Ipswich is ready to deck the halls, with the Christmas in Ipswich program unwrapped to reveal plenty of magical moments across the city and in Division 2.
Deputy Mayor and Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said the program presents stockings stuffed with family-friendly fun.
“An exciting new event this year is the Dive In Movie at Orion Lagoon. Celebrate the Christmas spirit with a movie while making a splash in the lagoon. Make sure to get in early to secure a spot,” Deputy Mayor Jonic said.
“If the perfect gift eludes you, head over to the Orion Twilight Christmas Market at Orion Springfield Central on Monday 23 December to find all your last-minute Christmas needs. The markets will be open from 9am to midnight to ensure no one misses out.
“It will be a wonderful day with food, entertainment for the whole family and of course, a whole lot of shopping.
“I’m looking forward to celebrating the festive season with residents from Springfield to Goodna and every suburb in between.”
Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said residents can lift up their voices for Christmas carols at the Shiloh Church Christmas Carols.
“In Goodna, the Shiloh Church Christmas Carols will make a return on Friday 13 December and Saturday 14 December from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
“The event is the perfect way to join the Christmas cheer with free facepainting, giveaways, food trucks and a special performance from Rory McKenna, finalist of X-Factor New Zealand. The night will end with a dazzling fireworks display.
“Ipswich will be merry and bright as the spectacular lighting display, St Nicholas Precinct, returns. More Christmas lights can be seen across the city and Division 2 as entries are now open for the City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition.”
For the full program, visit Christmasinipswich.com.au
Division 2 stretches from Gailes in the north to Spring Mountain in the south, and includes Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park, Carole Park, Brookwater, Camira, Goodna, part of Redbank, Springfield, Springfield Central and Springfield Lakes.
CHRISTMAS IN IPSWICH PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Dive In Movie – Orion Lagoon
6.30pm, Saturday 21 December
Enjoy a movie under the stars with your loved ones at the Orion Lagoon. Bring your picnic blanket and head down early to secure your spot.
Orion Twilight Christmas Market – Orion Springfield Central
9am to midnight, Monday 23 December
Enjoy a magical day full of wonder, delicious food, drinks, shopping and entertainment for the whole family at these Christmas Twilight Markets.
Shiloh Church Christmas Carols
5pm to 8.30pm, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December
Get ready for an awesome time including Christmas carols on the lawn, Santa’s visit, food trucks, massive giveaways, face painting for the kids and a dazzling fireworks display.
Christmas Lights Competition
Dig out your Christmas lights and decorations. Entries for the City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition presented by Narellan Pools Ipswich are now open. Win a share in over $8,000 worth of cash and prizes. Entry is free, quick and easy via Christmasinipswich.com.au.
Lighting of the City Christmas Tree – d’Arcy Doyle Place
6.45pm for 7pm start, Thursday 28 November
Join local carollers and an early visit from Santa to help officially light the City Christmas tree. Extend the celebrations with live carols by Journey Church on the Tulmur Place stage and Santa and Sirens in Nicholas Street Precinct both from 5pm.
Letters to Santa – Ipswich Libraries
During opening hours, Tuesday 19 November to Wednesday 11 December
Collect and post your letter at any Ipswich Libraries branch or UB’s Milk Bar Ipswich. Santa’s reply will be sent directly to your address. Get in quick to allow Santa enough time to respond between wrapping presents.
St Nicholas Precinct – Nicholas St Precinct
6.30pm to 9.30pm, Friday 13 December to Sunday 22 December
Celebrate the wonder of Christmas as the urban heart of our city dazzles with a spectacular lighting installation. Nicholas Street Precinct will again transform into an experiential atmosphere of lights, colour and magical moments.
Christmas Lights Tours
6pm to 9pm, Friday 20 December and Saturday 21 December
View a selection of the best displays from this year’s City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition presented by Narellan Pools Ipswich in an air-conditioned coach. Enjoy a light supper with entertainment and surprise visitors during your magical Christmas adventure. Spaces are limited and bookings essential.
New Year’s Eve Celebration – Tivoli Drive-In Theatre
3pm to 9pm, Tuesday 31 December
Farewell 2024 at the Tivoli Drive-In Theatre’s New Year’s Eve festival. With a bustling marketplace, exciting on-stage performances, a huge array of family friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks finale, there is something for the whole family. Book your tickets at ChristmasinIpswich.com.au
Fireworks – across the city
Tuesday 31 December
Residents are encouraged to turn their heads towards the sky this New Year’s Eve. Fireworks will launch across the region in Springfield Central, South Ripley presented by Stockland Providence, Ipswich Central and Chuwar. For information on the best viewing locations visit Christmasinipswich.com.au
This year’s Christmas in Ipswich program is delivered with the support of the following partners: Nine News Queensland, Stockland Providence, Narellan Pools Ipswich, Energex, STRUD , G.J. Gardner Homes Ipswich, Event Cinemas Springfield, Choices Flooring by Mallets, Ipswich, General Public and Premier Queensland.