Mayor's message
There’s nothing quite like Christmas in Bundaberg. It’s a time when our community comes together to celebrate, reflect and share in the joy of the season.
From twinkling lights to festive performances, this year’s Christmas program is your guide to everything happening across the region — bringing together the events, experiences and creative moments that make the holidays shine.
From the much-loved Pageant of Lights lighting up Bourbong Street on Thursday 4 December, to a vibrant calendar of community events, art exhibitions and performances at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You’ll also find festive activities at Hinkler Hall of Aviation and the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, perfect for families looking to add a creative touch to their holidays.
I’d also like to encourage everyone to support the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. This is our annual initiative that raises funds for local charities to provide hampers, vouchers or gifts to residents in need of a helping hand. Together, we can help make Christmas a little brighter for those doing it tough.
To ring in the New Year, Bundaberg’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular will be held at the newly redeveloped ANZAC Park. With river views, live entertainment and dazzling fireworks displays, it’s the perfect place to celebrate with family and friends and welcome 2026.
This program is a celebration of the people, places and partnerships that make our region shine. I’d like to thank the many local businesses and community organisations who help bring it all to life, especially our wonderful sponsors for their generous support.
I hope you enjoy everything we’ve planned. I look forward to seeing you out and about as we celebrate the season together.
Merry Christmas!
Mayor Helen Blackburn
Bundaberg Regional Council
THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER
The heart of Bundaberg will shine bright once again as the beloved Pageant of Lights returns to Bourbong Street!
Join us for an enchanting evening filled with live entertainment, food and market stalls, a dazzling parade of Christmas floats and the official lighting of Bundaberg’s spectacular Christmas display.
Starting at 5.30 pm, enjoy a sleigh-full of live entertainment across two stages. At 7 pm, the Christmas lights will burst to life, transforming the CBD into a sparkling wonderland - just in time for the joyful parade of Christmas floats to roll through.
Whether you're young or young at heart, this free, family-friendly tradition is the perfect way to welcome the holiday season.
While you're there, don’t miss the Twilight Artisan Market in Gallery Park where you’ll find locally made Christmas treats and handcrafted gifts.
Time: 5.30 - 9 pm
Location: Bundaberg CBD, Bourbong Street
FREE ENTRY
Pageant of Lights stage schedules
Buss Park stage
|
5.35 pm |
Encore Dance Studio |
|
5.52 pm |
Combined School Choir |
|
6.12 pm |
Cane Country Square Dancers |
|
6.27 pm |
Amy Alice Music |
|
7 pm |
Parade commences |
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CBD pavilion stage
|
6 pm |
City of Bundaberg Drum Corps |
|
6.20 pm |
Baylando Latin Fusion |
|
6.40 pm |
Caring Hearts Support Services Choir |
|
7 pm |
Parade commences |
Pageant of Lights stage schedules
Buss Park stage
|
5.35 pm |
Encore Dance Studio |
|
5.52 pm |
Combined School Choir |
|
6.12 pm |
Cane Country Square Dancers |
|
6.27 pm |
Amy Alice Music |
|
7 pm |
Parade commences |
CBD pavilion stage
|
6 pm |
City of Bundaberg Drum Corps |
|
6.20 pm |
Baylando Latin Fusion |
|
6.40 pm |
Caring Hearts Support Services Choir |
|
7 pm |
Parade commences |
Artisan Twilight Christmas Markets
THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER
Step into a world of creativity at the Artisan Markets, nestled in Gallery Park as part of the Pageant of Lights celebration.
Wander through a vibrant showcase of handmade treasures, where local artists and makers share their passion through beautiful artworks, unique crafts and festive creations.
With the gentle hum of live music in the air, take your time to meet the makers, discover one-of-a-kind gifts and soak up the joyful spirit of Bundaberg’s thriving creative community.
It’s a celebration of imagination, craftsmanship and the heart of our region — wrapped in twinkling lights and holiday cheer.
Time: 5.30 - 9 pm
Location: Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and Gallery Park
1 Barolin Street, Bundaberg
FREE ENTRY
André Rieu's 2025 Christmas Concert | Merry Christmas
Cinema
SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER
This holiday season, let the magic of music light up the big screen.
Join world-renowned violinist André Rieu for his 2025 Christmas Concert “Merry Christmas”, a spectacular celebration of joy, tradition and festive cheer.
Filmed in true cinematic style, this heartwarming concert features André’s Johann Strauss Orchestra, special guests including the sensational Emma Kok and over 400 brass players delivering the majestic sound of Christmas.
Expect joyful carols, beautiful waltzes and plenty of surprises — it’s the ultimate Christmas cinema experience, bursting with warmth, laughter and holiday spirit.
Christmas is André’s favourite time of year and he can’t wait to share this unforgettable performance with you — only in cinemas.
Tickets: $40
Time: 1 pm
Location: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Event information: 180 minutes with interval
⠀
The Grinch | Christmas film screening
Cinema
SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER
Put on your best festive outfit and head to the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre for a Christmas movie treat.
This holiday season, join the team for a special screening of The Grinch — a heartwarming tale of redemption, generosity and the true spirit of Christmas.
Follow the infamous Grinch as he plots to steal Christmas from the joyful Whos of Who-ville. Living in solitude atop Mt. Crumpet with his loyal dog Max, the Grinch is fed up with the Whos’ ever-growing celebrations. But when he crosses paths with Cindy-Lou Who, a young girl with a big heart and a holiday mission of her own, everything begins to change.
Funny, visually stunning, and full of festive cheer, The Grinch is a perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Wear your favourite Christmas shirt, bring your holiday spirit and settle in for a night of laughter and joy.
Tickets: $10
Time: 6 pm
Location: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Event information: 90 minutes
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Build a peg bi‑plane Christmas decoration
Christmas activity
WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER
Let your creativity take flight this Christmas at Hinkler Hall of Aviation.
These school holidays, bring the kids along for a hands-on festive activity that’s full of heart and history. Young visitors can craft their very own peg bi-plane ornament — a charming nod to aviation heritage with a joyful Christmas twist.
Whether you're a budding pilot or a holiday crafter, this delightful experience is sure to spark imagination, creativity and a little extra cheer for the Christmas tree.
Time: 9.30 - 11.30 am
Location: Hinkler Hall of Aviation
FREE EVENT
Community events
There's plenty on offer around the region this festival season! Check out the list of community-run events.
Hosting an event you would like featured? List it for free on Council's event calendar!
Mayor's Christmas Appeal
Bringing festive joy to every corner of our community.
Raising funds for local charities to provide hampers, vouchers and gifts to local residents who need a helping hand to help make their Christmas special.
Let’s work together to spread the Christmas spirit to all!
Major sponsor
⠀
WEDNESDAY 31 DECEMBER
Bundaberg Regional Council is thrilled to welcome back the New Year’s Eve Fireworks — a dazzling celebration to farewell 2025 and ring in the new year with a bang.
Set in the newly redeveloped ANZAC Park, beside the Burnett River and beneath the iconic Burnett Traffic Bridge, this riverside event promises an unforgettable night of music, food and fireworks.
Guests will enjoy:
• Live music to set the festive mood
• Food stalls and drink vendors to keep the good times flowing
• Two spectacular fireworks displays:
An 8 pm family-friendly sparkle for the early birds
A midnight sky-shattering countdown to welcome 2026 in style
Bring your picnic blanket, gather your loved ones and celebrate the new year under the stars in the heart of Bundaberg.
Time: 7 pm - midnight
Location: ANZAC Park, Bundaberg Central
FREE ENTRY
New Year's Eve FAQs
Do you require a ticket to attend?
Bundaberg Regional Council’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are free and you do not require a ticket to attend.
What times are the fireworks?
Fireworks displays will be at 8 pm and midnight.
There will be live entertainment and food stalls in ANZAC Park, Bundaberg Central from 7 pm to midnight.
Exclusion zones
Exclusion zones are necessary requirements of any fireworks display in Queensland and are established primarily for the safety of the public.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries, Marine Rescue Queensland and Queensland Police Service will monitor the exclusion zones on water to ensure the public do not enter these zones during these periods.
Queensland Police Service and SES will monitor the exclusion zones on land.
Bridge closure
The Burnett Traffic Bridge will be closed for the following times:
6 pm - 8.30 pm: Full closure to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
8.30 pm - 11.30 pm: The vehicle bridge will reopen for pedestrian access only.
11.30 pm - 12.30 am: Full closure to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
1.30 am: Traffic bridge and pedestrian walkway both to reopen to traffic.
Other closures and affected areas
The Quay Street car parks between Maryborough Street and Tantitha Street will be closed from 1 pm on 31 December.
Boat ramp
The boat ramp at Lions Park will be closed from 1 pm Wednesday 31 December until 2 am Thursday 1 January.
A Regional Harbour Master’s Direction will be in force from 1800 hours on Tuesday 31 December until 0030 hours on Wednesday 1 January 2025, declaring that the master of a ship must not cause the ship to enter, anchor, berth or moor the ship within the fireworks exclusion zone.
Spectator boats
Boaties are welcome to view the fireworks display from their vessel but must ensure they remain outside the exclusion zones during the nominated times and as directed.
Pets
We discourage pets attending the celebrations due to the large crowds and fireworks.
Pet owners are advised to secure their pets during the fireworks display commencing at 8 pm and again at midnight.
Disabled Parking
Disabled parking for those with disability parking passes will be available in the Quay Street car park in front of the TMR building from 4 pm.
Is alcohol allowed?
This is an alcohol-free event.
New Year's Eve FAQs
Do you require a ticket to attend?
Bundaberg Regional Council’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are free and you do not require a ticket to attend.
What times are the fireworks?
Fireworks displays will be at 8 pm and midnight.
There will be live entertainment and food stalls in ANZAC Park, Bundaberg Central from 7 pm to midnight.
Exclusion zones
Exclusion zones are necessary requirements of any fireworks display in Queensland and are established primarily for the safety of the public.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries, Marine Rescue Queensland and Queensland Police Service will monitor the exclusion zones on water to ensure the public do not enter these zones during these periods.
Queensland Police Service and SES will monitor the exclusion zones on land.
Bridge closure
The Burnett Traffic Bridge will be closed for the following times:
6 pm - 8.30 pm: Full closure to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
8.30 pm - 11.30 pm: The vehicle bridge will reopen for pedestrian access only.
11.30 pm - 12.30 am: Full closure to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
1.30 am: Traffic bridge and pedestrian walkway both to reopen to traffic.
Other closures and affected areas
The Quay Street car parks between Maryborough Street and Tantitha Street will be closed from 1 pm on 31 December.
Boat ramp
The boat ramp at Lions Park will be closed from 1 pm Wednesday 31 December until 2 am Thursday 1 January.
A Regional Harbour Master’s Direction will be in force from 1800 hours on Tuesday 31 December until 0030 hours on Wednesday 1 January 2025, declaring that the master of a ship must not cause the ship to enter, anchor, berth or moor the ship within the fireworks exclusion zone.
Spectator boats
Boaties are welcome to view the fireworks display from their vessel but must ensure they remain outside the exclusion zones during the nominated times and as directed.
Pets
We discourage pets attending the celebrations due to the large crowds and fireworks.
Pet owners are advised to secure their pets during the fireworks display commencing at 8 pm and again at midnight.
Disabled Parking
Disabled parking for those with disability parking passes will be available in the Quay Street car park in front of the TMR building from 4 pm.
Is alcohol allowed?
This is an alcohol-free event.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks sponsors
Silver sponsors
Bronze sponsors
In-kind sponsor
Built with Shorthand