THE St Nicholas Precinct set a new attendance record last festive season, cementing its place as the beating heart of Christmas in Ipswich.
More than 51,331 people streamed into the Nicholas Street Precinct across 10 nights, making the 2025 St Nicholas Precinct event the largest and most-attended in its history.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the milestone crowd numbers reflected the growing appeal of the city’s rejuvenated heart and the community’s love of coming together at Christmas.
“Christmas in Ipswich is a favourite time of the year for our city, and 2025 was no different,” Cr Harding said. “A record 51,331 people gathered across 10 nights at St Nicholas Precinct — the highest attendance ever recorded for this event.”
Families filled Nicholas Street night after night to enjoy the festive lights, live entertainment and market stalls, with the precinct buzzing with energy throughout the 10-night program.
“It was a blessing to see so many smiles as families revelled in the festive atmosphere,” Cr Harding said. “The record turnout shows just how much Ipswich values shared community celebrations.”
The St Nicholas Precinct was the centrepiece of a broader Christmas in Ipswich program, which included more than 40 events across the city, spreading festive cheer well beyond the city centre.
Adding to the season’s highlights, about 3,500 people attended the lighting of the City Christmas Tree at d’Arcy Doyle Place, while the City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition attracted 93 entries.
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Pye Augustine said the record attendance demonstrated the importance of council-supported events in building a vibrant city.
“Events like St Nicholas Precinct deliver strong social, cultural and economic benefits,” Cr Augustine said. “They help keep Ipswich connected, welcoming and alive — especially at Christmas.”
Ipswich City Council supported Christmas events across the city with more than $82,000 in funding, including grants for community and church carols and local festive gatherings.
With record crowds, glowing lights and a city united in celebration, St Nicholas Precinct has firmly claimed 2025 as its biggest Christmas yet.
