CHRISTMAS comes to Ipswich next Thursday night with the lights on the city Christmas tree to be switched on at d’Arcy Doyle Place.
The official lighting of the tree will be held at 7pm on November 27 with performances from local carol singers from Journey Church and an early appearance from Santa Claus at 6.45pm.
Leading up to the lighting of the tree on Thursday will be Santa & Sirens in the Nicholas Street Precinct, where children can meet real-life emergency service heroes, from 5-7pm.
More than 40 Christmas events will be held across the city this year, including community carols events in Brassall, Springfield Central, Redbank, Raceview, Ripley, Booval and Marburg.
The lights displays in the Nicholas St Precinct return from December 12 to 21.
A Low Sensory Night will be held in the Nicholas Street Precinct on December 15.
The precinct will also host the Ipswich Handmade Expo Christmas Extravaganza markets, with live music and food trucks on December 6.
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chair Pye Augustine said Christmas In Ipswich was one of many Council-run festivals throughout the year bringing social and economic benefits to the city.
“Our streets will come alive for our City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition, plus Christmas Lights Tours showcasing the best displays from the competition,” Cr Augustine said.
“Our Letters to Santa initiative gives children the joy of writing to the jolly man himself. Children can collect and post their letter at any of council’s libraries or UB’s Milk Bar Ipswich. Santa’s reply will be sent directly to their address.
“Markets with artisan, handcrafted and preloved items will be held at the Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich Showgrounds, Queen Street in Marburg, Brisbane Street in Ipswich Central and Main Street in Springfield Central, bringing joy to Christmas shopping.
“Rosewood Christmas Festival, Enchanted Christmas Twilight Event at Ipswich Showgrounds, Ipswich Community Gallery’s Off the Wall art exhibition and Frantic, Festive Frolics at Ipswich Civic Centre are among the other highlights of the program.”
For the full Christmas in Ipswich 2025 program, visit the Ipswich Festivals website.

