We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Brisbane for 2026. The season starts on 5 December with Bands in Parks: Banyo Community Christmas Carols and runs until 22 December (Christmas in the library). 13 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Australia.
The short version
- 14 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Brisbane, Karawatha, Ashgrove, Banyo and Greenslopes
- First: Bands in Parks: Banyo Community Christmas Carols, Banyo, 5 December
- Free events: Bands in Parks: Banyo Community Christmas Carols, Centenary Carols, 12 Days of Christmas - Bush Kindy, 12 Days of Christmas - Bush Babies Rhymetime, Bands in Parks: Government House Christmas Lights and Carols By Candlelight, presented by Rotary Ashgrove The Gap and Brisbane Rivercity Rotaract
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by suburb, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (booking, ages, what is included).
Brisbane Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 14 confirmed for 2026
- Suburbs
- Brisbane, Karawatha, Ashgrove, Banyo, Greenslopes, Kenmore, Middle Park, Mount Gravatt, Nundah, Paddington, Sunnybank Hills, Wynnum and Zillmere
- Season
- 5 December to 22 December
- Free events
- 13
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Brisbane
1 confirmed event in Brisbane, soonest first.
Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols 2026
Christmas carolsBrisbane City Council · Brisbane
- Host
- Brisbane City Council (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Riverstage, Gardens Point Road, Brisbane 4000
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, gates 4 pm, show until 9 pm
- Cost
- Under 6 free, ages 6 to 12 $5, 13 and over $8.50 (AUD)
- Ages
- All ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols return to the Riverstage on the edge of the City Botanic Gardens. The 2026 line-up includes Samantha Jade, Dami Im, Hugh Sheridan, Monica Trapaga, Katie Noonan and others, alongside children's favourites Emma Memma and Elvin Melvin. Expect a mix of traditional carols, contemporary Christmas songs and big singalong moments, with the city lit up behind the stage.
Gates open at 4 pm, with pre-show entertainment before the main performance, which wraps up around 9 pm. Tickets are cheap and tiered by age: children under 6 are free, kids aged 6 to 12 are $5 and everyone 13 and over is $8.50, but everyone needs a ticket booked through Ticketmaster. It is an outdoor summer evening event, so it suits families happy with a late night and a picnic rug.
Parent tip: Tickets go on sale at 10 am on Wednesday 11 November 2026 through Ticketmaster and bookings are required, even for free under 6 tickets.
See dates and details from Brisbane City Council (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Karawatha
2 confirmed events in Karawatha, soonest first.
12 Days of Christmas - Bush Kindy (Karawatha)
Christmas storytimeFreeBrisbane City Council · Karawatha
- Host
- Brisbane City Council (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Karawatha Forest Park and Discovery Centre, 149 Acacia Road, Karawatha 4117 (near Brisbane)
- When
- Tue, Dec 8 and Wed, Dec 9, 10 to 10:45 am
- Cost
- Free, bookings required
- Ages
- Ages 3 to 5
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Brisbane City Council's environment centres celebrate the 12 Days of Bush Christmas with special Bush Kindy sessions. At Karawatha Forest Park, children aged 3 to 5 and their parents or carers explore the reserve, share a story-time and make festive art and craft using the natural surroundings as inspiration.
Sessions last about 45 minutes and go ahead in light rain. They are free, but places are limited and every adult and child needs an Eventbrite ticket, with a maximum of five tickets per booking and one adult for every four children. Dress for the bush with a hat, sunscreen, enclosed shoes and insect repellent, and bring water and a snack, as there is no food on site. Similar sessions also run at Downfall Creek and Boondall Wetlands.
Parent tip: Arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in. Late arrivals may lose their place, and old clothes are a good idea for messy play.
See dates and details from Brisbane City Council (opens in a new tab)12 Days of Christmas - Bush Babies Rhymetime (Karawatha)
Christmas storytimeFreeBrisbane City Council · Karawatha
- Host
- Brisbane City Council (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Karawatha Forest Park and Discovery Centre, 149 Acacia Road, Karawatha 4117 (near Brisbane)
- When
- Fri, Dec 11 and Fri, Dec 18, 9:30 to 10 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 1
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Bush Babies Rhymetime is a relaxed outdoor session for babies aged 0 to 1 and their grown ups, and for December it takes on a 12 Days of Christmas theme. Held at Karawatha Forest Park and Discovery Centre, it combines festive rhymes and songs with simple nature inspired play as babies take in the sights and sounds of the bush.
It lasts just half an hour, which suits young babies, and it is a nice chance for parents to meet other local families. Sessions are free with no booking needed. Bring a wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, enclosed walking shoes, insect repellent, water and a snack or picnic, since there are no food outlets on site.
Parent tip: No booking needed. The session may be cancelled on the day in bad weather or poor environmental conditions.
See dates and details from Brisbane City Council (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Ashgrove
1 confirmed event in Ashgrove, soonest first.
Carols By Candlelight, presented by Rotary Ashgrove The Gap and Brisbane Rivercity Rotaract (Ashgrove)
Christmas carolsFreeRotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap · Ashgrove
- Host
- Rotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dorrington Park, 5 Mirrabooka Road, Ashgrove 4060 (near Brisbane)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 4 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
This neighbourhood Carols by Candlelight is run by Rotary Ashgrove The Gap with Brisbane Rivercity Rotaract and supported by Brisbane City Council. It is held in Dorrington Park, a leafy local park in Ashgrove, and is a relaxed, community style evening rather than a big ticketed concert.
The programme includes live entertainment, food stalls, an appearance from Santa and fireworks at the end of the night. Entry is free and there is nothing to book, so families can arrive when it suits them from 4 pm and settle in on the grass. It wraps up at 8 pm, which makes it a good option for younger children who still want to see the fireworks.
Parent tip: Car park access is via Frasers Road, beside the dog off-leash area. No bookings are needed.
See dates and details from Rotary Club of Ashgrove The Gap (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Banyo
1 confirmed event in Banyo, soonest first.
Bands in Parks: Banyo Community Christmas Carols (Banyo)
Christmas carolsFreeBrisbane City Council · Banyo
- Host
- Brisbane City Council (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Banyo Memorial Park, 300 St Vincents Road, Banyo 4014 (near Brisbane)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 5 to 6 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Brisbane City Council's Bands in Parks programme brings the Swingalicious Big Band to Banyo Memorial Park for a community Christmas carols evening. Locals gather in the park for an hour of carols and festive tunes with a swing flavour, which makes for a lively, toe tapping take on the usual Christmas songs.
It is free, there are no bookings, and the one hour run time from 5 pm to 6 pm is ideal for toddlers and young children who might not last through a longer carols concert. Bring a picnic blanket or camp chairs and make it an early evening picnic in the park before heading home for dinner. Bands in Parks is a long running council programme, so the music is reliably polished.
Parent tip: No bookings are needed. The short one hour format suits younger children.
See dates and details from Brisbane City Council (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Greenslopes
1 confirmed event in Greenslopes, soonest first.
Christmas in the library (Greenslopes)
Christmas storytimeFreeBrisbane City Council Libraries · Greenslopes
- Host
- Brisbane City Council Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stones Corner Library, 280 Logan Road, Greenslopes 4120 (near Brisbane)
- When
- Wed, Dec 16, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free, bookings required
- Ages
- Ages 4 to 12
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Brisbane's libraries run a Christmas in the library session in the school holidays, and Stones Corner Library in Greenslopes hosts one on Wednesday 16 December. The hour mixes Christmas stories with festive craft and games, and is pitched at primary school aged children from 4 to 12, together with their parents or carers.
It is a calm indoor option for a hot December afternoon, and a nice way to break up the long summer holidays with something seasonal that does not cost anything. Places are limited because it is a hands-on session, so families need to phone the library to book a spot before turning up. Brisbane libraries run similar Christmas sessions at several branches over the holidays, so it is worth checking the calendar if this date does not suit.
Parent tip: Bookings are required. Phone Stones Corner Library on 07 3403 2170 to reserve your place.
See dates and details from Brisbane City Council Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Kenmore
1 confirmed event in Kenmore, soonest first.
Christmas in the Library (Kenmore)
Christmas storytimeFreeBrisbane City Council Libraries · Kenmore
- Host
- Brisbane City Council Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Kenmore Library, Kenmore Village, 9 Brookfield Road, Kenmore 4069 (near Brisbane)
- When
- Fri, Dec 18, 11 am to 12 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 4 to 12
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Kenmore Library, inside Kenmore Village shopping centre, is hosting a Christmas in the Library morning on Friday 18 December as part of the Brisbane libraries school holiday programme. Children aged 4 to 12 and their carers can enjoy Christmas stories, then settle in for festive craft and games.
Unlike some branches, Kenmore does not require a booking for this one, so it is an easy option to combine with last minute Christmas shopping at the centre. It runs for an hour from 11 am, which suits younger school aged children and preschoolers who are still keen on a story and a craft table. Brisbane libraries run similar Christmas sessions at several branches over the holidays, so it is worth checking the calendar if this date does not suit.
Parent tip: No booking is needed. The library is inside Kenmore Village, so parking and shops are on hand.
See dates and details from Brisbane City Council Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Middle Park
1 confirmed event in Middle Park, soonest first.
Centenary Carols (Middle Park)
Christmas carolsFreeBrisbane City Council (supported community event) · Middle Park
- Host
- Brisbane City Council (supported community event) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Peter Lightfoot Oval, Horizon Drive, Middle Park 4074 (near Brisbane)
- When
- Sun, Dec 6, 3:30 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Centenary Carols is a community Christmas evening at Peter Lightfoot Oval in Middle Park, supported by Brisbane City Council. The afternoon starts with food vans, twilight market stalls and free family activities, including a rock climbing wall, before the carols begin as the light fades.
The carols programme includes a live nativity scene, and the night ends with fireworks, which tends to be the highlight for younger children. Entry is free and no bookings are needed, so it is an easy one to drop into after an afternoon at home. It runs from 3:30 pm to 8 pm, which suits families who want a full carols experience without staying out too late.
Parent tip: No bookings are needed. Bring a picnic rug and cash or cards for the food vans and market stalls.
See dates and details from Brisbane City Council (supported community event) (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Mount Gravatt
1 confirmed event in Mount Gravatt, soonest first.
Christmas in the library (Mount Gravatt)
Christmas storytimeFreeBrisbane City Council Libraries · Mount Gravatt
- Host
- Brisbane City Council Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Mt Gravatt Library, 8 Creek Road, Mount Gravatt 4122 (near Brisbane)
- When
- Tue, Dec 22, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free, bookings required
- Ages
- Ages 4 to 12
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On Tuesday 22 December, Mt Gravatt Library is running Christmas in the library, a school holiday session listed as a children's storytime. Children aged 4 to 12 and their carers can listen to Christmas stories, then move on to festive craft and games for the rest of the hour.
With only a few days to go until Christmas, it is a handy way to keep excited children busy for an afternoon in an air conditioned space, and the crafts make a nice small keepsake or decoration to take home. The session is free but places are limited, so the library asks families to book by phone. Brisbane libraries run similar Christmas sessions at several branches over the holidays, so it is worth checking the calendar if this date does not suit.
Parent tip: Bookings are required. Phone Mount Gravatt Library on 07 3403 7775 to reserve your place.
See dates and details from Brisbane City Council Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Nundah
1 confirmed event in Nundah, soonest first.
Christmas movie screening: Santa's Castle (G) (Nundah)
Meet SantaFreeBrisbane City Council Libraries · Nundah
- Host
- Brisbane City Council Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Nundah Library, 1 Bage Street, Nundah 4012 (near Brisbane)
- When
- Wed, Dec 16, 4:30 to 6 pm
- Cost
- Free, bookings required
- Ages
- Kids
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Brisbane libraries are holding a festive movie screening of Santa's Castle, a 2018 G-rated film that runs about an hour and 13 minutes. In the story, a group of creatures kidnaps Santa on Christmas Eve, and his loyal, magical helpers band together to save him and Christmas before the night is over.
The screening is free and pitched at kids as part of the school holiday programme. It runs in the late afternoon from 4:30 pm, which can be a welcome cool, indoor break on a hot December day. Seats are limited, so families need to phone Nundah Library to book before coming along. With the film running about 73 minutes, the session fits neatly into the hour and a half that is booked out for it.
Parent tip: Bookings are required. Phone Nundah Library on 07 3407 8701 to reserve your place.
See dates and details from Brisbane City Council Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Paddington
1 confirmed event in Paddington, soonest first.
Bands in Parks: Government House Christmas Lights (Paddington)
Christmas lightsFreeBrisbane City Council · Paddington
- Host
- Brisbane City Council (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Government House, 168 Fernberg Road, Paddington 4064 (near Brisbane)
- When
- Nightly, Dec 11 to 17, 7 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Each December the gardens of Government House in Paddington are turned into a Christmas light display, and Brisbane City Council's Bands in Parks provides the soundtrack. Across seven nights a different group performs classic Christmas hits, including the Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra, South East Queensland Symphonic Winds, Sunnybank Brass, Queensland Wind and Brass and the Jindalee Jazz Orchestra.
The music runs from 7 pm to 8 pm, so families can wander the lit gardens and then sit down for a festive concert. It is free and no bookings are needed. Because the performers change nightly, families who love one style of music can pick the evening that suits them. The setting is a grand heritage estate, which adds a special feel compared with a suburban park.
Parent tip: Free with no bookings. Check the nightly listing to pick the band or orchestra you would like to hear.
See dates and details from Brisbane City Council (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Sunnybank Hills
1 confirmed event in Sunnybank Hills, soonest first.
Make and create: Christmas (Sunnybank Hills)
Christmas craftsFreeBrisbane City Council Libraries · Sunnybank Hills
- Host
- Brisbane City Council Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sunnybank Hills Library, Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown, 661 Compton Road, Sunnybank Hills 4109 (near Brisbane)
- When
- Tue, Dec 15, 11 am to 12 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop in
- Ages
- Ages 4 to 12
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Sunnybank Hills Library, inside Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown, is running a Make and create: Christmas session on Tuesday 15 December. Children aged 4 to 12 can drop in and try a range of free Christmas themed craft activities, making decorations and festive creations to take home.
There is no booking needed, so families can pop in during the hour that suits them, which makes it easy to pair with errands at the shopping centre. It is indoors and air conditioned, and a relaxed way to spend part of a summer holiday morning. The same library also hosts a free Red Rocket 3 children's band performance the following morning, on Wednesday 16 December.
Parent tip: No booking needed. The library is inside Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown with centre parking.
See dates and details from Brisbane City Council Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Wynnum
1 confirmed event in Wynnum, soonest first.
Christmas in the library (Wynnum)
Christmas storytimeFreeBrisbane City Council Libraries · Wynnum
- Host
- Brisbane City Council Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wynnum Library, 145 Florence Street, Wynnum 4178 (near Brisbane)
- When
- Mon, Dec 21, 10 to 10:45 am
- Cost
- Free, bookings required
- Ages
- Ages 4 to 12
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Wynnum Library's Christmas in the library session falls on Monday 21 December, right in the countdown to Christmas. The 45 minute programme brings together Christmas stories, a festive craft and games, and is designed for children aged 4 to 12 with their parents or carers.
It is a good fit for families in the bayside suburbs looking for a free, indoor activity in the last week before Christmas, and the morning time slot works well before the day heats up. Because places are limited, the library asks families to book ahead by phone rather than simply dropping in. Brisbane libraries run similar Christmas sessions at several branches over the holidays, so it is worth checking the calendar if this date does not suit.
Parent tip: Bookings are required. Phone Wynnum Library on 07 3403 2199 to reserve your place.
See dates and details from Brisbane City Council Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Zillmere
1 confirmed event in Zillmere, soonest first.
Christmas Jumbo Funk (Zillmere)
Christmas showFreeBrisbane City Council Libraries · Zillmere
- Host
- Brisbane City Council Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Zillmere Library, Corner Jennings Street and Zillmere Road, Zillmere 4034 (near Brisbane)
- When
- Tue, Dec 22, 4:30 to 5:10 pm
- Cost
- Free, bookings required
- Ages
- Ages 1 to 8
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Zillmere Library is celebrating the season with Jumbo Funk, a children's music and movement act, as part of the Brisbane libraries school holiday programme. Children sing along to cheerful Christmas tunes played on the ukulele and join in interactive movement activities designed to get little bodies moving.
The session is ideal for children aged 1 to 8 and their families, and its 40 minute length suits toddlers and early primary children alike. It is free, but the library asks families to book a place by phone. The late afternoon time makes it a good option for working parents picking up children from holiday care. Comfortable clothes are a good idea, as children are encouraged to dance and move along with the songs.
Parent tip: Bookings are required. Phone Zillmere Library on 07 3403 1455 to reserve your place.
See dates and details from Brisbane City Council Libraries (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cosy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.com.au (opens in a new tab)Brisbane Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Brisbane in 2026?
We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Brisbane for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Bands in Parks: Banyo Community Christmas Carols (Banyo), Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols 2026, Centenary Carols (Middle Park), 12 Days of Christmas - Bush Kindy (Karawatha), 12 Days of Christmas - Bush Babies Rhymetime (Karawatha), Bands in Parks: Government House Christmas Lights (Paddington), Carols By Candlelight, presented by Rotary Ashgrove The Gap and Brisbane Rivercity Rotaract (Ashgrove), Make and create: Christmas (Sunnybank Hills), Christmas in the library (Greenslopes), Christmas movie screening: Santa's Castle (G) (Nundah), Christmas in the Library (Kenmore) and Christmas in the library (Wynnum). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Brisbane?
Yes. 13 of the 14 events here are free, including Bands in Parks: Banyo Community Christmas Carols (Banyo), Centenary Carols (Middle Park), 12 Days of Christmas - Bush Kindy (Karawatha), 12 Days of Christmas - Bush Babies Rhymetime (Karawatha), Bands in Parks: Government House Christmas Lights (Paddington), Carols By Candlelight, presented by Rotary Ashgrove The Gap and Brisbane Rivercity Rotaract (Ashgrove), Make and create: Christmas (Sunnybank Hills), Christmas in the library (Greenslopes), Christmas movie screening: Santa's Castle (G) (Nundah), Christmas in the Library (Kenmore), Christmas in the library (Wynnum) and Christmas Jumbo Funk (Zillmere). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Brisbane this year?
Santa appears at Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols 2026, Carols By Candlelight, presented by Rotary Ashgrove The Gap and Brisbane Rivercity Rotaract (Ashgrove) and Christmas movie screening: Santa's Castle (G) (Nundah). Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Brisbane?
Christmas storytimes on this page: 12 Days of Christmas - Bush Kindy (Karawatha), 12 Days of Christmas - Bush Babies Rhymetime (Karawatha), Christmas in the library (Greenslopes), Christmas in the Library (Kenmore), Christmas in the library (Wynnum) and Christmas in the library (Mount Gravatt). Library storytimes are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on 2 November 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
