Christmas in Ipswich gifting festive family fun to Division 1

28 November 2022

Spectacular suburban wonderlands, Christmas carol sing-alongs, fleets of merry performers and so much more are planned for Division 1 as part of council’s annual Christmas in Ipswich program.

Deputy Mayor and Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said the city’s celebrations will include free events and activities from Willowbank to Redbank Plains and every suburb across the Division.

“A local highlight will be Santa on Tour, which will see a merry fleet cruise through suburbs on 9, 10 and 16 December, stopping at parks and community locations to spread festive cheer with help from the local Mt Forbes Rural Fire Service crew,” Cr Madsen said.

“There are also several opportunities to sing your favourite Christmas carols with family-friendly events planned in Ripley, Raceview, and Redbank Plains.”

Division 1 Councillor Sheila Ireland said council will soon publish a list of the best displays in the City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition so families can easily plan their route to see incredible suburban light wonderlands and north pole characters.

“Festive celebrations in Division 1 will culminate with plenty of local events and spectacular fireworks displays in South Ripley, Raceview and Redbank Plains to blast Ipswich into the new year,” Cr Ireland said.

“With two special Christmas motoring events at Willowbank, festive markets in Ripley and Letters to Santa at the Redbank Plains Library, there is something for everyone this Christmas in Ipswich.”

For the full program and to learn more about what festive events and activities are planned near you, visit ChristmasInIpswich.com.au

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Letters to Santa - all Ipswich Libraries branches
22 November to 14 December

Visit any Ipswich Libraries branch to write and post your letter to Santa. Get in quick to give Santa enough time to respond between wrapping presents.

Christmas Lights CompetitionOnline voting open 1 to 5 December
Entries have closed for the City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition, presented by Nine News Queensland. Entrants could win a share in over $8,000 worth of cash and prizes. A full list of addresses for voting will be available from 1 December on ChristmasInIpswich.com.au

Categories include Best Residential, Best Business/Organisation, Best Street, People’s Choice, Best New Entry.

Cruise The Night Christmas - Queensland Raceway, Willowbank
3 December

Experience a fantastic night out with friends and family, cruising the raceway under lights. This popular event offers on-track cruising, off-track activities, show ’n shine, trade stalls and more.

Morning Mayhem, Christmas Edition - Queensland Raceway, Willowbank
4 December
Car enthusiast? What could be better than racing before breakfast? A Christmas event for car enthusiasts to bring their vehicle to a local racetrack and enjoy it the way it should be enjoyed.

Raceview Community Carols Under the Big Tree - 141 Wildey Street, Raceview4 December
Raceview Congregational Church has been hosting carols under the ‘Big tree’ since 1970. Gather for a night of tradition, family and community.

Cityhope Church presents ‘Best Story Ever’ - 7 Rex Hills Drive, Ripley
10 and 11 December
Celebrate with your local community. An unforgettable Christmas event for the whole family with carols, singing, dancing, film, Santa and loads of fun.

Whitehall Carols - 219 Whitehill Rd, Raceview
11 December
Experience free family entertainment, fireworks and your favourite Christmas carols performed by Whitehill’s talented musicians. Everyone is welcome so please bring along your family and friends.

Redbank Plains Community Christmas Carols - Redbank Plains Bears Club11 December
Come join in the fun at The Redbank Plains Community Carols and share with us the joy of singing traditional Christmas Carols, a special visit from Santa Claus and a spectacular firework finale. Make sure to check out food truck alley and the pre-event entertainment.

Christmas in the Valley - Ripley Valley State Secondary College Sports Oval11 December
There will be food and fun for the whole family with markets, jumping castles, a petting zoo, live music, food trucks and Christmas carols with special performances and fireworks.

Santa on Tour
9 to 10 and 16 to 17 December

He has made his list and checked in twice. Now Santa and his band of merry performers will be cruising past Christmas lights and stopping at local parks and suburbs near you to spread joy and festive cheer.

Christmas Lights Tours
6pm to 9pm, 9 and 16 December

View a selection of the best displays in this year’s Christmas Lights Competition in air-conditioned comfort. The bus tour includes commentary from friendly guides, light supper and live entertainment. Spaces are limited and bookings essential - call 3281 0555 or email info@discoveripswich.com.au

The Christmas in Ipswich program is delivered with the support of the following partners: Nine News Queensland, River 94.9, Stockland Providence, Energex, STRUD Property, Event Cinemas Springfield, Choices Flooring by Mallets Ipswich, Harvey Norman Booval, Premier Queensland and Pocket Retreats.