Your guide to holiday cheer on the Western Downs

Published on 01 December 2025

Communities across the Western Downs are preparing for Santa to grace us with his 'presents,' as an array of Christmas events light up across the region from 6 December to 23 December 2025.

Santa will take time out of his busy schedule to visit the Western Downs, attending Christmas tree light-ups, twilight markets, carols and family movie nights right across the region.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith said this year’s Christmas calendar reflected the unique personality of each community, with events planned for Dalby, Chinchilla, Miles, Tara, Wandoan, Jandowae, Meandarra and Condamine.

"Residents and visitors can look forward to balmy summer evenings filled with music, local food, performances from local schools, market stalls and plenty of festive fun for families," Mayor Smith said.

"The Chinchilla Community Christmas Celebration returns this year, with fireworks and carols sure to attract a large crowd at the Chinchilla Botanical Parklands on Saturday 6 December.

"Alongside all the favourite traditions on our Christmas calendar, we’re excited to introduce some fresh new events this year, including a Dive-In Movie at the Miles Swimming Pool, as well as an action-packed laser skirmish at the Tara Christmas Carnival."

Mayor Andrew Smith said Dalby residents could look forward to the grand Christmas Tree Light Up at Mary's Place on Sunday 7 December.

"This will be the third consecutive light up event, with Santa arriving around 7pm to officially light up Mary's Place on Sunday 7 December.

“Christmas is a truly magical time across our region, and every township brings its own warmth, traditions and festive spirit to the celebrations.

“It’s a chance for families, friends and neighbours to come together after a busy year and enjoy the simple moments that make the Western Downs such a strong and connected place.

"It’s the people that make the Western Downs, and that’s never clearer than during the Christmas season, when our communities come alive with generosity, joy, and country hospitality.

“You can find all the details for this year’s holiday events on the Council’s website, and I encourage residents to visit it for the full list of festivities," he said.

The complete list of 'Christmas on the Western Downs 2025' events is available on Council’s website, including details on times, locations and activities for each community.

Visit https://wdrc.au/ChristmasEvents for more information.

For more information contact Council on 1300 268 624 (COUNCIL) or visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au.