Ipswich Express
On Sunday December 8, see Santa at the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.
The Ipswich Express Christmas train is back again this year and departs Bundamba Racecourse at 9am, 11am and 1pm and heads to Swanbank where there will be food trucks selling BBQ, ice cream, cupcakes and a band!
Tickets are $22 for adults, $11 for children. Family of 2 adults and 3 kids is $50.
You can get on the Ipswich Express from The Workshops Rail Museum, enjoy the museum’s interactive exhibits before travelling by heritage bus to the QPSR Swanbank for a short steam train ride, then return to the museum. Tickets are $25 for adults, $21 for children and include museum entry from 9.30am-4pm as well as a steam train ride with two times available to be booked: 10.45am or 12.45pm.
Finding Santa
The entire City of Ipswich is getting involved in the festive season. Finding Santa is live in 40 locations across the city allowing you to bring Christmas characters to life and take a photo with them.
People uploading photos with #findingsanta go into the draw to win one of four VIP Christmas Wonderland passes – include jump the queue access, food vouchers and a special visit with Santa. Entries close December 12.
Where’s TOTI
This Christmas you have the chance to win a $1000 prize package by visiting Ipswich’s Top of Town precinct.
Join the fun at Top of Town, Brisbane St, this festive season and find TOTI the elf!
Adventure through the cafes, retailers and participating businesses – search the store windows and try to catch a glimpse of TOTI.
Complete an entry form (available in participating stores) to go into the draw to win an amazing Top of Town experience package, including gifts and vouchers valued at over $1,000!
The winner will be drawn on December 21. Follow the adventures of TOTI the Elf on Facebook.
TapeScape
US Artist Eric Lennartson has created a unique sculpture of tunnels and slides at the Ipswich Art Gallery, twice as big as the last time he was here in 2016.
TapeScape returns to Ipswich from December 2- February 16 2020. TapeScape is the centrepiece to Construction Site Summer Fun which will take over the whole gallery this school holidays.
Dinner in Transylvania the musical
Get ready to do the Time Warp one more time with Casa Mia Productions as they bring Dinner in Transylvania the musical to life this December 6 and 7.
Seán Alan Fagan, resident musical director of Casa Mia Productions, has written an evocative script accompanied by live music and singing that has been inspired by the original Rocky Horror Picture Show.
So bring your wildest imagination, put on your funkiest outfit to win prizes and prepare yourself for an amazing night out with food and drinks. I see you shiver with anticip………pation. It will be a night out you are going to remember for a very long time…..
Springfield Markets
Come for an afternoon treat, splash in the lagoon, browse stalls filled with wares from local talented artists and crafters and enjoy dinner with family and friends from food trucks.
Robelle Domain Parkland has plenty of open spaces to eat and play. Don’t forget your picnic blanket and your swimmers.
Springfield Markets will be on December 6 from 3pm to 8pm.
Christmas night market
A special night market is being held on December 6 from 6pm-9pm at The Boulevarde with a range of specialty Christmas offerings.
Enjoy with a glass of wine in hand, whilst sampling a gourmet grazing platter against the backdrop of one of Ipswich’s most renowned Christmas light displays and live music.
Sip ‘n’ Dip classes
Sip ‘n’ Dip Ipswich will launch Sip ‘n’ Craft soap making classes on December 7 at the Arizona Cafe in Redbank Plains from 6pm-8pm.
You can also join in a Sip ‘n’ Dip learn to paint Spring Nights class at the Workshops Rail Museum on December 13 from 6pm-8pm, a learn to paint Cactus event at Jets Leagues Club on December 14 from 12pm-3pm and a LED Christmas tree canvas workshop on December 15 from 1pm-3pm.
For more classes visit Sip ‘n’ Dip online.
Christmas shopping extravaganza
Trevallan’s annual Christmas Shopping Extravaganza afternoons have become popular, with the gardens opening to create a market style setting with some amazing local artisans showcasing their wares. There will be new products and plants also. In the mystic garden will be mini crystal readings. Lucky door prizes, nibbles, drinks and great company. December 7 from 3pm-6.30pm.
Carols in Robelle Domain
The O Holy Night Christmas Carols in Robelle Domain fall on December 7, with a pre-program starting at 5:30pm, followed by the main event at 6:15pm and closing with fireworks at 8.30pm. Food and drink available for purchase on the night.
Haigslea Christmas weekend
Join farmer Dave and Penny at the Haigslea Ewe Nique Hobby Farm on the weekend of December 8 and 9, for a fun Christmas themed animal experience.
Pat and feed the sheep, alpacas, goats, geese and chooks. Enjoy the small plants nursery and café selling homemade treats as well as coffee and freshly squeezed juice!
Museum Twilight Markets
BrisStyle is back with their signature range of handmade and one-off craft items.
Set in the grounds of the historic Ipswich Railway Workshops, you’ll have a great time exploring the venue as the sun sets over the workshops and the fairy lights twinkle in the trees.
Enjoy a cool drink as you enjoy browsing the huge variety of 100% locally handmade market stalls. You will find unique, quality handmade items for sale. Entry is $2 per person with children under the age of 15 free with an accompanying adult.
Torchlight Museum Tours are available for an additional $10 on the night.
The Museum Twilight Markets will be held on December 13 from 5pm-9pm.
Christmas Wonderland
Celebrate the festive season with family and friends at Christmas Wonderland! This magical lighting display is back and on a much grander scale, treating visitors to a wonderland of glittering lights, illuminated trees, animated displays, light tunnels and projections that will mesmerise and delight.
Each night from 6pm, enjoy a magical Christmas market with delicious fare and live entertainment for the whole family. Grab a bite to eat and don’t miss the roving carolers, along with Santa and his Christmas friends as they spread festive cheer. At 7.15pm the gates to Christmas Wonderland will open!
Event closes at 10pm, location Nerima Gardens, Goleby Ave Queens Park.
Runs from December 13-22.
Ripley Markets
The Ripley markets are buzzing with life, handcrafted goodies and the mouth-watering aroma of street food to tempt your taste buds. Over 60 stalls featuring live music, delicious food stalls from all around the world, handmade homewares, fantastic fashion and farm animals, jumping castle and even a circus school to boot.
December 14 from 3pm-8pm.
Scenic Soul Christmas Market
The town of Marburg will open when the Scenic Soul Christmas Markets take place on Saturday December 14 from 3pm-7pm at the Old Church, Queen St Marburg.
Expect artisan markets with handmade goodies, live entertainment, live mandala painting and demonstrations, over 30 stalls and food trucks.
The Special Branch Collective will be running a market, they will also be open serving coffee and selling their unique pots and plants. Scotland Yard Antiques will also open for the night as well as the Post Office with gifts for sale and the Marburg Pub will be open with specials on the night.
Giggle and Hoot show
Enjoy a free Christmas Themed Giggle and Hoot Show on December 14 at Riverlink.
See Hoot and Hootabelle’s Owl Pal Playdate (outside iPlay) at 11am and 1pm.
You also have the chance to meet Hoot and Hootabelle (outside iPlay) at 12pm.
There will also be a themed craft workshop from 10.30am – 1.30pm in the East Mall.
International Tea Day workshops
This International Tea Day, Sunday December 15, Tranquil Tea owner Dona Perera is encouraging people to celebrate by enjoying a brew with loved ones.
Ms Perera will be hosting two Ceylon Tea Tasting events at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre on International Tea Day. One at 10am-11.30am and another at 2.30pm-4pm. Cost is $6 per person, book online or phone 3281 0555.
Little Humpty’s Christmas Party
Join in the fun at the Little Humpty’s Christmas Party at Summer Land Camels on December 18. Henry, Bertha and the other camels really know how to party and they want all their little friends to come along!
With new activities and Christmas-flavoured gelato, there will even be a visit from Santa who will be arriving on a camel, of course.
Come along in your best Christmas getup, there will be prizes for best dressed. Make sure you bring your camera to get the perfect Christmas shot with your favourite camel! Please wear closed in shoes and a smile.
Entry is $10 and includes a visit from Santa, kids farm tour (30 minutes), one bag of feed, a chance to pat and cuddle the camels, a Christmas story, camel arts and crafts, Christmas card making, face painting and a jumping castle. Book a kids camel ride for $20 on the day. The café will be open and food options include hotdogs, burgers and gelato.
Fireworks
Riverlink will host a four-night celebration of festivities with fireworks kicking off on Thursday December 19 at 8pm. Christmas carols and roving entertainment outside iPlay Riverlink, snow will also magically fall. Fireworks will take place each night from December 19-22.
RESPECT Angie and Aretha
Experience the heart and soul of the iconic Aretha Franklin as Australia’s own “Soul Mama” Angie Narayan presents an unmissable and unique show combining storytelling, song and soul.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T is the ultimate tribute to the undisputed Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Showcasing her greatest hits over the last 50 years, the show is a masterful piece of storytelling, journeying through the Diva’s life from her siblings’ perspective, exploring relationships, the church and the music industry.
Joining Angie on stage are accomplished vocalists Sean Ikin, Shelley Davies and Ellen Reed, of The Voice, together with an energetic band. A mind, body and soul experience, Angie digs deep into her own deeply personal connection to Aretha as we journey through her life of love, tragedy and triumph.
December 20 from 7.30pm-9.30pm
Urbane Markets at Ballistic Beer
Ballistic Beer Co Springfield Brewery, Bar and Kitchen has partnered with the Urbane Markets to bring a mini Christmas festival to Springfield on Friday December 20.
There will be stalls, rides for kids, food and drinks at the dog friendly event from 3pm-9pm.
Dive-In Movie at Orion Lagoon
Cool off and catch a free movie at Orion Lagoon’s free dive-in movie thanks to Orion Springfield Central. Aladdin is scheduled to play on the big screen from 7pm on Saturday December 21. Time may vary depending on sunset.
Handmade Expo
Enjoy a Christmas themed handmade experience with everything at these markets handmade, baked or grown along with a few crafting supplies so you can create your own handmade items. Free entry and lots of parking.
Handmade Expo runs December 21 from 8am-1pm
Twilight Christmas markets
Special Twilight Christmas markets will be held at Orion Springfield Central on Monday December 23 from 9am-midnight. Expect a day and evening full of live music, festive fun and unique Christmas market stalls. Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic to make way for local artisan products and delicious food offerings.
Christmas Day Lunch
Book now for a special Christmas Day lunch at The Cottage Restaurant. Enjoy a creative and traditional five course degustation with wine. December 25 from 11.30am-3pm.
New Year’s Eve
Farewell 2019 with hours of family fun, roving entertainment and clown magic at North Ipswich Reserve from 5pm-9.30pm.
There will be children’s character shows, including meet and greets, free face painting and amusement rides plus a variety of food stalls.
A fireworks show will end the New Year’s Eve celebrations at 9.20pm.
New Year’s Thunder
On Saturday January 4, the first round of the 400 Thunder Professional Drag Racing Series for 2020 will be held at Willowbank Raceway.
See top fuel racers, pro alcohol, pro stock, and pro stock bike on the track. A huge field of local and interstate racers will compete. Children under 13 are free to enter. Event is being held from 4pm-9.30pm.
