Mark your calendar with these December events in Queensland

It’s the most wonderful – and busiest – time of year, with festivities flowing all over Queensland. From captivating art exhibitions to fast-paced sports action, Christmas cheer and community festivals, there’s a special event for everyone this month.

Grab your calendars and get planning, these are the best events happening in Queensland during December 2024.

Brisbane

Bluey's World Brisbane: until 14 September 2025

Grab the kids hightail it to Queensland – you’re invited to step into Bluey’s World Brisbane, exclusive to Brisbane.

Swinging its doors wide open on 7 November 2024, Bluey's World Brisbane is a one-of-a-kind immersive experience that takes you into the Heeler’s iconic family home, backyard and beyond – for real life.

Inspired by Bluey episodes you know and love, Bluey’s World Brisbane is located at Brisbane’s newest arts and entertainment precinct, Northshore. After you’ve explored and played games from Bluey, turn your interactive adventure into a Brisbane expedition to visit the locations made iconic on the show.

Get the guide here.

The Enchanted Garden: until 21 December 2024

Visit Roma Street Parkland as it comes alive with magical lighting, audio special effects and digital art for The Enchanted Garden. This immersive and magical journey is a must for your December events calendar. 

If you love embracing the festive season, but sure to book a night at the ballet when The Nutcracker graces the QPAC stage from 13 – 21 December.

11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art: 30 November 2024 – 20 January 2025

The dazzling next chapter in QAGOMA’s flagship exhibition series, the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, arrives just in time for the start of summer, adding an artistic touch to sunny days exploring South Bank.

Featuring 70 projects by over 200 artists from across Australia, Asia, and the Pacific, this year’s edition will spotlight the region’s rich cultural diversity, showcasing many artists making their Australian debut. The exhibition delves into themes of environmental care, migration, labour, and intergenerational storytelling, with a strong focus on First Nations, minority, and diaspora cultures. Expect captivating, community-driven art that blends tradition with contemporary flair, offering fresh perspectives on storytelling, materials, and technique. A must-see for art lovers and curious minds alike.

Get the guide here.

NRMA Insurance Brisbane Test v India: 14 December – 18 December 2024

You know it’s summer when Test cricket resurfaces on telly. Get up close and personal to the world’s elite during the NRMA Insurance Brisbane Test v India at the Gabba in Woolloongabba. The two best teams in the world will battle it out over five days as some of the city’s most dedicated (and highly decorated) sporting fans come out in droves to support their local idols.  

Looking for more summer sports in Queensland? Head here.

Woodford Folk Festival: 27 December 2024 – 1 January 2025

There's nothing quite like Woodford Folk Festival. One of the biggest and best festivals in Brisbane, each year more than 120,000 colourful performers, talented artists and party people pour into the not-for-profit festival for six days of entertainment, music and art.

You can take in thousands of performances and shows across Woodford’s dedicated festival village, comprising of music concerts, writers’ panels, movie nights, talks and cabarets, workshops as well as an entire festival program dedicated to kids. This year, big-name international and local acts will grace the stages, like musical pioneers Yothu Yindi, North-East Arnhem land’s Yolŋu surf-rockers, King Stingray, Aussie queen of country Beccy Cole, the alt’ rock storyteller Dan Sultan and five-piece much loved indie outfit Ball Park Music.

Get the guide here.

Brisbane International: 29 December 2024 – 5 January 2025

Why not start the new year enjoying the spoils of the River City and a week of high-octane tennis action (including bulk celebrity sightings) at Brisbane International. Held at the state-of-the-art Queensland Tennis Centre just south of the CBD, this is your chance to see the world’s tennis greats up close as they ‘deux’ it out for the first Grand Slam of the year. 

Get the guide here.

Gold Coast

Matildas v Brazil: 1 December 2024

Cheer on the Tillies at CBUS Super Stadium as they take on football powerhouse Brazil in an action-packed match. Crowd favourites and Gold Coast locals Mackenzie Arnold, Hayley Raso and Tameka Yallop are ready to play in front of their hometown crowd – will you be there to show your green and gold support?

Basketball Australia – Australian School Championships: 1 – 6 December 2024

High school students from all corners of the country will flock to the Gold Coast to compete in the Australian School Championships’ pinnacle basketball competition – with fast paced games across 3x3 and 5x5 formats.

White Christmas at Warner Bros. Movie World: December 2024

Embrace the magic of Christmas alongside thrill rides and your favourite characters at Warner Bros. Movie World. Come December, White Christmas takes over Movie World with a dusting of snow, Christmas parades, Santa meet-and-greets, interactive entertainment and crowd-favourite, The Polar Express 4D experience.

Get the guide here.

Sunshine Coast

Christmas Twilight Train: 7 December 2024

All aboard the historic Mary Valley Rattler for a steam train journey with a festive twist. Depart historic Gympie Station for a rare opportunity to enjoy a journey on the Mary Valley Rattler at night – with carols on board as you chug through the countryside. Arriving in Dagun, there’ll be street performers, face painting, a visit from Santa, food trucks, and wine and cheese tastings – before returning to Gympie.

Another twilight train journey will take place on 14 December between Gympie and Amamoor – get the details here.

Southern Great Barrier Reef

RADIANCE Rockhampton: 29 November – 24 December 2024

A wonderland of immersive light and sound – RADIANCE returns to Rockhampton’s Botanic Gardens for another dazzling festive display. Grab your tickets and wander the parklands to explore striking art installations, light sculptures, laser effects, interactive projections and magical holograms in a brand new Christmas adventure.

Looking for more things to do this December? Check out what’s on in Queensland – and start marking your calendar for these January events while you’re at it.