From Black Friday Shopping To Christmas Markets: Your Guide To The Festive Season In Brisbane City
mark your calendars
By Victoria Lewis | 10th November 2026Somehow, we have found ourselves in November, and in our minds, that means renewed energy, the buzz of warmer weather, and a greater spring in our step because there are only so many sleeps until the festive season is upon us (and that’s something to celebrate).
As the sparkling centre of the festive season in Brisbane, the CBD has a myriad of activations, pop-ups, and events to get you in the spirit in the lead-up to Christmas. From exclusive Black Friday offerings and festive artisan twilight markets to the famed lighting of the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Tree, the city is really putting on a show this year.
So, take our hand, and let us lead you through what Brisbane City has in store this festive season, starting with Black Friday (spoiler alert: the itinerary is jolly good).
Black Friday festivities
Marking the unofficial-official start to the festive period, this year, Black Friday is more than the shopping event of the year in Brisbane City – it’s the ultimate day out.
Mark your calendars: Friday, 27 November, is the day to spend at the shops, wandering up and down Queen Street Mall and taking advantage of the heavy discounts, all while enjoying live entertainment and exclusive pop-up activations.
As for shopping, the city has you covered. Head to QueensPlaza to discover some of Australia’s top high-end designers and international luxury brands, Uptown for high-street favourites, and Brisbane Arcade for beloved local institutions. The arcade is especially known for its incredible Christmas decorations, which will certainly add some festive splendour to your shopping trip.
Not to mention, UNIQLO will make its long-awaited return to Queen Street Mall on the day.
And of course, after a day of shopping, you’re going to need to refuel, and the city is brimming with foodie hotspots to sink your teeth into. All that’s to say that if there was ever a day to take off work for a full day of shopping and festive fun, it’s Black Friday. But the festive fun doesn’t stop there…
Image: @queensplazabrisbane
The City After Dark – Lighting of the Christmas Tree
This Black Friday, the fun doesn’t stop when the shops shut, because Friday, 27 November, also coincides with Brisbane City’s After Dark Markets and the grand Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree.
Marking the first year that markets will be held on the same night as the Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree, you can enjoy a vibrant dining atmosphere from 4pm to 9pm before taking a short walk to King George Square for the famed tree lighting. Here, Jem Cassar-Daley will be performing live as the towering Christmas tree illuminates before your eyes.
A full day of shopping, Christmas lights, live entertainment, and festive dining in the city? Count us in.
Artisan twilight markets
Not that we play favourites, but nothing says festive quite like a Christmassy night market. This year, the BrisStyle Twilight Markets are the perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family, with local artisans and makers showcasing their handmade goods made with love.
And the best part? For the first time, the markets will be taking over King George Square three times over the festive season, on 13 November, 4 December, and 18 December, from 4pm–9pm.
Discover tiny treasure hunt
Following on from last year’s highly popular initiative, five new Christmas Tiny Doors will make their way into the CBD, making the grand total of doors to find 16.
From 1 to 26 December, physical maps will be available in the city, or a digital version will be available online. We say, gather your beloved and make an adorable date night or family-bonding activity out of it. Start with a coffee from one of the city’s roasteries; then enjoy the day exploring the city, popping into shops to grab last-minute gifts along the way.
The Enchanted Garden
Another after-dark activity, Brisbane’s crowd favourite The Enchanted Garden will return to Roma Street Parkland from 20 November to 19 December, inviting visitors to explore the immersive light experience, Night Flight, inspired by the nocturnal creatures that call the gardens home.
City Hall Lights
A fan favourite is also making a comeback, with City Hall Lights returning to the centre. This year, the narrative projected onto the intricate architecture of City Hall will be “Meowy Christmas,” written by Melissa Elk. In what promises to be a magical ending to a day spent shopping and dining in the city, the light show will illuminate City Hall every night from 4 to 24 December, with shows running every 15 minutes from 7.30pm until midnight.
Live entertainment will also take over the heart of the shopping precinct, with The Greatest Time of the Year on weekdays from 4 to 24 December, The Magic & Circus Show: Christmas Edition on weekends, and Starz Christmas Spectacular on Friday evenings. So, no matter when you pencil in your shopping trip, there will be plenty to see and do.
All in all, the city is the place to be this festive season. So, this is your sign to make a day of it, tick off your gift shopping, and enjoy all the merriment the city centre has to offer.
Ready to make a trip into Brisbane City part of your festive calendar? View the full program here.
Imagery: @queenzplazabrisbane / Supplied (BEDA)
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