The festive season is here, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Christmas on the Gold Coast! With only a few weeks to go until Christmas Day, now’s the time to plan your holiday outings.
From open-air Christmas carols to enchanting light displays, if you’re ready to embrace the magic of the season, here’s your guide to the best Christmas events this year.
Where to Experience the Best Christmas on the Gold Coast
Christmas in Broadbeach
Location: Broadbeach Mall & Kurrawa Park
Dates: Usually takes place on December 14–22
Pricing: Free entry
Christmas in Broadbeach gets into the Christmas spirit with live entertainment, roving performers, carols, and interactive kids’ activities. Expect Christmas light displays, Santa appearances, and plenty of festive cheer.
Mayor’s Christmas Carols at HOTA
Location: Surfers Paradise
Dates: Held annually on November 30
Pricing: Free entry
The Mayor’s Christmas Carols at HOTA is the Gold Coast’s largest Christmas carols event, featuring live performances from top Australian artists, fireworks, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and settle in for an evening of festive entertainment under the stars.
What to expect:
- Performances: The event features a variety of musical acts, including Budjerah, Dami Im, and the Hot Potato Band. Santa also makes a special appearance.
- Food: Food trucks are available.
- Entertainment: The HOTA Parklands are activated with large screens, free family entertainment, and fireworks.
Celebrate Christmas Day with a Sea World Cruise
Location: Departing from Main Beach
Dates: December 25, 2025
Set sail on a magical Christmas Day cruise with Sea World Cruises, gliding through the sparkling Gold Coast waterways aboard the luxurious Spirit of Elston. Indulge in a festive buffet feast, featuring fresh local seafood, succulent meats, and classic pavlova, all paired with an unlimited drinks package, including local wines, bubbly, and premium beers.
With spacious seating, breathtaking Broadwater views, and a special gift for every child, this two-hour cruise is the perfect way to celebrate the season with loved ones. Choose from two lunch and two dinner sittings, departing from Sea World, Main Beach, with ample free parking available.
Christmas-Themed Attractions & Experiences
White Christmas at Movie World
Location: Warner Bros. Movie World, Oxenford
Dates: Select nights in December 2025
Pricing: Ticket prices vary
White Christmas at Movie World is a magical nighttime event where the park transforms into a winter wonderland with falling snow, dazzling light displays, Christmas parades, and festive performances. You can expect:
- Frosty’s Missing Buttons: A paid experience where you find missing buttons for Frosty and choose a prize
- Santa Meet & Greet: A paid photo experience
- Mrs Claus’ Christmas Feast: A Christmas buffet
- Looney Tunes character meet-and-greets
- Photo opportunities with Christmas characters
- Early park access
- Fast Track on selected rides
- Christmas gift
- Bauble or gingerbread decorating activity for children
Santa at Oasis Shopping Centre & Pacific Fair – Meet the Man in Red!
Location: Oasis Shopping Centre & Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Dates: December 1–24, 2025
Pricing: Free Santa meet-and-greet, professional photos available for purchase
No Christmas is complete without a photo with Santa! Both Oasis Shopping Centre and Pacific Fair offer festive Santa photo sessions, complete with Christmas decorations, themed backdrops, and holiday magic.
Christmas Markets & Holiday Shopping
HOTA Christmas Twilight Market – Festive Shopping & Live Music
Location: HOTA, Surfers Paradise
Dates: Late November and lasts through December
Pricing: Free entry
The HOTA Christmas Twilight Market is the perfect place to shop for handmade gifts, festive treats, and gourmet goodies while enjoying live music and Christmas lights.
What to see and do:
- Stroll through the market lanes
- Browse the hundreds of stalls
- Enjoy the festive ambience
- Take photos with Santa
- Listen to live music
- See the stilt walkers
- Spot the roving performers
- Try the gourmet eats
- Buy unique gifts
Christmas Markets at Sanctuary Cove – Festive Shopping by the Marina
Location: Sanctuary Cove
Dates: December 2025
Pricing: Free entry
For a scenic shopping experience, head to the Sanctuary Cove Christmas Markets, where you’ll find handcrafted decorations, boutique fashion, and gourmet holiday treats set against a stunning marina backdrop. Other expected events and activities include:
- Cruises with Santa: Board the Kilkie Ferry for a 30-minute cruise along the waterways with Santa
- Photos with Santa: Get a picture with Santa from December 7–15, including pet-friendly sessions
- Christmas decorations: Take a stroll to see the large Christmas decorations around the Marine Village
- Luncheons: Enjoy a festive meal at the Ballroom and Bazaar, or an adults-only lunch at Yamagen
- Santa in the sleigh: See Santa in the sleigh with reindeer on Friday, December 13th, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Christmas cheer: Enjoy festive cocktails on arrival at the Ballroom and Bazaar
- Christmas gifts: Kids under 12 receive a gift from Santa at the Ballroom and Bazaar
Bonus Tips for Choosing the Perfect Christmas Gift
- If you’re unsure, opt for a flexible gift card to let them choose their own experience.
- Handmade or custom gifts from local artisans can make a gift feel even more unique.
- If they have a specific hobby, look for accessories or upgrades related to it.
- Choose sustainable and ethically made gifts to make a positive impact.
- Pair an activity-based gift with a handwritten note expressing why it’s meaningful.
- If you’re shopping last-minute, consider digital gift cards or subscription services that can be sent instantly.
- If you’re not sure what they need, a gift card to their favourite store is always a safe bet.
- If you’re gifting an experience, print out a creative voucher or put the tickets in a decorated envelope.
Make This Christmas Unforgettable
With twinkling Christmas lights, festive markets, joyful carols, and magical holiday experiences, the Gold Coast is the perfect place to celebrate the season. No matter how you choose to celebrate, the holiday season in this region is filled with excitement, warmth, and festive spirit.
Soak up the atmosphere, embrace the coastal Christmas magic, and enjoy everything this vibrant region has to offer during the most wonderful time of the year.
Plan Your Perfect Christmas Stay on the Gold Coast
For a stress-free and relaxing holiday, make Oceana on Broadbeach your home away from home this Christmas. Offering spacious beachfront apartments, breathtaking ocean views, and a prime location near all the best Christmas and Broadbeach events, Oceana is the ideal retreat after a day of festive fun.
Book your stay now and experience a magical Christmas on the Gold Coast!
Image credit: Mayor’s Christmas Carols at HOTA