Stable on the Strand, Christmas nativity event in Townsville, Queensland
Stable on the Strand is an annual Christmas event that transforms The Strand waterfront in Townsville into a recreation of Bethlehem with actors, living animals, and authentic period settings. The event takes place over five days and creates a comprehensive experience of the nativity story across the waterfront area.
The event originated in 1999 at a youth center with a small gathering before relocating to The Strand waterfront in 2002. This move to the prominent coastal location led to its current identity and growth into a major regional Christmas celebration.
The event draws thousands of visitors each December who come to experience Christmas traditions presented through live performance and re-created scenes. It brings the community together in a celebration that blends religious storytelling with family entertainment.
The waterfront area allows visitors to walk through and explore various scenes spread across the location at their own pace. Free bus services run along nearby roads to help people reach the event with ease.
During 2020, the event adapted to pandemic restrictions by setting up drive-through viewing stations at various locations across the city. This flexible response kept the tradition alive when traditional gatherings were not possible.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
