Good morning, Baysiders

Apparently starting a habit on Wednesday makes you more likely to stick with it. So today might be the perfect day to begin exercising, reading, or simply drinking more water. Whatever you choose, we’re cheering you on.

Thanks to all the readers who submitted their home to the Xmas Lights 2025 guide, if you missed it - check it out here.

In this weeks Round-Up

• Festive Food Hampers Today

• Meet Santa and Mrs Claus in Thornlands

• Fun PJ Party and Festive Feasts at Namaste Manly

Let’s get to it!

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Quick News

Redland Grants Program Gets a Makeover Redland City Council has refreshed its Community Grants Program to make it easier for local groups, sporting clubs, and not-for-profits to get support. There’ll be info sessions covering eligibility, key dates, and how to apply. Registration is simple—check the link and secure your spot.

Redlands Battles Mosquito Season Mosquito numbers are rising with the summer heat and rain, and Redland City Council is on it. The Pest Management Team has increased treatments across the area to help keep everyone more comfortable and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne issues during the peak season.

Festive Traffic Changes at Birkdale Recycling The Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre has updated traffic rules for the festive season from 15 Dec to 11 Jan. Right turns are off-limits, speed limits are monitored, and pre-sorting your recycling can save a lot of waiting. Keep it safe and smooth this holiday season.

Festive Food Hampers Today Redland Community Centre has 40 festive food hampers ready for Redlands Coast and Bay Islands residents today from 9.30am to 10.30am. One hamper per household, ID required with current address, no holds, and no picking up on behalf of others. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Eligible residents can grab a hamper and enjoy some extra festive cheer.

Late-Night Water Shutdown This Thursday Some homes in Birkdale and Thorneside will lose water overnight Thursday from 9pm for planned maintenance. Supply should return by 6am Friday. Water may look brown or pressure may be low at first. Run a cold tap until clear. Ongoing low pressure by midday Friday should be reported promptly locally.

Redlands School Holidays Packed with Adventure Redlands Coast is buzzing this school holiday season! Catch the FREE Bubble & Light show at RPAC, get creative at Libraries’ Craft Craze, explore nature games at IndigiScapes, or dive into interactive story workshops. A full calendar of festive activities keeps kids and families entertained across the city. More info here.

Business Updates

Blooming Sunflowers and Fresh Coffee

Wellington Point Farmhouse is alive with blooming sunflowers, ready for your perfect summer photo. Head down to the farm to wander the fields, sip a coffee, and enjoy the farm’s relaxed vibes. It’s a great spot to capture memories, take a breath of fresh air, and celebrate the simple joys of summer in Redlands.

Community Discussions

Cleveland’s Christmas Market Buzz Continues

Cleveland’s Bloomfield Street was full of festive energy with locals enjoying stalls, treats, and holiday vibes. Thanks to stallholders, volunteers, and everyone involved, the market was a hit. Don’t miss the final market day this weekend for a last dose of Christmas cheer.

Meet Santa and Mrs Claus in Thornlands

Families can visit Santa and Mrs Claus at 38 Blue Water Ave for photos, candy canes, and stickers. There’s a letter box for letters to Santa, sensory-friendly times on request, and even fur babies are welcome. Santa visits Monday to Friday, 6–8pm, until December 23.

Local Events

Christmas Bubbles and Lights Are Back
Where: RPAC Events Hall, 2-16 Middle Street, Cleveland
When: Wednesday, 17- Sun 21 Dec, multiple sessions 6:15-7:30prm
Dive into festive fun with dazzling bubble shows, twinkling lights, and pop-up theatre for all ages. Pop along, catch Dr. Bubbles and his cheeky elf, Milkshake, and watch thousands of shimmering bubbles dance under the lights-it's pure Christmas magic, free and drop-in! More info.

Free Santa Photos at Alex Hills
Where: Alexandra Hills Shopping Centre
When: Saturday 13 to Wednesday 24 December, weekdays 10am-1pm, weekends 10am-2pm
Come capture a free Santa photo and lock in a sweet Christmas memory. There'll be smiles, festive vibes, and one free 6x8 photo per family. Book ahead, spots are limited.

Christmas Magic After Dark at the Museum
Where: Redlands Coast Museum, Cleveland
When: Friday 19 December, 5pm-7:30pm
Swing by for a festive evening packed with carols, crafts, stories, and Santa moments. There'll be roaming singers, hands-on activities, an AR Santa surprise, and plenty to explore together. Wander the museum, soak up the Christmas spirit, and enjoy an easy, joyful night that feels special without feeling rushed. More info.

Motown Christmas That'll Get You Grooving
Where: RPAC Concert Hall, Middle Street, Cleveland
When: Friday 19 December, 7:30pm
Head over for a feel-good night packed with Motown magic and Christmas favourites. There'll be big harmonies, soulful sax, and songs you know every word to. You'll be clapping, singing, and smiling your way through a relaxed Friday night that feels festive, fun, and seriously uplifting from start to finish. More info here.

Meet Your Next Best Mate at Homeward Hounds
Where: Capalaba Greyhound Racing Club, 16 Old Cleveland Road, Capalaba
When: Saturday 20 December, 9am-11am
Come enjoy a morning packed with pats, cuddles, and gorgeous greyhounds ready for new homes. There'll be friendly meet-and-greets, expert advice, and plenty of wagging tails. You can chat about adoption, meet potential matches, and maybe head home knowing a long-legged best friend is waiting for you right after today. More info.

Twilight Markets by the Bay Are Back
Where: Raby Bay Harbour Park, Cleveland
When: Saturday 20 December 2025, 4pm-8pm
Come enjoy a relaxed summer evening by the harbour with local makers, live music, and great food. There'll be creative stalls to browse, easy picnic vibes, and plenty of Christmas lights. Bring a blanket, bring your mates, and soak up a feel-good Saturday night in the Redlands this festive season.

Celebrate Greg’s Legendary Career with a Breakfast BBQ
Where: Judy Holt Sports Park, Cnr Randall & Bailey Roads, Birkdale
When: Sunday, 21 December, 8:00 AM
Head over to Judy Holt Sports Park for a special farewell to the legendary Greg. There’ll be a breakfast BBQ, good chats, and plenty of smiles as everyone celebrates his amazing career. Make sure to RSVP so there’s plenty of food for all!

Hats Create Your Own Christmas Hat at Craft
Where: Craft Brew House, Birkdale
When: Sunday 21 December, 10am-2pm
Come enjoy a fun, festive Sunday creating a custom Christmas hat that feels totally you. There'll be base hats, trims, and styling help, plus food, drinks, and relaxed vibes. Swing by, design something special, and head out ready for parties, gifting, or summer days with friends, laughs, music, photos, memories.

Christmas Voices That Give You Goosebumps
Where: RPAC Concert Hall, Middle Street, Cleveland
When: Sunday 21 December, 4pm
Head along for a feel good Christmas concert filled with soaring voices and classic festive songs. There'll be Silent Night, Let It Snow, glamour, sparkle, and goosebump moments. Settle in, relax, and let stunning harmonies carry you straight into Christmas mode at RPAC. Perfect for an easy Sunday afternoon treat. Reserve your seat.

Sing Along Under the Stars at Carols on the Hill
Where: 51 Allenby Rd, Alexandra Hills, QLD 4161
When: Sunday 21 December, 5:00pm
Grab a blanket, gather your friends, and settle in for a magical evening of festive music under the stars. There’ll be a free sausage sizzle, cold drinks, kid-friendly fun, and carols by the Redland City Christmas Band—perfect for a cozy, cheerful Christmas celebration!

Fun PJ Party and Festive Feasts at Namaste Manly
Where: Namaste Manly, 2/5 Trevally Crescent, Manly West
When: Sunday, 21 December, 6:30 PM 9:30 PM
Slip into your comfiest Christmas PJs and enjoy a night of festive magic with an Indian buffet, hot chocolate, sparklers, kids' activities, and a warm community vibe. Bring your plushies, share wishes, and soak up all the laughs, food, and seasonal cheer with your loved ones.

Your Summer Reading Quest Starts Here
Where: Redland City Council Libraries
When: Monday, 22 December 2025
Swing by any Redlands library for the Summer Reading Challenge and explore magical book worlds. Complete interactive quests, track your reading, and score entries for amazing prizes. There’ll be weekly lucky dips and a grand prize draw with Dreamworld passes, Nintendo Switch, or a Bluey gift pack up for grabs!

Ring in 2026 at Victoria Point Sharks Carnival
Where: Victoria Point Sharks Sporting Club, 325 Colburn Avenue, Victoria Point
When: Wednesday, December 31, 5:00pm – Midnight
Head over to Victoria Point Sharks this New Year’s Eve for a full day of fun. There’ll be bumper cars, a mega slide, a DJ pumping tunes, fireworks at 9pm, and live music from IN2XS to keep the party alive until midnight.

Local Live Music

Craft Brew House, Birkdale
Friday, 19 December, 6:30 pm
Head over to Craft Brew House for a night of festive fun with Living Type! There’ll be rocking tunes, drinks, and good vibes all around. Book a table, bring your friends, and make it a Christmas night to remember with music, laughter, and holiday cheer.

Koala Tavern
Friday 19 December
Come enjoy a feel-good night packed with 90s and 2000s R&B classics. There'll be throwback anthems, karaoke moments, inflatable mics, and DJs keeping the vibes flowing. You'll sing along. jump in when the mood hits, and soak up an easy, fun Friday night made for music lovers. Tickets here.

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