After being postponed by some stormy weather, the skies came clear for this year’s lighting of the Redlands Christmas tree.
The festivities kicked off just after 4.30pm, with an MC, live entertainment, food and drink trucks, an outdoor movie, and Redlands’ very own Santa Claus.
Redland City Council has this year spread funding for its Christmas festivities across more sites throughout the Redlands “to engage as many people as we can”, Mayor Jos Mitchell said.
The Mayor attracted some controversy this year after not repeating last year’s $300,000 allocation to a single event.
In a Facebook post, Mayor Mitchell told her followers that she “did not cut Christmas, and I am not the Grinch”.
The evening brought a large turnout of families, with eager children lining up to score a photo with Mr Claus from the opening minute.
As the sun set, Raby Bay Harbour lit up with a vibrant light display.
In addition to the lighting of the Christmas tree, the Council’s four-week Christmas lineup includes an augmented reality Christmas trail, a Christmas Hub featuring Santa’s hotline, and more lighting displays throughout the Redlands.
“There will be Christmas activations and collaborations at various locations right across the mainland and island communities.”
