By Ashleigh Howarth
Christmas is set to sparkle across the Redlands Coast this year, with a new immersive lighting and sound experience joining a packed program of festive events.
A magical new attraction is set to light up this year’s Christmas on Redlands Coast program, with the Redlands Coast Enchanted Christmas Garden transforming the botanic gardens at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre into a festive wonderland from November 30 to December 20.
Redland City Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the new experience would add another dimension to the city’s Christmas celebrations.
“The botanic gardens at IndigiScapes will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland with arches and tunnels lit with fairy lights, festive soundscapes, smoke and snow machines and motion lights,” she said.
“Some of the lighting displays will have a wildlife theme such as butterflies, electric fireflies and bees – and there will also be a reindeer light display.
“The Enchanted Christmas Garden is sure to prove popular with residents and visitors to Redlands Coast, and will be in addition to the Christmas lighting displays that Council installs at five locations across the city.”
Tickets will range between $5 and $10 and will go on sale soon through Redland City Council’s website.
The new garden experience will join the return of some of the region’s much-loved Christmas traditions, including the Lighting of the Christmas Tree on November 27 and 28.
The two-night celebration will feature free carols, Santa photos and a Christmas movie, officially kicking off the festive season.
Santa’s Hub will also return to the Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre, with Santa’s phone booth, colouring-in activities and a map showing all the Christmas activations, and there will be a host of events and activities at all Redland City Council Libraries, the Redland Art Gallery, Redland Performing Arts Centre and Redlands IndigiScapes Centre.
Another new addition this year will be Santa photo pop-ups and Christmas-themed activities on Russell, Coochiemudlo and North Stradbroke Islands during the December school holidays.
Cr Talty said the program was designed to bring people together and celebrate the character of the Redlands Coast.
“Christmas on Redlands Coast is all about creating opportunities for residents and visitors to connect and celebrate with family and friends,” she said.
“It is a whole-of-community celebration with a range of experiences for all ages.”
For more information or to see the full list of events included in the Christmas on Redlands Coast program, visit the council website.
This story was written for The Community Leader Redlands, with images generously supplied by Redland City Council.