Looking for ways to celebrate a romantic evening with your fiancé at the most magical time of year?

At this time of year, it can be very stressful and busy. Why not take some time out and enjoy quality moments with your significant other? We’ve researched a range of festive options for a December date night.

Merry Christmas from The Busy Bride!

Wineries

CENTRAL – City Winery, Brisbane

Go there for… their focus on local produce and sustainability, and its inner-city Brisbane locations. It’s Sunday sessions at their Fortitude Valley location make for a fun date day.

Website… click here.

Open… Tuesday to Sunday, until late. Check website for details.

EAST – Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton

Go there for… its relaxed atmosphere, large range of wines and romantic experiences such as winery tours, tastings, picnic hampers and 3-course dinners. Their Sculpture in the Vines event adds a touch of creativity to their lovely space – on until the end of January 2022.

Website… click here.

Open… every day except Christmas Day. Hours vary – see website for more details.

NORTH – Ocean View Estates, Mount Mee

Go there for… its convenient 45-min drive from Brisbane and their varieties of Viognier, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Ruby Cabernet.

Website… click here.

Open… until Dec 23, with a special lunch event on Christmas Eve. Check website for hours.

SOUTH – The Overflow Estate 1895, Wyaralong

Go there for… the beautiful views across the vineyard and over the dam and its weekend live music and casual vibes. Why not book a romantic lunch for two on Christmas Day?

Website… click here.

Open… Wednesday to Sunday. Hours vary – check website for details.

Christmas Lights

4KQ Christmas Lights Competition

Go there for… the independence of self-driving to some of the best home displays of Christmas lights in Brisbane. This annual competition highlights the most amazing and extravagant Christmas decorations the city has to offer. Check addresses here.

Dates… until Dec 24, sunset to 10pm.

Cost… Free!

Queen Street Mall & King George Square

Go there for… the open-air magic that is Christmas in Brisbane’s CBD. Click here for more info.

Dates… until Dec 24. Queen St Mall events from 4:30pm to 8:30pm, King George Square events from 7:30pm to midnight.

Cost… Free!

Mooloolaba Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade

Go there for… decked out lights on fancy boats, which will cruise down the river and canals of Mooloolaba, Kawana and Bundina. Better still, it’s a charitable event. For more details, click here.

Dates… Dec 18, 7pm to 10pm.

Cost… Free!

SunReef Christmas Lights Cruise – Mooloolaba

Go there for… Cruise down the Mooloolah River gazing at the beautiful light displays on river homes and businesses, while sipping on a beer or glass of wine.

Dates… until Dec 23, 6pm and 7:45pm (more spots available at the later session)

Cost… $30pp, book online here.

Gold Coast Christmas Lights Facebook Page

Go there for… a list of community-supported Christmas light displays across the Gold Coast. Click here to view the page and list of addresses.

Dates… until Dec 24

Cost… Free!

Toowoomba Christmas Wonderland

Go there for… a spectacular lights display spanning the grounds of Toowoomba’s historic park, Queens Park. Click here for more details.

Dates… until Dec 24

Cost… Free!

Picnic in the Park

Stock a picnic hamper of local goodies from a deli, bakery, cafe or supermarket near you and head to one of these picturesque locations. Nothing says ‘romance’ more than a tranquil setting and quality time.

Brisbane

Newstead Park

Best for… a sunny daytime spot to admire views over the Brisbane River to Hamilton and Bulimba. The historic grounds adds a touch of class.

Address… corner Breakfast Creek Road & Newstead Avenue, Breakfast Creek Road, QLD 4006

New Farm Park

Best for… a relaxed barbecue or picnic amongst the lush jacaranda trees. Why not catch the CityCat there and enjoy a cruise along the Brisbane River?

Address… 1042 Brunswick St, New Farm QLD 4005

Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Best for… sunset views and twinkling lights as you gaze out across Brisbane City.

Address… 29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169

Northshore Riverside Park, Hamilton

Best for… feeling like you’re at the beach when you’re really just a few kilometres from the city. Enjoy a relaxing day out and then head to Eat Street Northshore later in the afternoon.

Address… 285 MacArthur Ave, Hamilton QLD 4006

Greater Brisbane, Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast

Shorncliffe

Best for… relaxing by the waterfront and taking an afternoon stroll all the way to Brighton along the foreshore.

Address… Lovers’ Walk, Shorncliffe QLD 4017

Burleigh Hill

Best for… incredible sunset views over the ocean. Grab a blanket, pack some nibbles and pop a bottle of champagne – this view is the best!

Address… 24 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Alexandra Headland – The Bluff

Best for… if you’re an early-riser, sunrise is the best time to take in the views from The Bluff. Why not prepare breakfast-to-go and savour the view for a little longer?

Address… 244 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland QLD 4572

Point Cartwright

Best for… a great spot on the Sunshine Coast for sunset views. Right behind the Point Cartwright Lighthouse is a grassy area overlooking the sea and shoreline below.

Address… LOT 577 Pacific Blvd, Buddina QLD 4575

Christmas Shows

Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)

A Christmas Carol

Dates… until Dec 24

Cost… $59 – $69 per person

Queensland Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Dates… until Dec 23

Cost… up to $200 per person, depending on seating.

For tickets to either of these events, click here.

South Bank Parklands

All of the below events are on from December 18 to 23. For further details, click here.

The South Bank Christmas Show

Times… 6:30pm and 8:00pm

Cost… $6 per person

Pop-up live music

Times… 4pm to 9:45pm

Cost… Free!

Christmas cinema

Times… 8pm

Cost… Free!

Watch From Home

QPAC’s ‘Spirit of Christmas’ digital broadcast – online event

Tune in to this year’s Christmas Eve concert from home, staring the voices from popular musical productions.

Date and time… Dec 24, 7pm.

Cost… Free!

How to tune in… Click here at the start time.

Night Markets

Eat Street Northshore, Hamilton

Go there for… Santa, live music, great food and drink, sparkling lights

Dates… Dec 17 to 19. For opening hours, access website below.

Cost… $5 per person, pay upon entry.

Website… click here.

The Collective Markets, South Bank

Go there for… the magical atmosphere, rows of arts, crafts and artisans, convenient access to other ideas in this article.

Dates… Dec 17 to 23, 10am to 9pm.

Cost… Free!

Website… click here.

NightQuarter, Birtinya (Sunshine Coast)

Go there for… the social scene and carnival atmosphere, live entertainment, great food and bars.

Dates… Dec 17 and 18.

Cost… $5 per person. Pay on entry or book online at the link below.

Website… click here.

Have you got any other romantic Christmas date ideas? Comment below or contact us.