Christmas by Starlight

Christmas by Starlight, Redlands Coast’s largest free community event, will be held on Saturday 16 December 2023 at Norm Price Park – Redland Showgrounds, Cleveland.

Hosted by Redland City Council and attracting more than 10,000 people, the event will feature some of our finest local talent performing alongside renowned entertainers as the Redland Showgrounds are transformed into a magical and musical Christmas spectacular.

The all-age family event will begin at 3pm with an afternoon of free activities for children, roving entertainment, rides, and face painting. Visitors will be treated to a range of food truck delights and merchandise stalls set up by local not-for-profit community groups and licensed commercial operators. Afternoon entertainment will also be held on the main stage as a prelude to the spectacular Christmas by Starlight concert.

At approximately 8.30pm, the event will close with a five-minute firework display to be delivered by Mr Fireworks, subject to weather and other conditions.

Mr Fireworks are leaders in exhibition fireworks and laser shows. Directed by fourth generation pyrotechnicians Clinton and Shane Swanson, Mr Fireworks is one of the largest display organisers for all forms of pyrotechnics in Australia. With over 60 years of experience in the industry comes extensive knowledge of pyrotechnic and environmentally friendly shows that maintain a high safety standard.

Mr Fireworks assess the surroundings and the weather before any fireworks display and will not operate fireworks if there are any safety concerns.

The Christmas by Starlight fireworks display is subject to these conditions to ensure safety for our environment and our guests.

Christmas by Starlight is an alcohol-free event.

Event tickets

This is a free family event with no tickets required. There will be three designated entry points for the event to allow for security and bag checks.

How do I get to Christmas by Starlight?

By car

Free event parking will be available off Long Street, Cleveland or check out some other parking areas close by. Some changed traffic conditions will be in place so please allow extra time.

By public transport

Travel by train for FREE to Christmas by Starlight.

Translink, in conjunction with Transdev and Queensland Rail, will provide free train travel from Park Road to Cleveland between the hours of 12pm to the last scheduled service on Saturday 16 December. A free shuttle bus operated by Blue Bus will run from the Cleveland Train Station to the event.

You must register to get your valid Christmas by Starlight free public transport ticket.

For further information or to plan your journey visit the Translink website.

What can I bring to Christmas by Starlight?

Bring yourselves and your families of course! Chairs, blankets, picnics, food and drinks can be brought into the event. No glass, metal cutlery and alcohol is not permitted. Please refer to the full list below of allowed and prohibited items.

Permitted items:

Hat, sunscreen, glasses
Poncho
Small umbrellas
Water
Picnic rug
Small picnic and camping chair (the front section will be designated for blankets only)
Beach trolleys
Eskies
Food and drinks (non-alcoholic beverages only and no glass permitted)

Prohibited items:

No alcohol and illegal substances
No large Umbrellas, tents or tables
No glass/sharp objects, metal cutlery or weapons inc cheese knives
No bean bags, large deck chairs or reclining chairs
No flammable or explosive items or liquids
No lasers, laser pointers and torches
No drones or unmanned aircrafts
No pets except for service animals e.g. guide dogs and assistant dogs
No unauthorised advertising materials (including political clothing and collateral)
No offensive advertising materials
No smoking or vaping

Food, drink and merchandise available at Christmas by Starlight

Applications for food vendors and stall holders have now closed. No further applications can be accepted.

There is plenty on offer at Christmas by Starlight...you won't go hungry, we promise!

List of vendors

Special assistance and deaf interpreter

A designated disability services area will be allocated in a central location near the evacuation aisles providing clear access to accessibility toilets. Auslan interpreters will be part of the concert, and viewable on the big screens at the event. To register for special seating, or for any other special assistance inquiries, please contact the events team via email at events@redland.qld.gov.au

Become a sponsor

As a valued sponsor of Christmas by Starlight, you will have the unique opportunity to be associated with one of Redlands Coast’s major destination events that will benefit by receiving significant and prominent brand exposure to more than 10,000 people across Redlands Coast and South east Queensland.

The Christmas by Starlight Sponsorship Prospectus outlines the attractive sponsorship packages and range of benefits. For sponsor inquiries or to discuss in-kind support, please contact events@redland.qld.gov.au

Audition applications

Expressions of interest/applications for performing artists/vocalists have now closed.

We are pleased to announce our line up of Redlands Coast performers and some of our former locals returned home for Christmas!

Christmas by Starlight performers