Christmas Tree light up kicks off the festive season

MEDIA RELEASE

Published: 28th November 2023. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

The Cairns Esplanade will come alive with festive cheer this Friday evening (1 December) as the city’s Christmas Tree lights up for the holiday season.

Mayor Terry James said the annual lighting up of the Christmas Tree at the Lagoon Plaza marked the traditional start of the festive season in Cairns.

“It’s always a wonderful event that brings out our city’s Christmas spirit,” Cr James said.

“There’s nothing like Christmas in the tropics and it’s fitting that we kick off the festive season beside our iconic lagoon.

“In a coup for the city, everybody’s favourite blue heeler Bluey and her sister Bingo will add to the festive atmosphere with three Christmas shows to delight the younger members of our community.”

The Bluey and Bingo Christmas Show will kick-off off the event at 5.30pm, with further shows at 6.15pm and 7.15pm.

The 13,000 LED lights on the 10-metre tall tree will be flicked on at 7pm by Cr James and the winners of Council’s Christmas eCard Competition, Sienna, 5, Summer, 9, and Wildey, 11.

Wildey’s entry was judged the overall winner and will be used by Council as this year’s official Christmas eCard.

The Esplanade Christmas Tree will light up every night across the Christmas season and will be complemented lighting in the neighbouring raintree, and special reef-inspired decorations by local artists Hayley Gillespie and India Collins in the nearby fig tree.

Christmas festivities in the city will continue through the month with Carols in the Park on Sunday 17 December.

To be staged at Munro Martin Parklands and live-streamed at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, people are encouraged to bring a blanket and chairs and enjoy the free entertainment.

Solahart Cairns has signed up as the Major Event Partner for this year’s Carols in the Park, which will embody a ‘Baubles and Bows’ theme and feature a wide variety of local artists.

Gates will open at 4pm with roving performers and fashion show at 6pm, and the main show from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Road closures

Christmas Tree light up: Friday 1 December

The Esplanade will be closed to all traffic between Spence St and Shields St from 4pm till 9pm on Friday 1 December.

Carols in the Park: Sunday 17 December

Florence St, between Sheridan and Grafton streets, will be closed to traffic for food trucks and activations from 11am to 9.30pm on Sunday 17 December.

Last Updated: 28 November 2023