1. A Family Christmas
Celebrate the season and put your singing voice to the test at this annual community event in the domain.
WHEN: Saturday 9 December, 5pm to 8pm
WHERE: Robelle Domain, 155 Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central
COST: Free
2. Western Gateway Christmas Carols
One of the city’s biggest and best Christmas productions, this annual celebration features Santa in a helicopter, live animals and a fireworks finale.
WHEN: Friday 8 December, 6pm
WHERE: Shiloh Church, 72 Redbank Plains Road, Goodna
COST: Free
3. Christmas Community Fair
This free fair features Christmas carols, live music, markets, children’s rides, a waterslide, an appearance by Santa, fireworks and more.
WHEN: Saturday 9 December, 2pm to 7.30pm
WHERE: Ivory’s Rock, 310 Mt Flinders Road, Peak Crossing
COST: Free entry
4. Summer Holiday Reading Challenges
Ipswich Libraries is hosting two reading competitions this summer. Read six books to enter the adults’ Holiday Reading Challenge or join the Summer Reading Club for school students. Both competitions have great prizes up for grabs.
WHEN: Until 31 January for students and 2 February for adults
WHERE: Anywhere and everywhere
COST: Free
5. Committed Quiche!
One act comedies Fully Committed and 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche take centre stage for an M-rated night of locally-produced laughs. Book your tickets here.
WHEN: Friday 8 and Saturday 9 December, 8pm
WHERE: Incinerator Theatre, Burley Griffin Drive, Ipswich
COST: $13 to $22
6. Ferdinand Family Fun Screenings
From the creators of Rio and Ice Age, Ferdinand follows a Spanish bull who would rather smell the roses than chase red cloths.
WHEN: Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December, 10.30am
WHERE: Limelight Cinemas Ipswich, Ipswich Riverlink Shopping Centre
COST: $11 per person
7. View From Madeleine’s Couch
Take a trip through Brazil and experience the musical energy of the Madcouch group from samba to bossa nova. Secure your spot here.
WHEN: Saturday 9 December, 8pm
WHERE: Studio 188, 188 Brisbane Street, Ipswich
COST: $25 per person, $72 for a table of four
8. Weekend Workshops: Pyrography Playground
Create unique art at this hands-on adults’ workshop led by the Ipswich Woodcrafters Club. Register here.
WHEN: Saturday 9 December, 9am to 12pm
WHERE: Ipswich Central Library, South Street, Ipswich
COST: Free
9. Summer Days at the Museum
Make tracks to The Workshops Rail Museum and discover mammals large and tall, insects big and small, steam trains, diesel locomotives and more.
WHEN: Until 21 January
WHERE: The Workshops Rail Museum, North Street, North Ipswich
COST: Free with museum entry
10. Christmas Lights Competition
See the lights this festive season and take a tour of Ipswich. Don’t forget to vote for the People’s Choice Award in the River 94.9 competition before 10 December.
WHEN: Until it’s no longer socially acceptable to have houses decorated
WHERE: Find the full list of addresses here
COST: Free
11. Built For Speed
Design, build and race your Lego hot rod, dragster or supercar down ramps and tracks. Modify your ride for extra speed and re-race for ultimate victory.
WHEN: Until 18 February
WHERE: Ipswich Art Gallery, d’Arcy Doyle Place, Ipswich
COST: $5 per person, $15 for a family of up to five people
