Join the Christmas spirit at events across the region

The festive season is fast approaching and Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is encouraging residents to join a host of family friendly activities across the region.

TRC Tourism and Events portfolio leader Cr Geoff McDonald said preparations were well in hand to spread some Christmas cheer around the region in the coming weeks.

“Council is proud to be associated with numerous community Christmas celebrations in the coming weeks,” Cr McDonald said.

“Council’s sleighs have been through their annual tests and are ready to be backed out of Santa’s workshop for visits to a variety of Christmas celebrations.

“Christmas might be directed at children, but these festivities are planned for all ages.

“There are Council-supported Christmas events across the region along with many other community events for people to enjoy.”

Toowoomba’s CBD will be a focal point for activities from 4pm at Grand Central before the CBD parade and lighting ceremonies run from 6-7.30pm on Thursday, November 28.

Entertainment starts from 6pm in front of City Hall (541 Ruthven Street) with a performance by the Helen Earley Ensemble followed by the Harlaxton RSL Brass Band and the Toowoomba City Cheerleaders.

The Harlaxton RSL Brass Band will lead Santa’s sleigh in front of City Hall before Mayor Antonio turns on the building’s light show just after 7pm.

The Santa parade then heads north along Ruthven Street and turns into Margaret Street before arriving at Grand Central’s Community Space around 7.20pm for the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Grand Central Centre Manager Claire Torkington said Christmas is one of the centre’s favourite times of year, and they were delighted to once again be part of this annual CBD event.

“We invite the community to join in the celebrations at Grand Central from 4pm on Thursday, November 28. There will be outdoor market stalls, along with lots of entertainment and free activities throughout the centre,” she said.

“After the Mayor and Santa officially light the community Christmas tree, we encourage everyone to stay and grab a selfie with Santa and Mrs Claus, and enjoy dinner at one of our restaurants.”

Please note, Ruthven Street will be closed from Little to Herries streets between 5.45pm and 7.45pm with other closures in the CBD.

A selection of Christmas events in the coming month includes: November 29: Hodgson Vale – Hodgson Vale Christmas party at the Community Sports Club., 5-9pm.

November 30: Kingsthorpe – Kingsthorpe Santa in the Park, Kingsthorpe Recreation Grounds 4-8pm.

November 30: Millmerran – Millmerran Christmas in the Bush, Millmerran Showgrounds, 4.30-10pm

December 7: Several events below. Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland, Queens Park Botanic Gardens until December 24, 7-10pm

Oakey Santa Fair - Oakey Rugby League Grounds, Kent Street, 4-8pm

Cecil Plains Christmas Carnival – Cecil Plains Recreation Grounds, 4-10.30pm

Highfields – Carols at Peacehaven 2019 - Peacehaven Botanic Park, 5-8pm

Nobby – Nobby Christmas Carols in the Park, Sister Kenny Park, 6-9pm

December 8: Triple M Mayoral Carols by Candlelight, lower Queens Park. 4pm food, children’s rides, Christmas markets; 5.30pm pre-show entertainment; 6.30pm Carols start, 8.15pm finish.

December 11: Cecil Plains – Cecil Plains Christmas Carols, Cecil Plans Memorial Hall, 5.30-8.30pm

December 13: Clifton – Clifton Community Christmas Party, F. E. Logan Hall, Meara Place, Clifton, 4.30-9pm.

December 13: Millmerran – Millmerran Kids’ Christmas Party, Millmerran Lions Park, 5.30pm start, free sausage sizzle, Santa arrives 6.30pm, Dumbo on the big screen from 7pm.

December 14: Several events below. Cambooya – Cambooya Community Christmas Party, Cambooya Recreation Grounds, from 2pm – visit from Santa, live music, children’s activities, bar, market stalls, food trucks.

Spring Bluff – Carols at Spring Bluff at Spring Bluff Railway Station, 4-6.30pm.

Gowrie Junction – Gowrie Junction Movie and Santa, Gowrie Junction Community Hall, 5-9pm. Movie starts 7.30pm

December 15: Pittsworth – Pittsworth Christmas in the village, Pittsworth Pioneer Village, music starts 4pm, Christmas Carols from 6.15pm, coffee van, pizza, barbecue, Santa from 6.30pm. Runs to 9pm.

December 18: Millmerran – Millmerran Christmas Carols, Millmerran Hospital, 6-9pm.

For more details on these and other community events, please see Council’s events register. www.tr.qld.gov.au/events Visit the site to add your community event.

Caption: Cr Geoff McDonald sporting an early Christmas present checks one of Council’s sleighs ahead of a busy round of festive engagements.