Celebrating the magic of the Christmas season with a string of festive events the whole family will enjoy.
Jump in the car for the short drive along the M7 or enjoy a train trip to the heart of Ipswich and then take your pick from exploring a magical Christmas wonderland at Nerima Gardens to a fun Finding Santa adventure, there is even a fireworks spectacular and why not shop local for your Christmas presents at any one of the community markets.
If you want more festive entertainment checkout all the magical events taking place till Christmas Eve
To help you celebrate Christmas in Ipswich, check out what’s on below and start planning your festive adventure.
Christmas Wonderland
Step into a magical Christmas Wonderland when you visit Nerima Gardens this festive season. Decorated with colourful glittering lights, illuminated trees, animated displays, light tunnels and more.
Dates: December 13-22
Time: 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm – Christmas markets and food trucks
7.15 pm – 10.00 pm – Christmas Wonderland open
Location: Nerima Gardens, Goleby Avenue, Queens Park
Finding Santa
Take part in the fun of Finding Santa in Ipswich this Christmas.
Download the App, locate the stickers and watch as the interactive, augmented reality trail brings Santa, Rudolph and their helpers to life.
There are 40 locations in total to discover and you don’t know who you might see and where, don’t be surprised to see Rudolph waiting for a bus, Santa putting presents under the Christmas tree or even flying his sleigh.
Start your Santa search today, take a photo and upload to social media using #findingsanta to go in the draw to win a prize.
Dates: November 13- December 31
Download the App here
Location: Various
Fireworks
What’s a festive occasion without fireworks and this Christmas Riverlink is holding a four-night fireworks celebration.
Be sure to arrive early and experience Christmas carols and roving entertainment and located outside iPlay Riverlink, snow will fall as carollers sing a mix of traditional and modern carols.
Time: 8.00 pm
Location: Riverlink Shopping Centre, Downs Street and The Terrace, North Ipswich
Dates: December 19-22
Christmas lights tour
Christmas lights are one of the joys of the festive season and the annual River 94.9 Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition is back for another year.
See a selection of the best Ipswich light displays by coach with the Ipswich Christmas Lights Tour.
The tour includes delicious grazing platters along with surprise visitors at the Visitor Information Centre, guide commentary, also included is a visit to Christmas Wonderland at Nerima Gardens, Queens Park.
Dates: December 16-21
Times: 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Cost: $25 – $35 (terms and conditions apply)
Bookings: Group bookings welcome, limited spaces available, bookings essential (book via button below)
More Info: Phone 07 3281 0555, email [email protected] or get more info and book via button below
Christmas markets
Shop local and handmade this Christmas from the range of Christmas markets happening throughout the Ipswich region this festive season.
Celebrate Christmas in Ipswich by shopping for arts, crafts, homewares, plants, toys and food, you’ll be guaranteed to find gifts for family or those ‘hard to buy for’ friends.
Enjoy the market atmosphere, dine in or grab a coffee and roam the market stalls, see live demonstrations and Christmas entertainment.
From Ripley Valley to Marburg and Springfield Central to Bundamba, market stalls are the place to shop this Christmas.
Date: various
More Info: See here for individual market details
