Christmas tree light-up ushers in festive season

A lagoon-side Christmas tree surrounded by palms and decorations inspired by the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest will welcome Christmas to Cairns this week.

Tomorrow evening’s switch-on of the Cairns Esplanade Christmas tree will launch the city’s festive season program.

Featuring 8000 LED lights, the 10-metre tall tree is a popular Christmas focal point, providing many a festive photo opportunity.

A special addition to this year’s seasonal celebration includes Palm Tree Alley, featuring 30 colourful trees installed along the Esplanade promenade.

Mayor Bob Manning said the trees had been decorated by talented students from schools across the city.

“A few months ago, we invited school to have students decorate these trees to be part of the city’s festive celebrations,” Cr Manning said.

“As visitors will see, the result has been spectacular – we have some wonderfully unique decorations that really reflect what we love about Cairns.”

Road closure

The Esplanade road, from Shields St to Aplin St, will be closed on Wednesday (1 December) from 3pm until 9pm to allow for the festivities.

Christmas Tree Light Up program

Main Stage (at the Lagoon Plaza)

4.30pm: DJ Syntax

5pm: Luck Thai

5.15pm: FNQ Dance Academy

5.30pm: Soul Song

5.45pm: Pássaros do Paraíso

5.55pm: Kids Fun Show under Christmas Tree

6pm: Santa meet and greet with Rachel Bradley

6.15pm: Cairns Young Voices

6.20pm: Orchestra / Flash Mob

6.45pm: Swing Rays

7pm: Tree lights switched on

7pm: FNQ Dance Academy

7.05pm: Legends of Perhaps

Stage 2 (across from the Night Markets)

4.45pm: Cairns Voice Studio

5pm: Torres Webb

5.15pm: Cairns Indonesian Christian Choir

5.30pm: Lexi and Waha

6pm: Talitha Jae

/Public Release. View in full here.