23December

Although the lead-up to Christmas can be a a trying time, with everyone trying to get everything possible finished off in time for the break and the end of year, it can also be quite a beautiful time … if you can take a step back, forget your worries for a moment, and ignore the crass commercialism that comes with it all. Switch off your mind, and just enjoy the pretty lights and the wondrous look on the faces of small children. Admittedly you probably won’t see that wondrous look on the older kids, as they’re too busy figuring out how to scam mum and dad for that Xbox One, PS4, or new laptop.

Here in Brisbane, the best place to see Christmas is Queens Mall and nearby King George Square. Each year there’s a parade running each evening for the ten days before Christmas, with dancers, acrobats, costumes, plus camels and other livestock out of the Christmas nativity. This parade culminates in King George Square where there’s a free pantomime for the kids, a rather large solar-powered Christmas tree and (this year at least) a spectacular light show.

Tags: Christmas