Good tidings to the residents of Division 4 with a Christmas in Ipswich program bursting with events such as carols, markets and the return of a popular charity ride.
Division 4 Councillor David Martin said the spirit of Christmas will be on full display with the Ulysses Club Annual Ipswich Toy Run.
“The Ulysses Club Annual Ipswich Toy Run is a highlight of the season every year, with the 30th anniversary of this great charity event to be held on Sunday, 14 December,” Cr Martin said.
“Hundreds of riders will fill their Santa sacks with toys and other donations for the journey from Brassall Shopping Centre to Ipswich Showgrounds in a wonderful show of the community spirit of Ipswich.
“Division 4 is the place to be for all those who love belting out their favourite Christmas carols.
“A live orchestra and local performers will be among those to grace the stage at Sutton Park for Brassall Christmas in the Park on the evening of Friday, 28 November.
“The Rosewood Christmas Festival on Friday, 12 December and Marburg Community Carols Evening on Sunday, 14 December are both much-loved events and bring the festive cheer to our city’s rural communities.”
Division 4 Councillor Jim Madden said Letters to Santa gives children the opportunity to collect and post a letter to all Ipswich City Council libraries and UB’s Milk Bar Ipswich, with the response to be sent directly to their home address.
“The beloved Rosewood Library will play an important role in the Christmas festivities, providing a mail route from Division 4 to the North Pole for our Letters to Santa initiative,” Cr Madden said.
“I can’t wait to see the Christmas spirit and creative skills of Division 4 residents again as houses and neighbourhoods shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose for the City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition.
“There are great prizes up for grabs, while the best-decorated houses in Division 4 and across the city will be showcased during Christmas Lights Tours on 19 and 20 December.
“The Soul Nook in Marburg will be getting into the festive spirit with the return of their markets full of preloved items, while Santa will be stopping by EWE Nique Hobby Farm in Haigslea on Sunday, 14 December.”
CHRISTMAS IN IPSWICH PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The Soul Nook Christmas Markets – Soul Nook, 89-93 Queen Street, Marburg
8.30am to 2pm, Saturday 15 November
The Soul Nook’s famous annual Christmas markets are back and bigger than ever! Make sure to mark your calendars and join us for some jolly good fun this festive season.
Santa’s Arrival Parade – Riverlink Shopping Centre, Downs Street and The Terrace, North Ipswich
10am to 1.30pm, Saturday 15 November
Experience a day full of Christmas cheer and watch Santa and his friends make their grand arrival to Riverlink Shopping Centre.
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.
Brassall Christmas in the Park – Sutton Park, 61 Workshops Street, Brassall
Entry from 5pm, Friday 28 November
Bringing the community together for Christmas, this spectacular stage show features local performers and live orchestra, visit from Santa, an array of delicious food and an amazing fireworks finale.
Thrifts and Sips of Christmas – The Soul Nook, 89-93 Queen Street, Marburg
11.30am to 4.30pm, Saturday 6 December
Sunset lovers, second-hand hunters and vintage treasure seekers – this one’s for you all wrapped in a big Christmas bow. Don’t miss a golden afternoon as we switch it up with our preloved markets for Christmas vibes, good tunes and great company in the charming countryside town of Marburg.
Marburg Show Society Christmas Carnival – Marburg Showgrounds, 45-55 Queen Street, Marburg
4pm to 8pm, Saturday 6 December
Experience Christmas in the country with family friendly activities and rides. Enjoy a special visit from Santa.
Yamanto Central 12 Days of Christmas – 488 Warwick Road, Yamanto
11 to 24 December
Special appearances by Santa, his reindeer, The Grinch and daily giveaways for lucky Yamanto Central shoppers. Over $5,000 in prizes to be won.
Rosewood Christmas Festival – Rosewood Showgrounds, 1 Railway Street, Rosewood
5pm to 8pm, Friday 12 December
The much-loved Rosewood Christmas Festival is back with market stalls, free rides, carols and a visit from Santa.
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.
Sunday Morning with Santa – EWE Nique Hobby Farm, 187 Missigs Road, Haigslea
9am to 12pm, Saturday 14 December
Visit the animals at Haigslea EWE Nique Hobby Farm with a special visit from Santa. There will be a sausage sizzle, ice blocks, cupcakes, cold drinks and lucky dips all to buy. Plus special Christmas pricing on animal feed buckets and each child will receive a small gift. Bookings essential.
Marburg Community Carols Evening – Marburg Community Park, Corner of Queen Street and Edmond Street, Marburg
5pm to 9pm, Sunday 14 December
An evening filled with face painting and free craft activities for children, market stalls, free sausage sizzle and carol singing.
Ulysses Club Annual Ipswich Toy Run – Brassall Shopping Centre to Ipswich Showgrounds
10.30am, Sunday 14 December
Join or support the 30th Ipswich Toy Run to raise funds for the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal and Ulysses Club Arthritis Fund.
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.
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 skywards 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
