A mesmerising mix of light shows, music, theatre and markets is about to transform the Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) into a magical Christmas wonderland.
As part of Redland City Council’s reimagined Christmas on Redlands Coast, this year’s RPAC holiday program includes a blend of fun new spectacles and enduring favourites.
It complements a city-wide holiday festival, which also includes Festive Friday Flicks, an augmented reality Christmas Trail, an interactive colouring competition, Santa’s Hotline, and lighting displays at four locations.
There is a fabulous selection of free activities for the whole family to get into the Christmas spirit.
First up will be the Mater Christmas Markets, supporting the local Mater Private Hospital. The markets kick off at 10am on Saturday 30 November at RPAC, offering plenty of handmade gift ideas and a performance by Redland Rhapsody Chorus.
On the same evening, a dazzling light and sound display will open on the RPAC performance lawn, complete with bubbles and mirror balls from 6.30pm to 7.15pm. This light and sound show will then run on selected evenings until 21 December – perfect for kicking off your night before a show or as a stop on your way to explore Redlands Coast’s Christmas festivities.
From Thursday 5 December, you can enjoy a fun-filled bubble pop-up theatre experience, featuring Dr Bubbles and his cheeky elf, Milkshake. These free drop-in session in RPAC’s Events Hall will take place at 6pm on selected evenings in early December.
The RPAC stage is also set to dazzle and delight with a wonderful range of Christmas-themed ticketed shows.
Christmas Actually will relive the magical musical moments from the beloved holiday classic, Love Actually, on Saturday 30 November.
Direct from The Ten Tenors, Redlands Coast songman JD Smith, along with special guest Shandelle Cooke, will bring a heartwarming show full of festive favourites to the stage on Thursday 5 December.
You can also enter Santa’s Bubble Department for a soap-tastic adventure filled with millions of bubbles, mischief, and laughter, when the Bubble Show for Christmas performs on Wednesday 11 December. Have your camera ready as every child goes inside their own bubble at the end of the show!
The Redland City Choir will present its 10th Redlands White Christmas musical extravaganza in the RPAC Concert Hall on Saturday 14 December, where families can follow some of Santa’s mischievous elves on their musical journey to discover the heart of Christmas.
From 19 to 21 December, RPAC transforms into the enchanting world of The Hoarderculturalist, where audiences are invited on a magical interactive adventure in a wondrous tale inspired by A Christmas Carol.
Bringing the RPAC Christmas program to a joyous close on Saturday 21 December, the world-renowned Brisbane Excelsior Band will evoke the true spirit of Christmas in a stunning holiday concert featuring a wonderful selection of holiday classics.
For more information on RPAC shows and bookings, visit www.rpac.com.au. For details on Christmas on Redlands Coast activities, go to redland.qld.gov.au/Christmas