TNQ Writer
When it starts to heat up in Tropical North Queensland you know that time of year is just around the corner. The decorations have been dusted off, the kids are counting down to the big day, the drinks are flowing and the parties seem never-ending. With the daily goodies in the advent calendar quickly diminishing, it’s time to get your Christmas cheer on and start seriously planning for New Year’s Eve. From Cairns to Palm Cove and beyond to Port Douglas, here is a rundown of what’s on.
Christmas Shopping in Cairns
Cairns Central
On 30 November Christmas’ arrival was made official with the lighting of the tree on the Esplanade. This always marks the start of the pre-Christmas buzz over the coming weeks and this year is no exception.
Shopping centres will extend their hours and don’t forget Santa will be available for plenty of Christmas wish-list demands from the kids.
Carols by Candlelight
Fogarty Park Esplanade Carols
Heralded as one of the biggest annual community events in Cairns, attracting thousands of residents and visitors, this carols session takes place at Fogarty Park on Sunday, 10 December at 6.30pm. Bring your rug or chair and sing along to the favourites. Proceeds from merchandise sales will go towards the distribution of food hampers to approximately 700 local families who might otherwise go without on Christmas Day.
Further north, past Port Douglas, the Mossman Christmas Carols will be held at the Mossman Showground on Saturday, 9 December. These festivities kick off at 5pm with Santa photo ops, entertainment, face painting, a jumping castle and a lolly drop. The carols, hosted by local radio talent Maddi and Mark from MMM’s, will kick off at 6:00pm with a fireworks display at 8:30pm.
Holloways Beach Carols by Candlelight will be held on Saturday 16th of December with fireworks and Santa arriving on a motorbike.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas By Ken Ludwig
Munro Martin Parklands
‘Twas the night before Christmas is a tropical take on a Christmas Pantomime, this is great fun for the family. Staged in the outdoor amphitheatre of Munro Martin Parklands on Saturday, 16 December, A Cairns Christmas Carol is a collaboration of local creative professionals and features the angelic voices of the Cairns Young voices choir.
You’ll need to sort out your own chairs, picnic blankets, food and drink.
Christmas day - What's on
Quicksilver Pontoon at Agincourt Reef
Not everyone shuts shop at Christmas. If overdoing it on too much food is a day wasted in your mind there are a few boats that’ll still be venturing out to the Great Barrier Reef, such as Calypso or Quicksilver from Port Douglas. Or if you’re cruising from Cairns then Deep Sea Divers Den and Great Adventures are two options to get you off to sea!