It has been very much a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it year with the months and seasons passing by as fast as lightning.

    We are already at the end of 2018 and that means the silly season is upon us. Whether you and your family celebrate Christmas or not, it is the time of the year for reflection on a number of things.

    We tend to look back on the year that has been; if we have achieved the goals we set out at the start of the year, how many of our new year’s resolutions we have stood by, and best of all, how will we spend the holiday/festive season when we’re briefly putting on hold thoughts about study or work?

    If you’ll be ‘round these parts this December in Brisbane, here are some happenings worth checking out this month.

    The Enchanted Garden (7-19 December), Roma Street Parklands

    Putting on display an impressive adornment of lighting, The Enchanted Garden is back again this Christmas time, where you can walk through and experience Roma Street Parklands in glittering lights, like no other time of the year. I experienced this light show last year and I can confirm it will delight and amaze!

    Christmas Cinema (14-23 December), River Quay, Southbank

    Much like the recent Open Air cinemas also in Southbank and the nearby New Farm’s Moonlight cinemas, it’s clear the Brisbane folk love watching a movie in the open air. This Christmas time, you can do just that while enjoying Christmas classics such as Elf and Home Alone.

    South Bank Christmas Village Markets (mid-December onwards), Southbank

    Christmas markets are a tradition in Europe, and you can enjoy it too right on the home soil as Southbank brings you the official seasonal market of the city. Over nine days, enjoy handicraft stalls Christmas gifts, keepsakes, and delicious fare accompanied by live music and carolers at Southbank’s Christmas Village.

    Brisbane Twilight Markets (1 December from 4pm), King George Square, Brisbane City

    Brisbane locals just can’t get enough of markets so why not add another big market event to the list? An initiative of Brisbane City Council, The Christmas Brisbane Twilight markets is the only Brisbane-based marketplace selling 100% locally handmade products. You can shop unique, handmade items straight from the makers themselves. Local food vendors, live music and a free Craft Workshop will offer something for everyone in this great local market.

    QAGOMA Store Christmas Design Market (Dates TBC), South Brisbane

    Well-known with the Brisbane lovers of the art scene, the Queensland Art Gallery will exhibit high quality artistic wares in its annual Christmas Design Market. As a creative myself in writing, naturally, I’m excited about this event where you can check out 40 stalls selling ceramics, textiles and paper products.