What’s on in Cairns This Christmas

Cairns glows differently in December. The humidity rises, the mangoes ripen, and the city takes on a relaxed energy that suits the season. If you’re looking up what’s on in Cairns this Christmas, you’ll find twilight markets, seaside carols, and community celebrations right through late November and December.

Christmas here comes with palm trees, warm evenings, and waterfront walks. Staying at Coral Towers keeps you close to the ocean and within easy reach of many festive favourites, with a spacious, self-contained apartment to return to at the end of the day.

Festive Markets And Shopping

Local markets in the tropics are a full sensory experience. You’ll smell the food stalls as you arrive, hear live music drifting through the crowd, and spot plenty of gift ideas made by locals.

Eggplant & Poppy’s Annual Christmas Shopping Night

This boutique night turns Christmas shopping into an easy evening out. Expect handmade jewellery, quirky homewares, and gifts with personality. The event usually runs in late November, and it’s about a ten-minute drive from Coral Towers. Arrive early for parking, then browse at your own pace.

Friday Night at the KNOB Community Christmas Markets

The Yorkeys Knob markets, just a short drive north, bring the community together with craft stalls, local food trucks, and plenty of space for kids to run around. Entry is free, which helps with the end-of-year budget. Bring a picnic rug so you can sit on the grass and enjoy the live music under the stars.

Twilight Christmas Market

The Esplanade Lagoon Precinct shifts into evening mode when the sun goes down. This market brings local makers to the waterfront, and it’s one of the easiest festive outings if you’re staying at Coral Towers. You can take a pleasant 20-minute walk along the Esplanade to get there, with the sea breeze cooling things down.

Christmas Craft Markets

This family-friendly showcase focuses on handmade quality. Look out for wooden toys, hand-painted ornaments, and fresh-baked treats, plus small gifts that are easy to pack for the trip home. It’s a simple way to support local artisans while ticking off your shopping list.

Carols And Christmas Entertainment

Nothing says Christmas like hearing your favourite songs performed live. Cairns hosts traditional sing-along nights as well as ticketed shows for a bigger night out.

Christmas Actually

Inspired by the film Love Actually, this musical performance brings pop hits and festive anthems to the Cairns Performing Arts Centre. It’s a high-quality production that can sell out quickly. The venue is only a five-minute drive from Coral Towers, so it’s a handy option for a fun night in town.

Salvation Army and Community Carols by Candlelight

This event is a Cairns tradition. Families spread out picnic blankets and sing along to classic carols as the stars come out. Entry is free, and the atmosphere is welcoming and community-focused.

Joy to the World – Family Carols at Fogarty Park

Fogarty Park comes alive with face painting, food vans, and a special appearance by Santa. The energy is high, and the kids have room to move. It’s a popular highlight of the Cairns school holidays and sits close to the main Esplanade walking path.

Christmas Day Buffets and Dining

Cooking a big lunch is optional when you’re on holiday. Cairns has venues that take care of the work, so Christmas Day stays simple.

Christmas Day Lunch Buffet 2025

This indulgent lunch typically features fresh seafood, roast meats, and a generous dessert spread. Book early, as Christmas seatings tend to fill fast.

Christmas Lunch at Coco’s Kitchen & Bar

Coco’s inside the Pullman Cairns International is known for a premium Christmas lunch. It’s often pitched as an adults-only or fine dining style affair, with champagne and tropical flavours on the menu.

Choosing to dine out is one of the easiest things to do in Cairns on Christmas Day. Both venues are within a ten-minute drive, or a comfortable walk depending on the time of day, so you can enjoy a long lunch and return to Coral Towers without hassle.

Christmas Events and Family Activities

The festive calendar in Cairns isn’t limited to markets and music. There are options for families, groups, and anyone chasing something a little different.

Cairns Toy Run 2025

This motorbike parade is a thrilling sight. Hundreds of riders dress up as Santa and decorate their bikes with tinsel to raise funds for charity. Families line the streets to wave and cheer as the convoy roars past. It costs nothing to watch, and it’s a memorable part of the local calendar.

Christmas Luncheon at Silks Pavilion

Silks Pavilion offers a relaxed tropical setting for a festive get-together, with great food, raffles, and live music. It’s a comfortable pick for groups if you prefer something social without the formality of a ballroom.

Mulgrave Motors Presents NQ Burnouts

The Skids for Santa style event is a high-energy spectacle where engines roar, and tyres smoke for a good cause. It’s loud, exciting, and a very different way to mark the season.

Hard Hat High Tea

Hosted by Women in Construction, this event puts a fun spin on a traditional high tea. Held at the Pullman Cairns International, usually in early November, it features scones, sweets, and tea blends in a lively atmosphere.

Together, these options cover a wide range of interests. If you’re planning kids activities in Cairns for the school holiday period, or you’re chasing Cairns entertainment that suits a group, you’ll find plenty to choose from.

After Christmas, Keep It Going

Summer in Cairns rolls on after the big day, and some of the best plans are the simplest. A stroll along the Esplanade is an easy way to spend a warm afternoon. Stop by the lagoon pool, grab a coffee, or watch the sunset over Trinity Bay.

If you want more places to visit in Cairns close to the water, the waterfront boardwalk has public art, playgrounds, and shady picnic spots. It’s a handy option for a slow morning or an easy evening walk.

Local Tips From Coral Towers

Planning your festive stay is easier when you know what to expect. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the season:

• Pack for the tropics: You will need sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. It gets warm.

• Walk where possible: Many events on the Esplanade are easy to reach on foot.

• Use transport smarts: Rideshare or buses are great for larger venues if you want to avoid parking stress.

• Arrive early: Popular markets and carols fill up fast. Getting there early guarantees you a good spot.

Stay near the festivities at Coral Towers

A festive Cairns break is easier when your accommodation is close to what you want to do. With markets, carols, and Esplanade outings nearby, Coral Towers gives you a relaxed base with spacious, self-contained accommodation and ocean views. If you’re searching for what’s on in Cairns this Christmas, it’s a comfortable place to start and an even nicer place to return to after a big day out.

Image Credit: Christmas in Cairns