Mayor's message
Mayor's message to come.
Mayor Helen Blackburn
Bundaberg Regional Council
THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER
Celebrating 30 years of festive magic!
The heart of Bundaberg will shine bright as the beloved Pageant of Lights celebrates 30 years of bringing the community together at Christmas.
Enjoy live entertainment, food and market stalls before the Christmas lights burst to life, transforming the CBD into a sparkling backdrop for the much-loved parade of Christmas floats.
Entertainment
Bees Dance Studio, Kalkie Drumband, Encore Dance Studio, Combined School Choir, TNT Dance Studio, Bundaberg Municipal Band, Mr G, The Neon Loft and Fiesta Creations stilt walkers.
Time: 5.30 - 9 pm
Location: Bundaberg CBD, Bourbong Street
FREE ENTRY
THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER
Discover something special at the Artisan Twilight Markets, held alongside the Pageant of Lights.
Wander through a vibrant showcase of local creativity, with a curated selection of handmade treasures, beautiful artworks, unique crafts and one-of-a-kind gifts waiting to be discovered.
Celebrate local craftsmanship and thriving creative community and discover gifts with meaning this Christmas.
Time: 5.30 - 9 pm
Location: Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and Gallery Park, 1 Barolin Street
FREE ENTRY
FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER
Gather with family and friends for a festive evening under the stars featuring a spectacular 90-minute Christmas concert showcasing local performers, community choirs, traditional carols and modern Christmas favourites.
Sing along to much-loved Christmas classics, enjoy special appearances from Santa and friends and soak up the Christmas spirit.
Before the concert, grab a bite from food vendors and settle in for an evening of festive entertainment, culminating in a heart-warming finale featuring the full cast.
Performers
Bundaberg Voice Collective Choir, Keely Ellen, Brooklyn, Ava Marschke, soloists and musicians.
Time: Gates open 4.30 pm | Carols 6 - 7.30 pm
Location: ANZAC Park, Quay Street
FREE ENTRY
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!
André Rieu's 2026 Christmas Concert |
Let It Snow
SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER
Celebrate the magic of Christmas on the big screen with André Rieu’s Let It Snow.
Joined by the world-famous Johann Strauss Orchestra, exceptional sopranos and a 120-voice male choir, this heart-warming concert brings together beloved Christmas classics, enchanting waltzes and festive surprises.
Gather your loved ones and enjoy a joyful musical celebration filled with the spirit of Christmas.
Tickets: $45
Time: 1 pm
Location: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Event information: 165 minutes with interval
Home Alone | Christmas film screening
WEDNESDAY 16 DECEMBER
Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone at Christmas and quickly discovers he has the house to himself.
But when two bumbling burglars target his home, Kevin puts his creativity to work with a hilarious collection of booby traps in this family Christmas favourite.
Tickets: $10
Time: 10.30 am
Location: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Event information: 104 minutes
Die Hard | Christmas film screening
WEDNESDAY 16 DECEMBER
New York cop John McClane arrives in Los Angeles hoping for a Christmas reunion, only to find himself taking on a group of terrorists led by the formidable Hans Gruber.
Action, humour and plenty of festive tension make this an unconventional Christmas classic.
Tickets: $10
Time: 7 pm
Location: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Event information: 132 minutes
The Nutcracker | Royal Ballet screening
SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER
Experience the magic of The Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker on the big screen this Christmas.
Follow Clara into an enchanting world where toys come alive and festive wonder awaits, brought to life through spectacular choreography, beautiful period designs and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.
A Christmas classic made for the big screen, this magical production is perfect for ballet lovers and families alike.
Tickets: Adult $22 | Concession $18| Group 10+ $14
Time: 2 pm
Location: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Event information: 140 minutes | with interval
Bundaberg CBD businesses are invited to get creative and add some festive flair to the city centre as part of Council’s Christmas window display competition.
Create your own festive display, make some Christmas magic and go in the running for Best Christmas Window, announced on 18 December.
Shoppers can explore the creative displays, soak up the Christmas atmosphere and support local businesses while ticking off your Christmas gift list.
Date: Monday 30 November to Friday 18 December
Time: Individual business opening hours
Location: Participating businesses
Cost: Free
Celebrate the season with the timeless sounds of Michael Bublé in a spectacular Christmas tribute featuring Rhydian Lewis and his four-piece band, The Residuals.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, local choirs Bundaberg Voice Collective, Palm Lake Choir, Rhythms of the Reef Chorus, The Barnacles and The Waves Italian Choir will join the celebrations.
Settle in for an evening of Bublé’s biggest hits alongside much-loved Christmas favourites including White Christmas, Winter Wonderland and It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.
Filled with music, festive favourites and local voices, this heart-warming show is made for the Christmas season.
Date: Thursday 10 December
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Location: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Cost: $30
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
THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER
Farewell 2026 in spectacular style as Bundaberg’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks return for another big night by the Burnett River.
This family-friendly celebration will bring the riverfront to life with live music, great food and two spectacular fireworks displays.
Bring a picnic blanket, gather your family and friends and settle in for the 8 pm fireworks, perfect for little ones, before the celebrations continue towards a dazzling midnight display to welcome 2027.
Entertainment
Spargo Brothers: 7 – 10.30 pm
DJ Rohan: 10.30 pm – midnight
Time: 7 pm - midnight
Fireworks: 8 pm and 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.
Can I bring pets?
For the comfort and safety of animals, patrons are encouraged to leave pets at home. Fireworks can cause significant distress to animals due to the loud noise and crowds.
Reminder: Before heading out to celebrate New Year's Eve, please ensure your pets are safely secured at home. Fireworks may cause animals to become frightened and attempt to escape. Checking fences, securing gates and ensuring your pet's identification details are current can help keep them safe.
Can I bring alcohol?
This is an alcohol-free event. Please note that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the event.
Weather
The event will proceed in most weather conditions. Should severe weather impact event operations, updates will be provided via the Christmas program and Council’s social media channels.
Where can I park?
Parking will be available throughout the CBD and surrounding areas. Patrons are encouraged to arrive early and follow the directions of event staff and traffic controllers.
Can I bring my own chair or picnic blanket?
Yes. Patrons are encouraged to bring picnic rugs and low-backed chairs to enjoy the event comfortably.
Will food and drinks be available?
A range of food vendors will be operating throughout the event. Patrons are also welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Where are the public toilets located?
Public and portable toilet facilities are available at ANZAC Park.
What should I do if I become separated from my child?
Immediately notify event staff, security personnel or police. Event staff will assist in coordinating a response to reunite lost children with their parents or guardians.
Can I bring a drone?
No. The operation of drones within or near the event site is prohibited.
Road closures
Burnett Bridge will be closed to all pedestrian and vehicle traffic from 6 pm Thursday 31 December to 1 am Friday 1 January.
The Quay Street service road, extending from Burnett Bridge to the Bundaberg RSL, will be closed from 1 pm Thursday 31 December to 12.30 am Friday 1 January. This includes the car parking areas adjacent to the Bundaberg Bowls Club, ANZAC Park, and the Bundaberg RSL.
Quay Street, between Burnett Bridge and Targo Street, will be closed from 4 pm Thursday 31 December to 12.30 am Friday 1 January.
Accessible parking will be available on Barolin Street, between Bourbong Street and Quay Street.
Security personnel and the Queensland Police Service will be deployed throughout the event to monitor and enforce the Burnett Bridge closure and assist with public safety and traffic management.
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.
Burnett River Exclusion Zone
A water exclusion zone will be in effect from 6 pm on Thursday 31 December until 1 am on Friday 1 January. 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.
Boat ramp
The boat ramp at Lions Park will be closed from 1 pm Thursday 31 December until 2 am Friday 1 January. A Regional Harbour Master’s Direction will be in force from 6 pm on Thursday 31 December until 12.30 am Friday 1 January, 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. A water exclusion zone will be in effect from 6 pm on Thursday 31 December until 1 am on Friday 1 January. 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.
