Fraser Coast shines bright as Christmas festivities begin
Published on 20 November 2025
The Fraser Coast is embracing the festive season with a series of Christmas tree light-ups and community carol events across Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said lighting the Christmas tree is a cherished tradition that brings our community together and fills our shared spaces with joy, unity and festive cheer.
“This year we are partnering with several community groups to help spread Christmas cheer throughout the region and make these events even more memorable,” he said.
“Christmas decorations are starting to be installed, including the iconic main Christmas trees in the city centres in Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
“We’re excited to once again showcase a custom-designed collection of handcrafted ornaments by the Maryborough Woodturners and Craftsmen Guild, featuring designs inspired by our region.”
Maryborough Woodturners and Craftsmen Guild President Trevor Brennan said its members made ornaments for the Hervey Bay and Maryborough Christmas trees, garlands as wreaths which are unique to the area.
“These decorations feature whale tails, City Hall, the Mary Poppins umbrella and other much-loved Fraser Coast icons,” he said.
“Our members enjoyed crafting these ornaments and we look forward to contributing more in the coming years.”
Cr Seymour said for many across the Fraser Coast, the tree lighting marks the true beginning of the festive season.
“We encourage everyone to come out, connect and celebrate at this year’s tree lightings and community Christmas events,” he said.
The Maryborough – “Mary Christmas” CBD Street Party & Tree Lighting is being held this Saturday November 22 at City Hall from 4pm – 8pm.
Hosted by the Maryborough City Progress Association, the street party will feature Candy Cane Lane Markets, children’s activities, entertainment, wildlife displays, lawnmower racing demonstrations, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs Claus at 5pm.
The Hervey Bay – Christmas Tree Lighting is happening on Friday November 28 at City Park, Pialba from 5pm to 8pm.
Hosted by Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, the free event will include live music, children’s activities, face painting, Christmas artisan markets, a community barbecue and a visit from Santa. The tree lighting will occur at 6.30pm.
The Hervey Bay Regional Gallery will also be open, offering residents the chance to enjoy an artistic start to the Christmas season.
Cr Seymour said over the coming weeks, residents and visitors can enjoy several Carols by Candlelight celebrations which are perfect for relaxing, singing favourite Christmas songs, and sharing in the festive spirit.
“Carols are so important to our community as they bring people together to share in the joy of the season, creating a sense of connection, tradition and celebration that unites us all,” he said.
Community Christmas carol events include:
- Carols in the Country – Tiaro Rec Grounds, Inman Street, Tiaro - Saturday, November 29 from 3pm to 9pm
- Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum Christmas Carols - 13 Zephyr St, Scarness, Hervey Bay - Saturday December 6 from 5:30pm
- Maryborough Christmas Carols – Queens Park, Maryborough - Sunday, December 7, from 5pm to 8pm
- Hervey Bay Carols by Candlelight – Seafront Oval, Esplanade, Hervey Bay - Saturday, December 13 from 4pm to 8pm
There are plenty of community Christmas events happening across the Fraser Coast from festive bike rides and markets to the Christmas Read-a-Thon and more.
Explore the full list at: https://events.visitfrasercoast.com/page/festive-fraser-coast
If you are planning a special Christmas community event that you’d like to include on our list, please email us with the event date, time, location and details to events@frasercoast.qld.gov.au.
Council encourages all residents to join in the celebrations, make joyful memories, and help spread Christmas cheer across our community in the coming weeks.