The Brisbane Christmas tree lighting is a free evening in King George Square on Friday 27 November, when the Lord Mayor switches on the city’s 22 metre Christmas tree for the first time. It starts at 6.30 pm, so it suits kids who are still up for a night out in the city.
Brisbane City Council runs it as the official start of Christmas in Brisbane, with Santa and his helpers and live music from singer-songwriter Jem Cassar-Daley.
When and where
- Date: Friday 27 November 2026
- Time: from 6.30 pm
- Place: King George Square, Brisbane City
King George Square is in the middle of the CBD, so you can make a night of it with dinner in the city before or after.
Tickets and cost
Entry is free. No tickets or bookings are mentioned.
What’s on at the tree lighting
- The Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, lights the 22 metre tree. This is the first time the tree is lit for the season.
- Santa and his helpers make an appearance.
- Jem Cassar-Daley performs live.
Planning your night
- Start time: It starts at 6.30 pm on a Friday night, so allow for kids to be out past their usual bedtime.
- Cost: Free to attend, so the only spending is on food and drinks in the city.
- Getting home: Look up your return trip on Translink before you leave, since it is an evening event.
- Seeing the tree again: The tree shines throughout the season, so if the crowd is too big for little ones you can come back on another evening.
- Santa: Santa and his helpers appear on the night. Photos with Santa are not mentioned, so do not plan around them.
The Council describes the lighting as officially kicking off the Christmas in Brisbane festivities. The Christmas in Brisbane website is the place to find the other events in the season as they are announced.
Is the Brisbane Christmas tree lighting accessible?
Brisbane City Council lists the event as suitable for wheelchair users, for people who are deaf or have hearing loss, and for people who can manage a few steps and would benefit from balance fixtures, including those using walking frames or mobility aids.
How long is the tree up?
The tree shines throughout the Christmas season, so you can also see it on a quieter night. No end date or nightly viewing hours have been published, so check the Christmas in Brisbane page before you plan a later visit.
Getting there
King George Square is in the Brisbane CBD. Public transport is the easiest way in on a busy night; plan your trip with Translink’s journey planner.
Nearby
- Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols – the Council’s big carols night at Riverstage on Saturday 5 December.
- Brisbane CityHopper – a way to get around the river.
- 5 of the best markets in South East Queensland – more days out.
- More things to do in Brisbane
Details can change, so check the Christmas in Brisbane website before you go.
Quick answers
When is the Brisbane Christmas tree lighting?
Friday 27 November 2026, from 6.30 pm in King George Square.
Is the Brisbane Christmas tree lighting free?
Yes, entry is free.
Who lights the tree?
The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Adrian Schrinner, lights the 22 metre tree. Santa and his helpers are there and Jem Cassar-Daley performs.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The Council lists the event as suitable for wheelchair users and people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
How long does the tree stay up?
It shines through the Christmas season. No end date has been published, so check the Christmas in Brisbane page.
0 Comments