There’s something magical about twinkling lights. Combine them with an animated Santa, Christmas decorations, and music, and you’ll capture the imaginations of Brisbane kids and adults alike. As the Christmas light displays get bigger and better each year, it can be a little daunting navigating unfamiliar suburbs with excited family members in the car. That’s why we compiled a list of the best Christmas lights bus tours in Brisbane this year, as well as some family-friendly festive cruises that will ferry you and your family around to see the Christmas sights this season.
Bring your camera and prepare to be dazzled!
Christmas lights tours in Brisbane by bus
Brisbane City Council’s popular Christmas lights bus tours are still to be confirmed for 2023.
Cross Country Tours will be running several different bus tours in 2023, including the Redlands Christmas Lights Tour on 11th December, the Springfield Christmas Lights Tour on 14th December, and the North Brisbane Christmas Lights Tour on 18th December 2023. These events include a festive dinner and Christmas lights viewing. Bookings are essential.
Intertrans will be running a Northside Christmas Lights Tour on 4th – 7th December, 9th December, 11th December, 13th – 16th December and 18th – 22nd December 2023, starting and finishing at Centrepoint Church, corner of Hamilton Road & Pfingst Road in Wavell Heights. These tours are perfect for small groups of 7 to 11 people. Bookings are essential.
Ipswich City Council’s Ipswich Christmas Lights Bus Tour is always a great way to get in the festive spirit. This year, there are two nights you can choose from – 15th and 16th December 2023. These tours include the bus tour, along with a light supper and Christmas entertainment. Bookings are essential.
Do it yourself Christmas lights tours
Of course, you can always pile the kids into mum or dad’s taxi and conduct the Christmas lights tour yourself! Turn up the Christmas music, pack some Christmas munchies, and visit these locations that we’ve scoped out for you on our up to date list. We’re also sharing the VERY BEST Christmas light locations in Brisbane and surrounds on our Christmas Lights Brisbane Facebook page, so come and join us!
Christmas lights tours by boat cruise
Bribie Island Ferryman Cruises is hosting their Christmas Canal Lights Cruise through Pacific Harbour from 11th-13th and 18th-21st December 2023. From their boat’s rooftop deck, you’ll have the best vantage point to see the Christmas lights of Bribie Island, while also being able to enjoy a drink from their fully-licensed on-board bar. Bookings are essential.
Cross Country Tours will be running their Manly Harbour Christmas Lights Cruise on 16th December 2023. This cruise includes an early dinner, followed by a tour on the Cat O Nine Tails to take in the twinkling lights of Manly Harbour and the village from the water. Bookings are essential.
Sunshine Coast Afloat’s Christmas Lights Cruises enable you to sit back and relax while taking in the Christmas lights of Mooloolaba. The tours operate from 4th-21st December (excluding Saturday nights), as well as 27th-30th December 2023. There is a licensed bar on bar to serve up drinks and snacks, with a variety of comfortable seating options including on-deck beanbags. Bookings are essential.
Have we missed a bus or boat tour? Let us know about it in the comments below! For more Christmas events, check out our events calendar.
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