Holiday wrap: The festive events taking place across Qld
The silly season has begun to liven up the place, with Christmas events taking place across Queensland over the next week, including performances of The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, live music, screenings of festive films in South Bank, and Christmas Carols on the Sunshine Coast.
The silly season has well and truly begun, with a load of activities and events to attend around Brisbane and beyond (Image: BCC)
Here are some of the things going on around the state over the Christmas period.
Queensland Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker
Audiences will be whisked away at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve when little Clara finds herself embarking on the magical adventure to faraway places reigned by the Sugar Plum Fairy. Light-hearted, dreamy and brimming with festive magic, The Nutcracker is the perfect way to rediscover the wonders of the season and share with family the traditions of Christmas.
Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO envisioned The Nutcracker to become an annual tradition for Queenslanders to experience the magic of the festive season in ways only ballet can provide.
“This is our ninth year performing The Nutcracker, and year on year we see familiar faces in the crowd, as well as new audiences who are only just discovering the wonders of ballet,” said Mr Li.
“There’s something magical about giving an experience people can share together, and I think that’s what is so special aboutThe Nutcracker. It warms my heart to see the community include us in their own family traditions,” he added
The Nutcracker runs from December 16-23 at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Queensland Ballet – Nutcracker 2018 Dress Rehearsal (Image: Queensland Ballet)
Spirit of Christmas at QPAC
One of QPAC’s longest running events, Spirit of Christmas will return this year a celebration of all things Christmas, which will see a variety performance of carols and Christmas music by leading theatre stars and the QPAC Chamber Choir.
Led by Musical Director and Conductor Simon Kenway, Spirit of Christmas will see Amy Lehpamer (School of Rock, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The Sound of Music) and Lucy Maunder (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, Pippin) with special guests and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
“Spirit of Christmas is one of my favourite events of the year as we see generations of families and friends gather at QPAC to commence their Christmas celebrations; it’s the perfect reminder of how the performing arts can unite us and bring joy and transformation,” said John Kotzas, Chief Executive of QPAC.
A free digital broadcast of QPAC’s annual Spirit of Christmas concert will run on Friday 24 December at 7pm.
Spirit of Christmas 2020 at the Concert Hall, QPAC. (Image: QPAC)
A Christmas Carol, HOTA
Will Bligh will play 20 characters in his one man show performance of A Christmas Carol at the Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts (HOTA).
A retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story of greed and redemption, Bligh has adapted the story with lighting, sound and a wooden chair for his solo performance.
The ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future will arrive to bring audiences some Christmas spirit.
A Christmas Carol will run over three performances at HOTA from 17 December to 18th December on the Gold Coast.
Will Bligh in his one man show A Christmas Carol at HOTA (Image: HOTA)
Christmas at Southbank
The South Bank Parklands will be turned into a winter wonderland this weekend with a whole host of free or low cost activities and events.
Events include a visit to Santa and Mrs Claus, kid’s crafts, an outdoor cinema and live music in a new pop-up bar with Christmas cocktails.
River Quay Green will be playing Christmas cinema classics through the week, such as Home Alone and The Polar Express.
The South Bank Christmas Show will run in the Piazza is a variety show featuring live music, singing, dancing, circus acts and a visit from Santa.
Brisbane Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, said Christmas at South Bank offers everyone access to holiday celebrations.
“With so many free activities on offer for every age group there really is something for everyone at South Bank,” Cr Schrinner said.
Christmas at South Bank begins on 18 December at South Bank Parklands (Image: BCC)
Christmas Carols at NightQuarter
The Sunshine Coast’s NightQuarter is holding Christmas events across the weekend, with their Christmas Social and Christmas Carols events.
Their Christmas social will have roller skating candy cane girls, live tunes with 42 Band, a fire show and street food and amusements.
Christmas Carols will have a singing Santa, Rudolph, festive characters and carollers for revellers to enjoy as well as live entertainment and food stalls.
NightQuarter’s Christmas events run from 17 December to 18 December at Birtinya.
