If you’re looking for a lively, festive Christmas holiday, Toowoomba is the place for you! Here’s what you can get up to this Christmas.
At this time of year, many people favour freezing and snowy destinations for that festive feel. The myth is that a white Christmas is the best Christmas, but we’re here to bust that myth. An Australian Christmas in Queensland is just the ticket, we say. A Christmas of warm air, gorgeous evergreen foliage, sunlight days and blue skies. Just 90 minutes outside of Brisbane, beautiful Toowoomba sits on the edge of the Great Dividing Range overlooking the lush Lockyer Valley. Also known as the Garden City, Toowoomba is the perfect choice for an exciting but not overwhelming Christmas getaway with plenty of classically Australian character. Let’s find out more.
Go Camping
While an outdoor Christmas may be off the table in the Northern Hemisphere, in Toowoomba, it’s the perfect combination of fun, festive and practicality. The weather in Toowoomba, and all of Queensland, during December is very warm, which makes it an ideal time to take advantage of the gorgeous camping and caravanning areas available in and near the town.
Getting to Toowoomba is easy enough, as you can arrive by charter plane at several nearby airports, such as Wellcamp or Toowoomba City Aerodrome. From these locations, it’s a short drive (more or less an hour) to Freedom Lifestyle Parks, a family-friendly camping and cabin location that gets you close to nature while still offering the necessary safe and clean amenities.
Step away from the crowds in the cities and towns and take it easy with your nearest and dearest. There are cabins if you prefer travelling light and sites for camping that offer plenty of space and freedom. The park has its own BBQ areas, swimming pools and play spaces for guests, so setting up an exciting experience or an enticing Christmas meal will be a breeze.
Enjoy a festive Christmas market! There is nothing like a Christmas market to really level up the festive feeling that permeates the entire month. Twinkling lights everywhere, the smell of delicious spiced treats and hot drinks in the air, souvenirs and trinkets for gifts and stocking stuffers and warm smiles all around…what’s not to love? Toowoomba is full of festive markets that happen throughout the month of December, each one with a unique character and selection of local makers’ arts, crafts, clothing, food and more. Enjoy the traditional Christmas lights display, as well as local and roving performers, raffles, BBQ and baked treats, and festive entertainment for the whole family.
The main market takes place from 7 to 9 pm from 7 to 24 December 2024 in the Botanic Gardens, Lindsay St, Toowoomba. There is also the Greenbank Christmas Market supporting the Lotus Vana Resort Charity on Saturday, 14 December, from 8 am to 12 pm. You can visit the Christmas Twilight Market on the 20th on the grounds of the Cobb and Co Museum. The Bush Christmas Exhibition hosts more than 500 artisans and local craftspeople who offer a range of wares across a ten-day event at Neil Street, which is the perfect spot to get souvenirs or last-minute gifts.
One of the main attractions in Toowoomba at Christmas is the Christmas Wonderland. Local charities and volunteers have been running this event for years now, and it has become a beloved local tradition. The event is held in the Botanic Gardens on Lindsay Street and has one of the biggest light displays in Queensland! Kids have access to exciting giveaways, and the charities will take donations at the event. Although this event began as something fun, festive and charitable for just the local community, it has become such a big draw that over $100 000 is raised for various charities each year.
Who says holidays can’t be productive AND relaxing? Learn some cool Christmas crafts while you’re in Toowoomba this December.
Take a beginner’s royal icing class and learn how to create simple but stunning Christmas cookie designs that make amazing as gifts or snacks after Christmas lunch. The class is on Friday, 20 December, from 09:30 am to 12:30 pm at Lollipop Cake Supplies.
Visit Miss MJ’s Creativity Centre and learn to make small Christmas crafts and ornaments for the tree. This class is for crafters at any level, so bring the whole family and spend a few hours making happy memories. Take the class on Tuesday, 17 December from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Learn how to make a fresh Christmas wreath – the perfect decoration for your door or tent – at Blooming Gorgeous Flowers and Gifts. Take your decor to the next level this year and learn from an experienced florist. You’ll get all the materials you need, as well as tea and snacks to keep you going during the event. You’ll leave with a beautiful, fresh 30cm wreath that can be as personalised as you like.
There’s lots to keep you entertained, a host of bonding opportunities and gorgeous locations and destinations to see on your trip to Toowoomba this Christmas. Take a step outside your usual routine and create a Christmas experience like none you’ve had before in Toowoomba this season.