Toowoomba is Australia’s largest inland regional city and its commercial services cater for an even larger geographical region. If you are planning on spending this Christmas in Toowoomba you certainly won’t be disappointed as the entire city comes to life, and there are many places to shop, dine, explore and party.
Toowoomba is a mountain city and it hosts some wonderful weather over the Christmas and summer seasons where other areas of Australia get hot and sweaty. Toowoomba maintains a temperature of around 27 degrees, which is perfect for celebrating without the extreme intrusion of heat. Yet Toowoomba is still warm enough to relax and unwind in gorgeous weather, and you’ll still benefit from delicious ice-creams and a splash in the local pool.
Christmas shopping in Brisbane, not far from Toowomba
Toowoomba is in Australia’s Queensland and close enough to Brisbane for a weekend getaway or a short trip in, just to see the sights of a major city and enjoy some Christmas shopping in the major department stores. While Toowoomba hosts some great shopping itself, if you are a resident of the city and want a change over Christmas time, then a journey into Brisbane City might be a great option for you and the whole family.
Make the most of the Christmas displays and decorations in the streets of Brisbane, including giant Christmas trees, visits from Santa Claus and seasonal events for the entire family. You can also venture to other areas like the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, however you will need to extend your trip for longer than a single day.
Christmas shopping in Toowoomba
Grand Central Shopping Centre is in the heart of the Darling Downs, located in Toowoomba’s central business district. If you are looking for a local all-in-one shopping location for gifts and fresh food, then this is the place you need to be during Christmas time.
There is a food court, major supermarkets and also speciality food stores that can help you arrange your Christmas Day lunch and dinner. It will be open late on Christmas Eve, however for popular goods like hams and seafoods you will benefit from talking to the store owners in advance, as they often have special pre-order Christmas lists.
You can also enjoy shopping in the well-decorated shopping centre, with tinsel and Christmas trees decorating the centre. Popular Christmas carols will be playing and the children can easily visit Santa, to sit on his lap, grab a lolly bag and have a festive photo for wonderful Christmas memories.
You’ll also find the Grand Central Shopping Centre and other shops surrounding it in the Toowoomba central business district, perfect for Christmas gift shopping. You will have access to the major retail stores and also small boutique stores to cater for the entire family. You will find fashion, technology and gift stores in large numbers, and even the hardest friend or family member to buy for should be pleased with something that you find here.
Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland
Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland is a major community event for families and children that has been running in the local area during Christmas time. Local charities, volunteers and community organisations gather together to present the Toowoomba area with an event to remember, well into the New Year.
Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland is located in the Toowoomba Botanical Gardens in Lindsay Street Toowoomba, and it showcases one of the largest light displays in all of Queensland. There are free give-aways for children who are present and it is also a great opportunity to donate to charities within the community.
Although Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland simply started as an offering to the local community, it has grown to become a major charity event, collecting over one-hundred-thousand dollars each year. The money is donated to not-for-profit groups that service the local area, including Life Line and Toowoomba Scouts. Local businesses, families and individuals, gather together at this special time of year, not only to see the extravagant light displays, but to give back to the community and support those in need during the Christmas time.
Bush Christmas Exhibition
Toowoomba comes to life over Christmas as the locals are passionate about the festive season. If you are interested in gift shopping that is special and unique, you will enjoy the Bush Christmas Exhibition which presents hand-made items from local craftsmen and artisans.
The Toowoomba Bush Christmas Exhibition runs for ten days in December at Neil Street in Toowoomba. You will be presented with over 500 artisans and their works, including painting, ceramics, jewellery, wood turning and fabric crafts. You will be delighted by the wide range or talented artists and craftsmen who offer you the best of their wares.
If you are visiting Toowoomba over Christmas and you’re seeking a local and unique souvenir, then you will certainly want to visit this exhibition, as you will certainly pick up something special. This is also a great opportunity for the entire family to find gifts for those hard-to-buy-for friends and family members.
