Christmas Tree Light-up
Sunday 29 November 2026
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon Plaza
Every year, after the Christmas Tree has been installed and beautifully decorated, the community is invited to gather and celebrate the beginning of the festive season.
Join us for the official Cairns Christmas Tree Light Switch-On and help celebrate the start of the festive season. More details coming soon!
Schedule of Events
| 4:45pm | Events Starts First Performance - Dusty the Christmas Beetle and Friends Performance - The Greatest Gift |
| 5:00pm | Meet and Greet with Dusty the Christmas Beetle and Friends |
| 5:15pm | Christmas Arts and Crafts |
| 5:30pm | Second Performance - Dusty the Christmas Beetle and Friends Performance - The Greatest Gift |
| 5:45pm | Meet and greet with Dusty the Christmas Beetle and Friends |
| 6:00pm | Christmas Arts and Crafts |
| 6:15pm | Third Performance - Dusty the Christmas Beetle and Friends Performance - The Greatest Gift |
| 6:30pm | Meet and great with Dusty the Christmas Beetle and Friends |
| 6:45pm | Christmas Arts and Crafts |
| 7:00pm | Christmas Tree Light-Up |
| 8:00pm | Events Finishes |
Note: this event may be cancelled at short notice in the event of unfavourable or unsafe weather conditions. Please refer to Council's Facebook page for status changes; this web page is not updated for cancellations at short notice.
Road Closures:
Please note: The Esplanade, between Spence Street and Shields Street, will be closed to all traffic during the Christmas Tree Light-Up festivities. Closure times are to be confirmed.
Last Updated: 29 June 2026
Latest News > All News
Air Force Cadets in march of honour
A Freedom of Entry march will take place on the Cairns Esplanade on Saturday 1 August, with the 104 Squadron...
27 July 2026
Beloved Lagoon's maintenance program
If you ask someone to think about Cairns, they likely think of the iconic Esplanade Lagoon....
27 July 2026
10 days of music to soundtrack Cairns Festival
Cairns Festival will deliver 10 consecutive days of free live music when the Esplanade Festival Hub comes alive from 28...
22 July 2026