A parade along Shields Street culminating in the traditional lighting up of the Esplanade Christmas tree will officially kick-off the city’s festive season.
Cairns Regional Council is bringing “Christmas to the City” on Sunday 1 December with a combination of traditional and new celebratory events.
With support from Cairns Central, this revamped event expands on the Christmas tree lights switch-on event.
StarFM Radio will be broadcasting from Cairns Central 10.30am-1.30pm on the day, offering free giveaways and the chance for 15 lucky families to be a part of the special Christmas in the City Parade.
Mayor Bob Manning said Christmas in the City marked the start of the festive season and encouraged residents to be a part of the celebrations.
“Our Christmas celebrations are always a family favourite and I am sure the parade will be a popular addition,” Cr Manning said.
“Of course we will still have free entertainment at the Lagoon plaza on the Esplanade, with Santa in his grotto and the traditional switch-on of the Christmas tree lights.”
The Christmas in the City Parade will get proceedings underway from Cairns Central at 4pm, travelling along Shields Street to the Esplanade and onto the Lagoon.
The parade will leave Cairns Central with the lucky families on board an open double-decker bus, with a tropical Santa, and live entertainment from The Salvation Army carollers.
Anyone not on the bus can walk along the side, accompanied by additional carollers and roving entertainers.
Christie-Lee Jackson, Centre Manager Cairns Central, said it was exciting to collaborate with Council to be part of this inaugural event.
“We hope that the parade will add to the festivities and reach even more people in the city,” she said
“Coinciding with the afternoon’s event, we have planned a host of free Christmas themed events at Cairns Central, which are sure to delight everyone in the family.”
Christmas in the City at the Lagoon will simultaneously start at 4pm and include:
- Free entertainment and kids interactive activities
- Christmas themed market stalls
- Santa’s Grotto
- Councillor Linda Cooper will emcee the event
- Announcement of the winners of the E-card competition and switching on of the Christmas tree lights (at 7pm).
