The most wonderful time of the year is here as the Christmas in Ipswich program is unwrapped to reveal dazzling light installations, merry performances, and festive markets.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said it will be a festive season to remember with celebrations throughout the land.
“Council is preparing to deck the halls and celebrate across the city. St Nicholas Precinct will again transform the urban heart into a magical lighting installation from Friday 13 December to Sunday 22 December,” Mayor Harding said.
“Expect spectacular light displays filled with colour, live entertainment, market stalls and festive food.
“On 28 November, residents can rock around the City Christmas Tree as it officially lights up in d’Arcy Doyle Place at 6.45pm.
“Before the City Christmas Tree lights up, Santa and Sirens will kick off at 5pm in Tulmur Place, where emergency services vehicles will glow with jolly decorations.
“The community can come along and snap a photo with local heroes and Journey Church Carols will also be spreading joy from 5.30pm. Boutique traders in Top of Town will be open with late-night trade from 5pm.
“This year’s Christmas Lights Competition is now open for entries and Christmas Light Tours will take residents around the city to see the brightest and best displays.
“The popular Letters to Santa will also be returning to all Ipswich Libraries branches and UB’s Milkbar in Ipswich Central, so our city’s youngest residents can get their wish-lists ready to be sent off to the North Pole.
“This year’s program is full of opportunities to gather family and friends and get into the Christmas spirit.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said there is no shortage of magical moments to be had this festive season.
“Tis the season to be jolly and the Christmas in Ipswich program offers everything from the Marburg Community Carols Evening to the Ulysses Club Annual Ipswich Toy run, to the Dive in Movie at Orion Lagoon,” Cr Augustine said.
“The Low Sensory Night at St Nicholas Precinct has become a beloved way for more families to enjoy a quieter environment and gentler experience. This year’s Low Sensory Night will take place on Monday 16 December between 6pm and 9pm.
“Christmas carols will ring out for all to hear throughout November and December at various carolling events, and if you’re stuck on the perfect gift, there are several Christmas-themed markets and late trade events to enjoy – a great opportunity to support our local businesses.
“The festive season is all about coming together as a community and this year’s program presents a stocking stuffed with joy. I look forward to our residents enjoying an incredible Christmas in Ipswich.”
For the full program, visit Christmasinipswich.com.au
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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.
St Nicholas Precinct – Low Sensory Night
6pm to 9pm, Monday 16 December
A special evening at the magical Christmas lighting installation, St Nicholas Precinct, for those seeking a gentler, sensory-friendly experience. With a quieter environment and dedicated low sensory tent, this evening allows more families to experience the joy of Christmas.
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.
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.
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.
Christmas Markets – various locations
Prepare for Christmas and find the perfect gift at markets across Ipswich. Shop, explore and enjoy a selection of unique crafts, market stalls and live music.
This year’s Christmas in Ipswich program is delivered with the support of the following partners: Nine News Queensland, Stockland Providence, Narellanpools Ipswich, Energex, STRUD Property, G.J. Gardner Homes, Event Cinemas, Choices Flooring by Mallets Ipswich, General Public and Premier Queensland.