.)
- Cairns' Kuranda Scenic Railway
9. Christmas Beach Days
QLD's beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, and Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy them. From swimming and sunbathing to surfing and beach volleyball, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
In Brisbane, the city's many beaches offer a range of festive activities and events, featuring everything from Santa's arrival to festive picnics and barbecues. Meanwhile, on the Gold Coast, the theme parks offer a range of outdoor adventures, including roller coasters and water rides.
Best Christmas Beach Days in QLD
- Brisbane's beaches (Sandgate, etc.)
- Gold Coast beaches (Surfers Paradise, etc.)
- Sunshine Coast's beaches (Mooloolaba, etc.)
- Cairns' beaches (Palm Cove, etc.)
10. Christmas Festivals and Fairs
QLD has a thriving festivals and fairs scene, and Christmas is no exception. From festive markets and fairs to concerts and performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
In Brisbane, the city's top festivals and fairs offer a range of festive activities and events, featuring everything from carols to comedy shows. Meanwhile, on the Gold Coast, the theme parks offer a range of festive events and performances, including character meet-and-greets and live shows.
Best Christmas Festivals and Fairs in QLD
- Brisbane's top festivals and fairs (QPAC, etc.)
- Gold Coast theme parks (Dreamworld, Sea World, etc.)
- Sunshine Coast's events and festivals
- Cairns' Esplanade events
What are the best Christmas holiday ideas in QLD?
+QLD has plenty of festive and fun Christmas holiday ideas, including Christmas lights and displays, Santa's arrival, Christmas feasts and dining, outdoor Christmas activities, Christmas events and concerts, Christmas shopping centers, Christmas theme parks, Christmas beach days, and Christmas festivals and fairs.
Where are the best places to see Christmas lights in QLD?
+The best places to see Christmas lights in QLD include the Brisbane City Hall Christmas Tree, the Gold Coast theme parks, the Sunshine Coast's Mooloolaba Christmas Tree, and Cairns' Esplanade Christmas Tree.
What are the best Christmas markets in QLD?
+The best Christmas markets in QLD include Brisbane's Queen Street Mall, the Gold Coast's Surfers Paradise Markets, the Sunshine Coast's Mooloolaba Christmas Markets, and Cairns' Night Markets.
Gallery of 10 Christmas Holiday Ideas In Qld
