A spectacular immersive light display and larger-than-life installations have transformed the urban heart of Ipswich into the ‘St Nicholas Precinct’ as the centrepiece of the city’s Christmas celebrations, running nightly from 10 to 19 December.
Designed by acclaimed lighting specialist Sharon Penny, almost 250 metres of wondrous lights have created a magical walk-through experience that welcomes visitors to the precinct.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the spirit of the holiday season is front and centre in the reimagined Nicholas Street Precinct with vivid lights and fun festive activities for the whole family.
“The highlight of festivities in Ipswich shifts to our city’s revitalised urban heart, the Nicholas Street Precinct, which has been merrily transformed into the St Nicholas Precinct,” Mayor Harding said.
“The precinct is home to a dazzling array of lights and magical moments, part of a citywide program of events, carnivals and carols that will transport the best of the north pole to suburbs across Ipswich.
“I also encourage those visiting Ipswich Central to dine at our great restaurants around Nicholas Street Precinct and Top of Town, as well as stalls during the St Nicholas Precinct’s daily program.”
The free 10-night experience includes plenty of lights and colour, live entertainment, Christmas movies on the Tulmur Place big screen and yummy festive food.
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee chair Councillor Andrew Fechner said the Nicholas Street Precinct will be transformed with brilliant light and colour.
“There really is something for everyone at the St Nicholas Precinct, with details of what is happening each day available online at ChristmasInIpswich.com.au to help your planning,” Cr Fechner said.
“And don’t forget to visit your local library to write and post your letter to Santa and Mrs Claus!”
Amateur photographers who want to use tripods and other bulky equipment are asked to avoid peak times and be mindful of other visitors.
Visit ChristmasInIpswich.com.au to see the full program and explore the Nicholas Street Precinct during the most wonderful time of the year!
Click through more pictures from the opening night.
‘St Nicholas Precinct’ – Nicholas Street Precinct and Tulmur Place
Friday 10 December
4.30pm – Cinnabon and Ballistic Brewery pop-up
5pm – Food trucks and entertainment begin
5.30pm – Santa on Tour departs
6pm – Christmas Lights Competition awards
6.30pm – St Nicholas Precinct lights on
Saturday 11 December
4.30pm – Cinnabon pop-up
5pm – Food trucks and entertainment begin
5.30pm – Ballistic Brewery pop-up, Santa on Tour departs
6.30pm – St Nicholas Precinct lights on
Sunday 12 December
4.30pm – Cinnabon pop-up
5pm – Food trucks and entertainment begin
5.30pm – Ballistic Brewery pop-up, Santa on Tour departs
6.30pm – St Nicholas Precinct lights on
Monday 13 December
9am to 11.30am – Tulmur Place stage shows
9am to 12pm – Christmas craft
9am to 2pm – Food trucks
5pm – Food trucks and entertainment begin
6.30pm – St Nicholas Precinct lights on
7pm – Christmas movie
Tuesday 14 December
9am to 11.30am – Tulmur Place stage shows
9am to 12pm – Christmas craft
9am to 2pm – Food trucks
5pm – Food trucks
5.30pm – Entertainment begins
6.30pm – St Nicholas Precinct lights on
Wednesday 15 December
9am to 11.30am – Tulmur Place stage shows
9am to 12pm – Christmas craft
9am to 2pm – Food trucks
5pm – Food trucks and entertainment begin
6.30pm – St Nicholas Precinct lights on
7pm – Christmas movie
Thursday 16 December
9am to 11.30am – Tulmur Place stage shows
9am to 12pm – Christmas craft
9am to 2pm – Food trucks
5pm – Food trucks and entertainment begin
6.30pm – St Nicholas Precinct lights on
7pm Christmas movie
Friday 17 December
9am to 11.30am – Tulmur Place stage shows
9am to 12pm – Christmas craft
9am to 2pm – Food trucks
5pm – Food trucks and entertainment begin
5.30pm – Ballistic Brewery pop-up and Santa on Tour departs
6.30pm – St Nicholas Precinct lights on
Saturday 18 December
9am to 11.30am – Tulmur Place stage shows
5pm – Food trucks and entertainment begin
5.30pm – Ballistic Brewery pop-up and Santa on Tour departs
6.30pm – Christmas Lights tour departs and St Nicholas Precinct lights on
Sunday 19 December
5pm – Food trucks and entertainment begin
5.30pm – Ballistic Brewery pop-up and Santa on Tour departs
6.30pm – Christmas Lights tour departs
The Christmas In Ipswich Program is delivered by Ipswich City Council and supported by the following partners: Ripley Town Centre, Slater and Gordon Lawyers, Energex, Stockland Providence, River 94.9, 9News Queensland, NGU Real Estate Ipswich, Event Cinemas Springfield, Choices Flooring by Mallets, Ipswich, Harvey Norman Booval, Premier Queensland and Pocket Retreats.
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