Redlands Coast Lighting of the Christmas Tree

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Redland City Council's much loved Redlands Coast Lighting of the Christmas Tree is set to shine over two magical nights in 2025, officially launching the Christmas on Redlands Coast festive season.

The free community celebration will take place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November and will feature Christmas carols performed live on stage, lighting displays, roving performers, kids rides and activities, food trucks, market stalls and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree.

Families can also enjoy a free photo with Santa and a Christmas movie on the big screen − a perfect way to end a joyful night.

View our event album to see more images from both evenings.

Got a Santa photo? Check out the album and download yours!

Event Details

When: 4.30pm−8.30pm, Friday 28–Saturday 29 November 2025

Where: Raby Bay Harbour Park, Shore Street West, Cleveland

What: Live stage entertainment by some of our finest local talent | Santa | Lighting of the Christmas tree | Food trucks | Market stalls | Kids’ rides and activities | Christmas movie in the park

Weather: The event will proceed in wet weather and guests are encouraged to bring umbrellas and ponchos. Please keep an eye on the Redland City Council facebook page for updates on the day

Tickets

Redlands Coast Lighting of the Christmas Tree is a free community event. No tickets needed. Just gather your family, bring along a picnic blanket or camp chairs, and enjoy a festive evening filled with Christmas cheer.

What’s on

An entertaining program of activities will take place on both nights starting from 4.30pm featuring Christmas carols on stage, roving performers, Santa photos, rides, activities and market stalls. There will be plenty of food trucks available or visit one of the local restaurants.

Countdown to the lighting of the Christmas tree from 6.30pm then settle in to watch the Christmas movie in the park from 7.15pm. The event will conclude at 8.30pm.

Performers

Master of Ceremonies

Tony Morrison (Friday only)

From award winning street performer to Corporate performer & Professional Presenter, Tony Morrison has certainly led an exciting career.

Mix that in with being a former QLD champion Rally Driver, Motorcycle Stunt performer & Worldwide Adventure Thrill Seeker. (Ask him how he outran an avalanche on route to Mt Everest & also crashed while Mountain Biking down Bolivia’s famous “Road of Death”). For well over a decade Tony has been a well sought-after Corporate speaker and live action Host and Presenter.

Liam Waldock

Liam Waldock is an accomplished vocalist and engaging MC from Brisbane, whose passion for performance spans Musical Theatre, Opera and Jazz. Having just finished a Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice) at Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium, Liam is recognised for his charisma, versatility and warm stage presence.

Mirusia

Mirusia, celebrated as one of the world’s most sought-after sopranos, boasts an extraordinary 18-year global career - and proudly calls the Redlands Coast home.

A graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium, she became the youngest-ever recipient of the prestigious Dame Joan Sutherland Opera Award at just 21. Shortly after, she rose to international stardom as the star soprano with André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra, performing before world leaders, royalty, and millions of fans around the globe. Mirusia features on over 20 million albums sold worldwide, both with Rieu and as a solo artist.

Recognised by ARIA as Australia’s number one Classical Crossover artist, Mirusia’s albums have topped ARIA and AIR charts across Classical, Pop, and Jazz categories. Her accolades include Platinum and Gold album sales, an ARIA #1 Award, and two Hollywood Music in Media Awards (2022 and 2024).

Named Redland’s Citizen of the Year in 2024 and a Queensland nominee for Australian of the Year, Mirusia has collaborated with icons such as The Seekers, Nana Mouskouri, Jermaine Jackson, The Wiggles and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

Liam Waldock

Liam Waldock is an accomplished vocalist and engaging MC from Brisbane, whose passion for performance spans Musical Theatre, Opera and Jazz. Having just finished a Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice) at Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium, Liam is recognised for his charisma, versatility and warm stage presence.

A proud Redlands Coast performer, Liam has become a familiar face at community celebrations, council events and festivals, captivating audiences with his dynamic voice and natural storytelling ability. His operatic credits include Iolanthe, Orpheus in the Underworld (as Pluto) and The Magic Flute (as Monostatos), where his blend of comic timing and dramatic flair shone through.

Equally at home behind the microphone as an MC, Liam brings humour, professionalism, and genuine connection to every event he hosts.

Combining classical finesse with a love for timeless popular music, Liam continues to delight audiences and establish himself as a rising star of the Redlands Coast.

Naree Stariha (Friday only)

Singing since age three and performing by four, Naree Stariha lives to share her voice. She’s lent her talents to major events including backing vocals for Christine Anu at the Brisbane and Sydney Olympic Games ceremonies, and graced the stage at Christmas by Starlight and the Lyric Theatre. She’s currently performing with the Brisbane-based band Caxton Club and appears regularly at Eat Street. Though Naree hasn’t released her own album yet, her expressive vocals and dedication to her craft show she’s more than ready to be discovered.

The Idol Family (Saturday only)

Get ready for an unforgettable night of powerhouse vocals, world-class musicianship, and unmatched three-part harmonies as The Idol Family takes the stage backed by an all-star band! Featuring Chris Ah Gee, JaZZella and Jinja Blue - three extraordinary artists who made history on Australian Idol 2025. Each member of The Idol Family earned a prestigious Golden Ticket on the 2025 season of Australian Idol, showcasing their undeniable talent and captivating audiences across the nation. From soulful carols to pop-infused holiday hits, The Idol Family's Christmas performance is a celebration of music, family and the joy of the season.

Jacqueline Duckworth

Jacqueline Duckworth is an emerging Dramatic Soprano and Queensland Conservatorium graduate, where she studied under the internationally acclaimed soprano Professor Lisa Gasteen (OA). She has performed in productions including Hansel & Gretel, The Magic Flute and Oklahoma!, and appeared as a soloist with the Redland Sinfonia. Jacqueline has shared the stage with Mirusia and the Queensland Pops Orchestra and was the lead classical soloist for Redlands’ Christmas by Starlight in 2017 and 2018. Known for her rich, expressive voice and commanding stage presence, local Redlander, Jacqueline, continues to captivate audiences across classical and musical theatre stages alike.

Shae Marshall

Shae Marshall is a young artist based on the Redlands Coast with a passion for performance that began at an early age through community theatre and school productions. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Southbank, where she continues to refine her vocal technique and stagecraft and she performs at local community events. Shae is a participant of Redlands Rising Stars in both 2024 and 2025, performing as part of the Rising Stars Showcase. Her dynamic stage presence, expressive voice and dedication to her craft mark her as one of the region’s most promising emerging artists.

Katria Lovell

Dr. Katria Lovell is a local veterinarian whose life blends two passions: caring for animals and sharing the joy of music. Growing up with a love for both opera and musical theatre, she has recently had the privilege of performing as a soloist at various community events. Katria is a participant of Redlands Rising Stars in both 2024 and 2025, performing as part of the Rising Stars Showcase. Whether through her veterinary work or her performances, Dr. Kat is dedicated to celebrating the ways animals and music enrich our lives and bring people together.

Isabella Stone

Isabella Stone is an energetic and passionate 11-year-old performer from Redlands Coast, currently in Grade 6. With a love for singing and musical theatre, Bella shines on stage, bringing joy and energy to every performance. She starred as Elsa in her school’s production of Frozen and is currently receiving mentorship from Redlands Coast’s Matt Copley and Mirusia. Bella’s enthusiasm, talent, and dedication to her craft show a young artist with big dreams, and she is committed to pursuing a future in the performing arts. Her stage presence and love of music make her a performer to watch.

Redland Rhapsody Chorus

Redland Rhapsody Chorus is a dynamic female vocal ensemble performing four-part a cappella harmony. United by a love of singing, fun, and friendship, the chorus has built a reputation for performance excellence and community spirit. In October 2025, Redland Rhapsody proudly represented Australia, Queensland, and Redlands Coast at the 77th Sweet Adelines International Convention in Columbus, Ohio. As a not-for-profit community group, they regularly perform at aged care homes, community events, and Christmas celebrations, sharing the gift of music and connection throughout the region and beyond.

Strictly Dance

Strictly Dance has been home to young performers of the Redlands Coast community for over 30 years, offering opportunities for dancers of all ages and abilities. From recreational classes that spark a lifelong love of movement to high-level competitive training that has seen students excel on national stages, the studio prides itself on creating versatile, kind performers. Known for its commitment to community, creativity, and joy in performance, Strictly Dance is excited to bring the magic of Christmas to life at this year’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree celebrations through the love of dance and entertainment.

Limited Edition Dance

The Limited Edition Dance Christmas Crew brings festive sparkle to every stage! Based in Cleveland, this dynamic group is drawn from students aged 8 through adults at Limited Edition Dance Studio, where the focus is on inclusion, confidence, creativity and joyful performance. Founded on a philosophy of encouragement rather than competition, LED nurtures individuality while training technical skill in Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary and more. Their Christmas Crew lineup performs holiday-themed routines with energy and fun, spreading seasonal cheer across community events. With strong roots in the Redlands, LED continues building dancers who uplift both audiences and each other.

Redlands Coast Ukes

Redlands Coast Ukes are a dynamic covers band with a repertoire that is varied, lively and popular. Their performance incorporates rich harmonic vocals and a great range of instruments including awesome lead ukulele and rhythmic supporting ukuleles, guitar, bass, drums, bongos and various percussion. They perform regularly at private and Council events, Retirement Villages, RSL Cleveland, markets and festivals in S.E. Qld, including Stradbroke, Coochiemudlo and Macleay Islands and are proud supporters of Community events across Redlands Coast. You will see them performing prior to the stage show, so come up and say hello!

Stallholders

Applications for stallholders have now closed. No late applications can be accepted.

Performers 

Applications for performers have now closed. No late applications can be accepted.

Accessibility

The Redlands Coast Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Raby Bay Harbour Park is wheelchair accessible.

Closed captions will be available for the Christmas movie in the park.

For any other special assistance inquiries, please contact the events team via email at events@redland.qld.gov.au.

How do I get there?

By public transport

Due to limited parking, public transport is recommended for this event.

Raby Bay Harbour Park is situated adjacent to Cleveland train station. Take advantage of the 50 cent train fares on the Cleveland line. For further information or to plan your bus or train journey visit the TransLink website.

By car

Limited free parking will be available in Cleveland. See the website for information.

What can I bring to the Lighting of the Christmas Tree

Bring yourselves and your families of course! Chairs, blankets, picnics, food and drinks can be brought in. However, glass, metal cutlery and alcohol is not permitted. Please refer to the full list below of permitted 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) the viewing area is grassed, and chairs are not provided
  • 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
  • No smoking or vaping.

Further information

For more information, please contact Council's events team via email at events@redland.qld.gov.au.

Thank you to event supporters

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2023 Redlands Coast Christmas Tree Image