A visit to Christmas Wonderland

In 2003 a local business, Burstows, had a dream of creating a Christmas lights event so that the community could come and experience the joy and wonder of Christmas. Well the community came along in droves and eventually it became such a major attraction that a bigger venue was needed and the organisation for what would become Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland was handed over to the Lions Club. This is now one of Queensland's biggest light extravaganzas as year by year more lights and attractions have been added to the display now held in the Botanical Gardens in Queens Park and it is definitely the place to take the family from around the 5th to 24 December each year.

Firstly, the hard part is finding a park as I am sure half the population of Toowoomba decided to visit the same night that we did as it was a fine evening with no showers or storms forecast. The day had been quite hot but I knew that it could get cool in the park so suggested that the children bring along their jumpers. They are Outback kids after all. LOL!

 

We were greeted by an angel and a nativity scene.... 

 

 ...then walked along the first of many different pathways each of which were lined with fascinating light displays such as the old favourites...PEACE...

...HOPE...

...and JOY. 

 

 Then we came across the Eiffel Tower.

There are over 125 major light displays in the park. 

 The girls loved the lights...

 

 ...and the baby couldn't get enough of them.

 It was a lovely night to spend with the family and we were all exhausted by the time we left...at least the adults were ;-) If you are ever in Toowoomba in the future during this time of the year it is well worth making the time to take a leisurely walk though the park to see the lights. The gold coin donation is given to charities like Lifeline and the Hospice.

We had a bit of walk to get back to where the car was parked and passed by the Cobb and Co Museum which has a number of windmills in the grounds which look fascinating at night. By the way, the museum has a Bugs Alive! holiday program from the 4th - 22nd January for children from 3-12 years. What a shame my granddaughters won't be here then as they would have just loved this program. 

The week is going by so quickly and the family will be leaving on Saturday so we are appreciating the time we have with them while we have the chance. Our families are so precious, aren't they?