The silver bells are ringing in Division 3 because it’s Christmas time in the city, with a program full of fantastic events for this year’s Christmas in Ipswich festival.
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said the lighting of the City Christmas Tree in d’Arcy Doyle Place on the evening of Thursday, 27 November will kick off the festivities.
“Ipswich Central will be a hive of festive activity with markets, galleries and performances,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“Our stunning City Christmas Tree in d’Arcy Doyle Place will rouse the spirit of the season – and serve as a beacon for Santa and his reindeer to find their way through the night to Ipswich.
“Those watching the City Christmas Tree lighting on 27 November can head over to the historic Top of Town for the ‘Light Up the Night’ Markets on Brisbane Street to kickstart the present shopping that same evening.
“The Santa’s Sugar Plum Pop-Up market at ARTtime Gallery, open Wednesdays to Fridays between 5 and 26 December, and Top of Town Christmas Shopping Night on 6 December ensure Brisbane Street will be full of Christmas merriment.
“Ipswich Civic Centre will bring joy to the world with Frantic, Festive Frolics and Stitch in the ‘Swich: Christmas Comedy Special – on Wednesday, 10 December and Friday, 12 December.
“The Ipswich Showgrounds will be a great place to fill your loved ones’ stockings with the Enchanted Christmas Twilight Event on Saturday, 6 December and Christmas Thrifty Threads Preloved Market on Sunday, 14 December.
“Our suburbs will also be hubs for festive cheer with events such as Hope Delivered: A Christmas Event and Carols on the Corner in Booval, while I’m sure Division 3 will be well represented in the annual City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the award-winning Nicholas Street Precinct will be teeming with visitors soaking up the spirit of St Nicholas Precinct.
“St Nicholas Precinct turns our city heart into a Christmas wonderland with spectacular lighting displays, live entertainment and market stalls for 10 memorable nights from Friday, 12 December,” Cr Doyle said.
“We are proud to also offer a Low Sensory Night in the precinct on Monday, 15 December for those seeking a sensory-friendly Christmas experience.
“Santa & Sirens on 27 November gives kids the chance to meet Santa while getting up close to a variety of emergency service vehicles adorned in festive decorations.
“The Ipswich Handmade Expo Christmas Extravaganza on Saturday, 6 December is a highlight of St Nicholas Precinct with more than 100 stalls selling handmade and artisan gifts, as well as live music and food trucks.
“And Ipswich Central Library and Ipswich Children’s Library – both located in Nicholas Street Precinct – will be joining other council libraries across the city as hubs for our wonderful Letters to Santa initiative.
“All our libraries will be turned into Santa’s post offices, along with UB’s Milk Bar Ipswich, where children can collect and post a letter to the man in the red suit himself, with the response sent back from the North Pole directly to their home address.”
CHRISTMAS IN IPSWICH PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Top of Town ‘Light Up the Night’ Markets – Brisbane Street (from Ellenborough Street to Waghorn Street), Ipswich
5pm to 8pm, Thursday 27 November
Visit Ipswich’s historic Top of Town and browse unique, handcrafted treasures with the opportunity to pick up a creative Christmas gift whilst soaking up the festive atmosphere.
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.
Santa & Sirens – Nicholas St Precinct, Nicholas Street, Ipswich
5pm to 7pm, Thursday 27 November
Where holiday magic meets real-life heroes. This is your chance to meet Santa and friends amidst a variety of emergency service vehicles decorated in festive cheer.
Hope Delivered: A Christmas Event – Corner of Eileen Street and Glebe Road, Booval
7pm to 9pm, 1 to 25 December
Ipswich Uniting Church transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland with Christmas lights and tree displays. On Saturday 6 December, see the Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Choir and Ipswich Model Band.
Kruger Christmas Carols – Kruger Baptist Church, 2 Henderson Street, Redbank
5.30pm to 8.30pm, Sunday 14 December
The evening features traditional carols performed live, creating a welcoming atmosphere where families and individuals can come together to sing and celebrate.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxed evening under the stars, with a complimentary sausage sizzle provided.
Santa’s Sugar Plum Pop-Up – ARTtime Gallery & Fine Art Supplies, 203 Brisbane Street, Ipswich
9am to 5pm seven days, Wednesday to Friday until 9pm between 5 and 26 December
Experience the sweetest Christmas shopping in a handmade wonderland. Complete our nutcracker hunt to go in the draw to win a special Santa gift.
Enchanted Christmas Twilight Event – Ipswich Showgrounds, 81 Warwick Road, Ipswich
4pm, Saturday 6 December
Get into the festive spirit with enchanting Christmas decorations, glittering festive lights, free activities, amusement rides, fun entertainment, Christmas carols and a special visit from Santa himself. There will also be a fantastic variety of Christmas stalls.
Top of Town Christmas Shopping Night – Brisbane Street (from Ellenborough Street to Waghorn Street), Ipswich
5pm to 8pm, Saturday 6 December
Top of Town stays open for a night of Christmas shopping. Come along and view festive windows and support the local small business community.
Ipswich Handmade Expo Christmas Extravaganza – Nicholas Street Precinct, Nicholas Street, Ipswich
8am to 12pm, Saturday 6 December
With over 100 amazing handmade stalls, delightful food trucks, live music and so much for the children to do. Christmas shopping at its best.
Christmas Cheer at Booval Fair – Corner of Brisbane Road and South Station Road, Booval
From 10am, Saturday 6 December
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Booval Fair! Captain Christmas, Mrs Claus, Buddy the Booval Kangaroo, Frosty, Rudolph and their festive friends will welcome Santa with a spectacular parade through the centre.
Frantic, Festive Frolics – Ipswich Civic Centre, 50 Nicholas Street, Ipswich
10am and 1pm, Wednesday 10 December
The Ipswich Seniors’ Concert Group invite you to join them for yet another astonishing spectacle of jollification with Frantic, Festive Frolics.
Friendsmas Trivia – Hotel Commonwealth, 5 Union Place, Ipswich
6.30pm to 8.30pm, Wednesday 10 December
Register your spot for an evening of amazing food, great drinks, games and trivia. The questions are fun – not hard – and will take you back through all the best bits.
Stitch in the ‘Swich: Christmas Comedy Special – Ipswich Civic Centre, 50 Nicholas Street, Ipswich
8pm, Friday 12 December
Another hilarious line up supported by the Sit Down Comedy Club to celebrate Christmas with a smile.
Off the Wall art exhibition – Ipswich Community Gallery, d’Arcy Doyle Place, Ipswich
10am to 3pm daily, 12 to 21 December
Over 40 local artists offering unique, one-of-a-kind works of art and craft – perfect for a truly special Christmas gift for someone you love.
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.
Christmas Thrifty Threads Preloved Market – Ipswich Showgrounds, 81 Warwick Road, Ipswich
7am to 12pm, Sunday 14 December
Clear out your 2025 closet, embrace sustainability, festive cheer and get ready for 2026. Santa might even drop by with treats for all ages.
Low Sensory Night, St Nicholas Precinct – Nicholas St Precinct, Nicholas Street, Ipswich Christmas Lights Tours
6pm to 9pm, Monday 15 December
A special evening at the magical Christmas lighting installation, St Nicholas Precinct, for those seeking a gentler, sensory-friendly experience. With a quieter environment and dedicated low sensory tent, this evening allows more families to experience the joy of Christmas.
Carols on the Corner – Corner of Eileen Street and Glebe Road, Booval
6.30pm to 8.30pm, Saturday 13 December
Help Ipswich Uniting Church ring in the Christmas season with festive cheer. Join them for an evening of fun and music including free family activities – jumping castle, animal farm, face painting, children’s craft and sausage sizzle.
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.
Also read:
>> Your guide to Christmas in Ipswich 2025: Division 1