The festive season is looming. Time to break out the diary and schedule some festive fun for the Christmas holidays. Whether you like to embrace the Christmas spirit with sing-along carols or you like taking the time to scout out unique, handmade gifts for your friends and family, we’ve uncovered our top 6 Christmas activities that are taking place across the North Queensland region.
1. Rotary Carols by the Beach 2019
If you’re the type that likes to get into the festive spirit by belting out a Christmas tune or two, start warming up those vocal cords, because the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach are hosting the annual Christmas Carols by the beach! Not only will Santa make an appearance, but there will be a kid’s Christmas theme dress up competition. Located just an hour’s drive south of Bowen, this festive event for the Whitsunday region is worthwhile attending. Our pro tip: pack the picnic rug, snacks and your best singing voice, and get ready to belt out the Christmas carols.
Event details:
Sunday 8 December
Airlie Beach Foreshore
4:30pm – 8:00pm
Don’t miss out! Head on over to the official Facebook event page to stay up to date.
2. Bowen’s Christmas Street Fair
Buying gifts for Christmas can be difficult at the best of times, and it can almost feel like déjà vu when you spot the same products displayed throughout every department store. Not to mention the hassles of locating a carpark and battling the crowds. And that’s where our first suggestion comes in – Bowen’s Christmas Street Fair. You can purchase several handcrafted goods that are guaranteed to surprise even the hardest of people to buy for.
In addition to the endless handmade products, Bowen’s Christmas Street Fair will offer live music and the opportunity to get your annual picture taken with Santa. Plus, there’s a major prize draw which will be drawn on the night. Who wouldn’t want to win a $2000 local shopping spree just in time for Christmas?
Event details:
Friday 13 December
William, Herbert and George Streets, Bowen
5:00pm – 9:00pm
For all of the event details head on over to Bowen’s event page.
3. Purchase a Real Christmas Trees
It’s the great Christmas debate – to faux or not to faux? Many argue the negative environmental impact of the artificial Christmas Tree and truth be told, we’re all for the look of the real-life, lush green Christmas tree. The Event Crew who are based in Atherton offer a handful of Small, Medium and Large options starting at an affordable $100. This is your time to truly impress your guests by decorating your living room with the ultimate Christmas décor – a real Christmas Tree.
Ready to purchase? Head over to The Event Crew page to place your order.
4. Proserpine Rotary Club’s Annual Christmas Fair
Travel to Proserpine and experience a community Christmas Fair unlike any other. Every year the local Rotary Club come together to offer the region magical festive entertainment in the lead up to Christmas. Hosted in Main Street of Proserpine, noteworthy highlights include the ham wheel, barbeque, live music, market stalls to pick up unique, handcrafted goods and rides for the kids. Don’t forget the obligatory visit from the big man in the red and white suit himself – Santa Claus.
Event details:
Friday 13 December
Main Street, Proserpine
6:00pm – 11:00pm
Keen on attending? Visit Visit the Proserpine Rotary Club’s Annual Christmas Fair event page to RSVP.
5. Bowen Lions Markets during December
Hosted at Hansen Park on Horseshoe Bay Road, the Bowen Markets take place each Sunday from 8am until midday. Over 50 stall holders set-up each week to offer everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, which you can use whilst prepping those Christmas dishes; to knick-knack giftware like jewelry. Take five from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas rush, and grab a tea or coffee and a bite to eat, all while listening to the live entertainment on offer at the markets.
Event details:
Every Saturday
Hansen Park, Horseshoe Bay Road Bowen
8:00am – 12:00pm
Share the event with or friend by visiting the official event page.
So what are you waiting for? Begin planning your day at the Bowen Lions Markets here.
6. Christmas Day Lunch at Coral Sea Resort Hotel (Clipper Restaurant)
Known for its prime location overlooking the turquoise waters of the Whitsunday coastline, Coral Sea Resort Hotel will be opening its doors for a festive Christmas lunch.
Eat to your heart’s content with a buffet style lunch that includes a fine selection of seafood – think fresh crabs, local Queensland prawns, bugs and fresh oysters as a start; plus, a whole roast turkey and Coral Coast barramundi paired with gourmet salads. Following that line up, you will have to loosen the notch on your belt because the dessert menu they’ve curated is unmissable! The spread includes decadent mini desserts, passionfruit pavlova and a traditional Christmas pudding. Like any Christmas lunch, you’ll leave with not one square inch of spare room left in your belly!
Event details:
Wednesday 25 December
Clipper Restaurant, Ocean View Avenue Airlie Beach
11:30am – 3:00pm
If you’re yet to book in your Christmas lunch, now’s the time. Head on over to the official website to purchase your tickets.