The post 60 Christmas Traditions appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

How to send a letter to Santa

Step 1 Write the Letter

Have a chat with your Brisbane Kids about what they might like Santa to bring them. Remind them that Santa has lots of presents and that he needs to be able to fit it in the sled. Use the opportunity to talk about how to address a letter- this is a great literacy teaching moment where a ‘real world’ scenario can be used to teach. Write the letter.

Step 2 put the address on the envelope

Again, another wonderful chance to talk to your Brisbane Kids about how to write an envelope and talk to them about their own address as well.

There are 2 different Santa Addresses

For sending to Australia…..In Australia (needs a 60c stamp)

Santa NORTH POLE 9999

include a return name and address on both the letter and the back of the envelope. Here are more details should you like them http://auspost.com.au/education/primary-christmas.html. Need to send before the 17th December.

For sending to the world Santa (not sure how you explain the difference) (needs an international stamp- prob around $2 value)- write both the german and englis- as written below.

Santa (Weihnachtsmann) Christmas Post Office (Weihnachtspostfiliale) Himmelpfort, Germany 16798

include a return name and address making sure to include Australia on the letter and envelope. While we couldnt find anything specific to support this- there is an old link  http://www.examiner.com/germany-travel-in-national/santa-s-post-office-himmelpfort-germany-opens-early

Step 3 Wait in anticipation

You can expect to receive a personalised response from each letter both on envelope and letter. Now we have been told you DO NOT need to provide a return envelope and the mum that gave us this information has received responses without doing so- but if you feel better about it then I guess you could. How awesome is this!!! ..

Awkward Questions You might get about the Santa Letter

note that if you get any odd comments about Santa being in Germany a suggestion was made in regards to Germany being the location of his holiday home-

Also if this leads to further awkward questions about whether Santa is real then check out our awesome “Is Santa Real Solution”

We hope you love our post on how to send a letter to Santa and we wish you a Merry Christmas!!!

The post How to send a letter to Santa appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

Christmas Eve can be so enjoyable with children, reminding you of your own childhood memories of the festive season. There are a tonne of fun things to do with your Brisbane Kids on Christmas Eve, but here are a few that we think are great.

Bake Christmas goodies

Christmas Eve fun has to involve some preparation of festive food. You could get your Brisbane Kids to help you make and decorate a Gingerbread house to be eaten on Christmas Day or bake some fresh cookies for Santa. Christmas treats that don’t need cooking, like Rum Balls or baked goods that just need decorating are ideal for little Brisbane Kids to help out with.

Watch a special video from Santa

Every year, the Portable North Pole (PNP) creates personalised messages from Santa to your Brisbane Kids. Allowing you to customise with your child’s name, age, gift wish list and even if they have been ‘naughty’ or ‘nice’, the PNP is sure to be a hit with the whole family! The videos change each year, so even cluey Brisbane Kids will continue to believe. Check out the Portable North Pole website at http://www.portablenorthpole.com/home and keep an eye on the PNP Facebook page for information about when the video will be available this year.

Relax with Christmas movies

Get into the Christmas spirit with some great Christmas movies – The Polar Express, The Grinch, Home Alone and The Muppet’s Christmas Carol are terrific options for watching with Brisbane Kids. When the younger kids go to bed, you could move on to some funny Christmas movies like – Elf, The Santa Clause movies, Christmas with the Kranks and Deck the Halls. If you’re after something more sentimental, try It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, The Christmas Shoes, A Christmas Story and White Christmas.

Sing Christmas Carols

Singing carols can be a lot of fun with Brisbane Kids on Christmas Eve, especially kindy kids when they don’t quite get the words right! Put some recorded songs on the stereo and gather the family for a sing-a-long. Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra have recorded Christmas albums, or go for some contemporary kids artists like The Wiggles or Hi-5. There’s no better way to get in the festive mood than with some Christmas carols.

Tour the Christmas lights

A growing festive ritual in many cities of Australia is adorning our homes in Christmas lights. Checking out the magnificent displays is definitely a fun thing to do with your Brisbane Kids on Christmas Eve, though be prepared for the crowds. Maps and lists of the best Christmas lights are put out annually and make it easy to find some great decorations close to home. Pack some snack and take the kids for a drive around the suburbs for a truly magical Christmas Eve excursion. Brisbane Kids publishes a list of fabulous Christmas light locations each year.

Hanging Christmas stockings

Hanging their own stockings on Christmas Eve can be such an exciting experience for Brisbane Kids. Stockings hung on Christmas Eve means that Santa will be here very soon, which brings it all home for Brisbane Kids after weeks of counting down to the big day. You don’t even need a fireplace for this, just a hook, string or something heavy to anchor the Christmas stocking in place.

Picnic dinner under the tree

After a day of watching movies, making yummy Christmas goodies and going out to see the festive light displays, who wants to cook dinner? Put together something that doesn’t take much preparation, throw a picnic blanket on the floor near the tree and let everyone help themselves for a relaxed Christmas Eve meal.

Look out for Santa

Brisbane Kids will have lots of fun on Christmas Eve tracking Santa on his travels using the Official Santa Tracker on http://www.noradsanta.org/ . Add to the joy by creating a Santa viewer earlier in the day to help with their search for Santa. ‘Telescopes’ can simply be made by decorating empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls. A bit of red paint, glitter and even cotton wool will make a great viewer for spotting Santa and his sleigh zooming through the sky on Christmas Eve.

Magic key for Santa

One of our favourite fun things to do with your Brisbane Kids on Christmas Eve is the magic key for Santa. Not many of us have chimneys here in Australia, which creates lots of worried questions about how Santa will get inside to leave his presents. Eliminate the concern by making a ‘magic’ key for Santa by decorating an old key in paint and glitter. Attach the key to a piece of ribbon for Brisbane Kids to leave on the front doorknob on Christmas Eve so that Santa can easily let himself in. Older Brisbane Kids may even like to write and attach a note for the big man in the red suit.

A snack for Santa and food for the reindeer

You’ve already baked some goodies for Santa, but what about the reindeer? Create some reindeer food by combining rolled oats and glitter and let your Brisbane Kids out to sprinkle it on the lawn as a snack for the tired reindeer whilst they wait for Santa to drop off the pressies. The glitter helps the reindeer spot the food from far away, ensuring your house will not be missed on Santa’s rounds on Christmas Eve. Don’t forget the milk and snack for Santa to be left out just before Brisbane Kids get tucked into bed!

You should also check out our list of the coolest Christmas Traditions as a way to ensure the Christmas Spirit rings loud and true for you and you family this Christmas Eve

The post 10 fun things to do with your kids on Christmas Eve appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

Christmas is the time of year that for all its excitement can also be stressful, tiring and a bit of a let down after so much excitement in the lead up to the big day. A simple approach to Christmas will help you avoid this outcome and in turn create a new tradition of fun and relaxation. The key to a fuss-free Christmas Day is all down to preparation and a focus on family. The following tips will help ensure that every member of your family has the chance to sit back and spend quality time together on Christmas Day.

1. Planning for a later celebration Whether you are hosting the festivities at your home or going elsewhere, try to make the family celebration later in the day. This way, the kids can play with their pressies throughout the morning and not be forced to open their exciting new toys and then leave them behind.

2. Prepare in advance

Prepare as much stress-free Christmas Day food in advance if possible. Serve cold food and plan a simple menu that you won’t be slaving over all morning on Christmas Day. We suggest hot barbequed chickens and cold prawns for decadence without the stress.

3. Share the load

If having a celebration with family or friends on Christmas Day, have everyone contribute something to the feast. This encourages a sense of family community which is what Christmas is really all about.

4. Early meal for the kids

Feed the kids soon after your guests arrive so that the adults can relax without children complaining of being hungry. While the adults eat their Christmas feast, sit the kids down to watch a favourite Christmas movie.

5. Keep your family traditions

Push the stress aside and try to keep some Christmas Day traditions for your family. Take the time to sing carols, open presents or have a special family breakfast before the craziness of Christmas Day gets into full swing. Don’t get distracted by all of the other things that ‘have’ to be done.

 6. Reasonable expectations

There are only so many hours in the day. Aim to share memories with your children and extended family. These are the things your kids will remember, not the gourmet meal. Driving all over town on Christmas Day to visit relatives is no fun for anyone.

7. Secret Santa

Consider starting a ‘Secret Santa’ arrangement for the adults in your extended family. Buying one present instead of half a dozen or more and putting a dollar limit on the present itself will minimise the expense and the stress in choosing a present.

 8. Involve the kids

Where possible, involve the kids in the Christmas Day preparations. Depending on their age, they could complete tasks like setting the table, folding napkins, help to decorate the gingerbread house or help prepare some simple food items. This will eliminate their declarations of boredom and allow you to get on with the other arrangements.

9. Distractions

Take a few of the kids’ new presents or other activities with you when visiting on Christmas Day so that they have something to keep them entertained in any situation.

10. Packing for a late evening

If going out later on Christmas Day, consider packing pyjamas and anything that might help the kids wind down at the end of an over-stimulating day.

Follow these tips and enjoy a more stress-free Christmas Day this year that everyone in the family will look back upon with fond memories.

The post 10 Ways to do Christmas Day the fuss-free way appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

Visiting the Christmas Lights is a tradition practiced in so many parts of the world and Brisbane is no exception. Every year, households around the city undertake the mammoth effort of decorating their Brisbane homes in Christmas lights to draw crowds and wow Brisbane Kids.

The best Christmas Light locations

(Yet to be published) You will see below that we have divided the city into quadrants and mapped the light locations to make it easier for you to find the best Christmas Lights in Brisbane near you. We have also noted if the lights are a winner in the 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition. We suggest ensuring you allow plenty of time to visit the winners because these houses are often so big that they will require you to leave your car and walk through a Christmas wonderland that will need to be seen to be believed. Houses on our list may not opt to turn their lights on until December 1st.

We have highlighted the 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition 2013 finalists and winners in BLUE to make them even easier to find.

PLEASE NOTE: Local residents have requested that, whilst everyone is warmly welcomed when visiting their Christmas lights, please do not obstruct driveways and be considerate to those that live in the area. Keep the area beautiful for other families to share in the joy and take any litter with you when you leave. We have been told that local councils are placing parking restrictions on some of the more popular locations this year, so please be aware of this to avoid a fine.

CENTRAL BRISBANE CHRISTMAS LIGHT LOCATIONS

Brisbane City | King George Square / Brisbane City Hall - City Hall Light Spectacular @ 7:30pm Nightly from 13 to 24 December.

NORTH BRISBANE CHRISTMAS LIGHT LOCATIONS

Ashgrove | 133 Dorrington Drive - WINNER 4KQ LIGHTS BEST LIGHTING DISPLAY 2013

Bald Hills | 14 Paladin Place, nightly until 10pm - 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition Finalist 2013. Computerised lights display. Including interactive Wi-Fi so you can get your Name in Lights on the roof! Click here for more info or click here to get your name in lights! PLEASE NOTE that the Interactive Wi-Fi will NOT be operating AFTER 9pm on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Brighton | 50 Paul Street - WINNER 4KQ Best lighting to Music Award 2013

Burpengary | Blackbutt Court (dobbed in via facebook)

Caboolture | 20 Craigslea Drive - WINNER 4KQ Lights 2013

Carseldine | 17 Bowden Street (dobbed in via facebook)

Carseldine | Chablis Place

Carseldine | Khali Place (dobbed in via facebook)

Chermside | St Gerard Majella Catholic Parish’s Christmas Festival, nightly from 29 November – 23 December @ 7pm – 10pm – There is an amazing and massive Christmas light display, Gift Shop, Coffee Shop, light meals and BBQ, Santa Claus and Photos (from 30 November) and Free Entertainment nightly from 7:30pm.

Chermside | Renata’s Children’s Christmas Show, 23 December @ 7pm - Come for a magical family night out with Christmas lights and a fun show for the kids. This show is completely FREE.

Deagon | Uniting Church ‘Christmas Colours’ @ Sandgate Uniting Church 116 Board St - WINNER 4KQ BILL STRATTON HALL OF FAME & BEST CHURCH 2013. Nightly from 12 -23 Dec @ 7pm - Come and see the ‘Christmas Colours’ light display! Enjoy nightly entertainment, highlighted by an awesome Christmas light display. There will also be a sausage sizzle, soft drinks, ice-creams and tea & coffee, stalls and gifts, face painting, a gingerbread play house and great entertainment.

Deception Bay | Louisa Court [SOURCE: 9 News]

Deception Bay | Cockatiel Court, nightly from 1-24 Dec @ 7pm -10pm – 4KQ Christmas Light Competition entrants. Donations for the RBWH Foundation (specifically the neonatal intensive care unit) are greatly appreciated.

Cockatiel Court Deception Bay

Everton Hills | 17 Bowers Road South, nightly from 1-24 Dec @ 6:45pm – 10pm - Amazing light display annually where you can hop out of your car and walk around the Christmas light displays. 2012 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition winners for Brisbane North Residential. Sadly, this is the final year that this incredible display will be switched on.

Kallangur | 1 Loowa Street - Large light display with new additions in 2013. (dobbed in via facebook)

Keperra | Cobalt Street – A street full of wonderful Christmas light displays. (dobbed in via facebook)

Morayfield | Addison Court - WINNER 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition 2013.

Narangba | 12 Ridge View Drive, nightly 7pm – 10pm – 4KQ Christmas Lights WINNER 2013. Come and see our magical Christmas wonderland. Complete with Santa, Santa’s Workshop, elves, fairy’s, drummer boy along with the workshop toys and friends. Come in have a walk around see the magical Christmas windows, write a letter to Santa and receive a response letter back. We are collecting money for Humanitarian Projects International to build a new day care centre in Marirone Village in Tzaneen. Santa will be visiting our display on Saturday the 14 & 21st of December 7-9pm. Look forward to seeing you there!!! For more information and lots more photos, please visit Narangba Christmas Wonderland on Facebook.

Narangba Christmas Wonderland

Narangba | 8 Barnowl Court - WINNER 4KQ LIGHTS 2013.

North Lakes | 9 Churchill Lane – A Christmas Wonderland (dobbed in via facebook)

Redcliffe | Beach House on Suttons 43 Marine Parade - WINNER 4KQ Neighbourhood Award 2013. 

Rothwell | 4 Maria Court - WINNER 4KQ LIGHTS Best Use of Recycled Materials 2013.

Sandstone Point | 60 Carpenter Way - HIGHLY Commended 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition 2013. 

Stafford Heights |  268 Appleby Road (Stafford Heights Baptist Church) - Outdoor lights display, with animal farm, homemade foods and model train display within the church itself.

Stafford Heights | Coleridge Street

Stafford Heights | 25 Redgrave Street – 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition 2013 entrants.

SOUTH-EAST BRISBANE CHRISTMAS LIGHT LOCATIONS

Beenleigh | Maller Place (dobbed in via Facebook)

Belmont | Brandella Place - WINNER 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition Neighbourhood Award Annual lights display, as well as Santa photo opportunities. Click here for more info.

Bethania | Feldspar Street (dobbed in via Facebook)

Feldspar Street Bethania

Bulimba | Merry Street (dobbed in via facebook)

Capalaba | 44 Larbonya Crescent WINNER 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition

Carina | 536 D’Arcy Road – WINNER 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition. Awesome lights and they even have a model electric and steam train that goes around the front yard!

536 D’Arcy Road Carina

Cleveland | 31 Olymus Drive - 4KQ Highly Commended 2013.

Coorparoo | 89 Chatsworth Road [SOURCE: 9 News]

Cornubia | 14 Penelope Drive – 2 times winner for East Logan 2007- 2008. Display switched on from 1st December 2013.

Drewvale | 6 Protea Place - 4KQ Highly Commended 2013.

Edens Landing | 11 Lucy Drive - WINNER 4KQ LIGHTS 2013.

Hillcrest | 5 Clabon Street - WINNER 4KQ LIGHTS 2013.

14 Penelope Drive Cornubia

Loganholme | 1-3 Bimbadeen Drive (Bimbadeen Drive Child Care Centre) - 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition 2013 entrants. (dobbed in via facebook)

Loganholme | Lakeland Court (dobbed in via facebook)

Morningside | Stephens Street - Interactive light display. Lollies/toys and Santa some nights. (dobbed in via facebook)

Mount Warren Park | 11 Lane Court - 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition Finalists 2013 for Synchronised Lights to Music. Come and watch – you must stay for 10 mins to see the sequence!

Redland Bay | Dory Close – Every house in this street is lit up! (dobbed in via facebook)

Rochedale South | 2 Childs Street - Lights display synchronized to music.

Childs Street Rochedale South

Shailer Park |  Adelong Road & Warnambul Road - 4 great residential light displays at this intersection.

Tingalpa | Abbeyfeale Street - WINNER 4KQ NEIGHBOURHOOD AWARD 2013.

Upper Mt Gravatt | 435 Newnham Road (dobbed in via facebook)

Victoria Point | 26 Chestnut Crescent (dobbed in via facebook)

Victoria Point | 13 Seaholly Crescent - 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition 2013 entrants. 2 snow machines operating on the weekends in December for Brisbane Kids to play in. (Display switched on from 1st December 2013) (dobbed in via facebook)

Wakerley | 24 Tallis Street – Two townhouses with Christmas light displays that can be seen from the Manly Road intersection.

24 Tallis St Wakerley

Windaroo | Kaiser Drive

Woodridge | 12/33 Rudge Street – WINNER 4KQ LIGHTS 2013. You really need to get out and have a look as there’s so much detail and work put in. 

Wynnum | 46 Saunders Place [SOURCE: 9 News]

SOUTH-WEST BRISBANE CHRISTMAS LIGHT LOCATIONS

Acacia Ridge | Hemsworth Street (dobbed in via facebook) 

Augustine Heights | Dillon Avenue - Several houses in the estate have annual light displays. Also a small garage display (with train etc.) that will be open on weekend nights.

Forest Lake | 81 Centennial Way [SOURCE: 9 News]

Heathwood | Gardenia Circuit - Many houses in this estate take part and have won local Christmas lights competitions for the past two years running.

Gardenia Circuit Heathwood

Jindalee | 20 Curragundi Road - 4KQ Highly Commended 2013.

Kenmore | 10 Warunda Street - WINNER 4KQ LIGHTS 2013.

Middle Park | 12 Narrung Street - WINNER 4KQ Quest Youth Incentive Award 2013.

Redbank Plains | Newstead Court - Annual entrants in the Ipswich City Council lights. 

Newstead Court Redbank Plains

Riverhills | 419 Sumners Road The Salvation Army will be singing carols for a short time here on Wed 18th December from 7.30pm. (dobbed in via facebook) 

Springfield Lakes | 55 Creekside Drive - 4KQ HIGHLY COMMENDED 2013.

Taringa | 69 Westerham Street (Snap Laundromat) - Officially part of Brisbane’s Annual 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition 2013. Click here for more information, including photos.

IPSWICH CHRISTMAS LIGHT LOCATIONS

Brassal | 10 Calder Court – nightly from 22 Nov @ 6:30pm – 11pm. Display programmed to music. Over 35,000 lights in total. Click here for more information.

Brassal | 46 Fernvale Road [SOURCE: 9 News]

Eastern Heights | 8 Menzies Lane [SOURCE: 9 News]

Eastern Heights | 18 Edwards Street - A home completely covered in lights. Now switched on.

BEYOND BRISBANE CHRISTMAS LIGHT LOCATIONS

Glamorgan Vale | 7 Beattie Road - 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition Winner 2013. Local church singing carols and a snow machine! Santa arrives for all the kids on the 20th December. The owners have approximated around 300,000 lights in their display this year!

Nerang | 66 Riverview Road [SOURCE: 9 News]

Southport | 37 Eugaree Street [SOURCE: 9 News]

Tugun | 7 Coolara Street [SOURCE: 9 News]

Upper Coomera | 14 Sundew Crescent [SOURCE: 9 News]

More locations coming soon…

Make sure that you don’t miss any of the other fun and family-friendly Christmas events in Brisbane; take a look at our Brisbane Kids Guide to Christmas.

The post Where to find the best Christmas Lights in Brisbane 2013 appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

So, we decided it might be a good idea to make a list of ALL the Christmas movies ever made so that you could sit down with a bucket or two of popcorn, put your feet up and get into the festive spirit as you work your way through the list.  After scouring the internet and beyond and compiling a list of what we believe is every Christmas movie (or Christmas-related movie) ever made though we have decided you will be better off buying shares in popcorn and may have to take an early retirement if you plan to watch them all!!!  I mean, seriously, how many movies do we really need that feature the jolly season Mr. Movie Producer?

This list is by no means complete but is more than an eyeful to start with – and we do plan to continue to grow it a well.  I mean, I’m not retired yet so I haven’t watched them all but might start slowing going through them over the next, say, 10 years.  The plan is to update this and if you have some additions please comment and we will make sure we have it.

So if you’re up for a challenge or just looking for some new Christmas movie material then please, be my guest, and check out the list below of nearly every Christmas-related movie ever made.  Its in chronological order with animated and horror ones in separate lists. Ho Ho Ho!

Family Christmas Movies

Christmas Carol, A (1908) – Silent Film adaption of the Charles Dickens novel about a bitter old miser who gets a chance for redemption when visited by three ghosts of Christmas past.

Trap for Santa Claus, A (1909) – The children set a trap for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Carol, A (1910) – Silent Film directed by Thomas A. Edison

Scrooge (1913) - directed by Leedham Bantock

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (1914) – A boy rides in Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve.

Christus, The (1916) – The story of Christ

The Right to Be Happy (1916) – A version of “A Christmas Carol”

Christmas Carol, A (1917)

My Little Boy (1917)

Night Before Christmas, The (1926)

Babes in Toyland (1934)

Bright Eyes (1934) – An orphaned girl is taken in by a snobbish family at the insistence of their rich, crotchety uncle, even as her devoted aviator godfather fights for custody.

Lemon Drop Kid, The (1934)

Scrooge (1935) – In the night, Scrooge is visited by spirits of another colour. Straightforward adaptation of Dickens

Heidi (1937) – An orphan girl gets put in her grandfather’s care, then later gets retaken and delivered as a companion for an injured girl.

Christmas Carol, A (1938) – Directed by Edwin L. Marlin

Beyond Tomorrow / Beyond Christmas (1940) – The ghosts of three industrialists return to earth to help reunite a young couple whom they initially brought together.

Remember the Night (1940) – Just before Christmas, Lee Leander is caught shoplifting.

Christmas in July (1940) – A man’s co-workers trick him into thinking he won $25,000

Man Who Came to Dinner, The (1941) – When a critic slips on the steps of a businessman’s home and breaks his hip, he takes over the house indefinitely.

Meet John Doe (1941) – A man needing money agrees to impersonate a protester who says he will commit suicide on Christmas Eve.

Penny Serenade (1941) – A couple’s big dreams give way to a life full of unexpected sadness and unexpected joy.

Holiday Inn (1942) – Two men vie for the attention of a beautiful performer at Christmas

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) – A family is devastated when they have to leave St Louis

Since You Went Away (1944) – While her husband is away during World War II, Anne copes with problems on the home front.

I’ll Be Seeing You (1944) – A solider and a prisoner meet at Christmas and fall in love

Christmas in Connecticut (1945) – A food writer who has lied about being the perfect housewife must try to cover her deception when her boss and a returning war hero invite themselves to her home for a traditional family Christmas.

Bells of St. Mary’s, The (1945) – At a big city Catholic school, Father O’Malley and Sister Benedict indulge in friendly rivalry, and succeed in extending the school through the gift of a building.

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – An angel shows a businessman what life would be like if he never existed.

Bishop’s Wife, The (1947) – A bishop trying to get a new cathedral built prays for guidance. An angel arrives, but his guidance isn’t about fundraising.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – An old man claims to be Santa and a lawyer defends him in court to keep him from being institutionalised.

Bush Christmas (1947 & 1983) – In Australia, five children pursue horse thieves through the mountains.

Christmas Eve (1947) – A woman searches for her adopted sons for a Christmas reunion

3 Godfathers (1948) – Three outlaws on the run discover a dying woman and her baby and swear to bring the infant to safety across the desert.

Miracle of the Bells, The (1948) – An agent is determined to a film released that stars his dead actress  by getting all the churches to ring their bells.

Home for Christmas (1949)

Holiday Affair (1949) – The Christmas-season romance of a young widow and a sales clerk who (thanks to her) is unemployed.

Mr. Soft Touch (1949) – Just before Christmas, a returning WWII war hero, comes home to learn that a gangster has taken over his nightclub and murdered his partner.

Christmas Carol, A (Scrooge) (1951) – An old bitter miser is given a chance for redemption when he is haunted by ghosts on Christmas Eve.

Lemon Drop Kid, The (1951)

Heidi (1952)

O. Henry’s Full House (1952)

Holly and the Ivy, The (1952) – A minister and his family reunited at Christmas time.

Christmas Carol, A (1954) – directed by Ralph Levy (TV)

White Christmas (1954) – Two acts team up romantically and try to save their inn.

Every Day Except Christmas (1957)

Santa Claus (1959) – Santa Claus must defeat the evil machinations of the devil Pitch to ruin Xmas.

Babes in Toyland (1961) – Fun with Mother Goose nursery rhyme characters.

Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962) – Mr Magoo’s animated version of Dickens’ timeless classic “A Christmas Carol.”

Carol for Another Christmas (1964) directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz (TV)

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964) – The Martians kidnap Santa because there is nobody on Mars to give their children presents.

Carol for Another Christmas (1964) (TV) – A man mourning his son is visited by three ghosts.

Heidi (1965)

Christmas That Almost Wasn’t, The (1966) – Sam Whipple receives a visit from Santa who needs help.

A Christmas Memory (1966) (TV) – Adaptation of Truman Capote’s reminiscence about his childhood best friend.

Heidi (1968) (TV)

Christmas Tree, The (1969) – When a son is given 6 months to live his father does everything to make them the best ones he has ever.

J.T. (1969) (TV) – Troubled inner-city youngster adopts a stray cat for Christmas.

Silent Night, Lonely Night (1969) (TV) – Over the Christmas holidays in a small New England college town, a man and a woman share a brief interlude.

Scrooge (1970) – A musical re-telling of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale.

Homecoming – A Christmas Story, The (1971) (TV) – A family is preparing for Christmas and they get concerned when the father is late coming home.

A Christmas Carol (1972) – directed by Richard Williams

House Without a Christmas Tree, The (1972) (TV) – A young girl wants a Christmas tree but her father doesn’t.

Dream for Christmas, A (1973) (TV) – A minister is assigned to a poor church that is scheduled for demolition

Miracle on 34th Street (1973) (TV) – An old man claims to be Santa and a lawyer defends him in court to keep him from being institutionalised.

Miracle on 34th Street (1973) (TV) – Remake of the classic tale.

Young Pioneers’ Christmas (1976) (TV) – A young couple and their neighbours celebrate Christmas.

Gathering, The (1977) (TV) – A dying father pulls his torn family together for a last Christmas.

Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (1977) (TV) – A poor otter family risks everything for the chance to win the cash prize of a talent contest for Christmas.

A Christmas Carol (1977) (TV) – directed by Moira Armstrong

Christmas Miracle in Caulfield, U.S.A. (1977) (TV) – Based on the true story of coal miners who became trapped underground in a cave-in on Christmas Eve, 1951.

It Happened One Christmas (1977) (TV) – An angel is sent to Earth to show a despairing woman that the world is a better place because she is in it.

Sunshine Christmas (1977) (TV) – A musician decides to take his adopted daughter to his home in Texas to celebrate Christmas with his family.

Man in the Santa Claus Suit, The (1978) (TV) – Three men’s lives are changed when they use a hired Santa suit.

Christmas to Remember, A (1978) (TV) – A city-bred boy learns a lot when he goes and lives with his grandparents on their farm.

The Gift of Love (1978) (TV) – A story of two people, from totally different backgrounds and social status.

Christmas Eve on Sesame Street (1978) – Big Bird worries when Oscar tells him that if Santa Claus can’t fit down the chimney on Christmas Eve

The Nativity (1978) (TV) - Biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Rich Little’s Christmas Carol (1978) – Rich Little’s one-man show based on “A Christmas Carol”

U.F.O. Blue Christmas (1979)

Christmas Lilies of the Field (1979) (TV) – Seasonal sequel to Lillies Of The Field.

A Special Sesame Street Christmas (1978) (TV) – Leslie Uggams is celebrating Christmas on Sesame Street.

American Christmas Carol (1979) (TV) – Starring Henry Winkler – based on Charles Dickens’ popular book A Christmas Carol.

Christmas Lilies of the Field (1979) (TV) – An ex-soldier builds an orphanage and school for children

Gathering, Part II, The (1979) (TV) – Kate’s children come together at Christmas to protect her from a suitor  who may be after her late husband’s company.

Mr. Krueger’s Christmas (1980) (TV) – An elderly widower relies on his daydreams and faith to get through a lonely Christmas.

Christmas Mountain (1980) – an aging saddletramp discovers the spirit of Christmas

Christmas Without Snow, A (1980) (TV) – A divorced woman moves to a new city with her child, trying to build her life again.

Mr. Krueger’s Christmas (1980) (TV) – A widowed apartment janitor daydreams to escape his lonely life.

The Monster’s Christmas (1981) (TV) – A little girl helps a monster from her book defeat an evil witch.

Nutcracker (1982)

Christmas Story, A (1983) – Ralphie has to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder B.B. gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940s.

Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1983) (TV) – Grace inherits the job of running her church’s Christmas pageant.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) – A British soldier in a Japanese prison camp.

Trading Places (1983) – A investor and a con artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires.

Gift of Love: A Christmas Story, The (1983) (TV) – A sick mother dreams of returning to her homeland.

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (1984) (TV) – A grandfather who dies makes a deal to return to Earth for a week to show his grandson a real white Christmas.

Christmas Carol, A (1984) (TV) – Directed by Clive Donner

Comfort and Joy (1984) – A comedy about a radio host, two Italian families and the rights to who can sell ice-cream where.

Night They Saved Christmas, The (1984) (TV) – Santa’s home is in jeopardy as an oil company blasts for oil.

Fourth Wise Man, The (1985) (TV) – The story of Artaban, the fourth Magi, who spends his life looking for Jesus his King.

Santa Claus, The Movie (1985) – How Santa came to be and an elf and toy manufacturer who try to eliminate him.

One Magic Christmas (1985) – An angel must show a mother the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas Gift, The (1986) (TV) – A widowed New York City architect and his young daughter take a Christmas vacation and end up in a small mystical town in Colorado where everyone belives in Santa Claus.

Babes in Toyland (TV) (1986)

Christmas Snow (1986) (TV) – A heart-warming story about faith, hope and restoration with a silver lining.

Christmas Eve (1986) (TV) – A wealthy elderly woman searches for her grandchildren before she dies

Christmas Star, The (1986) (TV) – two neighborhood children believe an escaped convict is the real Santa Claus.

Nutcracker, The Motion Picture (1986) – The first time this holiday classic was made for the big screen.

Smoky Mountain Christmas, A (1986) (TV) – A country/western singer on a trip through the Tennessee mountains runs into a reclusive backwoodsman–and a witch.

John Grin’s Christmas Carol (1986) (TV) – African-American businessman is shown the spirit of Christmas by three ghosts

Christmas Snow (1986) (TV) – A heart-warming story about faith, hope and restoration with a silver lining.

Bushfire Moon (The Christmas Visitor) (1987) (TV) – In the Australian outback, a small boy determines to see that a nasty, curmudgeonly miser gets the Christmas spirit.

Benji’s Very Own Christmas Story (1978) (TV) – Popular screen pooch meets Kris Kringle while preparing for a Christmas parade in Switzerland.

A Muppet Family Christmas (1987) (TV) – Kermit and his friends spend Christmas staging a surprise visit to Fozzie Bear’s mother’s farm.

A Mouse, A Mystery and Me (1987) (TV) – A mystery-writing mouse spends Christmas Eve tracking down a missing Santa.

Christmas Comes to Willow Creek (1987) (TV) - Two truck-driving brothers are hired to deliver Christmas presents and one huge surprise.

Hobo’s Christmas, A (1987) (TV) – An old hobo finds the family he walked out on 20 years before.

Three Kings (1987) (TV) - Three mental hospital patients escape from a Christmas pageant.

Christmas Wife, The (1988) (TV) – A widower not wanting to face his first Christmas alone responds to an ad for “social introductions”.

Blackadder’s Christmas Carol (1988) (TV) – Pleasant Ebenezer Blackadder is turned into a cruel and witty miser after seeing visions of his ancestors and descendants.

Ernest Saves Christmas (1988) – Ernest helps Santa Claus as he searches for his successor.

Roots: The Gift (1988) (TV) - Two men accompany their owner to another plantation at Christmas time and they learn that the son of the owner helps slaves escape.

I’ll Be Home for Christmas (1988) (TV) – A family try to have a good family Christmas, despite World War 2.

Ernest Saves Christmas (1988) (TV) – Ernest helps Santa Claus as he searches for his successor.

Very Brady Christmas, A (1988) (TV) – Christmas with the Brady Bunch.

Scrooged (1988) – A selfish TV executive gets haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve.

It Nearly Wasn’t Christmas (1989) (TV) – A disillusioned Santa quits Christmas and it takes a little girl to make him realise how much people still need him.

Ghostbusters II (1989) – The staff of Ghostbusters revive the business.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) – The Griswold family’s plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.

Prancer (1989) – A young girl who believes in Santa finds an injured reindeer and thinks it is Prancer.

Home Alone (1990) – A boy who is left at home by mistake at Christmas must defend his home from burglars.

Christmas Toy, The (1990) (TV) – When no people are around, the toys still play in the playroom.

Kid Who Loved Christmas, The (1990) (TV) – A father and son who both have the same Christmas wish – to be together.

Mom for Christmas, A (1990) (TV) – A girl who wants a mom for the Christmas holidays gets her wish when a mannequin comes to life.

The Best Christmas Ever (1990) (TV) –

Home for Christmas (1990) (TV) - A thief befriends a young boy at Christmas.
Guess Who’s Coming for Christmas? (1990) (TV) – a stranger who claims to be an alien befriends the town eccentric.

Bernard and the Genie (1991) (TV) – Bernard Bottle discovers a genie in an old bottle.

Midnight Clear, A (1991) – An rival squads during the war put their differences aside and spend Christmas together.

Christmas on Division Street (1991) (TV) – A good-natured homeless man and an ill-tempered student become good friends.

La Pastorela (1991) (TV)

Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus (1991) (TV) – A writer must answer a little girl’s question about whether Santa Claus really exists.

All I Want for Christmas (1991) – A story about two children who are intent on spending Christmas with their parents and grandmother. As they embark on their adventure, almost nothing goes exactly as they planned.

Christmas in Connecticut (TV) (1992) – A famous TV chef must hide the fact she cant cook from the viewers in a live taping of her show at Christmas.

Christmas Stallion, The (1992) (TV) – When a girl’s grandfather dies her uncle must either sell the farm to a greedy land developer, or allow her to keep it.

Muppet Christmas Carol, The (1992) – The Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale “A Christmas Carol”

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) – a Sequel to Home Alone but this time Kevin and the burglars are in New York.

Christmas Vacation ’91 (1992)

To Grandmother’s House We Go (1992) (TV) – The Olsen twins go on an exciting adventure to grandmother’s house

Nutcracker, The (1993) – A little girl dreams her toys come to life and her beloved nutcracker toy does too to save her.

Heidi (1993) (TV)

Look Who’s Talking Now (1993) – Its Christmas time and James and Molly along with their family and pets are dealing with James’ new job and Molly’s lack of one.

Santa Clause, The (1994) – When a man inadvertently kills Santa on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place.

Trapped in Paradise (1994) – Residents of a Pennsylvania town foil three brothers’ plan to rob a bank on Christmas Eve.

One Christmas (1994) (TV) – A young man is sent to visit his estranged father for Christmas.

Night Before Christmas, The (1994) – Two brothers who hate each other are going to spend Christmas with their mother.

Christmas Romance, A (1994) (TV) - A widowed mother with financial woes comes to the aid of a bill collector who crashes his car in a snowstorm.

Miracle on 34th Street (1994) – A department store Santa is convinced he is the real thing and convinces a little girl too.

Mixed Nuts (1994) – A crisis hotline business has one crazy night during the Christmas holidays.

The Ref (1994) – A cat burglar is forced to take a bickering, dysfunctional family hostage on Christmas Eve.
Home for the Holidays (1995) – A woman needs to face spending Christmas with her family and their crazy antics

Christmas Box, The (1995) (TV) – A ski-shop owner reluctantly moves himself, his wife, and his daughter in to an estate as live-in help for an elderly widow.

Ebbie (1995) (TV) – an updated retelling of ‘A Christmas Carol’ involving a business woman who learns the true meaning of Christmas

A Holiday to Remember (1995) (TV) - Carolyn is leaving the big city with her daughter Jordi for her childhood village, deep in the forest.

The Associate (1996) – A comedy about breaking prejudices and making it on Wall Street.

Unlikely Angel (1996) (TV) – A singer must work with St Peter to earn her wings at Christmas by re-uniting a family.

Jingle All the Way (1996) – A father decides to dream the impossible; to get a Turbo Man action figure for his son just before Christmas.

Mrs. Santa Claus (1996) (TV) – Santa’s wife ends up in New York in the early 1900s near Christmas.

The Angel of Pennsylvania Avenue (1996) (TV) – Three children try to convince the president to release their wrongly convicted dad from prison in time for Christmas

Christmas Every Day (1996) (TV) – A teenager is made to re-live Christmas Day over and over again.

Elmo Saves Christmas (1996) (TV) – Elmo wishes that it would be Christmas every day

A Christmas Memory (1997)

Borrowed Hearts (1997) – A wealthy man pays a single mother and daughter to be his family for Christmas.

Vendetta: A Christmas Story (1997) (TV) – Santa gets involved with the wrong people.

The Christmas List (1997) (TV) – A woman learns the lesson “be careful what you wish for”.

Prancer Returns (1998)

Like Father, Like Santa (1998) (TV) – A ruthless toy tycoon travels to the North Pole to put an end to his biggest rival.

Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish (1998) (TV) – Richie Rich gets blamed for spoiling Christmas.

The Christmas Wish (1998) (TV) – A businessman tries to uncover a family secret for his grandmother.

A Chance of Snow (1998) (TV) – A divorced couple get snowed in at Christmas.

A Christmas Carol (1999) (TV)

Must Be Santa (1999) (TV) – Santa must pass his powers on to his chosen successor, but mistakenly passes them on to an ex con.

Ms. Scrooge (1999) (TV) – A different twist on Charles Dickens classic starring Cicely Tyson.

The Greatest Store in the World (1999) (TV) – A woman and her daughters take up residence in the best department store in London.

Barney’s Night Before Christmas (1999) - Barney and friends take a trip to the Norh Pole to meet Santa

A Season for Miracles (1999) (TV) – A homeless woman and her niece and nephew attempt to outrun the authorities during the holiday season.

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – Big budget remake of the classic cartoon about a creature intent on stealing Christmas.

Once Upon A Christmas (2000) (TV) – Santa’s daughter tries to change a family so they are no longer on the Naughty list

Special Delivery (2000) (TV) – A courier botches the delivery of a baby to its new parents in time for Christmas.

The Ultimate Christmas Present (2000) (TV) – A girl steals a weather machine from Santa Claus to make it snow on Christmas Day

Santa Who? (2000) (TV) – Santa suffers an amnesia attack shortly before Christmas.

The Christmas Secret (2000) (TV) – A scientist sets out to prove that reindeer can fly.

Call Me Claus (2001) (TV) – Santa grooms a businesswoman to be his replacement.

Three Days (2001) (TV) - An angel offers a literary agent a chance to relive the last three days of his wife’s life.

‘Twas the Night (2001) (TV) – A boy and his uncle almost ruin Christmas when they decide to take Santa’s new high-tech sleigh for a joyride.

The Sons of Mistletoe (2001) (TV) – A foster home for boys is in danger of being closed when its benefactor dies.

Twice Upon a Christmas (2001) (TV) – Santa’s daughter has lost her memory.

Santa Clause 2, The (2002) – Scott Calvin has been a humble Santa Claus for nearly ten years, but it might come to an end if he doesn’t find a Mrs. Claus.

Silent Night (2002) (TV) – A German mother and her son seek refuge in a cabin on the war front.

Christmas Rush (2002) (TV) – One cop is taking matters into his own hands.

Santa, Jr. (2002) (TV) – Santa’s son is held under house arrest two days before Christmas.

Mary Christmas (2002) (TV) – Widower’s young daughter asks Santa for a new mother.

The Man Who Saved Christmas (2002) (TV) –  A man figures out a way to keep Christmas alive after the war threatens to take it away in his name.

It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (2002) – On Christmas Eve, an angel petitions God to send help for Kermit the Frog

Home Alone 4 (2002) (TV) – A TV sequel to the theatrical original.

Mr. St. Nick (2002) (TV) – An aging Santa Claus must convince his son to take over his job.

The Christmas Shoes (2002) (TV) – A young boy tries to get a pair of Christmas shoes for his dying mother.

A Christmas Visitor (2002) (TV) – A family decides not to celebrate Christmas for 11 years after their son dies.

Elmo’s World: Happy Holidays (2002) – What present will Elmo give his goldfish, Dorothy?

Love Actually (2003) – Follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives over Christmas

Stealing Christmas (2003) (TV) – A criminal hides in a small town and takes a job as a Santa.

Picking Up and Dropping Off (2003) - A divorced father and a divorced mother start to meet at Denver airport when picking up and sending off their children.

Comfort and Joy (2003) (TV) - Single businesswoman wakes up married and a mother after a car accident.

A Carol Christmas (2003) (TV) – A modern, comic re-telling of “A Christmas Carol”.

Bad Santa (2003) – A miserable conman and his partner pose as Santa and his Little Helper to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. But they run into problems when the conman befriends a troubled kid, and the security boss discovers the plot.

Elf (2003) – A tall elf goes in search of his true identity

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure (2003) (TV) – Though Eddie’s fired right at Christmas, his boss sends him and his family on a South Pacific vacation.

A Boyfriend for Christmas (2004) (TV) - Santa plays matchmaker and sets up a young couple for Christmas.

Christmas Carol, A (2004) – The stage production adapted for television starring Kelsey Grammer and Jason Alexander

Samantha: An American Girl Holiday (2004) (TV) – A wealthy girl visits an orphanage during the holiday season, and tries to house them.

Christmas Child (2004) – A life-sized nativity leads a man to learn about his past and lost family.

Naughty or Nice (2004) (TV) – A boy dying of cancer forces a radio shock jock to be nice for a day.

Christmas With the Kranks (2004) – Parents need to pull off Christmas last minute when their daughter decides to come home for it.

Noel (2004) – Five New Yorkers come together on Christmas Eve, seeking a miracle

Snow (2004) (TV) - With only three days before Christmas, Nick Snowden needs to rescue a young reindeer from a zoo.

Red Boots for Christmas (2004) (TV) – A bitter shoemaker gets a visit from an angel shortly before Christmas.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Eve (2004) (TV) - A dying man has 12 days (12 chances) to achieve the “perfect” Christmas.

Eve’s Christmas (2004) (TV) – A wealthy and successful career woman gets a second chance in life with a magical wish.

Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus (2004) (TV) – A career woman and single mother is wooed by Santa’s son.

Surviving Christmas (2004) – A lonely, obnoxious young millionaire pays a family to spend Christmas with him.

Christmas at Water’s Edge (2004) (TV) – An Angel teams with spoiled college coed to organize Christmas concert at community youth center.

The Family Stone (2005) – An uptight businesswoman attends her partners’ free-spirited family’s Christmas celebration.

Recipe for a Perfect Christmas (2005) (TV) – A struggling chef agrees to date a food critic’s mother.

Three Wise Guys (2005) (TV) - Three Gangsters are hired as hitmen during the Christmas season.

His and Her Christmas (2005) (TV) – Two journalists compete to keep their jobs.

Crazy for Christmas (2005) (TV) – A female limousine driver takes an eccentric elderly rich man around town on Christmas Eve.

Christmas In Boston (2005) (TV) – Two pen pals meet up in Boston at Christmas.

Chasing Christmas (2005) TV - A bitter and burned-out Ghost of Christmas Past decides to go AWOL while on a “mission”.

The 12 Dogs of Christmas (2005) (TV) – A girl uses dogs to teach people about the true meaning of Christmas during the Depression.

Meet the Santas (2005) (TV) – Beth’s postponed wedding has to be rescheduled for Xmas eve

Deck the Halls (2005) (TV) - Amother and her son come to believe their new neighbor may be Santa Claus.

Joyeux Noel (2005) – Its Christmas during WWI and the French, German and Scottish get to know the men who live on the other side of the war.

A Home for the Holidays (2005) (TV) - A woman struggles to adopt her orphaned relatives.

Deck the Halls (2006) – Two neighbors fight after one of them lights his house up so brightly that it can be seen from space.

Hogfather (2006) (TV) - It’s Hogswatch on the Discworld and the Hogfather has gone missing

A Christmas Wedding (2006) (TV) – 2 people who meet on Christmas Day plan to marry on Christmas Day two years later.

The Nativity Story (2006) – A drama following  Mary and Joseph’s life when they journeyed to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.

Santa Baby (2006) (TV) – Mary returns to the North Pole to take over for her dad, Santa.

The Christmas Card (2006) (TV) – US soldier visits the town from where an inspirational Christmas card was sent to him.

Christmas Do-Over (2006) (TV) – A man has to re-live Christmas Day over and over again.

Unaccompanied Minors (2006) – A group of kids bond while snowed in at an airport during the holiday season

A Sesame Street Christmas Carol (2006) (TV) – Oscar the Grouch is visited by three ghosts in an attempt to teach him the true meaning of Christmas.

Santa Clause 3, The (2006) – Santa needs to keep his new family happy and stop Jack Frost from taking over Christmas.

The Holiday (2006) - Two women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other’s countries.

Road to Christmas (2006) (TV) – A high-powered photographer gets a lift from a widower and his daughter.

A Dad for Christmas (2006) (TV) – A young man brings his baby to his grandmothers for Christmas.

Elmo’s Christmas Countdown (2007) (TV) – Sesame Street characters help Elmo count down the days leading up to Christmas.

A Christmas Too Many (2007) (TV) – A Hollywood legend invites her not so normal family home for the holidays.

A Dennis the Menace Christmas (2007) – Dennis tries to inject his grinchy neighbor Mr. Wilson with the holiday spirit

This Christmas (2007) (TV) – Whitfield family’s first holiday together in four years.

A Grandpa for Christmas (2007) (TV) – A grandfather and granddaughter develop a close bond when her mother is hospitalised.

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (2007) (TV) – A boy and his widowed mother commission a grumpy woodcarver to carve a nativity set.

Christmas Caper (2007) (TV) - A Grinch-like thief retreats to her hometown for Christmas.

Holiday in Handcuffs (2007) (TV) - A struggling artist working as waitress kidnaps one of her customers.

Moonlight and Mistletoe (2007) (TV) – A man runs a year-round Santa Town.

Snowglobe (2007) (TV) – A woman discovers a Christmas-themed dream world inside a magical snow globe.

The Family Holiday (2007) (TV) – A selfish con-man must show that he can be a family man to inherit his uncle’s estate.

Fred Claus (2007) - Santa’s bitter older brother is forced to move to the North Pole.

Christmas Story (2007) – The touching story of how Santa Claus came to be Santa.

A Muppet Christmas: Letters to Santa (2008) (TV) – Gonzo accidentally diverts three letters to Santa

The Christmas Cottage (2008) (TV) – A look at the inspiration behind Thomas Kinkade’s painting The Christmas Cottage

Four Holidays (2008) - A couple struggles to visit all four of their divorced parents on Christmas Day.

Will You Merry Me? (2008) (TV) – A couple learn the hardest part about getting married might be dealing with each other’s in-laws.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008) (TV) – A Retired policeman attempts to kindle romance between his daughter and a visiting chef.

Christmas Town (2008) (TV) – A single mom visits her estranged father for Christmas

Snow 2: Brain Freeze (2008) (TV) – Nick walks through a magical mirror and ends up with amnesia.

Christmas in Wonderland (2009) (TV) - Two children find a bag full of counterfeit money and Santa too.

The National Tree (2009) (TV) – A teenager has his Sitka Spruce tree chosen to be planted outside the White House as the new national Christmas Tree.

The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009) (TV) – When two burglars set out to break into his owner’s home Zeus seizes the chance to be a hero.

Santa Buddies (2009) (TV) – Santa’s puppy needs to get back in order to save Christmas.

Mrs. Miracle (2009) (TV) – Widower Seth Webster finds the perfect housekeeper to help him with his unruly six year old twin sons.

Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe (2009) (TV) – Santa needs his daughter, Mary Class’ help again.

Christmas Cupid (2010) (TV) - Sloane is a beautiful, stylish woman on the fast track to success in her public relations firm when a starlet client dies.

The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation (2010) (TV) – Can Zeus solve the crime, save Bella and hit the slopes, all in time for Christmas Day?

The Search for Santa Paws (2010) (TV) - Magic dogs and an elf team up with two children to rescue Santa who has lost his memory.

The Night Before The Night Before Christmas (2010) – Santa sets off on his Christmas duties a day early and runs into trouble.

Mrs Miracle 2: Miracle in Manhattan (2010) (TV) – No one celebrates the holidays like Emily Merkle – or Mrs. Miracle as she is known by some.

Christmas with a Capital C (2010) (TV) - Small Alaska town erupts into conflict over public Nativity scene.

Christmas Mail (2010) (TV) – A postal worker falls for a woman who answers letter for Santa.

November Christmas (2010) (TV) – A father tries to provide an early Christmas for his seriously-ill young daughter.

The Santa Suit (2010) (TV) – A greedy Toy CEO gets transformed to look like a department store Santa.

A Christmas Kiss (2011) (TV) – A Christmas romance.

Christmas Spirit (2011) (TV) - A cynical youth whose mother is about to lose her job right before the holidays is visited by a magical Christmas spirit.

The Custom Mary (2011) - The story of two preachers and a scientist, who discover two drops of Jesus Christ’s blood.

Mandie and the Forgotten Christmas (2011) (TV) – Mandie stumbles upon the mystery of a long forgotten Christmas.

Lucky Christmas (2011) (TV) – A terminally unlucky single mother wonders if she will ever be lucky as Christmas approaches.

A Dog’s Christmas Miracle (2011) (TV) – A mischievous puppy is determined to break-up her devoted “mummy’s” new relationship.

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (2011) (TV) – A Christmas elf accidentally takes off in Santa’s sleigh.

Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas! (2011) (TV) – Chaos strikes when a woman and her daughter get separated from their family during the holidays.

A Christmas Story 2 (2012) (TV) – Ralphie Parker schemes to acquire a car for Christmas

A Christmas Wish (2012) (TV) – A single mum prays for miracle when she and her children are left penniless.

A Fairly Odd Christmas (2012) (TV) – Timmy Turner been going overboard with his wish granting.

Home Alone 5 (2012) (TV) –

Naughty or Nice (2012) (TV) – Holiday humbug Krissy Kringle receives a special delivery intended for Santa Claus.

Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas  (2012) – A Jewish boy on his way to sunny Florida trades airline tickets with a boy on his way to snowy Christmastown.

The 12 Dogs of Christmas 2: Great Puppy Rescue (2012) (TV) – The dogs of Doverville are in trouble again

Home & Alone For Christmas (aka 3 Day Test) (2012) (TV) – Martin surprises the wife and kids with a little experiment-he locks them in their own home with no power, no heat, no running water, and absolutely no contact with the world outside!

Guess who’s coming to Christmas (2013)

Christmas Spirit (2013) (TV)

The Christmas Star (2013) (TV) – With the help of his two precocious kids, a widower reconnects with his high school sweetheart

A Madea Christmas (2013) – Madea gets coaxed into helping a friend pay her daughter a surprise visit in the country for Christmas

White Reindeer (2013) - Christmastime is looking swell for pretty, unassuming real-estate-agent Suzanne Barrington.

Animated Christmas Movies

The Night Before Christmas (1906) – An animated look at the activity happening the night before Christmas.

Shanty Where Santa Claus Lives, The (1933) – Animated short.  Santa takes an orphaned boy to his workshop.

Night Before Christmas, The (1933) – Animated short.

Pups’ Christmas, The (1936) – Animated short.  Christmas morning, and two puppies (and their children) are up early.

Christmas Comes but Once a Year (1936) – An inventor aims to give orphaned children new toys after theirs break.

Captain’s Christmas, The (1938) – The Captain is playing Santa; John and his henchmen stick him up and take over, but John breaks all the toys. They go into town and sing, so badly that people throw things at them to get them to to stop.

Night Before Christmas, The (1941) – Tom and Jerry short.

Pluto’s Christmas Tree (1952) – Animated short.

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) (TV) – A misfit reindeer and his friends look for a place that will accept them.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas.

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) (TV) – A grumpy hermit hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville.

The Little Drummer Boy (1968) (TV) – An orphan drummer boy finds his life changed forever when he meets three wise men.

Frosty the Snowman (1969) (TV) – A living snowman and a little girl struggle to elude a greedy magician who is after the snowman’s magic hat.

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970) (TV) – A mailman reveals the origin of Santa Claus.

The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas (1973) (TV) – Ted gets curious about Christmas so he learns the meaning from Santa Claus himself.

A Very Merry Cricket (1973) (TV) – Short.  Harry and Tucker decide to ask Chester to come back to revive the holiday’s true spirit.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus (1974) (TV) – A little girl writes to the editor of a newspaper concerning the existence of Santa Claus

Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974) - A town learns that Santa Claus has struck it off his delivery schedule due to an insulting letter

Year Without a Santa Claus, The (1974) (TV) – Mrs. Claus and the Elves try to stop Santa from skipping Christmas.

Story of the First Christmas Snow, The (1975) (TV) – A blind young shepherd is taken in by some kindly nuns.

Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976) (TV) – Rudolph must find Happy before midnight.

The Little Drummer Boy Book II (1976) (TV) – Aaron, the drummer boy, struggles to protect a bellmaker’s great silver bells from seizure by Roman soldiers.

The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey Nestor (1977) (TV) -  An outcast donkey with overlong ears finds his destiny on the way to Bethlehem.

A Cosmic Christmas (1977) (TV) – Short.  Three aliens come to Earth to discover the true meaning of Christmas.

The Fat Albert Christmas Special (1977) (TV) – Short.  Fat Albert and friends rehearse their play for Christmas with some interruptions.

Stingiest Man in Town, The (1978) (TV)

Jack Frost (1979) (TV) – The Groundhog tells the story of how Jack Frost once became human and helped a knight win his lady love.

Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July (1979) (TV) – Rudolph and Frosty vs evil Winterbolt.

The Berenstain Bears’ Christmas Tree (1979) (TV) - Papa Bear and the cubs search the woods for the perfect Christmas tree

Pinocchio’s Christmas (1980) (TV) – Pinocchio’s first Christmas

A Chipmunk Christmas (1981) (TV) - Swept up in a holiday mood, Alvin gives away his cherished harmonica to a sick little boy.

The Snowman (1982) – A snowman comes to life at night and takes a small boy to meet Santa.

Ziggy’s Gift (1982) (TV) – Short.  Ziggy gets a job to be a street Santa on Christmas Eve

Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1984) – Walt Disney’s interpretation of Charles Dickens’ famous tale

Life & Adventures of Santa Claus, The (1985) (TV) – A forest being tells his Council the story of Santa Claus to explain why he deserves to made immortal.

A Garfield Christmas (1987) – Short. Garfield goes to Jon’s grandmother’s house for Christmas.

Will Vinton’s A Claymation Christmas Celebration (1987) – Two hosting prehistoric dinosaurs guide you along a typical small town’s Christmas choral celebration.

A Wish for Wings That Work (1991) (TV) – Opus the Penguin struggles to achieve his seemingly impossible dream to be able to fly.

Father Christmas (1991) – Short.  Father Christmas on vacation and on the job.

Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too (1991) – Short.

Frosty Returns (1992) (TV) – Short.  The continuing exploits of the famous snowman

Nightmare Before Christmas, The (1993) – The king of Halloweentown discovers Christmas Town but doesn’t quite understand the concept.

The Bears Who Saved Christmas (1994) (TV)

A Different Kind of Christmas (1996) (TV) – After the death of his wife, a father starts to act like Santa Claus.

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997) - Belle prepares the castle for Christmas against Beast’s wishes

Christmas Carol, A (1997) – Feature-length animated musical with the voice of Whoopi Goldberg

Annabelle’s Wish (1997) – A mute boy and a calf with the ability to speak form a deep friendship

Buster & Chauncey’s Silent Night (1998) – Animated story about the creation of the song “Silent Night”.

The Wish that Changed Christmas (1998) – Ivy, an orphan wants a grandmother and a doll for Christmas.

Olive, the Other Reindeer (1999) – A dog believes he can replace a hurt reindeer.

Arthur’s Perfect Christmas (2000) – Arthur and friends prepare to make the best Christmas ever.

Casper’s Haunted Christmas (2000) – Kibosh, supreme ruler of all ghosts, decrees that casper must scare at least one person before Christmas Day

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (2000) – A human orphan raised the Faire Folke becomes the benefactor of all human children.

A Diva’s Christmas Carol (2000) (TV) – A very nasty pop singer who gets a reality check by three Christmas spirits.

Christmas Carol The Musical, A (2004) (TV)

Polar Express, The (2004) – On Christmas Eve, a doubting boy boards a magical train that’s headed to the North Pole and Santa Claus’ home.

Bah, Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas (2006) – Another adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol featuring Daffy Duck.

Holly Hobbie and Friends: Christmas Wishes (2006) - Holly Hobbie celebrates Christmas together with the “Hey Girls”

Toot and Puddle: I’ll Be Home for Christmas (2006) – Toot visits his Aunt Peg to celebrate her 100th birthday, while Puddle stays home

Christmas Is Here Again (2007) – A musical animated tale that follows the exciting journey of a young orphan girl.

Shrek the Halls (2007) – Short.  An animated TV special that features the Shrek characters

Barbie in a Christmas Carol (2008) – Another adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol featuring Barbie and friends.

The Flight Before Christmas (2008) – A young reindeer who suffers from vertigo learns to overcome his fear.

A Miser Brothers’ Christmas (2008) (TV) – Santa’s new chief mechanic creates a speedy, new sleigh for Christmas.

A Christmas Tale (2008) - When the matriarch becomes in need of a transplant a whole family is forced to come together, just in time for Christmas.

Christmas Carol, A (2009) – A 3D CGI version of Charles Dickens famous story starring Jim Carey

Yes, Virginia (2009) (TV) – Short.  A little girl writes to the editor of a newspaper concerning the existence of Santa Claus

Kung Fu Panda Holiday (2010) - Po is hosting the annual winter holiday feast.

Arthur Christmas (2011) - Santa’s clumsy son Arthur goes on a mission to save one child’s Christmas.

Niko 2: Little Brother, Big Trouble (2012) - Niko the reindeer must deal with his mom getting re-married

Adult Christmas Movies

Christmas Burglars, The (1908)

Bad Man’s Christmas Gift, The (1910)

The Night Before Christmas (1912) – Short film. On the night before Christmas, a desperate man will go to desperate measures.

Christmas Holiday (1944) – A young femme fatale-type woman realizes that the wealthy man she married is an incorrigible wastrel.

Christmas Kid, The (1967) – Follows the troubled life of a boy born on Christmas Day.

Home for the Holidays (1972) (TV) – Horror film about an elderly man who summons his children home for Christmas and tells them he thinks his new wife is poisoning him.

Silent Night, Bloody Night (1973) – A man inherits a mansion which once was a mental home.

Black Christmas (1974 / 2006) – An escaped maniac returns to his childhood home on Christmas Eve.

You Better Watch Out (1980) – A psycho in a Santa suit gets to decide who’s been naughty and who’s been nice.

Silent Night, Deadly Night Part II (1987) – Ricky, the brother of the killer in the first film, talks to a psychiatrist about how he became a brutal killer after his brother died.

Don’t Open Till Christmas (1984) – A horror film about a killer dressed as Santa who is murdering people at Christmas time.

Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) – A young tormented teenager goes on a murderous rampage dressed as Santa

Die Hard (1988) – An off duty police officer is the only one who can save a building-full of Christmas party guests from terrorists.

Silent Night, Deadly Night III – Better Watch Out! (1989) – The “Santa Claus Killer” has been brought back to life by a crazed scientist.

Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation (1990) – A reporter investigating the bizarre death of a woman

Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toy Maker (1992) – An old toy maker and his son make killer toys designed to kill their owners, kids.

Reckless (1995) – On Christmas Eve, a regretful husband admits to his wife that he has hired a contract killer to take her out.

Countdown (1996) – A man falls obsessively in love with a Japanese girl and murders men who show her attention.

The post Every Christmas movie EVER MADE…..well, almost! appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

So we got a little crazy and made a list of almost every Christmas movie ever made.  A list that is infinite it would appear in its ability to grow at a somewhat unbelievable pace.  But while it is fun to go through it, reminisce and mark ones down on the ever-expanding “to-watch” list, it would definitely help to know which are considered the best.  The most popular.  The ones that families around the world put on every year and watch as a tradition with love.

So, after a little research and some feedback from you – below is a list (in no particular order) of the 25 Must Watch Christmas Movies.  Well, for this year at least.

1.   Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – An old man claims to be Santa and a lawyer defends him in court to keep him from being institutionalised.

2.   Love Actually (2003) – Follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives over Christmas

3.   Polar Express, The (2004) – On Christmas Eve, a doubting boy boards a magical train that’s headed to the North Pole and Santa Claus’ home.

4.   Elf (2003) – A tall elf goes in search of his true identity

5.   Santa Claus, The Movie (1985) – How Santa came to be and an elf and toy manufacturer who try to eliminate him.

6.   How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – Big budget remake of the classic cartoon about a creature intent on stealing Christmas.

7.   Muppet Christmas Carol, The (1992) – The Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale “A Christmas Carol”

8.   National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) – The Griswold family’s plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.

9.   Home Alone (1990) – A boy who is left at home by mistake at Christmas must defend his home from burglars.

10.  Arthur Christmas (2011) - Santa’s clumsy son Arthur goes on a mission to save one child’s Christmas.

11.  Nightmare Before Christmas, The (1993) – The king of Halloweentown discovers Christmas Town but doesn’t quite understand the concept.

12.  Die Hard (1988) – An off duty police officer is the only one who can save a building-full of Christmas party guests from terrorists.

13.  White Christmas (1954) – Two acts team up romantically and try to save their inn.

14.  Christmas Story, A (1983) – Ralphie has to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder B.B. gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940s.

15.  Mom for Christmas, A (1990) (TV) – A girl who wants a mom for the Christmas holidays gets her wish when a mannequin comes to life.

16.  A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas.

17.  Scrooged (1988) – A selfish TV executive gets haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve.

18.  It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – An angel shows a businessman what life would be like if he never existed.

19.  Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) – A family is devastated when they have to leave St Louis

20.  Santa Clause, The (1994) – When a man inadvertently kills Santa on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place.

21.  Christmas Carol, A (1984) (TV)  – Directed by Clive Donner

22.  Bad Santa (2003) – A miserable conman and his partner pose as Santa and his Little Helper to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. But they run into problems when the conman befriends a troubled kid, and the security boss discovers the plot.

23.  Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) (TV) – A grumpy hermit hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville.

24.  Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) (TV) – A misfit reindeer and his friends look for a place that will accept them.

25.  Frosty the Snowman (1969) (TV) – A living snowman and a little girl struggle to elude a greedy magician who is after the snowman’s magic hat.

Now I know what you are thinking! Where is your favourite movie! Why haven’t we included it! Truth is there are hundreds of Christmas movies- we know- we made the Worlds Biggest Christmas Movie List. We also ensured you werent without Music offering a wonderful list of Must own Christmas Albums!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

The post Must Watch Christmas Movies appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

A unique first for retail in Australia, Myer Giftorium’s dedicated Christmas shopping department is a wonderful place for the whole family to visit this year. Each Giftorium features dedicated themed sections to make choosing a gift for each member for the family simple—from Miracle Mums, Dapper Dads and Glamour Grans, to Food Fanatics, Techno Freaks and even a Paws Corner for your four legged fur babies. On top of this, there are expert Gifticians to give you a helping hand if you just can’t decide, and specialist Producticians to demonstrate some amazing products. In-store events, outstanding service and an awesome festive atmosphere are all part of the Myer Brisbane City Giftorium experience that’s simply not to be missed!

These are our top picks for gifts for kids this Christmas, all of which can be found in Myer Giftorium stores, as well as in the Myer online store, and in selected other Myer stores –

Unique Mr Men artworks

Mr Men Personalised Art tops our list of awesome Christmas gifts for kids this year! Available only in the major Myer Giftoriums on the east coast of Australia (Brisbane city, Sydney city, and Melbourne city stores), you can select your favourite Mr Men or Little Miss character and have it customised and printed in one of two framed poster sizes. It’s the perfect unique gift idea for Brisbane Kids (or mums and dads) of any age!

Bonds Christmas outfits

The Bonds limited edition range for babies, toddlers and bigger kids will look gorgeous in your Christmas photos this year. The sparkling tutus, funky socks, bodysuits and leggings for littlies, and singlets and underwear for bigger kids all feature limited prints and designs released especially for Christmas 2014. Maybe don’t make your bigger kids wear only their Bonds underwear for their Christmas photos, though we think it’s definitely funky enough to… Priced from $10.95

Marvin’s Magic tricks

Marvin’s Magic products are available at all Myer Giftoriums this Christmas. With a big selection of magic tricks to choose from, the Lights From Anywhere Junior is our absolute favourite! If you’re in one of the larger Giftoriums, you may event see some Myer Magicians demonstrating these magical lights. $29.95

Creative kits

We just love the Seedling Make Your Own Snowglobe Kit. Other cute crafty kits in this range include Design Your Own Superhero Cape, The Dinosaur Who Lived Inside the Volcano, Junior Gardening, Design Your Own Yoyo, and Make Your Own Tutu Kits. Priced from $6.95

A Myer teddy tradition

An annual Myer tradition, this year’s ‘Archie’ is the 2014 Myer Christmas Bear. Not only super cute, $1 from every sale of this year’s Myer Christmas bear goes to The Salvation Army. $19.95

Keep the peace

Moki Kids Safe Volume Limited Headphones come in a rainbow of colours and protect developing ears from noise damage caused by loud music. They’re also great for parents who just might go insane if they have to listen to ‘Let It Go’ one more time! Priced from $29.95

Fancy Disney costumes

Official costumes from The Disney Collection include Snow White, Ariel The Little Mermaid, Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, and many more of our favourite Disney princesses. Your Disney fan are guaranteed to go ga-ga over these beautiful costumes and will likely never want to take them off. Priced from $39.95

Healthy eating

The Mr Food Face, Ms Food Face and Dinner Do’s ceramic plates from Fred will have Brisbane Kids of all ages begging for their veggies! The high quality plate comes with a blank face for kids to create their own facial features with their meals as they are eating dinner. They won’t even notice that broccoli hair they’ve just eaten! $19.95

The ultimate family gift!

Designed with convenience in mind, a SodaStream Drinks Maker will keep the whole family cool this summer. Make your own fun soft drinks and keep a handle on the sugar levels with the huge range of flavours that contain up to two thirds less sugar than regular soft drinks. There’s also a range of flavours with no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives or sweeteners! Check out the demonstrations in store to try before you buy. Machines priced from $119

Stocking Stuffers

Perfect for taking away on holidays, the Apples to Pears ‘In A Tin’ kits contain everything your Brisbane Kids need to entertain themselves for hours and are small enough to pack into the back seat. Select from Car Building, Flower Pressing, Sewing, Spiro Art, Dinosaur Model Challenge, Train Set or Finger Puppet Craft. $22.95

And if you STILL can’t decide, simply hop online to book a time to visit with a Giftician, which allows you to skip the queues and get some serious expert assistance in the gift selection process. Remember, you can order all your gifts online from Myer this year, with a huge selection available in their online store, and have them delivered to your door (FREE delivery for orders over $100). For a selection of products, you can even take advantage of the same day Elf Delivery Service, which delivers gifts within 2km of the Myer Brisbane store on the same day—perfect for last minute gift giving!

To find out more about the Myer Giftorium, including special Christmas events at your local Myer store, please visit www.myer.com.au/shop/mystore/gifts

The post The Top 10 Gifts for Kids this Christmas from the Myer Giftorium appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

Myer has made it so easy for families to shop for Christmas gifts this year with their unique Giftorium departments in stores across the country. Major Giftoriums are located in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth city stores, with smaller set-ups in all other Myer stores. On top of the awesome gift selection available, Myer will also be host to some fantastic events for families this Christmas. These planned festivities are guaranteed to make the Christmas shopping experience more enjoyable for every member of the family.

Special Myer Giftorium events for families

The Myer Brisbane City Giftorium will have its official launch on Saturday 8th November 2014. With lots of great entertainment planned, the launch will feature performances by local celebrities, as well as everyone’s favourite man in red—Santa!

From Saturday 8th November, look out for the following events for kids at selected times in all Myer stores:

• Balloon artists
• Musical performances
• Face painting
• Appearance by popular kids’ characters
• Christmas storytelling
• Marvin’s Magic trained magicians demonstrating amazing tricks

Special Myer Events for mums and dads in selected Brisbane Myer stores from 8th November:

It’s not all about kids at the Myer Giftorium this year! The Giftorium will be home to many demonstrations and opportunities to research your gifts, with trained Producticians to guide you. Some of the special events include:

• Cosmetics workshops
• Dilmah Tea education and tasting sessions

Following the official launch of the Myer Giftorium on Saturday 8th November, look out for these fun attractions at Myer Brisbane City:

• ‘Treat Street’ – roving sweet givers to sustain you through the duration of your gift shopping every weekend
• Mr Men and Little Miss photo booth to pose with Little Miss Sunshine or Mr Strong
• Mr Men and Little Miss customisable prints – select your favourite character, add your name and have a unique framed poster made

Santaland at Myer and the Santaland Express Train

From 8th November in Myer Brisbane City, and from 22nd November at all other stores, Brisbane Kids can visit Santa and his elves in Santaland. Santaland will feature lots of fun activities for kids, and the opportunity for them to let Santa know their Christmas wishes and pose for their annual Santa photo (photo package prices start from $26.50).

Myer Brisbane City store will additionally feature the Santaland Express Train for children between 80cm and 122cm in height to ride through Santa’s village. Bookings can be made online for your Santaland visit at Brisbane City store; however bookings for the Santaland Express Train are not available.

The Myer Christmas Windows 2014

The Myer Christmas Windows will be unveiled for 2014 on Saturday 8th November. This coincides with the official launch of the Myer Giftorium and will include masses of free entertainment for families. A tradition for many families, the unveiling of the Myer Christmas Windows is always a sight to behold. If you can’t make it on the day of the unveiling, you’ll still have until Christmas Eve to visit the windows and see what theme has been chosen for this year.

Myer Brisbane Christmas Parade & Pantomime

From Friday 12th to Sunday 21st December, the Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime will burst to life, travelling along the Queen Street Mall and into King George Square. Fast becoming a Christmas tradition, the parade is the perfect opportunity for families to visit the city and soak up the Christmas spirit.

Gift Selection is a breeze at the Myer Giftorium

Selecting a gift has never been easier, with themed areas of the department dedicated to every imaginable gift recipient. These so called ’12 themes of Christmas” include –

• Miracle Mums
• Dapper Dads
• Glamour Grans
• Kids Cubby
• Trendy Young Things
• Food Fanatics
• Fashionista
• Globe Trotter
• Hop, Skip, Juice
• Techno Freaks
• Paws Corner
• Stocking Fillers

In each of these areas, you will find pre-selected gifts to suit every budget, with many products being special Christmas limited editions not found elsewhere in store. Expert Gifticians are on hand to help you in your selection, with highly knowledgeable Producticians in store to demonstrate some of the more technical products.

Kids will love the Giftorium too!

Perhaps the thing we love most about the Myer Giftorium concept is the thought that has been put into keeping kids happy in store. Not only is the Giftorium a wonderland of toys and other things that kids will be adding to their Christmas lists this year, but it is also and entertaining experience. From the official launch date celebrations on 8th November 2014 right up until Christmas, Myer stores throughout the country will feature fun and activities for families to get them into the Christmas Spirit.

BRISBANE KIDS HOT TIP: Combine a late afternoon Christmas shopping trip to the Myer Giftorium with a viewing of the Myer Christmas windows and then watch the fantastic festive parade. Conclude your adventure with a meal at one of the many family friendly restaurants in the CBD. What a truly magical annual tradition to begin that will fill your Brisbane Kids with Christmas wonder!

To find out more about specific Christmas events taking place at your local Myer Giftorium, please visit www.myer.com.au/latest-news

The post Free Christmas activities at Myer Giftorium appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

It can be hard to find different and useful teacher gift ideas year after year—surely they’ve already got cupboards full of pretty soaps and don’t really want to spend the entire new year working off all of those chocolates the kids gave them before the holidays, right?!

Brisbane Kids has searched to find this collection of unique DIY teacher gift ideas to show your appreciation to those who have guided your child through another year of their education. They are things that you can make at home, and some are so simple that the kids could make most of it themselves. Gather your supplies now and really give your teacher a gift they’ll love this Christmas.

Hit the beach

The end of the year also means Summer holidays for teachers. This great beach roll from Heidi Swapp is totally different from your usual end of year teacher gifts and so practical.

DIY Personalised Mug

A plain mug is made awesome with the addition of an initial! Inspiration from Glued To My Crafts.

Book of memories

Such a meaningful idea, this end of year teacher book from A Small Snippet holds memories and quotes from each student in the class for your teacher to cherish always.

Crafty Clipboards

A personalized clipboard will always come in handy for a teacher—and will never be permanently ‘borrowed’ as it has their initial on it! This idea from Echoes of Laughter just takes a basic clipboard and adds some bling for a useful but attractive teacher gift.

Apple Tote

Create a unique canvas tote for your teacher using apples as stamps. Full instructions can be found at Craft Stylish.

Hot Chocolate on a Stick

Makes and Takes have beautifully presented this simple idea. Simply swirl these fudge and marshmallow sticks in a hot cup of milk and you have a delicious and creamy hot chocolate!

Six Pack

Whilst a six pack of real beer is probably less than appropriate to be taking to school, this cute reindeer six pack from Yellow Bliss Road could be replicated with any number of drinks. We recommend cold-pressed coffee that is sure to score you some major brownie points.

Crayon Pen Holder

Happy Kids Inc created this pen holder using a tin can, however a jar or plastic canister would also work for this teacher themed gift.

Succulents

Succulent plants are perfect for classroom windowsills and require little upkeep. This planter idea from The Idea Room adds an educational slant to the gift, which we love.

Coffee!

Why not give the gift of everlasting coffee and present a coffee gift card with this witty message and holder. You can find full instructions, including a link to the free printable at Longing For Home Designs.

The Brisbane Kids website also features lots of cookie recipes, which would make perfect teacher gift ideas this year. Visit our DIY Teacher Gift Ideas board on Pinterest for even more great teacher gifts that you can create at home.

The post 10 Wonderful DIY Teacher Gift Ideas appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

Christmas for Brisbane Kids is an exciting and magical time steeped in family traditions and special memories, from the annual hanging of festive decorations to the tasty treats shared with loved ones. Whether you’re looking for great inspiration for your family festivities or ways to celebrate the wonderful Australian yuletide culture, you’ll love these Aussie-themed Christmas ideas!

Do you wanna build a sandman?

Let’s face it, for most of us in Australia, the only white stuff we’re going to see this Christmas is sand. So if you’re heading to the beach over the holidays, why not build a cool sandman like these ones found on Facebook?

Down Under decorations

For a beautiful Aussie Christmas decoration, forget holly and mistletoe and check out these awesome alternatives. We love the simplicity of this eucalyptus wreath found on Temple & Webster.

This one seen on The Kids Are All Right incorporates the stunning flowers from native Australian flowering gum trees for that authentic red and green Christmas look.

These simple gumnuts and red berries seen on flickr make a lovey Aussie-style Christmas decoration. (Just make sure the berries are not poisonous if being left near kids.)

If you’re going all out on the Aussie theme, check out these quirky thong Christmas decorations found on childcarelounge.com!

Fair dinkum print’ems!

Kids will love these cute Aussie animal candy cane holders, which are available as FREE printables from Mother Natured.

There are also FREE printable Aussie themed gift tags from Mother Natured too!

More than just another shrimp on the barbie!

It wouldn’t be an Aussie Christmas without a glazed ham and we’ve found this awesome recipe for Jamie Oliver’s Crackin’ Christmas Glaze on Yahoo7!

Remember to pre-order your seafood so you can make a delicious seafood platter like this one seen here.

We love the simplicity and festive colours of this beautiful layered salad that is perfect for a hot Aussie Christmas Day. Check out A Beach Cottage for a full recipe with instructions.

These BBQ prawns are way more than just ‘another shrimp on the barbie’! You can find the full recipe on What Katie ate.

Kids will love these watermelon Christmas trees (seen on Pinterest) to cool them down on Christmas Day!

How cute are these wonderful melted snowmen cookies? Olaf + an Aussie summer Christmas = A happy snowman!! (Full recipe on My Frugal Adventures)

A must-have pav

It’s hard to think of Australian Christmas without thinking of a delicious summer fruit pavlova. Well, now you can say a big Aussie ‘ba humbug’ to anyone who thinks these sweet and refreshing desserts aren’t Christmassy enough with these brilliant ideas. You can create a beautiful Christmas wreath pavlova like this one found on The Cake Bar.

Or why not try this simple and lovely Christmas tree decoration seen on Pinterest?

But if you really have a craving for Christmas pudding, but can’t face it in the Aussie heat, why not try this spectacular Donna Hay recipe for a frozen Christmas pudding? Yum!

An Aussie Night Before Christmas

To get your kids into the Australian Christmas mood, why not read them a great Australian Christmas story? There is the classic ‘Wombat Divine’ by Mem Fox.

‘Santa’s Aussie Holiday’ by Maria Farrer.

And of course, ‘An Aussie Night Before Christmas’ by Yvonne Morrison (all available on Booktopia).

For more ideas for an Aussie Christmas to remember, check out our 60 Christmas Traditions, and our Brisbane Kids Guide to Christmas has all the best events, activities, lights and more for you and your Brisbane Kids to enjoy this festive season!

The post The Coolest Ideas for an Australian Themed Christmas appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

With Christmas just around the corner, no doubt the kids are starting to build their toy wish lists. To make your shopping journey easier, we have put together a list of the best toy shops in Brisbane, offering unique gift ideas that cater to all tastes and ages.

K and K Creative Toys

With two convenient locations, Indooroopilly and Enoggera, K and K Creative Toys have been leading the way for toys in Brisbane since 1964. They specialise in learning through creative play and have an ample book collection for children, from babies to teens. K and K also offer the convenience of online shopping which means that you can do all your toy shopping from the comfort of your own home, with free delivery for orders over $100 or flat rate shipping.

Mama’s Home

Located in Windsor and available for purchase online with affordable postage costs Australia-wide, Mama’s Home is perfect for finding that something different for the child who has everything. They have an extensive range of pretend play toys to encourage a use of imagination. As an added bonus, the also have beautiful gifts and homewares for all of the other special people in your life.

Knock on Wood Toys

Knock on Wood Toys offer a massive range of wooden toys to suit both boys and girls of all ages that are designed to be durable and stimulate imaginative play. Knock on Wood Toys offer flat rate shipping of $9.95 Australia-wide, and have stalls at several markets in Brisbane and surrounds throughout the year.

Playground Princess

Playground Princess features play products with the great outdoors in mind. With products extending beyond just toys, they also have a wonderful range of clothing, useful accessories and outdoor play equipment. Not just for girls, there are plenty of toys suited to little princes too. Shop online with Playground Princess, with shipping from only $7.

Sweet Creations

Available to purchase solely online, Sweet Creations has a large selection of toys for children of all ages, whether they enjoy indoor fun or the great outdoors. They also have giftware, home decor and baby products and cater to a broad range of shopping needs. Delivery is capped at $9.95 for standard orders.

Finlee and Me

Finlee and Me is an online boutique with a great range of creative and imaginative play toys and other wonderful products for kids. They also have some excellent book titles full of activities for children of different ages to ensure endless hours of fun. Finlee and Me offer $9.95 capped shipping on standard orders.

Throughout Brisbane you will also find the major chain retailers Toys R Us and Mr Toys ToyWorld, both stocking massive ranges of all the most popular toys, licensed products and play equipment. Department stores such as K-Mart, Target and Big W all feature sizable toy sections and have regular discount offers throughout the year.

Brisbane Kids features many amazing stores to shop for Gifts for Kids for Christmas, birthdays, and other special occasions. You may also like to check out the Books We Love for wonderful stories to give your Brisbane Kids this year.

The post The Best Toy Shops in Brisbane appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

Where to get a photo with Santa in Brisbane in 2014.

For many families, Santa photos are an annual tradition. We’ve got the run-down on where to get the best Santa photos, including prices. Santa will be taking his throne from early-November at locations all across Brisbane.

CENTRAL BRISBANE SANTA PHOTO LOCATIONS

David Jones, Queens Plaza, Brisbane City (from 16th November)

Come and get your Santa photos taken @ David Jones. This is a Christmas tradition that most of us love! Pop into David Jones this year for your Santa photos and meet the merry man in red in person.

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Wed 10am – 2pm | Thu & Fri 10am – 7pm | Saturday 9am – 5pm | Sunday 10am – 2pm (extended hours closer to Christmas, please call (07) 3243 9000 for more info)

Prices: Starting from $22.95 for two 4″ x 6″ images. Packages also available.

Harvey Norman Fortitude Valley (from 22nd November)

Santa Photo Hours: Every Sat & Sun 11am – 2pm until 21 Dec. Please visit http://www.harveynorman.com.au/santa for more info.

Prices: Free 4 ” x 6″ print. Other packages are available to purchase.

Myer, Queen Street Mall, Brisbane City (from 8th November)

Santa has come to Myer and is filling stores with the excitement and wonder of the season. Visit Santaland at selected stores to tell Santa your Christmas wish, get your photo taken and enjoy lots more fun activities. This year you can book your time with Santa online to beat the crowds. Don’t worry if you haven’t made a booking though – Santa will be happy to see you on the day!

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Thu 10am – 4pm (then 9:30am – 4pm from 18 Nov) | Friday 9:30am – 9pm | Saturday 9:30am – 5:30pm | Sunday 10:30am – 5pm (extended hours closer to Christmas – please visit http://www.myer.com.au/santa-land/ for more info)

Prices: From $26.50 for two images.

Click here to make a booking.

NORTH BRISBANE SANTA PHOTO LOCATIONS

Harvey Norman Various North Brisbane Locations (from 22nd November)

Santa Photo Hours: Every Sat & Sun 11am – 2pm until 21 Dec. Please visit http://www.harveynorman.com.au/santa for exact locations and  more info.

Prices: Free 4 ” x 6″ print. Other packages are available to purchase.

Aspley Hypermarket (from 7th December)

Brookside Shopping Centre (from 29th November)

Visit Santa at Centre Stage every day from 29th November. Photos start from $13 and every child who visits Santa will also receive a FREE gift!

Santa Photo Hours: Daily from Fri 29 Nov – Tue 24 Dec 10am – 2pm | Additionally Thu 11th and 18th December 5pm – 8pm. Please visit http://www.brookside.com.au/Whats-on/ for more info.

Prices: Prices start at $13 for a 5″ x 7″ print. Other packages are available. Instant quality printing.

Centro Toombul (from 15th November)

Santa Is Coming! Visit Santa in his amazing Winter Wonderland, located at Centre Stage.

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 4pm | Additionally Thu- 4pm-7pm (extended Santa hours from 5 Dec, please visit www.toombulcentre.com.au/whatson for more info)

Prices: Package 1: 2 x 6×8 inch photos | $26 | Package 2: 2 x 6×8 inch photos, 3 x 6×4 inch photos & 4 x wallet/key ring photos | $36 | Optional extras with a photo package purchase: 6 x 6×4 inch photo cards | $16 | USB with one (1) image | $18 | Key ring | $5 (only available with package 2).

Indooroopilly Shopping Centre (from 27th November)

There is no seated Santa this year at Indooroopilly  (except for the Santa located in Myer). There will be a “Roaming Santa” from 10am to 4pm daily from 27th  November. Therefore you are able to take your own selfie around the centre with Santa.

Santa Photo Hours: 10am – 4pm daily. Please phone Customer Service on 3378 4022 or check out https://indooroopillyshopping.com.au/events/blog/selfies-with-santa-4/ for more info.

Prices: FREE (bring your own camera)

Morayfield Shopping Centre (from 25th November)

Santa makes his grand arrival at the Santa Spectacular on Thursday 27th November. From Monday 1st December he will be visiting Morayfield Shopping Centre daily.

Santa Photo Hours: 10am – 5.30pm daily. Please visit http://www.morayfieldshoppingcentre.com.au/in-centre-activities.php for more info.

Santa Paws: Sunday 30th November. Book in for your furry, scaly or feathered friend to have their photo taken with Santa. Strictly limited places. Bring your $5 donation for one sitting to Centre Management Office to secure your booking. Your $5 donation entitles you to one free 6″ x 8″ photo, with all proceeds going to 3R Animal Rescue. Additional prints available to purchase. Sorry, no horses, cows or goats as the floor is too slippery for hooves.

Myer, Brookside (from 22nd November)

Santa has come to Myer and is filling stores with the excitement and wonder of the season. Visit Santaland at selected stores to tell Santa your Christmas wish, get your photo taken and enjoy lots more fun activities.

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Fri 11am – 2pm | Saturday 11am – 3pm | Sunday 11am – 2pm (extended hours closer to Christmas – please call 07 3550 4100 for more info)

Prices: From $26.50 for two images. Packages starting from $42.50.

Myer, Indooroopilly (from 22nd November)

Santa has come to Myer and is filling stores with the excitement and wonder of the season. Visit Santaland at selected stores to tell Santa your Christmas wish, get your photo taken and enjoy lots more fun activities.

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Fri 11am – 2pm | Saturday 11am – 3pm | Sunday 11am – 2pm ( hours change every week please call 3720 4100 for more info)

Prices: From $26.50 for two images. Packages starting from $42.50.

Myer, North Lakes (from 22nd November)

Santa has come to Myer and is filling stores with the excitement and wonder of the season. Visit Santaland at selected stores to tell Santa your Christmas wish, get your photo taken and enjoy lots more fun activities.

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Fri 11am – 2pm | Saturday 10am – 4pm | Sunday 11am – 2pm (extended hours closer to Christmas – please call (07) 3205 0111 for more info)

Prices: From $26.50 for two images. Packages starting from $42.50.

Peninsula Fair Shopping Centre (from 29th November)

Visit Santa everyday from 29th November. Photos start from $2 and every child who visits Santa will also receive a FREE Mr Men or Little Miss book!

Santa Photo Hours: Daily from Fri 29 Nov – Tue 24 Dec 10am – 2pm | Additionally 4pm-7pm on Thursday nights. Please visit http://www.penfair.com.au/ for more info.

Prices: Prices start at $2- conditions apply

Stafford City Shopping Centre (from 6th December) 

Santa Photo Hours: Daily 10am – 2pm. Please visit http://www.staffordcity.com.au/ for more info.

Prices:  Prices starting from $13. Instant quality printing. All children who visit Santa receive a FREE Mr Men book

Westfield North Lakes (from 8th November)

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Wed & Fri 9am – 5pm | Thursday 9am – 8pm | Saturday 9am – 5pm | Sunday 10am – 4pm (extended Santa hours closer to Christmas, please visit www.westfield.com.au/northlakes/news-and-events/Christmas2013 for more info)

Prices: Single photo is $19.95 and Packages from $32.95.

Santa Pet Photos: Every Sunday until Christmas. Packages available for Pet Photos, ranging from $30 – $50. Pet Photos are back again for another year. Bring along your four legged friend (dogs) and have the whole family’s photo taken with Santa. Bookings essential.

Westfield Strathpine (from 8th November)

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Wed & Fri 9am – 5pm | Thursday 9am – 8pm | Saturday 10am – 5pm | Sunday 10am – 4pm (extended Santa hours closer to Christmas, please visit http://www.westfield.com.au/strathpine/events/10834  for more info)

Prices: Packages from $28.95.

Santa Pet Photos: Sunday 23 November  8am – 9:40am | Sunday 30 November 8am – 9:40am. Packages available for Pet Photos, ranging from $30 – $50. Pet Photos are back again for another year. Bring along your four legged friend (dogs) and have the whole family’s photo taken with Santa. Bookings essential.

Westfield Chermside (from 8th November)

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Wed & Fri 9am – 5pm | Thursday 9am – 8pm | Saturday 9am – 5pm | Sunday 10am – 4pm (extended Santa hours closer to Christmas, please visit http://www.westfield.com.au/chermside/events/10343  for more info)

Prices: Packages from $28.95

Santa Pet Photos: Sunday 16 November 7.30am – 9:30am | Sunday 23 November 7.30am – 9:30am | Sunday 7 December 7.30am – 9:30am | Sunday 14 December 7.30am – 9:30am | Sunday 21 December 7.30am – 9:30am.  Pet Photos are back again for another year. Bring along your four legged friend (dogs) and have the whole family’s photo taken with Santa. Bookings essential RSVP to cmarketing@scentregroup.com.

SOUTH BRISBANE SANTA PHOTO LOCATIONS

Forest Lake Shopping Centre (from 22nd November)

Visit Santa in his grotto outside Coles from Saturday 22nd November.

Santa Photo Hours: Sat – Sun 10am – 1pm | then daily from Thu 5 Dec 10am – 1pm | Additional sessions Thu 12 Dec & Tues 17 Dec – Thu 18 Dec 3pm – 6pm. Please visit http://www.forestlakeshoppingcentre.com.au/for more info

Prices:  To be confirmed

Grand Plaza, Browns Plains (from 24th November)

Santa will make his first appearance on Saturday 24 November. Santa photos will be available through to Christmas eve. Come down and get your child’s 2014 Santa photo, each child will receive a gift from Santa and they can also put their wish list in Santa’s mail box. Each child will receive a letter back from Santa, so make sure you don’t forget your postal address.

Santa photos are located in the Kmart mall, near Australia Post.

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Wed 10am – 4pm | Thu 10am – 7pm | Fri – Sun 10am – 4pm  (extended Santa hours closer to Christmas, please visit http://www.grandplazashopping.com.au/Event/Santa-s-new-workshop-and-photos/for more info)

Prices: To be confirmed.

Harvey Norman Various South Brisbane Locations (from 22nd November)

Santa Photo Hours: Every Sat & Sun 11am – 2pm until 21 Dec. Please visit http://www.harveynorman.com.au/santa for more info.

Prices: Free 4 ” x 6″ print. Other packages are available to purchase.

Logan Hyperdome (from 15th November)

Visit Santa at Centre Court for your photo memento of Christmas 2014 and receive a FREE gift!

Santa Photo Hours: Various hours – please check http://www.hyperdomeshopping.com.au/whats-on/events/santa-photos.aspx for all times.

Prices: To be confirmed

Mt Gravatt Plaza (from 5th December)

Santa Photo Hours: Daily 10am – 2pm. Please visit http://www.mtgravattplaza.com.au/ for more info

Prices:  Prices starting from $12. Packages ranging in price up to $35. Instant quality printing. All images from your shoot also can be purchased on a USB for $10.

Mt Ommaney Centre (from 22nd November)

Waiting for a photo with Santa has never been so fun, with exciting story boxes, crazy mirrors and everyone’s favourite red nosed rudolph! Plus, make sure to visit the Elve’s ipad station and select your Christmas wish list to print or email to Santa. Better yet, why not put it inside Santa’s letterbox, with your address to ensure you get a special reply!

Santa Photo Hours: 10am – 4pm every day until Christmas additional times until  7pm on Thursday evenings and 9am-5pm on Saturday. Please visit http://www.mtommaneycentre.com.au/whats-on/santas-hours/.

Prices: Prices starting from $32.95.

Myer, Carindale (from 22nd November)

Santa has come to Myer and is filling stores with the excitement and wonder of the season. Visit Santaland at selected stores to tell Santa your Christmas wish, get your photo taken and enjoy lots more fun activities.

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Fri 11am – 3pm (11am – 2pm Fri 22 Nov only) | Saturday 10:30am – 3pm | Sunday 11am – 3pm (extended hours closer to Christmas – please call 3843 7100 for more info)

Prices: From $26.50 for two images. Packages starting from $43.

Myer, Loganholme (from 22nd November)

Santa has come to Myer and is filling stores with the excitement and wonder of the season. Visit Santaland at selected stores to tell Santa your Christmas wish, get your photo taken and enjoy lots more fun activities.

Orion Springfield Central (from 20th November)

Santa Photo Hours: 

Santa Photo Hours: 20th November-12th December Thu 10am-3pm, 5pm-8pm |  Fri 10am-3pm. 12th December-24th December 10am-3pm daily. (please visit www.orionspringfieldcentral.com for more info)

Prices: Free of charge (One photo per family per day).

Santa Pet Photos: Thursdays 21Nov, 28 Nov, 5 Dec, 12 Dec & 19 Dec 5pm – 8pm

Redbank Plaza (from 22nd November)

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Wed and Fri-Sat 10am-2pm | Thursday 10am – 6pm | Sunday 10am – 1pm (extended Santa hours closer to Christmas, please visit www.redbankplaza.com.au for more info)

Prices: Photos starting from $10. Each child receives a free Mr Men book while stocks last.

Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown (from 4th December)

Come say hello and share your Christmas wishes with Santa daily 10am to 2pm. Every child that visits Santa will be given aMr Men book while stocks last.

Santa Photo Hours: Daily from 10am – 2pm additionally Thu 5pm-7pm (please visit http://www.sbhshoppingtown.com.au/Visit-Santa.html for more info)

Prices: Prices starting from $13. Packages ranging in price up to $35. Instant quality printing.

Santa Pet Photos: Sunday 7th December 10am-2pm

Sunnybank Plaza (from 30th November)

See Santa every day from Sunday 30 December until Tuesday 24 December, plus every child who visits Santa will receive a special gift!

Santa Photo Hours: Daily from 10am – 2pm (please visit http://www.sunnybankplaza.com.au/ for more info)

Prices: Prices starting from $13. Packages ranging in price up to $35. Instant quality printing.

Sunny Park Shopping Centre (from 14th December)

See Santa every day from Saturday 13 December until Tuesday 24 December. Bring your own camera for FREE photos with Santa. Plus, every child who visits Santa will receive a special gift!

Santa Photo Hours: Daily from 11am – 3pm (please visit http://www.sunnypark.com.au/ for more info)

Prices: FREE. Please bring your own camera.

Victoria Point Shopping Centre (from 15th November)

Visit Santa from the 15th November right up until Christmas Eve, visit Santa for a photo or just to let him know your Christmas wishes. Located near Kmart.

Santa Photo Hours: Sat 15 Dec 1pm – 4pm | Sun 17 Dec 10am – 2pm | from 18 Dec daily 10am – 3pm | Extended to 7pm on Thursdays. Please visit http://www.victoriapointshoppingcentre.com.au/in-centre-activities.php  for more info.

Prices: To be confirmed

Westfield Carindale (from 9th November)

Visit us during the Christmas season to see Santa and his helpers and get your kids picture taken with the man himself!

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Wed & Fri – Sat 9am – 5pm | Thursday 9am – 8pm | Sunday 10am – 5pm (extended Santa hours closer to Christmas, please visit www.westfield.com.au/au/article_details/christmas+at+carindale for more info)

Prices: To be confirmed

Westfield Garden City (from 8th November)

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Wed & Fri – Sat 9am – 5pm | Thursday 9am – 8pm | Sunday 10am – 5pm (extended Santa hours closer to Christmas, please visit  http://www.westfield.com.au/carindale/events/10407

for more info)

Prices: To be confirmed

Santa Pet Photos: Friday 28th November 7am – 8am | Saturday 29th November 7am – 8am | Sunday 30th November 8am – 9am. Pet Photos are back again for another year. Bring along your four legged friend (dogs) and have the whole family’s photo taken with Santa. Bookings essential call 3135 5450

.

IPSWICH SANTA PHOTO LOCATIONS

Ipswich Riverlink Shopping Centre (from 22nd  November)

On Saturday 22nd November, come along to Ipswich Riverlink from 10am to see Santa as he makes his way through the centre. At 12pm Santa will be then taking a seat for photos.Every child Santa will receive a free gift from Santa (while stocks last).

Santa Photo Hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 2pm | plus Thursdays 3pm – 7pm (extended Santa hours closer to Christmas please visit http://www.riverlink.net.au/santas-photos.php  for more info

Prices:  To be confirmed

BEYOND BRISBANE SANTA PHOTO LOCATIONS

Pacific Fair, Broadbeach (from 22nd  November)

Come and get your 2014 Santa photos taken @ Pacific Fair. This is a Christmas tradition that most of us love plus each child receives a free snake puzzle.

Santa Photo Hours: Sun – Fri 10am – 4pm | Additionally on Thursdays 4pm – 7pm | (extended hours closer to Christmas, please visit http://www.pacificfair.com.au/centre/santa-photo-session  for more info)

Prices: To be confirmed

Harbour Town Shopping Centre (from 28th November)

There is no seated Santa this year at Harbour Town. Instead Santa will be roaming around Harbour Town giving you the chance to have a selfie with Santa. Santa will be able to have a selfie with you between  10am to 4pm daily

Santa Photo Hours: 10am – 4pm daily. Please phone Customer Service on  5529 1734 for more info.

Prices: FREE (bring your own camera)

Sensory Movie Day has also arranged a series of Sensory Santa photo sessions for Brisbane Kids with special needs this Christmas. You’ll find all the details of these special Santa photo sessions in our Christmas Events for Children with Special Needs in Brisbane 2014 guide.  

Make sure that you don’t miss any of the other fun and family-friendly Christmas events in Brisbane; take a look at the complete Brisbane Kids Guide to Christmas.

The post Santa Photos in Brisbane 2014 appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

Visiting the Christmas Lights is a tradition practiced in so many parts of the world and Brisbane is no exception. Every year, households around the city undertake the mammoth effort of decorating their Brisbane homes in Christmas lights to draw crowds and wow Brisbane Kids.

The best Christmas Light locations

You will see below that we have divided the city into quadrants and mapped the light locations to make it easier for you to find the best Christmas Lights in Brisbane near you. We have also noted if the lights are a winner in the 4KQ Christmas Lights Competition. We suggest ensuring you allow plenty of time to visit the winners because these houses are often so big that they will require you to leave your car and walk through a Christmas wonderland that will need to be seen to be believed. Houses on our list may not opt to turn their lights on until December 1st.

PLEASE NOTE: Local residents have requested that, whilst everyone is warmly welcomed when visiting their Christmas lights, please do not obstruct driveways and be considerate to those that live in the area. Keep the area beautiful for other families to share in the joy and take any litter with you when you leave. We have been told that local councils are placing parking restrictions on some of the more popular locations this year, so please be aware of this to avoid a fine.

Where you can find Christmas Lights in Brisbane

The 4KQ Website – Keep in mind the lights on this list tend to attract a lot of traffic. Allow yourself plenty of time when travelling. It is good to look at a lot of the local papers for lights because many houses will be featured that wont meet the strict 4kq criteria or simply choose not to participate in such a large promotion.

North Brisbane Christmas Lights

• Aspley – 47 Alexis Street. Inflatable Santa, Reindeer and Snowman aren’t up if it’s raining. Lights on between 7pm and 10pm.

47 Alexis Street, Aspley

• Bald Hills – Paladin Place. Brad’s Brisbane Christmas lights is an interactive light display featuring a light show synchronised to  music and 24,000+ LEDs sequenced over 7,400+ channels. Get your name in lights here! Check out the awesome video for an idea of how spectacular this lights display is. Brad’s Facebook page for the latest info is www.facebook.com/BradsXmasLights or visit www.bradsxmaslights.com

• Caboolture – 20 Craigslea Drive. 4KQ FINALIST, Best North
• Chermside West – 146 Maundrell Terrace. 4KQ WINNER, Best Community or Church Group
• Clayfield – 123 Adelaide Street East. 4KQ WINNER, Best North
• Deagon – 116 Board Street. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Deception Bay – 26 Cockatiel Court. Collecting donations for the RBWH foundation. Lit up each night, from 7pm till 10pm. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 7pm till 8pm, come and meet Santa. On Friday 19th December from 7pm there will be face painting by donation.
• Everton Hills – Bursaria Street. There are a couple of homes in this street completely lit up with lights.

Bursaria Street, Everton Hills

• Geebung – 419 Newman Road. 4KQ WINNER, Best Commercial Small Business
• Hamilton – 6 Oxford Street. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Joyner – 4 Gordons Crossing Road East. 4KQ RUNNERS UP, Best North
• Kelvin Grove – 1/22B Hampson Street. 4KQ WINNER, Best Unit/Townhouse
• Marrumba Downs – 12 Elm Drive. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Narangba – 12 Ridge View Drive. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Nundah – Centro Toombul, 1015 Sandgate Road. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Paddington- Government House, 168 Ferneberg Rd. Come and see the Christmas lights at Government house as they open the gates to the public for viewing between 7pm and 8pm from the 12th-14th December.
• Redcliffe – 1 Richens Street. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Red Hill – The Salvation Army Brisbane Recovery Services, 58 Glenrosa Road. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Taringa – Snap Laundromat, 69 Westerham Street. Be part of the interactive Christmas lights display at Snap Laundromat, Taringa, by helping Santa & his reindeer find the Christmas Tree! This year’s display allows visitors to trigger the lights adorning the 4.2 meter high Christmas Tree at the Laundromat.  Click here for interactive lights display.

Snap Laundromat, 69 Westerham Street, Taringa

• Warner – 25 Lacewood Circuit. 4KQ WINNER, Best Themed Display
• Warner – Oakwood Road. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION

Oakwood Road, Warner

South-East Brisbane Christmas Lights

• Alexandra Hills – Dorking Court.
• Alexandra Hills – 30 Garter Street.
• Alexandra Hills – 24 Hailsham Street.
• Alexandra Hills – 4 Justin Court. Lights synchronised to music – tune into 88.5FM.
• Alexandra Hills – 12 Merriott Court.
• Belmont – Brandella Place. 4KQ 1st PRIZE, Best Neighbourhood
• Belmont – 39 Brandella Place. 4KQ FINALIST, Best East
• Birkdale – 59 Burbank Road.
• Birkdale – Lindon Street.
• Birkdale – 9 MacFarlan Street.
• Capalaba – Barber Drive.
• Capalaba – 13 Krimmer Place.
• Capalaba – Capalaba Childcare & Early Education Centre, 39 Holland Crescent.
• Capalaba – 44 Larbonya Crescent. 4KQ WINNER, Best East
• Capalaba – Tipperary Court. This whole cul-de-sac has amazing light displays.
• Carina – 536 D’arcy Road. 4KQ RUNNER UP, Best East
• Carindale – 7 Melrose Close. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Carindale – 8 Melrose Close. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Carindale – 12 Melrose Close. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Cleveland – 151 Bay Street.
• Cleveland – Cleveland Uniting Church, Passage Street.
• Cornubia – 128 Park View Crescent. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Edens Landing – 106 Castile Cresent. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Eight Mile Plains – 19 Teagarden Street. 4KQ RUNNER UP, Best South
• Eight Mile Plains – The Glen Hotel & Suites, cnr Logan Rd & Gaskell Street. 4KQ WINNER, Best Commercial Big Business
• Eight Mile Plains – 4 Colvillea Street. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Hillcrest – 5 Clabon Street. 4KQ WINNER, Best South
• Holland Park – 56 Stella Street. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Kangaroo Point – 98 Holman Street. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Kingston – 31 Edith Street. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Loganholme – Ellison Specialised Properties, Unit 7/15 Henry Street. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Marsden – Glenlyon Street, Marsden.
• Mt Cotton – 18 Ti Tree Court.
• Mt Warren Park – 11 Lane Court. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Redland Bay – Dory Close. Close to a dozen homes taking part.
• Redland Bay – Huntly Place.
• Redland Bay – 268 Main Street.
• Redland Bay – 31 Stradbroke Street.
• Redland Bay – 14 Viola Drive.
• Runcorn – 6 Pine Street. A great display that includes Christmas lights and Disney displays. The owners of this display are fundraising for The Mater Little Miracles appeal. Having Little Miracles themselves, a donation tin has been set up to thank the hardworking staff of the NCCUs. For every dollar fundraised, Andrew and Rebecca will match the donations dollar for dollar and donate to this wonderful cause this Christmas.  Please note: no one is required to donate, everyone is welcome to simply enjoy the lights.

Pine Street, Runcorn

• Thorneside – 4 Wunulla Street.
• Thornlands – 14 Panorama Drive.
• Thornlands – 45A Thornlands Road.
• Tingalpa – 23 Abbeyfeale Street. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Parkinson – 6 St Clair Close. 4KQ FINALIST, Best South
• Victoria Point – Barcrest Drive. Spend some time walking through and enjoying this magical Christmas display with hundreds of lights. Featuring a stable, wise men and a camel, angels, an Aussie Christmas display and Christmas trees, there is also a jumping castle for the kids and coffee and tea free for Mum and Dad.
• Victoria Point – Elysian Street.
• Victoria Point – 7 Honeysuckle Court.
• Victoria Point – 1 Kahlia Close.
• Victoria Point – Lindabel Court.
• Victoria Point – 46-8 Magnolia Parade. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Victoria Point – 37 Sandy Drive. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Victoria Point – Trisha Close.
• Wellington Point – 53 Charles Canty Drive.
• Wellington Point – 14 Liner Street.
• Wellington Point – 42 Plumer Street.
• Woodridge – Unit 12/33 Rudge Street. 4KQ WINNER, Bill Stratton Hall of Fame
• Wynnum West – 16 Glenjustins Street. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION

South-West Brisbane Christmas Lights

• Bellbowrie – 45 Church Road. 4KQ WINNER, Best New Entrant
• Forestdale – 99 Forestdale Drive.
• Forest Lake – 81 Centennial Way. Walk through display, featuring Aussie Bush Christmas, Christmas Creek, Santa’s Workshop, snow machine and inflatable alley.
• Graceville – 207 Graceville Avenue. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Heathwood – 4 Gardenia Circuit. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Jindalee – 20 Curragundi Road. 4KQ FINALIST, Best West
• Karana Downs – Karana Early Education Centre, 36-38 College Road.
• Kenmore – 10 Warunda Street. 4KQ RUNNER UP, Best West
• Middle Park – 12 Narrung Street. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Sinnamon Park – 3 Furness Crescent. 4KQ WINNERS, Best Lighting Display, Best West & Best Synchronised Music Display
• Sinnamon Park – Hawk Place. 4KQ 3rd PRIZE, Best Neighbourhood
• Springfield – Springfield Childcare & Early Education Centre, 6 Community Place.
• Westlake – Everard Street. 4KQ 2nd PRIZE, Best Neighbourhood

Ipswich Christmas Lights

• Deebing Heights – Dannika Way.
• Eastern Heights – 18 Edwards Street. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION
• Flinders View – Hillier Court. This display is amazing! They have used recycled materials to create igloos and other cool Christmas displays. See Hillier Court Lights on Facebook.

www.facebook.com/HillierCourtLights

• North Ipswich – 9 Blackwood Avenue. Lights programmed to music. View this Post by Brassall Christmas Lights to get an idea of this amazing display.

9 Blackwood Avenue, North Ipswich

Brisbane Christmas Lights Map

NOTE: These Brisbane Christmas light locations have been sourced from direct emails sent to Brisbane Kids, as well as 4KQ, Redland City Bulletin, and various individual Facebook pages belonging to locations with large light displays.

The post Christmas Lights Brisbane 2014 appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

It’s no secret that Brisbane Kids loves Christmas — the fun, excitement, special family time and cherished traditions. Yet we do recognise that the festive season can be a busy and expensive time for those with kids. So we’ve pulled together this great collection of Christmas hacks to save you time and money this silly season! You may even help the environment too!

1. Ping Pong Ball Lights

Why not create your own Christmas decorations like these awesome white or coloured Christmas lights made using ping pong balls? For full instructions visit advancedmischief.com.

2. Eco Bows

We love ideas that combine saving money with reusing and recycling items, especially when you can create something as beautiful as these eco-friendly gift bows made from old magazines. Visit wholeliving.com to find out how to make your own.

3. Easy Light Hanging

Here’s a great idea from The Family Handyman for using cable ties to hang up Christmas lights on bannisters, deck rails or anywhere!

4. DIY Gift Tags

Recycle last year’s Christmas cards to make you own festive gift tags, like these ones seen on milomade.co.uk.

5. LED Snowmen

These DIY snowmen found on Pinterest can be easily made from LED tealights.

6. Alternative Tree

If you don’t have the space or time to put up a real Christmas tree, why not make a great alternative, like this brilliant fairy light wall decoration see on Pinterest?

7. Printable Tags

Be sure to check out HeyLook for these FREE printable gift tags!

8. DIY Christmas Cards

We love these gorgeous DIY Christmas cards made from recycled paper that we found on Crafting a Green World. Why not make your Christmas greener and save money this year by following their idea of agreeing to do a handmade card swap with other families rather than sending bought cards.

9. Gingerbread Decorations

You can make your own Christmas decorations like these really cute Gingerbread men found on Swanky Decors. It includes a full recipe and instructions for making these or other festive shapes to put on the tree or hang as garlands, and they will last for years!

10. Christmas Tree Napkins

Check out Handimania for the full tutorial on how to fold these Christmas tree napkins for an easy way to create a festive table setting.

11. Recycle Gift Wrap

You would never think this beautiful gift wrap could be made from crisp packets! Visit marthastewart.com to find out how.

12. DIY Olaf

Is your child Frozen obsessed? Don’t spend a fortune on merchandise, just visit onecreativemommy.com to learn how to make your own Olaf from a sock!

13. Candy Cane Placecards

You can make your own festive placecard holders for all your Christmas dinner guests by simply sticking two candy canes together (found here).

14. Wrapping Paper Cuff

Keep your wrapping paper tidy by making a simple cuff out of cut up toilet paper rolls, seen on Joy Astle.

15. DIY Gifts

Need a small gift for teachers, friends or stocking fillers? Then why not check out this page for how to make these cute DIY reindeer hot chocolate gifts?

16. Bauble Storage

When it’s time to pack away the Christmas things, iheart organizing has this great idea for storing baubles safely in egg cartons.

17. Tree Wrap!

This Pinterest idea has to be our favourite Christmas hack of all! Simply wrap your tree in cling wrap when Christmas is over, and it will be ready decorated and creepy crawlie free for next year!

For more great Christmas hacks, check out our Pinterest board here. You may also like our
Coolest Ideas for an Australian-themed Christmas, and be sure to visit the Brisbane Kids Guide to Christmas for great Christmas activities, events and ideas.

The post 17 Cool Christmas Hacks to Save Time, Money or the Environment! appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

Some of the best things happen at Christmas and for our family it is the gift of time. Time for cooking, time for play, time to instill traditions and memories. Colouring in and other Christmas activities that lead up to the Christmas can be as important as that day which is why we asked our illustrator to draw some colouring in templates, especially for Christmas, with an Australian Theme.

Click on this link to download and print them all  BK Christmas Colouring Sheets

The post Christmas Colouring Sheets themed with Australian Animals appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

Jingle bells jingle bells…….. The joy on a child’s face when hearing such a wonderful sound at Christmas is priceless. But, instead of listening to the commercialised sound, why not create your own?

With numerous  apps and you tube clips available,  why not try these ideas and  see the joy on your children’s faces when they ‘hear’ Santa!

YOUTUBE Music that sounds like Santa’s Sleigh

From the sounds of Santa’s sleigh getting ready for take off to the sounds of the bells ringing on Santa’s sleigh, from the sleigh coming in for landing for toy delivery to Santa landing on the roof (with some very loud hoof steps!!) there is something for everyone!

Santa APPS

And in this day where you can find an APP for just about everything, why not have a look at some of these ones:

Talking Santa

Allows you to create fun Christmas Greetings that will warm the hearts of everyone!

Santa Tracker

Complete with special Santa sleigh sounds, this app will provide plenty of entertainment in the lead up to Christmas Day!

Santa’s Sleigh Ride

Join the ride with Santa and his reindeer who are involved in training for the annual Christmas Eve dash, complete with magical Christmas sounds.

Or of course, you could always grab a set of bells for an authentic, and old fashioned, sound of sleigh bells!

The post Music That Sounds Like Santa appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

The best way to get on the Christmas Lights Brisbane list is to email us the details and, when you are able to, also email us a picture of your lights to info@brisbanekids.com.au. Please let us know all the details – if you plan to have any nights off and if you are entering any competitions. We are happy to receive your listing prior to the lights being strung, but would ask that you email us an image of the final picture.

We list the Best Christmas Lights in Brisbane

Our GPS Map locator for the lights will be released on December 1st 2015, so you can map as you go via smartphone.

Please submit your Christmas Lights listing by emailing info@brisbanekids.com.au.

Are you ready to get into the Christmas Spirit?

Christmas Lights in Brisbane By Region

North Brisbane Christmas Lights 

∗ Albany Creek – Kosta Place. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Ashgrove – Caneby Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Aspley – Kildonan Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Aspley – Horn Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Bald Hills – Paladin Place. Brad’s Brisbane Christmas lights is an interactive light display featuring a light show synchronised to  music and 24,000+ LEDs sequenced over 7,400+ channels. Get your name in lights here! Check out the awesome video for an idea of how spectacular this lights display is. Brad’s Facebook page for the latest info is www.facebook.com/BradsXmasLights or visit www.bradsxmaslights.com.

∗ Banyo – Huron Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015. WINNER  4KQ 2015 BEST NORTH

∗ Banyo – Ellamark Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Banyo – Hilltop Place. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Barden – Rosewood Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Beachmere – Kelunji Court. We will be putting our lights up again this year, this will be our second year.

The Wonderful Lights of Ridge view Court as they appeared in 2014 – BIG things expected this year!

∗ Bellmere – Clementine Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Bracken Ridge – Wintergreen Close. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Bracken Ridge – Gawain Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Bridgeman Downs – Saturn Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Best new entrant 2015 4kq award

∗ Brighton – Sunwell Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Burpengary – Garden Drive. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Caboolture – Lynanda Court. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Display is sequenced to music with over 20 000 LEDs, people can tune their car radio to 103.0 FM or view them front our front yard from 7 to 10 pm each night in December.  http://www.caboolturechristmaslights.com/

∗ Caboolture – Hope Court. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Caboolture – Tullawong Drive. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Caboolture – Hazelwood Court. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Caboolture – McAndrew Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Chermside West – Ashley Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Chermside West – Allamanda Place. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Chermside West – Basnett Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Chermside West – Maunrell Tce. St Gerard Majella Catholic Church. 4KQ Entrants 2015. WINNER 2015 4KQ Best Church or community group

∗ Dakabin – Marasco Court. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Deagon – Board Street. Sandgate Uniting Church. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Judges Commendation 4kq 2015

∗ Deception Bay – Balmoral Place. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Deception Bay – Cockatiel Court. Lights on from 7pm to 10pm each night from Decmber 1st until Christmas Eve December 24th. Entrant in the 2015 4KQ awards. On Friday the 18th of December we are also having face painting by Sarah from Far Away Faces at our Christmas lights display from 7pm. Face paint will be by donation, so if people want their face painted they can donate to the RBWH Foundation.

Cockatiel Court, Deception Bay

∗ Deception Bay – Louisa Court. 4KQ Entrants 2015. About 6 houses with some sort of xmas lights. No 8 will be the main house this year, and we are officially collecting for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

Louisa Court, Deception Bay

∗ Deception Bay – Logan Terrace. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Deception Bay – Parsons Blvd. We have been putting up lights for many years now and each year we improve our display. This year’s is the best by far! We do this for our own enjoyment and for anyone who takes the time to have a look.

Parsons Blvd, Deception Bay

∗ Deception Bay – Sliver Street. Deception Bay Baptist Church. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Elimbah – Milfawny Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Enogerra – Samford Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Ferny Grove – Greenhorn Place. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Ferny Hills – Kuringal Drive. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Grange – Daisy Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Hamilton – Oxford Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Joyner – Gordons Crossing Road East. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Kallangur – Doon Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Kallangur – Azalea Court. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Kedron – Evans Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Keperra – Jarah Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Keperra – Eidsvold Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Kippa Ring – McCosker Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Mcdowall – Pidgeonberry Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Mitchelton – Samford Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Morayfield – Dragon Avenue. ‘Have yourself a colourful Christmas’ An entrant in the 4kq lights awards, but only a small display due to the size of the property. Best Commercial Small Business 4kq 2015

∗ Morayfield – Graham Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Morayfield – Addison Court. 4KQ Entrants 2015. 2015 RUNNER UP 4KQ BEST LIGHTS NORTH

∗ Murrumba Downs – Elm Drive. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Judges Commendation 4kq 2015

∗ Narangba – Ridge View Drive. 4KQ JUDGES COMMENDATION 2014. Confirmed re-entering bigger and better for 2015.

∗ Ningi – Triton Court. 

∗ North Lakes – Whitfield Crescent. On between 7pm & 10pm nightly.

∗ Paddington – Guthrie Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Petrie – Eacham Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Petrie – Vaucluse Crescent. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Redcliffe – Marine Parade. 30 units and entrance decorated for Christmas.

Marine Parade, Redcliffe

∗ Redcliffe – Richens Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Sandstone Point – Clarke Terrace.

∗ Toombul – Sandgate Road. Toombul Shopping Centre. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Judges Commendation 4kq 2015

∗ Toowong – Sherwood Road. Toowong Village & Tower. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Upper Kedron – Kirralee Cres. 4KQ Entrants 2015 and the Ray White Real Estate comp.

∗ Upper Kedron – Cedar Creek Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Warner – Oakwood Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Several homes in the one neighbourhood participating with lights displays.

∗ Warner – Lacewood Circuit. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Bill Stratton Hall of Fame 4kq 2015 award

∗ Warner – Carlingford Circuit. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Warner – Michael David Drive. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Wavell Heights – Sugarloaf Street. Songs are played from 6:45pm though to 8:30pm (louder on Friday / Saturday nights – thank god for good neighbours) and then just twinkly lights until 9:30pm.

∗ Wooloowin – Thorrold Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

South Brisbane Christmas Lights

∗ Acacia Ridge – Sussex Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Acacia Ridge – Callitris Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Algester – Cupania Street.

∗ Algester – Bluedong Place. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Algester – Booyong Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Beenleigh – Lehmans Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Belmont – Brandella Place. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Birkdale – Macfarlan Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Browns Plains – Alrak Avenue. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Browns Plains – Ellington Street. 8000+ lights, available to you on Friday, Saturday and Sunday Nights from 6:30-9pm, (photo credit Dazza).

∗ Coopers Plains – MacGroarty Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Cornubia – Park View Crescent. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Cornubia – Elanal Court. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Cornubia – Penelope Drive. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Crestmead – Clayton Court. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

Come check out our blinky flashy Christmas lights  display, We have over 7000 led lights synchronised and dancing to Christmas songs. Tune into 91.3fm and listen in your car or listen out front. Lights are on from 7-10 or later on weekends. Merry Christmas.

∗ Daisy Hill – Highview Terrace. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Eagleby – Bedford Crescent. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Edens Landing – Castile Crescent. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Edens Landing – Grove Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Edens Landing – Lucy Drive. 4KQ Entrants 2015. REA SOLAR POWER UP AWARD 4kQ + BEST SOUTH 2015

∗ Eight Mile Plains – The Glen Hotel, Logan Road & Gaskell Street. Christmas is just around the corner (again! where does the time go?) and The Glen Hotel will be getting involved in the 4KQ Christmas Lights™ 2015 as an official entrant into the competition, and as such, we will be hosting our Annual Christmas Lights Party again this year on Thursday 26th November from 6pm till 9pm on The Deck at The Glen Hotel. www.glenhotel.com.au

∗ Forestdale – Archery Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Greenslopes – Ridge Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Heathwood – Paperbark Cres. One section of the street is all lit up, very colourful and one of the houses has a huge interactive sleigh for children to play on, with switch board and lighting. Mr & Mrs Claus and a few elves also make an appearance a couple of nights before Xmas Eve.

∗ Hillcrest – Clabon Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Glendale – Marsden Street. This house will be lit up as of the 1st of December through til the 31st from 6:30pm – 10pm, 7 days a week.

∗ Jindalee – Mackinna Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Kingston – Edith Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Logan Village – Daintree Drive. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Loganholme – Drews Road, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Loganholme – Easy Street, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Loganholme – Henry Street, 4KQ Entrants 2015. Best Commercial Big Business Award 4kq 2015

∗ Marsden – Mulgrave Road, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Meadowbrook – Crozier Crescent, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Mount Warren Park – Lane Court, 4KQ Entrants 2015. RUNNER UP 2015 4kq BEST SYNCHRONISED MUSIC DISPLAY

∗ New Beith – Fraser Road, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Park Ridge South – Granger Road, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Parkinson – St Clair Close, 4KQ Entrants 2015. RUNNER UP BEST SOUTH 4KQ 2015

∗ Rochdale South – Altona Street, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Runcorn – Fertree Court, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Runcorn – Calliope Street, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Salisbury – Golda Avenue, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Shailer Park – Davina Street, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Sherwood – Jerrold Street, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Slacks Creek – Springlands Drive, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Springwood – Drake Road, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Springwood – Belinda Crescent, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Springwood – Van Dieman Crescent, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Springwood – Merchant Court, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Taringa – Westerham Street. Looks like Santa has decided to climb the 5.2 metre tree in order to get a better view of all the children’s homes that he needs to visit on Christmas Eve. It’s the third year that Snap Laundromat has entered Brisbane’s 4KQ Christmas Lights competition, with this year’s display featuring Santa trying to get to the top of the Christmas tree.

∗ Tarragindi – Kuring Gai Avenue, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Underwood – Arlington Street, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Underwood – Leila Street, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Upper Mt Gravatt – Lindwall Street, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Waterford West – Logan Reserve Road, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Windaroo – Kaiser Drive, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Woodridge – Rudge Street, 4KQ Entrants 2015. BestUnit 2015 4kq 

∗ Yarrabilba – Fulmer Street, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Yatala – Enkleman Road, 4KQ Entrants 2015. Judges Commendation 4kq 2015

∗ Yeronga – Esplanade, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Yeronga – Anita Street, 4KQ Entrants 2015.

East Brisbane Christmas Lights

∗ Alexandra Hills – Polperro Court. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Belmont – Burkbank Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Belmont – Brandella Place. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Several homes in the one neighbourhood participating with lights displays. second place 4kq 2015 BEST Neighbourhood

∗ Bulima – Merry Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Capalaba – Krimmer Place. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Carina – D’Arcy Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015. WINNER 4kq 2015 BEST EAST

∗ Carindale – Melrose Close. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Several homes in the one neighbourhood participating with lights displays. Judges Commendation 4kq 2015

∗ Carindale – Oakley Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Cleveland – Bay Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Cleveland – Shore Street West. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Holland Park – Stella Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015. RUNNER UP 4kq 2015 BEST EAST 

∗ Kangaroo Point – Holman Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

*Lota Cobar St. Christmas Show features more than a dozen Christmas carols and tunes synchronised to music using Light O Rama software and other control systems and thousands of Led lights. The show runs for about 20 minutes and repeats continuously.

Cobar Street

∗ Morningside – Elwell Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Morningside – Stephens Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Ormiston – Bainbridge Street East. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Redland Bay – Fairway Drive. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Judges Commendation 4kq 2015

∗ Tingalpa – Abbeyfeale Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Several homes in the one neighbourhood participating with lights displays.

∗ Victoria Point – Sandy Drive. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Victoria Point – Magnolia Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Victoria Point – Hatchman Street.

∗ Victoria Point – Chestnut Crescent. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Kids are more than welcome to roam over the yard. We hand out lollies to everyone who visits. We are working hard to have our garage look like  Santa’s Workshop (sort of) for the kids to look thru & we will have a “Letter to Santa” post box set up. We will have pens, paper & envelopes all ready for anyone who wants to write a letter to Santa. We will empty the box every couple of days and take the letters to the post office. All going well we should  have a sleigh that kids can sit in and have photo’s taken. Judges Commendation 4kq 2015

West Brisbane Christmas Lights

∗ Augustine Hills – Conlon Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Bellbowrie – Church Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015. On every night from 7pm til 10pm, from the 30th of November til Boxing Day. They also collect donations for Diabetes Queensland. WINNER 4kq 2015 BEST WEST

∗ Chapel Hill – Goolman Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Forest Lake – Cardwell Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Forest Lake – Solander Circuit. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Forest Lake – Milliken Circuit 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Glamorgan Vale – Voss Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Graceville – Graceville Avenue. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Jindalee – Currangundi Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Judges Commendation 4kq 2015

∗ Kenmore – Warunda Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015. RUNNER UP BEST LIGHTS WEST 4kq 2015

∗ Middle Park – Burwick Close. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Middle Park – Dewsbury Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Middle Park – Riverhills Road. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Mount Ommaney – Moncrieff Court. 4KQ Entrants 2015. This is their first time entering the 4kq competition. As well as lights, we have inflatables and a snow machine will be on between 7-8pm every night. We also have a post box and if the children post their letter between 7-8pm they will get a personalised reply while still looking at the lights. There will be lollies and a collection for the Lady Cilento hospital.

∗ Redbank Plains – Tindle Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Judges Commendation 4kq 2015

∗ Sinnamon Park – Hawk Place. 4KQ Entrants 2015. Several homes in the one neighbourhood participating with lights displays. WINNER 4kq 2015 BEST Neighbourhood

∗ Westlake – Everard Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015. 3rd place 4kq 2015 BEST Neighbourhood

∗ Westlake – Gillen Close. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

∗ Westlake – Raeside Street. 4KQ Entrants 2015.

Ipswich Christmas Lights

∗ Flinders View – Hillier Court. They do a recycled materials display utilising over 2000  pieces of ‘rubbish’ to create a beautiful and unique display. Their street joins in the fun with about 9 other neighbours lighting up too. https://www.facebook.com/HillierCourtLights/

∗ North Ipswich – Blackwood Avenue. Lights programmed to music.

Brisbane Kids Christmas Lights Brisbane Map 2015

Unlike other websites, we only list the houses that we know will be operating in 2015. Because we operate using an opt in system we don’t note the number of the house on the off chance someone is trying to punk their friend and send a whole heap of people to their house. It should be obvious what house is lit up. ALL THE IMAGES HERE ARE COPYRIGHT SO PLEASE RESPECT THE OWNERS AND DON’T USE THESE ON YOUR OWN WEBSITE.

PLEASE NOTE: Local residents have requested that, whilst everyone is warmly welcomed when visiting their Christmas lights, please do not obstruct driveways and be considerate to those that live in the area. Keep the area beautiful for other families to share in the joy and take any litter with you when you leave. We have been told that local councils are placing parking restrictions on some of the more popular locations this year, so please be aware of this to avoid a fine

Are you thinking of becoming a Brisbane Christmas Lights Elf?

If you are wondering how people get on a Christmas light list, it is all in the preparation. Some spend many years gathering a collection of Christmas decorations, often purchasing after the Christmas rush and using websites like HOME, Temple and Webster, Mumgo and other discount sites to add to their collections. Gumtree is another place to check out discounted Christmas lights, but buying from here will not ensure that the lights are safe.

If you are unsure about the safety of your Christmas light display, you should consider getting your local firies out to inspect and you may need to make sure you have proper equipment that separates the lights from your main power source. These are all questions for a professional and if you are looking to have an extreme Christmas lights display, then calling an electrician first for advice may be worthwhile.

If you are like us, and you are more of an observer, then our Christmas Lights list in Brisbane for 2015 is going to be just what you are looking for. We will aim to collate all the winners of the main awards, any emailed directly to us and a host of others that simply can’t commit to the lighting requirements of the main awards. We suggest, in addition to viewing our list, you should check out 4KQ and The Brisbane Times.

To anyone who takes the time to set up Christmas Lights: You should know that you are honouring the spirit of Christmas and keeping it alive for Brisbane Kids everywhere. Driving around and looking at the lights is a tradition for many families and, for us as a family, we really enjoy playing the spot the Christmas lights as we drive around on our way to the bigger displays like yours. Thank you so much for both viewing this list and taking the time to submit your lights, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas in Brisbane with Kids. 

NOTE: These Brisbane Christmas light locations have been sourced from direct emails sent to Brisbane Kids, as well as 4KQ, Redland City Bulletin, and various individual Facebook pages belonging to locations with large light displays.

The post Christmas Lights Brisbane 2015 appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

If you grew up in any one of the capital cities of Australia, then chances are you remember visiting Myer at Christmas time at least once. Since 1988 in Brisbane, many family Christmas traditions have included a visit to ‘the city’ to see the Myer Christmas Windows. With the more recent addition of extended shopping hours leading up to Christmas and the colourful Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime, coupled with the Brisbane City Council Christmas Tree in King George Square, a trip into Brisbane’s CBD is an ideal way to get families into the spirit of Christmas.

The Myer Christmas Animated Windows

The Myer Christmas Windows are a long-standing tradition in Australia. Installed at the Myer Melbourne store to coincide with the Melbourne Olympics in 1956, the very first Myer Christmas Windows featured the theme ‘Santa and the Olympics’ and were created by Myer’s visual merchandiser at the time, Fred Asmussen. These windows were such a success that the budget for the 1957 window display was doubled, and an annual visit to see the Myer Christmas Windows became an instant Christmas tradition for many families.

Every year, families look forward to discovering the theme for the Myer Christmas Animated Windows, and 2015’s story promises not to disappoint. Based on the book “Little Dog and the Christmas Wish”, by Corinne Fenton and Robin Cowcher, the windows follow the story of Jonathon and his best friend “Little Dog” on their adventures through Melbourne. Featuring iconic 1950s references such as FX and FE model Holdens and a Tip Top bread truck, this year’s windows will be a trip down memory lane for many parents and grandparents, whilst enthralling children with the stunningly animated characters.

Christmas shopping at the Myer Giftorium

A new Myer tradition that began in 2014, the Myer Giftorium captures the spirit of Christmas with one entire floor of the Brisbane City Myer store dedicated just to Christmas gift shopping. To make shopping a breeze, this one-stop Christmas shopping department has been divided into sections according to the interest of recipient, including Gifts for Him or Her, Pet Gifts, Star Wars, Disney, Marvin’s Magic, Arts and Crafts, and the extremely popular new PERSONALISED NUTELLA section. In fact, there are many options for personalising presents in the Giftorium this year – have your name put on a jar of Nutella, embroider a unique Santa sack or stocking (as well as other products) for the kids, or choose a gorgeous leather item to have embossed – all available in store while you wait. Gift wrapping, the ‘Shop & Drop’ parcel service, and the ‘Shop, Wrap and Deliver’ service all go that extra mile to help make your gift shopping stress-free.

Technology has increased accessibility and ease of use for Myer shoppers this year, with a Giftorium micro site on the Myer website (www.myer.com.au/christmasgiftorium – live from 14th Nov), where you will also be able to order your personalised Nutella jars. Additionally, online bookings will be available for an expert Giftician (personal shopper), and online Santa bookings will help you arrange a specific time to visit Santa for your annual photos. On top of this, Myer staff will also be equipped with iPads this year and will be able to arrange store transfers or home delivery of products not in stock or unavailable in that store.

Santaland at Myer

Santaland is a festive wonderland for children. This year, the Brisbane City Myer store features a large area where children can pay a visit to Santa for a photo, write and mail a letter to the jolly man in red, or take a ride on the Santaland train through a snowy North Pole tunnel. Whilst Santa will be in attendance at all Myer stores in Brisbane this year, bookings for Santa photos will only be available in the Brisbane City store. You can find out more about Santaland here.

Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime

There is no better way to celebrate the festive season than to watch the Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime. This year, the parade begins at 6:30pm at the Edward Street end of the Queen Street Mall and will feature hundreds of performers, including Santa, Elves, Drummers, Nativity Animals and dancers.

Every evening from 11th to 20th December, the parade will make its way down the mall; culminating in a live Christmas pantomime performed on a special stage erected in King George Square. The 2015 Christmas panto follows two villains trying to ruin Christmas by putting Santa into a deep sleep using a magic potion. Not wanting Christmas to be affected, Mrs Claus calls on the help of all the kids in the audience who will need to band together in order to help her save Christmas. All the details of the Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime can be found here.

The Myer Giftorium, Santaland and the Myer Christmas Windows are open now for all Brisbane Families to visit. Why not make an evening of it and book a photo with Santa, do a spot of gift shopping in the Giftorium, and then watch the festive spectacle of the Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime? You can also find a huge listing of Christmas events in Brisbane in the Brisbane Kids event calendar.

Brisbane Kids thanks Myer and Kids Business for inviting our writer to the launch of the Myer Giftorium in 2015. All opinions stated in this article are true, honest and genuine, with the sole aim of providing enough information for families to make an informed decision. 

The post Christmas traditions for families with Myer appeared first on Brisbane Kids.

Because we love all that sparkles and glitters at Christmas time, we’ve compiled a list of the best Christmas lights bus tours in Brisbane, as well as some festive cruises that will ferry you and your family around to see the Christmas sights this season. Make sure you take the camera!

Christmas lights bus tours in Brisbane

Brisbane City Council is again running its popular Christmas lights bus tours in Brisbane on the evenings of 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th December 2015. Tours commence at 6.45pm and conclude at 9.45pm nightly. There are four tours:

• Northern Suburbs – meet at Westfield Chermside, Gympie Road, Chermside.
• Western Suburbs – meet at Westfield Indooroopilly, 322 Moggil Road, Indooroopilly.
• Eastern Suburbs – meet at Westfield Carindale, Creek Road, Carindale.
• Southern Suburbs – meet at Westfield Garden City, Logan Road, Upper Mt Gravatt.

Tickets can be purchased in advance through ticketek, and cannot be bought on the bus. The tour includes toilet and refreshment stops, and you can take your own food and drinks.

Another option for those on Brisbane’s north side is the Kangaroo Bus Lines Christmas lights tour. Running on the 18th and 19th of December, the tour includes a light supper in the park before departure. For more info, or to make a booking, please check out their website.

On Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th December, Christmas lights bus tours will be running in the Ipswich City Council area. Tours include commentary, a comfort stop and a light supper. Tours depart from the Ipswich City Council car park (45 Roderick Street, Ipswich). Meeting time is 6.45pm for a 7.00pm departure. Tours will return by approximately 9.30pm. To make a booking, visit their website.

Do it yourself Christmas lights bus tours

Of course, you can always pile the kids into mum or dad’s taxi and conduct the Christmas lights tour yourself! Turn up the Christmas carols, pack some Christmas munchies and visit these locations that we’ve scoped out for you on our up to date list.

Christmas lights boat cruises in Brisbane

Kangaroo Bus Lines also offer a boat cruise from the Bribie Island Bridge, which cruises through the canal estates to view the festive decorations from the water. This cruise runs on Sunday 20th December only. To make a booking, visit the website. The ticket price includes an antipasto platter on board the cruise.

Kooaburra River Queens offer a three hour Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner cruise, which includes dinner, live entertainment, and, of course, beautiful views of the Christmas and city lights. Find out more or make a booking here.

Coastal Cruises on the Sunshine Coast offer a Christmas lights cruise on the 12th December, departing from The Mooloolaba Wharf at 5.20pm. The cruise runs for two hours and takes in the Mooloolaba Christmas lights parade, held in the canals. There is a licensed bar on board and the ticket price includes a seafood main meal. Secure your booking via their website.

The Ferry Man boat cruise takes in the glittering Christmas lights of the Bribie Island canals. The cruise boards at 6.30pm for a 6.45pm departure and returns by 8.30pm. To make a booking, visit their website.

Have we missed a bus or boat tour? Let us know about it in the comments below! For more Christmas events, check out our events calendar.

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