THE festive season will officially begin on Redlands Coast next month with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree at Raby Bay Harbour Park in Cleveland.
The free event will start at 4.30pm on November 28-29 and features an array of family-friendly activities, including live entertainment, food trucks and a festive movie in the park.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said the lighting of the Christmas tree had become a much-loved local tradition.
“The lighting of the Christmas tree has become a tradition for local families and will mark the official launch of Council’s city-wide Christmas on Redlands Coast program for 2025,” the Mayor said.
“This four-week celebration is set to bring Christmas alive across the city and will feature a range of activities and events such as lighting installations, festive flicks, and a central Christmas hub with a hotline direct to Santa and the North Pole.
“A new addition to the program this year is a carousel ride, which will be available at Raby Bay Harbour Park from November 28 to December 4.
“There will also be Christmas events at the Redland Performing Arts Centre, Redland Art Galleries, Redland Libraries, and IndigiScapes, along with a special augmented reality experience at the Cleveland Lighthouse.
“The program will be supported by a range of events and initiatives organised by local schools, churches and community groups, helping to spread festive cheer.
“Entertainment will include roving performers, market stalls, lighting displays, and Christmas carols performed live on stage by local talent.
“The community can also get a free photo with Santa, who is confirmed to be making a very special visit from the North Pole.
Producer and internationally acclaimed soprano Mirusia Louwerse, who is leading this year’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree stage show, said the show would culminate in the lighting of the Christmas tree by the Mayor, followed by a community carols finale.
“We’re encouraging everyone to bring their best singing voices – it’s about coming together and feeling that old-fashioned Christmas joy,” she said.
