Queensland's biggest light extravaganza
The
'Burstow's Christmas Wonderland' was first initiated as far back as 2003, with the Burstow family hoping to create a dream event that the whole community could visit and experience the joys and wonders of Christmas. The dream was to create a delightful display of lights and provide supper with free giveaways for the children.
The Burstows tentatively took the first steps and wondered if anyone would arrive. But arrive the visitors did, in droves, all eager to open their hearts and pockets and to give 'something back'. This was how the 'gold coin donation' on entry started. The Burstow's Christmas Wonderland was never intended to create fundraising, but this has now grown to be a major part of the event. The 2016
Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland attracted more than 90,000 visitors, raising $96,000 for major charities and over $5,000 was donated to community-based organisations.
As night falls, the lights begin to twinkle!
In 2007 this wonderful Christmas event was renamed Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland and has since grown to be one of Queensland's biggest light extravaganzas - a true family tradition at Christmas time. One hears locals all over Toowoomba calling
'see you at the lights' - an affirmation that the Burstow's greatest dream was realised - that a real sense of community has been forged with this very special tradition.
In the lead up to Christmas, for twenty-two nights, the heritage-listed botanic gardens at Queens Park in Toowoomba comes alive with a Christmas light extravaganza. There will be face painting, tea and coffee stations and balloon animals - all activities will have donation tins. Each night a BBQ will be run to ensure tummies don't go hungry and children will receive
FREE ice creams. A stage in the Botanical Gardens will showcase nightly entertainment; plus, keep a lookout for the roving entertainers and dance groups.
A fun-filled family event
If you love Christmas time, listening to Christmas carols and love watching your children 'ooh' and 'aah' at Christmas light displays, then Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in
Queens Park and Botanic Gardens should be your destination of choice. If you're not a local, why not spend a night or two - Queensland's Garden City of Toowoomba has heaps of
touristy attractions. Click here for various accommodation types in Southern Qld Country.
The annual
Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland is proudly hosted by the
Lions Club of Toowoomba West. For a list of sponsors for Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland,
please click here. If you're interested in being a volunteer at this Christmas Wonderland,
please click here.
Welcome to the joy of Christmas!
In the event of wet weather, information will be posted on the
Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland Facebook page.
I'll 'See you at the Lights'!
All images courtesy of Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland Facebook page
