TNQ Writer
Tropical North Queensland is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable festive season, with an exciting mix of events, stunning locations, and experiences that cater to both locals and visitors alike for Christmas and to ring in 2025.
Celebrate the Festive Season
Tropical North Queensland is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable festive season, with an exciting mix of events, stunning locations, and experiences that cater to both locals and visitors alike. From family-friendly fun to glamorous soirées, Christmas and New Year’s Eve here are guaranteed to be celebrated in style. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, enjoying a fine dining experience, or dancing under the stars, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the most exciting festive events happening across the region:
Dining out for Christmas Lunch
For those seeking a relaxed and indulgent Christmas, Cairns offers a range of unforgettable dining experiences set against a stunning tropical backdrop. Imagine dining in a waterfront restaurant, the ocean breeze gently wafting through as you enjoy a bountiful Christmas lunch with your loved ones.
Pullman Cairns International – Coco’s Kitchen & Bar
Celebrate with a luxurious seafood feast featuring prawns, oysters, crab, and festive favourites, all paired with a premium beverage package. This child-free event promises sophistication, exquisite flavours, and exceptional service.
The Benson Hotel
Enjoy a traditional Christmas buffet with fresh seafood, glazed meats, and decadent desserts. This family-friendly event offers a warm festive atmosphere and impeccable service, this is a perfect option for families looking to enjoy the magic of Christmas together.
Shangri-La, The Marina Cairns
For a tropical twist on your Christmas meal, indulge in a signature buffet paired with a 3-hour beverage package. Kids will be entertained with face painting and festive tunes, while Santa makes an appearance for that extra touch of holiday magic.
Crystalbrook Collection
Whether you’re at Bailey, Riley, or Flynn, Crystalbrook Collection offers a variety of Christmas lunch or dinner options. From traditional festive favourites to modern twists, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for a refined yet festive meal.
Dining out on New Years Eve
After a day of fun and excitement, enjoy a celebratory dinner at one of Cairns’ venues offering the special New Year’s Eve menus for the perfect dining experience to ring in the new year.
Crystalbrook Collection – Riley, Bailey, and Flynn
Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated dinner, a rooftop cocktail party, or a lively event with live bands and DJs, Crystalbrook Cairns offers a memorable New Year’s Eve. Enjoy everything from tropical Italian fare at Flynn’s Italian to a chic rooftop soirée at Whiskey and Wine.
CC’s Bar & Grill by Crystalbrook Bailey
For a more refined New Year’s Eve experience, indulge in an evening of gourmet dining at CC’s Bar & Grill. Relish in an exquisite selection of award-winning wines and Champagne, perfectly paired with a premier steak dinner. This upscale dining experience offers both sophistication and the warmth of friendly hospitality, creating an elegant setting for a memorable celebration.
Whiskey and Wine Soirée by Crystalbrook Flynn
Sip on bubbles under the stars as eclectic beats fill the air. The sultry summer breeze and panoramic views of Cairns provide the perfect setting to embrace the tropical atmosphere, while enjoying an upscale cocktail experience. This intimate rooftop party is the perfect way to ring in 2025 with elegance and flair.
Flynn’s Italian by Crystalbrook Flynn
Celebrate in style with a tropical Italian feast at Flynn’s Italian. Two delicious sittings are available, offering a refined yet relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy exceptional Italian cuisine paired with wines that complement the vibrant setting. Start the year with a saluti as you toast to new beginnings amidst the lively ambiance of Flynn’s.
Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook Flynn
For those who prefer a lively and vibrant New Year’s Eve celebration, head to Boardwalk Social for an electrifying evening. Featuring live bands, DJs, and pop-up bars, this event promises a dynamic mix of entertainment, food, and fun. Whether you’re dancing to the latest hits or enjoying the relaxed vibe, Boardwalk Social offers a perfect blend of energy and excitement as you countdown to the new year.
Rocco by Crystalbrook Riley
Glam up for an unforgettable soirée high above the city at Rocco, located twelve floors up. Enjoy live music as you take in the stunning, panoramic views of the Cairns skyline and fireworks display. With a luxe atmosphere, decadent food, and unparalleled vistas, this rooftop event is a must for those looking to experience Cairns in its most glamorous form. The ideal setting to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome in 2025 with sophistication and style.
Paper Crane by Crystalbrook Riley
Enjoy a delicious Asian Fusion, good company and good wine at Paper Crane with two sittings available. Celebrate New Year’s Eve overlooking the Cairns Esplanade and sit in comfort as you enjoy a front row seat to the evening fireworks.
The Benson Hotel – Hollywood Glam New Year’s Eve Party
Step onto the red carpet and experience a Hollywood-themed New Year’s Eve bash with a complimentary welcome drink, rooftop views, and live DJ performances. Watch the Cairns fireworks from a private balcony and dance the night away in style.
The Reef Hotel Casino – The Rocket Man Experience at BAR36
For music lovers, enjoy *Rocket Man: The Elton John Experience* at BAR36, followed by a huge set of party anthems and a massive midnight balloon drop to keep the party going into the early hours.
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort – Moku Bar & Grill Poolside BBQ
Celebrate with the family at Moku Bar & Grill Beach Club’s Poolside BBQ. Kids will love the interactive live cooking station while adults can sip on tropical drinks by the pool. It’s a relaxed and fun way to celebrate with your loved ones.
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa – Eat, Drink, Dance
As the sun sets on the last day of the year, the Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration. The resort’s New Year’s Eve party is a highlight of the year, attracting both guests and locals who seek an unforgettable experience. As the sun sets on the last day of the year, the Resort transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration.
Mexicairns New Year’s Eve VIP Party
Ring in the New Year with a frozen marg in hand at Mexicairns. Start the celebration with a welcome drink on entry, then indulge in three hours of flowing beverages and mouthwatering canapés until it’s time to shout “¡Vamos a festejar!” aka “Happy New Year”. This is one fiesta you won’t want to miss!
New Year’s Eve; a countdown with many options
Tropical North Queensland truly comes alive as the clock strikes midnight, with an array of New Year’s Eve events, from live music to jaw-dropping fireworks displays. Here’s how to ring in 2025 in style:
Cairns City Western Events Lawn – Family Concert & Fireworks
Cairns knows how to throw a family-friendly celebration, and this New Year’s Eve concert is no exception. Bring a blanket and your dancing shoes, and enjoy an all-local lineup of talented artists and DJs until the skies light up with an 8pm family-friendly fireworks show, giving everyone a chance to join in the excitement before the main event with the New Year fireworks show at midnight.
Edmonton – Family Concert & Fireworks
For a fun, Southside celebration, head to Walker Road in Edmonton for a night of entertainment, food, and fireworks.
Palm Cove – Family Concert & Fireworks
On the Northside of Cairns take a stroll along the beach in Palm Cove, enjoy activities, and take in the family-friendly entertainment and fireworks display.
Mareeba’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Watch the sky come alive in Mareeba with a dazzling fireworks display set against the stunning outback landscape. The show is synchronized to music, creating a magical experience that shouldn’t be missed for a mesmerising and unique way to ring in the New Year.
Welcome 2025, time to unwind
Spirit of Cairns – New Year’s Day Lunch
After a night of celebration, unwind with a scenic lunch cruise on the Spirit of Cairns. Enjoy a buffet lunch while cruising through the calm waters of Trinity Inlet, taking in the beautiful waterfront views—a perfect way to start the year.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a tropical beach, dancing the night away at one of the glamorous waterfront venues, or watching fireworks light up the sky from a rooftop party, Tropical North Queensland offers something truly magical for everyone this festive season to make this Christmas and New Year’s Eve unforgettable.