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Here we go! We’re rounding out 2024 and raring to go for 2025. But the 2024 chapter isn’t closing just yet, in fact we have the best bit coming up - Christmas and New Years Eve in Brisbane.
Brisbane is a wonderful place to bring in the New Year. It’s all the spectacle of Sydney, but all the fun vibes of a summer paradise. Ditch the crowds of Melbourne and Sydney, and head to Brisbane this festive season.
In this Blog
Should You Visit Brisbane in December?
If you love nature, sunshine, and aprés work drinks by a sparkling river then Brisbane in December is for you. Summer in the Sunshine State’s capital city is a relaxing space to unwind while still enjoying the luxuries from the best cities around the world.
From Brisbane, you can also venture to the glistening Gold Coast, tranquil Sunshine Coast, or adventurous islands spotted across Moreton Bay.
Use Brisbane as your launch destination this festive season and make your Summer holiday one that induces jealousy.
Celebrating Christmas in Brisbane: Markets and Merriness
Being an ‘outdoor’ city, Brisbane is best enjoyed walking around and exploring the little local joys. During the festive season, this includes a myriad of outdoor Christmas shopping opportunities at markets, lightscape spectacles, and city-wide traditions. Discover Brisbane like never before this festive season.
Christmas Markets in Brisbane
Brisbane is never short of markets, and leading up to Christmas the markets only ramp up.
An opportunity to find something unique, handmade, or truly Brisbane for your loved ones (or a cheeky souvenir for yourself), Brisbane’s Christmas markets encourage you to explore and experience something new.
On your travels, wander through this line-up of wholesome and special Brisbane Christmas markets.
BrisStyle Twilight Christmas Market
Why have just one Christmas market when you can have a whole series? Especially if you’re overflowing with 100% local talent producing fantastic designs, handmade goods, and art like the BrisStyle Twilight Christmas Market.
Across four dates starting in September all the way through to just before Christmas, the BrisStyle Twilight Christmas Market is a hot commodity for those looking to surprise and delight loved ones with a gift that’s unique and sustainable.
Mark this one in your diaries, if not four times at least once, and support the incredibly talented local artists and designers this Christmas.
Plant Empire Christmas Market
Give the gift of life this Christmas with Plant Empire’s Christmas Market. Ferns, fig trees, little cacti and more, the Plant Empire Christmas Market is a wonderful place to pick up plants of all shapes, sizes, and colours to add something special and memorable to your home or a friend’s home this year.
This market is free to enter and but we recommend getting in early to have your pick of the plants.
Portside Christmas Markets
Hamilton is never short on style, and this year the Portside Christmas Markets will be returning to wrap that style up in a pretty little bow again.
For one day only, Saturday 7 December from 3-7pm, the streets and alleyways of Hamilton’s Portside Wharf will be open for lovers of style, or just a leisurely stroll, to pick up presents from local makers and producers. While you’re there, stop by for a drink or a bite at one of the precinct's many eateries and bars - cause we all know wandering through markets is thirsty work.
Gasworks Christmas Market
Just down the road from Portside, Gasworks will be hosting their own Gasworks Brisbane Christmas Market across two days - one on November 30 and a second on December 14.
This pooch friendly precinct is more than just a Christmas market, it’s a community event with live music rolling through the streets and a wonderful Christmas movie being shown on the November date. Even if you don’t end up buying a present here, the vibe at these Christmas markets will sure be a present enough.
South/City/SQ Christmas Market
Last year’s South/City/SQ Market was a favourite amongst locals. And with all the food trucks, Christmas market stalls, carols, art, and more, this year’s is set to be even more unmissable.
Rumour has it, Santa might even be dropping by for a visit too. This year, the South/City/SQ Christmas Market will be hosted on December 13, 2024.
Brisbane Festive Celebrations and Special Events
If you’re all Christmas shopped out in Brisbane, it’s time to switch to the festive celebrations and events – luckily there’s heaps to celebrate in Brisbane.
Christmas in King George Square
The home of the heart and spirit of Christmas in Brisbane, King George Square is set to light up once again with a spectacular light show and breathtakingly big Christmas tree.
A highlight of the Brisbane festive season, the Lord Mayor will light the King George Square 22m tall Christmas tree again this year, marking the official start of the King George Square installation.
Brisbane Oddities and Curiosities Expo
If you’re looking for something a little left of centre this festive season, then the Brisbane Oddities and Curiosities Expo is here for you. On December 7 and 8, 2024 the Brisbane Convention Centre will become a home to the weird and wonderful showcasing and selling interesting items like preserved specimens, antiques and oddities, vintage jewellery, and even taxidermy.
Maybe this is your sign to get a little weird with your Christmas list this year. Tickets to this year’s event are now on sale.
Christmas Day Lunch at a Venue
Want to add some extra celebration (and no additional washing up) to your Christmas Day? Then book a spot at one of Brisbane’s many Christmas Day lunches, buffets, and events.
While most places will be closed Christmas Day, plenty are open and ready to celebrate with you. Take a trip to France this Christmas Day with Bisou Bisou’s banquet, savour the seafood at Gambaro, or make the day an Italian affair at Popolo.
There’s so many delicious places to pick from for Christmas lunch in Brisbane, start planning your day now to avoid missing out.
Brisbane’s Enchanted Garden
The Enchanted Garden will be returning with all its magic and delight for the 2024 Festive Season. Once again, lights and music will be transforming the Roma Street Parklands into a festive wonderland at night during November and December.
An oasis in the heart of Brisbane, Roma Street Parklands is a landscaping marvel and the perfect way to enjoy a balmy Brisbane night out. Tickets and dates for Brisbane’s Enchanted Garden 2024 are yet to be released, so keep an eye out here.
New Years Eve in Brisbane: Go Out with a Bang
Once Christmas is all wrapped up, it’s time for the festive season kick-ons – New Years Eve in Brisbane.
Say goodbye and good night to 2024 with an epic party, fireworks, or something new at these awesome NYE Brisbane events.
Top New Year’s Eve Parties
Pop on your party shirt and get the sparklers handy, it’s time to welcome in 2025. If a house party isn’t your style, check out a New Years Eve Brisbane party. For a full list of NYE Brisbane parties, have a look at this list.
NYE Midnight Masquerade Party
Forget who you were in 2024, and unveil a whole new you at midnight at the 2024 NYE Midnight Masquerade Party hosted at the Regatta Hotel.
While details for the 2024 party are yet to be announced, party packages are likely to include drinks, gourmet canapes, entertainment, and live music. With VIP packages available for a more exclusive experience.
Riverland NYE Brisbane 2024
Watch the fireworks at a prime riverside location and enjoy live entertainment at the always fun Riverland NYE Party. This is a free event, or you can choose to include drinks, food vouchers, and save yourself the best spot at the party with a premium VIP package.
With fantastic views from the iconic Friday’s Riverside club, get the whole crew together for this fun night out.
Cloudland NYE Ball
What’s NYE in Brisbane without the Cloudland NYE Ball? For decades, Cloudland’s on-again-off-again romance with Brisbane has led to newsworthy events and beautiful balls. And now it’s back again in 2024, welcoming in the new year in a fabulous fashion.
Enjoy a night of glitz and glamour at the stunning Cloudland venue across 5 party spaces. Dress to impress and soak up the bubbles, mesmerising visual displays, and rumoured special guests. Tickets go on sale soon, so be sure to not miss out.
NYE Brisbane Fireworks
Brisbane city hosts two sets of fireworks across New Year’s Eve. The first will take over the sky on the iconic Brisbane River at 8.30pm. This is a great choice for families and early birds who want to experience the fun of the fireworks without having to make it to midnight.
The second fireworks show will happen on the stroke of midnight, farewelling 2024 and ushering in 2025. Last year’s 80,000 fireworks were the biggest in Brisbane to date, and the city is expected to beat that record again this year.
Navigating NYE in Brisbane
Like any city-wide party, there will be some street closures across Brisbane. The best way to navigate Brisbane New Year’s Eve is to catch public transport or simply walk if you’re spending the night close by.
If you’re opting for public transport, especially travelling into the popular South Bank parklands to see the fireworks, Translink will be running free trains, buses, and ferries for a period of time. Visit Translink for more information on the running times and free special event timetable closer to New Years.
Starting the Year Safely
It’s all fun and games wrapping up 2024, and let’s keep it that way as we party into 2025.
It’s important to plan your night of partying in advance, especially if you plan to get a little silly with it.
Knowing the free public transport timetable is a great place to start. Police are encouraging people to take advantage of public transport, as well as ride-sharing and taxis.
It’s also important to keep your fellow party-goers close, and your phone fully charged. Stay in contact with your mates throughout the night, and have a meeting spot ready to go in case you lose touch.
Finally, remember that NYE brings the famous Brisbane Summer heat. Staying hydrated will keep your party going for a long time, and a good time.
Little things like this can make a big difference ensuring you stay safe in Brisbane.
Welcome in 2025 with a Rambla Short Stay
Wherever you plan to call home in 2025, call Rambla home for New Year’s Eve. With four wonderfully convenient locations across Brisbane, there’s a Rambla within walking distance of wherever you want to celebrate.
Find your closest Rambla Apartment in Brisbane here and book early to secure your spot.
