This weekend offers a sophisticated blend of high culture and festive nostalgia. Art enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with major international exhibitions from Banksy and Olafur Eliasson running concurrently. On stage, the Christmas spirit is in full swing with classic tales like A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker, alongside a live orchestral screening of Tim Burton’s holiday cult classic.
The Art of Banksy “Without Limits” Chapter Two – Celebrating 10 years of Defiance
Starting November 2025 | Uptown, Brisbane City
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This massive exhibition features over 150 artworks, photos, sculptures, and immersive installations by the world’s most elusive street artist. It serves as a comprehensive overview of Banksy’s career, exploring themes of politics, war, and capitalism with his signature satirical edge.
Olafur Eliasson: Presence
6 December 2025 – 12 July 2026 | Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Brisbane
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A major highlight of the cultural calendar, this exhibition by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson transforms GOMA into a playground of light, colour, and geometry. Visitors can interact with large-scale installations that challenge perception and explore the relationship between humans and nature.
A Christmas Carol
12 – 24 December 2025 | Playhouse, QPAC, South Brisbane
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The award-winning shake & stir theatre co. returns with their acclaimed adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic. Featuring stunning design and live music, this production is a visual feast that captures the redemption of Scrooge in heartwarming detail.
The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert
18 – 19 December 2025 | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Brisbane
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Experience Tim Burton’s holiday masterpiece like never before. The film will be screened live while a full symphony orchestra performs Danny Elfman’s iconic score, blending the magic of cinema with the power of live music.
Brisbane City Youth Ballet: The Nutcracker
20 – 21 December 2025 | Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
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The Brisbane City Youth Ballet presents a delightful rendition of the traditional Christmas favourite. Perfect for families, this production showcases the talent of young local dancers in a magical journey to the Land of Sweets.
Love, Actually? The Musical Parody
11 – 21 December 2025 | Royal International Convention Centre, Bowen Hills
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Whether you love it or love to hate it, this musical parody hilariously dissects the classic rom-com. Expect quick wit, catchy songs, and a good-natured roast of the film’s most famous (and questionable) plotlines.
Candlelight: Christmas Movie Soundtracks
20 December 2025 | St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane City
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Immerse yourself in the music of holiday cinema within the stunning gothic architecture of St John’s Cathedral. A string quartet performs beloved tracks from films like Home Alone and Love Actually surrounded by the glow of thousands of candles.
Candlelight: A Night of Christmas Classics
19 December 2025 | St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane City
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Another enchanting evening at the Cathedral, this concert focuses on traditional carols and classical festive pieces. The combination of the string quartet and the candlelight creates a serene and spiritual atmosphere perfect for the season.
Echoes of Christmas 2025 — Festive Classical Concert
20 December 2025 | Saint Andrew’s Uniting Church, Brisbane City
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Enjoy a refined evening of classical music in the heart of the city. This concert features a repertoire of sacred and secular Christmas works, celebrating the joy and beauty of the season in a historic setting.
Yuriyal Eric Bridgeman: ‘Six2Six’
5 – 20 December 2025 | Milani Gallery, West End
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It is the final weekend to view this exhibition by Yuriyal Eric Bridgeman. Known for his work exploring identity and sport, this show at Milani Gallery offers a compelling contemporary perspective before it closes.
The Cliffnotes of Insanity
17 – 19 December 2025 | Arcana Empress Theatre, Moorooka
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Head to Moorooka for a dose of independent theatre. The Cliffnotes of Insanity promises an engaging and perhaps unconventional performance at the Arcana Empress Theatre, a hub for Brisbane’s grassroots creative community.
Magdalena Wozniak
15 – 21 December 2025 | Jan Manton Gallery, Teneriffe
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Explore the works of Magdalena Wozniak in this solo exhibition at Teneriffe’s Jan Manton Gallery. This is a great opportunity to engage with local contemporary art in one of the city’s most vibrant precincts.
The Mojo Webb Band
19 December 2025 | Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point
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Kick off the weekend with one of Brisbane’s finest blues acts. Mojo Webb and his band bring authentic grit, powerful vocals, and masterful guitar work to the riverside stage for a night of high-energy entertainment.
The Slowhand Sultans featuring Tim Gaze & Mick Melit
20 December 2025 | Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point
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Guitar fans are in for a treat as veterans Tim Gaze and Mick Melit pay tribute to the greats. Expect a night of polished blues and rock guitar work in the relaxed atmosphere of the Jazz Club.
Brisbane Big Band with Special Guest Melissa
21 December 2025 | Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point
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Wrap up the weekend with the full, brassy sound of the Brisbane Big Band. Joined by guest vocalist Melissa, this Sunday session will feature swinging jazz standards and perhaps a few festive tunes.
Lunchtime Christmas Carols
19 December 2025 | Queen Street Mall, Brisbane City
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Take a break from holiday shopping and enjoy the festive sounds of carols in the Mall. This free event brings live entertainment to the city centre, adding a cheerful soundtrack to the lunchtime rush.
Brisbane is truly alive with creativity this weekend, balancing blockbuster art exhibitions with the warmth of traditional Christmas performances. With several shows having limited runs or closing this week, such as the exhibition at Milani Gallery, it is the perfect time to soak up the city’s cultural offerings before the holiday break begins in earnest.