Experience the festive spirit of Rockhampton with our comprehensive holiday guide. Whether you're a familiar face in Rockhampton or a new visitor, our guide shows you the best holiday activities.
Kick off your festive season with the beloved Carols by Candlelight, an enchanting evening of music and community spirit. Enjoy the vibrant floats and local performers at the Christmas Parade and Community Festival, showcasing Rockhampton's creative flair. And Christmas in the Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its delightful mix of entertainment and holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Rockhampton
- Carols by Candlelight
- Christmas Parade and Community Festival
- Christmas in the Park
- Christmas Market Day
- Rockhampton Christmas Lights Tour
- Santa Paws Photos
- Rockhampton Cup Christmas Race Day
- Rockhampton Christmas Charity Fun Run
Rockhampton Holiday Light Displays
Rockhampton Christmas Lights Tour
What to Expect:
Guided tour of the city's best Christmas light displays
Description:
Rockhampton sparkles after dark during the Christmas Lights Tour. Passengers aboard festively decorated buses marvel at elaborate home light displays throughout the city. A knowledgeable guide shares stories behind some of the most impressive installations. This tour showcases the community's dedication to spreading joy, a tradition that has grown steadily since the widespread adoption of Christmas lights in Australia in the 1960s.
Website:
Rockhampton Christmas Lights Tour
Rockhampton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Market Day
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans and producers with a Christmas theme
Description:
Rockhampton's Christmas Market Day buzzes with activity as local artisans and producers display their wares. Visitors discover unique, handcrafted gifts and sample regional specialties. Live music from local performers creates a joyful atmosphere. This event celebrates Rockhampton's long-standing agricultural heritage, bringing together the best of the region's creative and culinary talents.
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Rockhampton Holiday Giving Opportunities
Rockhampton Christmas Charity Fun Run
What to Expect:
Festive-themed charity run supporting local causes
Description:
Rockhampton's streets fill with runners in holiday costumes for the Christmas Charity Fun Run. Participants dash through the city, raising funds for local charities. Spectators cheer on the colorful procession, creating a lively atmosphere. This event embodies the community's generous spirit, continuing Rockhampton's long tradition of supporting those in need during the holiday season.
Website:
Rockhampton Christmas Charity Fun Run
Rockhampton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Carols by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Community singing by candlelight in an outdoor setting
Description:
Rockhampton's night sky illuminates with thousands of flickering candles as voices unite in song. This cherished tradition brings together locals and visitors alike to celebrate the season through music. You can join in singing classic carols or simply bask in the warm glow of community spirit. The event pays homage to the first Australian Carols by Candlelight held in Melbourne in 1937, continuing a beloved national custom.
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Rockhampton Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Parade and Community Festival
What to Expect:
Combination of parade and festival showcasing local talent
Description:
Rockhampton's streets burst with color and cheer during this lively parade and festival. Local organizations and businesses showcase their creativity with elaborate floats, while community groups perform throughout the day. Visitors can explore craft stalls, sample regional delicacies, and watch live performances. This event celebrates Rockhampton's rich history as a major inland port, blending its past with present-day festivities.
Website:
Christmas Parade and Community Festival
Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Family-friendly outdoor celebration in a picturesque park setting
Description:
Kershaw Gardens transforms into a hub of holiday cheer for Rockhampton's Christmas in the Park. Children delight in face painting and craft activities, while adults browse local artisan stalls. The air fills with the aroma of sizzling sausages from community-run barbecues. This event honors the park's significance as a reclaimed former landfill site, now a thriving green space for community gatherings.
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Santa Paws Photos
What to Expect:
Pet-friendly Christmas photo opportunity with Santa
Description:
Furry friends take center stage at Rockhampton's Santa Paws Photos event. Pet owners bring their beloved companions to pose with Santa, creating heartwarming holiday memories. Volunteers collect donations for local animal shelters, embodying the spirit of giving. This event reflects Rockhampton's strong pet-loving community, which has supported numerous animal welfare initiatives over the years.
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Rockhampton Cup Christmas Race Day
What to Expect:
Horse racing event combined with Christmas celebrations
Description:
Callaghan Park Racecourse comes alive for the Rockhampton Cup Christmas Race Day. Spectators don their finest attire, adding a touch of holiday flair to traditional racing fashion. Between races, visitors enjoy Christmas-themed entertainment and gourmet food offerings. This event pays homage to Rockhampton's rich horse racing history, which dates back to the 1860s.
Website:
Rockhampton Cup Christmas Race Day
Nearby Events
GKI Christmas Cruise (Rosslyn Bay)
What to Expect:
Christmas celebration on the water around Great Keppel Island
Description:
Set sail for a unique Christmas experience around the stunning Great Keppel Island. Passengers revel in breathtaking coastal views while enjoying festive treats and entertainment onboard. You might spot dolphins frolicking alongside the boat as you cruise. This event highlights the natural beauty of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, a treasure that has drawn visitors to the region for generations.
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Capricorn Carols Under the Stars (Emu Park)
What to Expect:
Beachside carol singing event under the night sky
Description:
Emu Park's shoreline resonates with joyful melodies during Capricorn Carols Under the Stars. Attendees gather on the beach, their voices harmonizing with the gentle lapping of waves. You can participate in a lantern parade along the sand, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. This event celebrates the unique coastal lifestyle of the Capricorn region, blending holiday traditions with the area's natural beauty.
Website:
Capricorn Carols Under the Stars
Christmas Day Lunch Cruise (Rosslyn Bay)
What to Expect:
Christmas Day celebration on the water with a gourmet lunch
Description:
Celebrate Christmas Day in style aboard a luxury vessel departing from Rosslyn Bay. Passengers indulge in a gourmet lunch featuring local seafood and produce while cruising along the picturesque Capricorn Coast. The captain shares interesting facts about the region's maritime history and ecosystem. This cruise offers a unique alternative to traditional Christmas gatherings, embracing the coastal lifestyle of Central Queensland.