All set for a very merry Redlands Coast Christmas

Redlands Coast is in for a treat this Christmas with a host of family-friendly Council-backed community celebrations and gift-inspiring markets planned.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was delighted to help locals enjoy an extra-special celebration this year through organising and supporting Christmas events across the city.

“From the return of the city’s traditional Christmas by Starlight carols spectacular and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree to village events and traders markets, there are plenty of opportunities for families and friends to get together to sing, celebrate and find that special something for their loved ones,” Cr Williams said.

“They all are wonderful ways we can support our local community, our villages and each other, so check out the what’s on calendar on Council’s website for latest details as well as a host of other Christmas get-togethers hosted by local churches, schools and community groups.”

The community celebrations kick off with the Council-sponsored Mt Cotton Christmas in the Park from 3pm-7.30pm on Sunday 26 November. Hosted by Mount Cotton Community Fellowship, this popular get-together in Mt Cotton Community Park will be loaded with community spirit, local vendors, rides and family entertainment. Entry is free.

It will be followed by Council’s annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree from 5pm-8.30pm on Friday 1 December at Raby Bay Harbour Park. Marking the traditional start of Redlands Coast’s Christmas season, this free event will feature live entertainment, photos with Santa and the Christmas movie The Santa Claus from 7pm.

Council’s biggest annual event, Christmas by Starlight, then makes a welcome return from 3pm-8.30pm on Saturday 16 December at Norm Price Park – Redland Showgrounds, Cleveland.

“Back in true Starlight style, this year’s one-evening event will be free to all with no tickets needed,” Cr Williams said.

“We are expecting more than 10,000 people to come together in the spirit of Christmas to sing along with some amazing local talent, join in the fun and browse the merchandise and food stalls. It will be loaded with fun children’s activities, with plenty of free rides and kids’ entertainment.”

The Christmas theme will permeate markets and traders events across the city in early December, offering opportunity to find special gifts, Christmas crafts or simply catch up with friends and family.

The IndigiScapes Eco Market from 8am-12pm on Saturday 2 December at Capalaba will provide plenty of inspirational ideas to support sustainable giving this festive season. Run by Council, you will find artisan market stalls along with children’s activities, workshops, food vendors and live entertainment. The IndigiScapes Native Community Nursery, cafe, gift shop and Discovery Centre, off Runnymede Road, will all be open.

Major Council-sponsored events also include:

Redland Bay Village Christmas by the Bay, 2pm-6pm on Saturday 2 December, Stradbroke Street, Redland Bay. Wellington Point Trader Christmas Markets, 4pm-9pm, Saturday 2 December, Wellington Point Village Green. Coochiemudlo Island Christmas Markets, 9am-2pm Sunday 26 November, Foreshore Parkland, Coochiemudlo Island.

Other events include:

Twilight Makers Market, 4pm-8pm, Saturday 2 December, Raby Bay Harbour Park, Cleveland. Redlands Coast Collective Markets (Arts & Crafts Christmas Market), 8am-1pm, Sunday 10 December, Faith Lutheran College, Thornlands. Cleveland Markets (Christmas Market), 7am -1pm, Sunday 10, 17 and 24 December, Bloomfield Street, Cleveland. Point Lookout Markets (Christmas Market), 8am -12pm, Sunday 24 December, Point Lookout Bowls Club, North Stradbroke Island.

For more information, events and activities, go to the what’s on calendar on Council’s website.