City to come to life with Christmas cheer this Saturday

Watch Townsville’s CBD transform into a merry metropolis when sparkling Christmas lights are brought to life at this Saturday’s Christmas in the City.

Christmas in the City kicks off Townsville’s festive season with an evening of free family entertainment and the turning on of the city’s Christmas lights.

Mayor Jenny Hill said Christmas in the City was the start of Council’s festive season events.

“Christmas in the City is the event that really kickstarts festivities here in Townsville – after all, there’s nothing that says it’s Christmas time quite like turning the city’s Christmas lights on,” Cr Hill said.

“There will be something for everyone at Christmas in the City, including live entertainment, Santa photos, a pop-up outdoor cinema and Santa’s workshops with free arts and craft activities.

“Council has engaged Pop-Up Food Trucks to bring local food businesses to Flinders St for revellers to enjoy, and we’ll be taking over Hanran Park this year to present Sweet Street with dessert options and a pop-up cinema under twinkling lights.

“I’m looking forward to presenting our winning Festive Flag artists with a mini corflute of their design before turning on the Christmas lights.”

Cr Hill said there were several celebrations planned for the festive season in Townsville this year.

“This is the first of many events planned for December. Council is hosting Carols by Candlelight at Riverway Oval next week with headline act Trent Bell, and we’ll also host New Year’s Eve family movie night at Riverway, with fireworks being displayed at Riverway, The Strand and Nelly Bay,” Cr Hill said.

“Council has also supported Stable on the Strand’s move to Riverway this year with a $50,000 grant. Stable on the Strand at Riverway will run from December 18 to December 22.”

Christmas in the City starts at 5.30pm and runs until 9pm. Events will take place along Flinders Street, Victoria Bridge and in Hanran Park.

For more information, visit Council’s website.

Order of main stage events

5.30 - 5.35pm MC Welcome with Minty

5.35 - 6pm Who Stole the Star From the Christmas Tree by Full Throttle Theatre

6 - 6.20pm Josie

6.20 - 6.30pm Santa's Arrival

6.30 - 7.15pm JC & the Tropics

7.15 - 7.25pm Festive Flags Presentation

7.25 - 7.30pm Christmas Together / Turning on of the Lights by Mayor of Townsville Cr Jenny Hill

7.30 - 9pm Groove

Cinema program

6.00pm – Elliot the Littlest Reindeer

7.30pm – Elf