Division 1 residents are on the “nice” list again this year as they’re treated to a cracker of a program for this year’s Christmas in Ipswich festival.
Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine said residents can share in the festive cheer and community spirit at events throughout the Christmas period.
“There are so many wonderful opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate Christmas throughout Division 1,” Cr Augustine said.
“The Raceview Community Carols Under the Big Tree return for another year as the iconic fig tree on Wildey Street is lit up to shine in all its majesty on the night of Sunday, 7 December.
“It’s a stirring backdrop for renditions of everyone’s favourite carols led by community singing and performance groups.
“In Ripley, the Cityhope Church Christmas Tree Lighting Festival on the same evening will bring family and friends together for carols and other live music, kids’ activities, festive food and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
“The excitement and joy of our City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition returns for another year as our neighbourhoods light up for this great tradition.
“There will also be Christmas Lights Tours of the best entrants across the city on 19 and 20 December.
“These are great events highlighting the togetherness and vibrancy of suburbs across Division 1.”
Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said there are even more events for the community to share in the Christmas spirit.
“Whitehill Church Carols in Raceview on Sunday, 14 December will feature a night of carolling, entertainment and a fireworks display,” Cr Madsen said.
“It’s also a very busy time for staff at Redbank Plains Library, as they’ll be making sure the mail gets to the North Pole as one of the participating council libraries in our Letters to Santa initiative.
“Letters to Santa is a fun and educational experience giving children the opportunity to craft a message to the merry man – and it’s a good opportunity to see what’s on their wishlist.
“Kids can collect and post their letter at any of council’s libraries or UB’s Milk Bar Ipswich, with Santa’s reply being sent directly to their address.”
CHRISTMAS IN IPSWICH PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Cityhope Church Christmas Tree Lighting Festival – 7 Rex Hills Drive, Ripley
6.30pm to 8.30pm, Sunday 7 December
Gather with family and friends to enjoy live music, festive food, kids’ activities, carols and lighting of the Christmas tree to celebrate the joy of Christmas.
Raceview Community Carols Under the Big Tree – 141 Wildey Street
7.00pm – 8.30pm, Sunday 7 December
Enjoy carols under the stars beneath the big fig tree lit up like a Christmas tree. Traditional Christmas carols led by local community groups.
Whitehill Church Carols – 219 Whitehill Rd, Raceview
4.00pm – 7.45pm, Sunday 14 December
Don’t miss an afternoon of singing your favourite carols and songs, and exploring the true story of Christmas. Stay on for a festival of fun, including free entertainment, low-cost food options and a fireworks display.
St Nicholas Precinct – Nicholas St Precinct, Nicholas Street, Ipswich
6.30pm to 9.30pm, Friday 12 December to Sunday 21 December
Celebrate the wonder of Christmas as the urban heart of our city dazzles with a spectacular lighting installation. Nicholas Street Precinct will again transform into an experiential atmosphere of lights, colour and magical moments. Visit on Monday 15 December, 6.00pm to 9.00pm for a special low sensory evening.
Christmas Lights Tours
6.30pm to 9pm, Friday 19 December and Saturday 20 December
View a selection of the best displays from this year’s City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition in an air-conditioned coach. Enjoy a light supper with entertainment and surprise visitors during your magical Christmas adventure. Bookings essential via Discover Ipswich
Lighting of the City Christmas Tree – d’Arcy Doyle Place
6.45pm, Thursday 27 November
Join local carollers and an early visit from Santa to help officially light the City Christmas Tree! The tree will remain lit to Monday, 5 January, 2026.
Letters to Santa – All Ipswich Libraries branches and UB’s Milk Bar Ipswich, 126 Brisbane Street, Ipswich
During opening hours, Tuesday 18 November to Thursday 11 December
Collect and post your letter at any Ipswich Libraries branch (Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich Central, Springfield Central, Rosewood, Redbank Plaza and Redbank Plains) or UB’s Milk Bar Ipswich. Santa’s reply will be sent directly to your address. Get in quick to allow Santa enough time to respond between wrapping presents.
Christmas Lights Competition
Entries close Friday 28 November
Dig out your Christmas lights and decorations – entries for the City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition are now open. Win a share in over $8,000 worth of cash and prizes. Entry is free, quick and easy via the Ipswich Festivals website.
New Year’s Eve Celebration – Fireworks across the city
9pm, Wednesday 31 December
Residents are encouraged to turn their heads towards the sky this New Year’s Eve. Fireworks will launch across the region in South Ripley, Ipswich Central, Rosewood and Springfield Central.
For information on the best viewing locations visit the Ipswich Festivals website.
Also read:
>> Your guide to Christmas in Ipswich 2025: Division 2