Sandgate’s Christmas season celebrations officially start on 29 November with the return of Jingle All the Bay.
For Tamara Wecker, owner of RE/MAX Property Shop, the festival is a highlight of the bayside calendar, with their Elfie Selfies a popular stop on Sandgate’s main street.
“We started the Elfie Selfies about six or seven years ago,” she said. “There’s been a few years where we have thought about doing something different, but people tell us we’re not allowed! And honestly, that’s lovely.
“Families come back for their Elfie Selfie photos year after year. It’s something the whole family can be in.”
Tamara added that the RE/MAX staff loved doing the photos with the community, and it’s not just for kids.
“People bring their pets – we have one guy who brings his chicken for a photo every year,” she laughed.
“For us, this is about connecting with the community we serve. Jingle gets better every year, and the Chamber does a great job bringing everyone together.”
Sandgate Bayside Chamber of Commerce president, Bill Gollan, said Jingle All the Bay was his favourite event.
“Maybe because I’m a big kid,” he said.
“This all started as a street party from 3rd to 5th Avenue, and now it’s the entire main street of Sandgate.
Jingle All the Bay Street Parade
“This year, we’d really like to see more organisations and businesses in the street parade. It’s a light parade, so decorate your vehicles, or floats and get into it, it’s going to be a fantastic night.”
The festival features market stalls, food, sideshow alley, live music, and most local businesses opt to stay open late.
Bill added Jingle All the Bay had one thing that other festive season events lacked.
“We are the only Christmas festival in Brisbane that has the real Santa – 100 per cent,” he said.
“So, the kids can come along and ask Santa what they would like for Christmas.
“Jingle All the Bay is the perfect event to kick off the festive season, it’s very family-friendly, and later in the evening we encourage all the grown-ups to stay and have a few Christmas drinks at our local venues.
“We can’t wait to see everyone there.”
For more information, go to sandgatebayside.com.au
Jingle All the Bay
- Saturday, 29 November, 4pm-9pm.
- Street parade, 7.30pm
- Sandgate CBD
- Brighton Road, Sandgate.
