Brisbane’s cultural scene reaches a crescendo this week, offering a sophisticated blend of high arts and blockbuster entertainment. The calendar is anchored by the return of the state’s most beloved Christmas ballet and a major international exhibition at GOMA. Alongside these headline acts, the city offers orchestral film scores, gripping courtroom drama, and a series of atmospheric candlelight concerts, ensuring a week of diverse artistic experiences. Here are the most significant events, ranked by magnitude.
The Nutcracker
5 – 13 December 2025 | Lyric Theatre – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane
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A true Brisbane tradition, Queensland Ballet returns with Ben Stevenson’s enchanting production of The Nutcracker. With Tchaikovsky’s soaring score and spectacular set designs, this winter wonderland comes to life in the heat of summer, making it the ultimate festive family experience.
Home Alone In Concert
5 – 6 December 2025 | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Brisbane
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Relive the magic of the holiday classic Home Alone on a giant high-definition screen. The film is accompanied by a live symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ charming and delightful score in perfect synchronization, adding a new depth to the adventures of Kevin McCallister.
A Few Good Men
22 November – 7 December 2025 | Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane
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In its final week, don’t miss Aaron Sorkin’s razor-sharp courtroom drama. Set against the backdrop of a military court-martial, this gripping play explores honour, duty, and the corruption of power, delivering the intense dialogue and high stakes that made it a modern classic.
Olafur Eliasson: Presence
6 December 2025 – 12 July 2026 | Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Brisbane
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This major solo exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist Olafur Eliasson opens at GOMA. Known for his large-scale installations that manipulate light, water, and air, Eliasson invites visitors to engage with their senses and the environment in a truly immersive artistic encounter.
Candlelight: The World of Joe Hisaishi
5 December 2025 | St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane City
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Experience the whimsical music of Studio Ghibli in the stunning surrounds of St John’s Cathedral. A string quartet performs the iconic works of Joe Hisaishi, illuminated by thousands of candles for a multi-sensory musical journey.
Candlelight: Tribute to ABBA
5 December 2025 | St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane City
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The Gothic architecture of St John’s Cathedral plays host to a unique tribute to the Swedish pop supergroup. Enjoy classical renditions of ABBA’s biggest hits, from Dancing Queen to Mamma Mia, performed under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Candlelight: Best Of Magical Movie Soundtracks
6 December 2025 | St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane City
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A magical evening dedicated to the most memorable scores in cinema history. Surrounded by candlelight, listen to a string quartet bring to life the music that defined childhood favourites and fantasy blockbusters.
Maybe It’s Only Us
27 November – 7 December 2025 | Brisbane Circus Centre, Hamilton
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This contemporary circus production explores the raw and tender moments of human connection. Combining high-level acrobatics with physical theatre, the show offers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant performance at the Brisbane Circus Centre.
Shimmer: An Artist in Residence project by Gerwyn Davies
18 October 2025 – 19 April 2026 | Fairfax Gallery – Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane City
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Photographic artist and costume maker Gerwyn Davies transforms the Museum of Brisbane with his vibrant and camp aesthetic. Through elaborate costume design and photography, this exhibition playfully explores identity and visibility within the built environment.
Handel’s Messiah
6 – 7 December 2025 | City Tabernacle Baptist Church, Spring Hill
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A timeless Christmas tradition, this performance of Handel’s oratorio features a massed choir and orchestra. The soaring “Hallelujah” chorus serves as a powerful musical marker of the season in the historic setting of the City Tabernacle.
Closing Night Premier Hamnet
7 December 2025 | Palace James St Cinema, Fortitude Valley & Palace Barracks, Petrie Terrace
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The British Film Festival concludes with the premiere of Hamnet. Likely based on the best-selling novel, this screening offers film buffs a final chance to celebrate the best of British cinema for the season.
World Premier – Brisbane Pride Choir: Timeless
6 December 2025 | The Old Museum, Bowen Hills The Brisbane
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Pride Choir presents a world premiere concert event titled Timeless. Celebrating diversity and community through song, this performance at The Old Museum promises an uplifting evening of choral music.
Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra – Dvořák 7
5 December 2025 | Conservatorium Theatre – Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, South Brisbane
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Witness the next generation of classical musicians as the Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra tackles Dvořák’s dramatic Seventh Symphony. It is an opportunity to see rising talent perform complex orchestral repertoire in a world-class venue.
Galapagos Duck presents Christmas Past, Present and Future
6 December 2025 | Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point
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Australian jazz legends Galapagos Duck take over the riverside club for a festive celebration. Expect their signature blend of jazz, fusion, and comedy as they deliver Christmas tunes with a unique and groovy twist.
Caxton Street Jazz Band
5 December 2025 | Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point
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One of Australia’s most popular jazz bands brings their hot, swinging sound to Kangaroo Point. Known for their entertaining stage presence and mastery of classic jazz styles, they guarantee a lively night on the river.
Brass Roots Live Big Band – 21st Birthday Celebration!
7 December 2025 | Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point
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Celebrate 21 years of big band brilliance with Brass Roots. This milestone performance will feature a powerful ensemble sound, covering swing classics and modern arrangements in a high-energy birthday bash.
Flamenco Vivo
7 December 2025 | Ron Hurley Theatre, Seven Hills
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Experience the passion and fire of Spanish dance with Flamenco Vivo. This intimate performance showcases the intricate footwork, expressive movement, and rhythmic guitar that define the art of Flamenco.
From the grandeur of the Lyric Theatre to the intimate glow of St John’s Cathedral, this week invites you to immerse yourself in Brisbane’s thriving arts sector. With limited seasons for major productions like The Nutcracker and A Few Good Men, securing tickets early is essential to ensure you don’t miss these cultural highlights.