CurioUs about Kurios?

The famous Cirque du Soleil returns to Brisbane with a breathtaking new Big Top and its acclaimed KURIOS - Cabinet of Curiosities from January 10 until February 9. Written and directed by Michel Laprise, KURIOS - Cabinet of Curiosities is a tale set in the second half of the 19th century. Here time comes to a complete stop, transporting the audience to a fantasy world where everything is possible. The international cast includes 47 artists from 17 countries, a collection of otherworldly characters made up of world-class gymnasts, acrobats, contortionists, hand-puppeteers, yo-yo wizards, clowns, actors and musicians. Find it under a new white-and-grey Big Top at Northshore Hamilton and don't forget to look up when you arrive. When weather permits, three artists climb up the Big Top to play music and greet guests. Info: cirquedusoleil.com/Kurios.

Water

Walk across a vast, rocky riverbed created by Olafur Eliasson, gaze at Peter Fischli and David Weiss's snowman frozen in Brisbane's summer heat and see predator and prey gather to drink together from Cai Guo-Qiang's brilliant blue waterhole. There is a participatory artwork where visitors traverse a cloud of suspended gymnastic rings and watch tidal currents rise and fall around Angela Tiatia. You'll also be prompted to reflect on the cultural traditions of bodies of water, including the Brisbane River, with Judy Watson. Megan Cope's re-created midden will encourage you to ponder on the long history of our reliance on water.

Visitors are invited to explore the vital element that sustains all forms of life on Earth when Water opens this summer at GOMA.

From major immersive experiences to smaller-scale treasures by Australian and international artists, the exhibition highlights this precious resource.

The exhibition opens on December 7 and runs until April 26, 2020. Go to qagoma.qld .gov.au.

Lord Mayor's Green Heart Photography COMPETITION

The Lord Mayor's Green Heart Photography Competition challenges people to look at Brisbane through an environmental lens. These creative, emotive and inspiring images were entered into the 2019 competition, whose theme was Green Brisbane. The photography competition encourages people to spend time in Brisbane's green spaces, to connect to and care for the precious nature. The art display is at the People's Gallery of City Hall until December 6.

Making do

Could you live by the mantra "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without''? During the Great Depression and the war years, hardship and "making do'' was the way people lived. The resourceful made the most of what they had. They created furniture from packing crates, continually mended clothing and improvised solutions to make ends meet. Showcasing fascinating "make do'' objects from the past, this exhibition also features reused and repurposed contemporary objects. Making Do runs from December 6 to March 15, 2020. Info: moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Galleries-Museums/Events/.

Christmas Craft Markets

Enjoy the Christmas Craft Markets at historic Ormiston House in Wellington Street, Ormiston, on December 8. Held on the lawn overlooking beautiful Moreton Bay, this market will be filled with gorgeous handmade items. You will also enjoy a Devonshire tea on the veranda of historic Ormiston House. The market starts at 11 am and run to 3pm. Info: ormistonhouse.org.au.

Under the stars

See this season's biggest blockbusters, hottest new releases and certified cult classics when Moonlight Cinema runs in Roma Street Parkland from December 14 to March 29. Recline on a plush bean bed under the stars or unfurl a picnic blanket and unwind amid the lively festival atmosphere while dining on selections from an array of onsite food trucks. Go to moonlight.com.au.