Division 2 residents’ stockings are bursting at the seams, stuffed with gifts from the program of this year’s Christmas in Ipswich festival.
Ipswich Deputy Mayor and Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said carols, community events and markets are among the festive season highlights.
“Springfield Central will be at the heart of Christmas celebrations for Division 2 this year,” Deputy Mayor Jonic said.
“I heard the sleigh bells already ringing at Orion Springfield Central shopping centre, which was graced by an appearance by the man in the red suit for Santa’s Arrival Parade on 8 November.
“The festivities continue with the Orion Twilight Christmas Markets on Tuesday, 23 December, giving those needing a last-minute gift a chance to get their hands on artisan and handcrafted items.
“Springfield Central Library and Redbank Plaza Library will also play a big role.
“Our Letters to Santa initiative gives children the chance to collect and post a letter to Santa at all Ipswich City Council libraries and UB’s Milk Bar Ipswich, with the response to be sent directly to their home address.”
Deputy Mayor Jonic said the Springfield Carols in Springfield Central is a great chance for the community to come together.
“The Springfield Carols are back on Saturday, 13 December for another year as residents gather in the beautiful Robelle Domain to bask in the community spirit overflowing during Christmas,” she said.
“There’ll be live music including everyone’s favourite carols, food trucks, a fireworks display and market stalls.
“Across the city, our suburbs will light up for the City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition, with Christmas Lights Tours providing a showcase of the very best entrants on 19 and 20 December.
“Division 2 is always well represented in the competition as our residents’ creativity shines through and I’m sure 2025 will be no different.”
CHRISTMAS IN IPSWICH PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Santa’s Arrival Parade – Orion Springfield Central, 1 Main Street, Springfield Central
9am to 10am, Saturday 8 November
Join us for our wonderful Christmas Parade – a magical free community event to officially welcome Santa and Mrs Claus to town.
Springfield Carols – Robelle Domain, Education City Drive, Springfield Central
5pm, Saturday 13 December
Promoting community spirit and seasonal goodwill, the Springfield Carols at Robelle Domain will brighten up Christmas with live music performances, traditional carols, a visit from Santa, food trucks, market stalls and a fireworks display.
Christmas with the Community – Gailes Community House, 2 Bruce Lane, Camira
2pm to 6pm, Saturday 20 December
Plenty of family friendly activities including petting zoo, photo booth, sing along to Christmas carols and a visit from the jolly man himself.
Community Christmas BBQ – 15 Kingsford Street, Goodna
2.30pm to 5pm, Thursday 18 December
Kick off Christmas with a community BBQ including Santa photos, treats, dunk tank, jumping castle, face painting, music and so much more.
Orion Twilight Christmas Markets – Orion Springfield Central, 1 Main Street, Springfield Central
9am to midnight, Tuesday 23 December
Join us for a special twilight market in celebration of Christmas. A day and evening full of local crafts, food and those last-minute gifts.
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, Redbank Plaza, Redbank Plains and Rosewood) 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.
