Christmas in Ipswich Program - 2023

IN IPSWICH

St Nicholas

Calendar-day DATES

Friday 8 December – Sunday 17 December

clock TIME

6.30 pm – 9.30 pm

map-marker-alt LOCATION Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich

Celebrate the wonder of Christmas as the revitalised urban heart of our city dazzles with a spectacular lighting installation. The Nicholas Street Precinct will again transform into an experiential atmosphere of lights, colour and magical moments. Gather your family and friends to experience live entertainment, festive food and market stalls. Entry is free. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

Visit Christmasinipswich.com.au to see the full program.

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Help Light Up Lives IHF'S REAL CHRISTMAS TREE FUNDRAISER

Make your impact and celebrate the festive season with Ipswich Hospital Foundation's joyful real Christmas trees sale! By purchasing trees in various sizes, you not only bring the festive spirit to your home but you will also brighten the futures of local patients. All profits raised will directly support our community’s hospitals. Visit ihfoundation.org.au to order your tree and spread some festive cheer. Limited stock available.

COLLECTION OF IHF REAL CHRISTMAS TREE ORDERS Calendar-day DATE Wednesday 13 December

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3.00 pm – 7.00 pm

map-marker-alt LOCATION Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich

Pre-order at ihfoundation.org.au

When visiting St Nicholas Precinct, make a night of it! Dine out at one of Ipswich's great restaurants before or after attending a city Christmas celebration.

Scan to find the best places to eat in Ipswich Central this festive season

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LIGHTING OF THE CITY CHRISTMAS TREE POWERED BY ENERGEX Calendar-day DATE Friday 24 November

clock TIME

6.30 pm for 6.45 pm

map-marker-alt LOCATION d'Arcy Doyle Place, Ipswich

Join local carol singers and an early visit from Santa to help officially light the City Christmas Tree! Afterwards, be entertained by live music at Tunes in Tulmur featuring The OzTones in Nicholas Street Precinct.

LIGHTS ON Calendar-day DATES

Friday 24 November – Tuesday 2 January

Tours

Calendar-day DATES

Friday 15 and Saturday 16 December

clock TIME

6.00 pm – 9.00 pm

ticket-alt TICKETS Adults $38 | Concession $35 | Children (up to 12 years) $28 Family (2A+2C or 1A+3C) $125

The Discover Ipswich Christmas Lights Tour will get you into the spirit of the festive season. View a selection of the best displays from this year’s Christmas Lights Competition in air-conditioned comfort. Enjoy a light supper with entertainment and surprise visitors during your magical Christmas adventure. Spaces are limited and

bookings essential. Group bookings welcome. Book online via Christmasinipswich.com.au , by phone (07) 3281 0555 or email info@discoveripswich.com.au

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Stars

UNDER THE

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HOYTS

Calendar-day DATES

Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 December

clock TIME

Screening from 6.30 pm

map-marker-alt LOCATION Tulmur Place, Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich

Celebrate Christmas week with a festive movie and HOYTS’ freshly popped popcorn all under the starry night sky. Bring your blankets, gather your family and let's make it a movie picnic to remember! Perfect for families and friends of all ages.

For more information check out Christmasinipswich.com.au

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TROPHY BEST RESIDENTIAL presented by STRUD Winner: $1,500 cash l Runner Up: $700 cash TROPHY BEST BUSINESS | ORGANISATION presented by River 94.9 Winner: $1,000 River 94.9 Air Time Voucher Runner Up: $500 River 94.9 Air Time Voucher TROPHY BEST STREET presented by Event Cinemas Springfield Winner: $500 cash + private movie screening at Event Cinemas Springfield + ‘Best Street’ council installed street sign l Runner Up: $250 cash TROPHY PEOPLE’S CHOICE presented by Choices Flooring by Mallets $1,000 Choices Flooring by Mallets Gift Voucher TROPHY BEST NEW ENTRY presented by Harvey Norman Booval $1,000 Harvey Norman Booval Computers and Communications Gift Voucher

Be sure to download the Tips and Tricks via Christmasinipswich.com.au for guidance on lighting design and keeping safe thanks to Energex.

Hurry entries close 9.00 am Monday 27 November

People's choice Vote online from 1 to 4 December for your favourite Christmas lights display for People’s Choice presented by Choices Flooring by Mallets.

Visit displays Keen to check out the stunning Christmas lights displays across the City of Ipswich? A full list of addresses will be available online from Thursday 30 November.

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Carols

BRASSALL CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK Calendar-day DATE Friday 24 November clock TIME 6.00 pm with entry from 5.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Sutton Park, Brassall Bringing the community together for Christmas, this spectacular stage show features local performers and live orchestra, a visit from Santa, an array of delicious food and an amazing fireworks finale.

CHRISTMAS IN THE VALLEY Calendar-day DATE

Sunday 10 December

clock TIME 3.30 pm – 8.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Ripley Valley State

Secondary College Sports Oval, Parkway Avenue, South Ripley

There’ll be food and fun for the whole family, with Christmas markets, a petting zoo, live music and more! Bring along your loved ones and a picnic blanket for an evening of Christmas carols starting at 6.30 pm.

RACEVIEW COMMUNITY CAROLS UNDER THE BIG TREE Calendar-day DATE

REDBANK PLAINS COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CAROLS Calendar-day DATE

Sunday 3 December 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm 141 Wildey Street, Raceview

clock TIME

Sunday 10 December

map-marker-alt LOCATION

clock TIME 6.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Redbank Plains Bears Club, Cnr Cedar Road and Moreton Avenue, Redbank Plains Share in the joy of singing traditional Christmas carols at the Redbank Plains Community Christmas Carols. The evening features pre-event entertainment, food truck alley, a special visit from Santa and a sparkling fireworks finale. MARBURG COMMUNITY CAROLS EVENING Calendar-day DATE Sunday 17 December clock TIME 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm map-marker-alt VENUE Marburg Community Park, Cnr Queen and Edmund Street, Marburg The evening commences with craft activities and face-painting for the children. Markets and coffee for the adults, free sausage sizzle and carol singing with the Salvation Army Band.

Raceview Congregational Church has been hosting carols under the 'Big Tree' since the 1970s. Gather for a night of tradition with the family and community. Coffee van and sausage sizzle on site. CHRISTMAS UNDER THE STARS AT TIVOLI Calendar-day DATE Saturday 9 December clock TIME From 3.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Tivoli Drive-In, 50 Coal Road, Chuwar A fun family Christmas festival with onstage entertainment, wildlife experiences, a Christmas lights bushwalk, delicious food and a huge array of kids activities and rides. SPRINGFIELD 'NIGHT OF LIGHT' CAROLS Calendar-day DATE Saturday 9 December clock TIME 6.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Robelle Domain Parklands, Springfield Central A highlight for adults and children alike and a highpoint of the Greater Springfield calendar. The Springfield carols at Robelle Domain will brighten up your Christmas.

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Markets and Up-Late

THE HANDMADE EXPO PRE-CHRISTMAS MARKET Calendar-day DATE

HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS MARKETS Calendar-day DATE Saturday 2 December clock TIME From 4.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Ipswich Showgrounds, Ipswich Get into the festive spirit with enchanting Christmas decorations, glittering festive lights, free activities, amusement rides, fun entertainment, Christmas carols and a special visit from Santa himself! UP-LATE IN TOP OF TOWN Calendar-day DATE Friday 8 December map-marker-alt LOCATION Top of Town, Ipswich Central From spotting Tottie the Elf, to special late night trades, Top of Town are here to help you have a jolly good time this Christmas. clock TIME 9.00 am – 10.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Riverlink Shopping Centre, North Ipswich Shop, explore and make a day of it. Enjoy a selection of unique crafts, market stalls and live music. ORION TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS MARKETS Calendar-day DATE Friday 22 December clock TIME 9.00 am – Midnight map-marker-alt LOCATION Main Street, Orion Springfield Central Orion's Twilight Markets are back and full of wonder and delight. Get some last minute Christmas shopping done whilst you enjoy the late night trade. RIVERLINK MARKET ZONE - CHRISTMAS EDITION Calendar-day DATE Thursday 21 December

Saturday 11 November

clock TIME 9.00 am – 1.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Tulmur Place, Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich The Handmade Expo Ipswich boasts over 130 amazing handmade stalls, showcasing locally made, grown and baked. Delightful food trucks, live music and so much for the children to do.

THE SOUL NOOK COLLECTIVE CHRISTMAS MARKETS Calendar-day DATE

Saturday 25 November

clock TIME From 9.30 am map-marker-alt LOCATION The Soul Nook Collective, 89-93 Queen St, Marburg Spend the day looking through local artisan market stalls to find the perfect Christmas presents for all the loved ones in your life (and maybe for yourself too).

THE HANDMADE EXPO CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA Calendar-day DATE

Saturday 2 December

clock TIME 9.00 am – 1.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Tulmur Place, Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich The Handmade Expo is going Christmas, offering over 130 stalls to help you tick off all the items on your Christmas shopping list.

Scan to discover more Christmas markets around Ipswich

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Community Events

MARBURG CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL Calendar-day DATE Saturday 2 December clock TIME 4.00 pm – 8.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Marburg Showgrounds, 45-55 Queen Street, Marburg Experience Christmas in the country with family friendly activities, market stalls and a visit from Santa. clock TIME 7.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Tivoli Drive-In, 50 Coal Road, Chuwar Spend the night beneath the stars and enjoy a festive movie from the comfort of your own car! ULYSSES CLUB ANNUAL IPSWICH TOY RUN Calendar-day DATE Sunday 10 December clock TIME 10.30 am map-marker-alt LOCATION Brassall Shopping Centre to Ipswich Showgrounds Join or support the 27th Ipswich Toy Run to raise much needed funds for the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal and Ulysses Club Arthritis Fund. CHRISTMAS HIGH TEA IN THE GROVE Calendar-day DATE Friday 15 December clock TIME 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Watercress Creek Olives and Limes, 53 Bryces Road, Pine Mountain You will be welcomed with a sparkling wine followed by tiered food presentation and over 20 varieties of single estate tea to choose from all under the olive trees. TIVOLI DRIVE-IN: HOME ALONE Calendar-day DATE Saturday 2 December

ROSEWOOD CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Calendar-day DATE Friday 15 December clock TIME 5.00 pm – 8.30 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Rosewood Showgrounds, 1 Railway Street, Rosewood The much loved Christmas Carnival is back with market stalls, rides, and carol performances.

CHRISTMAS DISCO Calendar-day DATES

Wednesday 20 - Friday 22 December 9.30 am and 11.00 am

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map-marker-alt LOCATION Select Ipswich

Libraries branches Bust a move to your favourite Christmas tunes and popular music. For ages 0-12 years.

SANTA AND SIRENS Calendar-day DATE

Thursday 21 December

clock TIME 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich Meet Santa amidst dazzling emergency service vehicles. Uniting holiday magic with real-life heroes.

THE NUTCRACKER Calendar-day DATE

Saturday 23 December

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Shows at 4.00 pm and 6.30 pm

map-marker-alt LOCATION Main Street,

Orion Springfield Central Grab your picnic basket and settle in for carols and ballet under the stars! Be captivated by a 30 minute showcase of the traditional Nutcracker Christmas Eve story.

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Send a letter to the North Pole Visit local Ipswich Libraries branches to write and post your letter to Santa. Get in quick to allow Santa enough time to respond between wrapping presents.

Calendar-day DATES

Tuesday 21 November – Wednesday 13 December

LETTERS TO SANTA

clock TIME

During opening hours

map-marker-alt LOCATION All Ipswich Libraries branches

Discover sensory friendly activities to create cherished Christmas memories. Activities

ST NICHOLAS PRECINCT SENSORY NIGHT Calendar-day DATE Tuesday 12 December clock TIME From 6.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich A special evening at the magical Christmas lighting installation for those seeking a gentler, sensory-friendly experience. With a quieter environment, limited crowding, and dedicated sensory tent, this evening allows more families to experience the joy of Christmas.

SENSITIVE SANTA PHOTOS AT RIVERLINK Calendar-day DATES Saturday 25 November and Saturday 2 December clock TIME 8.00 am – 9.00 am map-marker-alt LOCATION Riverlink Shopping Centre, North Ipswich Book now at Riverlink.net.au

SENSITIVE SANTA PHOTOS AT ORION Calendar-day DATES

12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 November and 3, 10, 12 and 13 December

clock TIME 8.00 am – 10.00 am * Times may vary map-marker-alt LOCATION Orion Springfield central Book now at Orionspringfieldcentral.com.au 13

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Celebrations Celebrate the countdown to 2024 locally this New Year's Eve.

CELEBRATE '24 AT TIVOLI

Calendar-day DATE

Sunday 31 December

clock TIME

3.00 pm – 9.00 pm

map-marker-alt LOCATION Tivoli Drive-In,

50 Coal Road, Chuwar

ticket-alt TICKETS

Book your tickets via Christmasinipswich.com.au

Farewell 2023 at the Tivoli Drive-In's New Year’s Eve festival. With a bustling marketplace, exciting on-stage performances including special guests Dancefloor Empire, a huge array of family friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks finale there is something for the whole family.

Follow @IpswichFestivals to stay up to date with the latest event information.

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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, Ipswich Central and Chuwar.

For information on the best viewing locations visit Christmasinipswich.com.au

Want to know what’s on near you? Head to Christmasinipswich.com.au to view the full list of New Year’s Eve events.

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Christmas in Ipswich could not be delivered without the generous support of our partners and the commitment from many volunteers across the community. DISCLAIMER : At time of printing all information is current and correct. Every care has been taken to ensure the information in this brochure is correct at the time of publication. Ipswich City Council accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes leading to such information being incorrect. As activities, programs and events may cancel or move subsequent to publication of this brochure, no responsibility is accepted for accuracy of content.

Christmasinipswich.com.au Follow @IpswichFestivals