CHRISTMAS street banners will not decorate Redlands Coast this year, with Council citing rising costs and redirecting the money to other festive experiences.
Among the headline additions is a new ticketed Enchanted Christmas Garden at Redlands IndigiScapes, where fairy-light tunnels, festive soundscapes and even falling “snow” will transform the botanic gardens into a Christmas wonderland.
Redland City Council says the attraction will run from November 30 to December 20 as part of its 2026 Christmas on Redlands Coast program, with tickets priced from $5 to $10.
The paid evening experience will feature illuminated arches and tunnels, smoke and snow machines, motion lighting, wildlife-themed displays of butterflies, electric fireflies and bees, and a reindeer light display.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the garden would offer a magical new festive experience for local families.
“The botanic gardens at IndigiScapes will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland with arches and tunnels lit with fairy lights, festive soundscapes, smoke and snow machines, and motion lights,” Cr Talty said.
“Some of the lighting displays will have a wildlife theme – such as butterflies, electric fireflies and bees – and there will also be a reindeer light display.
“The Enchanted Christmas Garden is sure to prove popular with residents and visitors to Redlands Coast.”
Council said it would not install Christmas street banners this year due to rising costs, with the funding instead redirected to other Christmas experiences across the city.
The garden will join the annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree celebrations on November 27 and 28, featuring free carols, Santa photos and a Christmas movie, as well as lighting displays at five locations.
Santa photo pop-ups and Christmas-themed activities will also be held on Russell, Coochiemudlo and North Stradbroke islands during the December school holidays, while Santa’s Hub will return to the Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre.
“Christmas on Redlands Coast is all about creating opportunities for residents and visitors to connect and celebrate with family and friends,” Cr Talty said.
“It is a whole-of-community celebration with a range of experiences for all ages.”
