Minion duo to help kick off a tropical Christmas party in Cairns

It’s starting to feel a little bit like Christmas … and this year, two Minions will be on hand to get the party started and kick off festive celebrations in Cairns.

Kevin and Stuart Minion will be down at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon Plaza on Sunday 1 December to help with the traditional Christmas Tree light up event.

Come down in festive attire and make the most of this free event, which gets underway at 5.30pm with the first of four opportunities to meet the illustrious banana-munching, yellow duo.

Further meet and greet sessions will be at 6.15pm, 7.15pm and 7.50pm.

Residents will notice a few changes this year with a new Christmas Tree at the Esplanade Lagoon Plaza, complemented with an array of extra decorations, including some by designed by local artist Hayley Gillespie, to enhance the city’s festive ambience.

The lights will be turned on the new Christmas Tree at 7pm by Mayor Amy Eden and the winners of Council’s Christmas eCard Competition, Alicia McGowan (10-13 years old category), Sebastian Tolkach (6-9 years), and Jayden Goode (under 5).

Cr Eden 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 a great event and the kids are sure to love the Minions getting in on the festive action,” she said.

“This is all about creating a fun and festive atmosphere in the city and along the Esplanade for everyone to enjoy.

“To help the festivities continue from Sunday through to the end of the school holidays, we are limiting commercial vehicle access along the Esplanade Dining Precinct, which will encourage families and visitors to wander around, maybe enjoy a picnic on the grass, and enjoy the wonderful ambience of our tropical city.”

The Esplanade Dining Precinct, between Shields Street to Florence Street, will be closed to all traffic from 11am to 5am daily, from Sunday 1 December to Monday 27 January 2025.

Commercial access will be available from 5am to 11am daily, and emergency vehicles will be permitted access at all times.

Access for deliveries and garbage collection will resume as normal from 5am on Tuesday 28 January. ­­

Christmas in Cairns will continue through the month with Carols in the Park on Sunday 8 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.

An Auslan interpreter will be on stage to make the event more accessible to the deaf community.

Gates will open at 4pm, with the main show from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Council is also finalising New Year’s Eve events, with a community concert and fireworks planned on the Esplanade.

More details to come.

Note: Events may be cancelled at short notice due to 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.

Christmas Tree light up: Sunday 1 December

The Esplanade will be closed to all traffic between Spence St and Shields St from 4pm till 9pm on Sunday 1 December 2024.

Espanade Dining Precinct changed traffic conditions: Sunday 1 December to Monday 27 January 2025

The Espanade Dining Precinct, from Shields St to Aplin St, will be closed to all traffic from 11am to 5am daily, from Sunday 1 December to Monday 27 January 2025.

Commercial access will be available from 5am to 11am daily, and emergency vehicles will be permitted access at all times.

Carols in the Park: Sunday 8 December

Florence St, between Sheridan and Grafton streets, will be closed to traffic for food trucks and activations from 10am to 9.30pm on Sunday 8 December.