With a jingle and a swing-le, Brisbane’s favourite festive event, the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, returns this week to deck the halls and spread joy to the world.

Hosted by Queensland’s first lady of song Naomi Price, our new-look female-led Carols features a superstar cast and creative team of 130+ local legends, headlined by Kate Miller-Heidke, Sheppard, Troy and Jem Cassar-Daley, Luke Kennedy and Marcus Corowa, plus an extra-special appearance from true-blue Queensland icons Bluey and Bingo. 

Here’s eight new features we’re proud to debut in our first year as producers of this magical event. 

1. A CAROLS FOR EVERYBODY

This year’s Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols event is more accessible than ever, with Auslan interpretation, audio description, closed captions and dedicated access for wheelchair users. Under the guidance of Access Consultant Madeleine Little, we have made access a true priority to ensure that more of our community can join in on the magic and wonder – together. 

2. THE JINGLE BELLES

Our Radio City Music Hall-inspired extravaganza wouldn’t be complete without our very own professional kick-line! This year’s two-hour program features an 18-strong ensemble of Queensland’s best professional dancers – The Jingle Belles – with world-class choreography by industry legend Kate Wormald (Happy Feet, Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis). 

3. NATURAL FLORA TAKES CENTRE STAGE

Few people know that Australia has more than 90 species of mistletoe, of which more than 35 species are found in South East Queensland. Our scenic design draws inspiration from SEQ’s gorgeous natural environment and features a range of native botanicals built into the set and costumes, including wattle, bottlebrush and eucalyptus. Our eco-friendly stage features exposed natural timbers and a uniquely Queensland look and feel which will be a signature of our Carols events in years to come. 

4. A TRULY QUEENSLAND CELEBRATION

It was vital for us that this year’s Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols would unite all Queenslanders, and Queensland truly takes centre stage in our inaugural program. Our choir members proudly wear original stoles featuring a bespoke design by central western Queensland First Nations artist Joyce Crombie in partnership with Red Ridge The Label, and Kate Miller-Heidke pays tribute to rural and remote communities via a very special performance featuring spectacular footage filmed in outback Queensland. 

5. SANTA’S NEW SUIT 

The man with the bag receives a dazzling 2021 makeover with a custom-designed suit from local designer and maker Zoe Griffiths and hair design by wig wizard Michael Green. Inspired by magical Christmas movies such as Miracle on 34th Street, this lightweight Queensland weather-friendly version keeps our Santa comfortable in extremely humid conditions – and looking extremely posh!

6. A PARTNER FAMILY CHRISTMAS 

In our inaugural year, we have welcomed some extraordinary partners to the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols family, from global giants to homegrown heroes. Our partner family includes presenting partner Subway Australia, broadcast partner Channel Nine, platinum partner Universal, and charity partners Foodbank and the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust. 

7. SUBWAY’S BEDTIME STORIES

We’re extending the festive fanfare all throughout the week with the premiere of suburban street activation Subway’s Bedtime Stories. Bring your best pyjamas and your favourite picnic rug to settle down for a Christmas bedtime story with Subway and The Little Red Company. Join us from December 14 to 19 as we travel across Brisbane in our Christmas Caravan reading ’Twas The Night Before Christmas and delivering a bedtime snack of Santa’s favourite cookie. 

8. CHANNEL NINE’S ENCORE

But wait… there’s myrrh. The full two-hour Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols show will be broadcast on Sunday 19 December at 7pm on Channel Nine and available to watch nationally on 9Now. The full show will also be televised across Australia at 10am on Christmas Day.

The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols takes place on Saturday 11 December at the Riverstage, Brisbane City.