When it comes to Christmas on the Gold Coast, nobody wants to play the Grinch stuck at the wrong event while the carols, fireworks, and cheer light up somewhere else. The Coast bursts with festive spirit, but knowing where to unwrap it makes all the difference.
This guide jingles in with the who, what, where and when of the celebrations that matter. Less scrolling, more strolling straight into the season’s best nights. Your December deserves sparkle, laughter and the kind of holiday cheer that comes without the scramble.
Christmas on the Gold Coast 2025
Christmas on the Gold Coast brings family traditions, festive cheer and warm nights by the beach. The season features community carols, twilight markets and glowing neighbourhood displays.
Christmas at HOTA
Type: Festival with performances, market & family fun
Local Tip: Get there early so you can take photos with Santa, browse the twilight market, then settle in for a show.
Distance: 5-10 mins.
At Christmas at HOTA, you’ll find dance, theatre, music and festive markets all in one place. On December 12, The Greatest Christmas Show brings magic, circus acts and music to Theatre 1.
On December 3, there’s The Nutcracker by Hinterland Dance Academy. Around December 19, expect Christmas. Actually, a holiday musical-style show. On December 21, the Christmas Twilight Market runs from 4 pm to 9 pm, with artisan stalls, food, live music and Santa photo ops.
Currumbin Christmas Carols
Families gather under the stars for a festive night filled with live music, carol singing, and a bright laser light finale.
Type: Community Carols Event
Local Tip: Bring a picnic rug or low chair for the grassy area at Galleon Park and arrive early to enjoy dinner from the food trucks.
Budget: Free
Distance: ~5–10 minutes from Currumbin Beach
This long-running Gold Coast tradition captures the coastal Christmas spirit with good food, cheerful songs, and a special visit from Santa.
Christmas Day Lunch at The Valley Estate
Type: Christmas lunch at the estate
Local Tip: Book early, restaurants are packed on Christmas Day
Distance: ~11 mins.
A luxurious lunch in a beautiful setting. Think summer flavours, elegant food, a chance to sit back and enjoy without doing all the work.
Christmas at Haven
Type: Beachside / coastal Christmas lunch
Local Tip: Arrive a bit before service to enjoy the views and relax
Distance: ~12 mins
Celebrate Christmas Day with seafood, sunshine, and their signature flair. You can pick a classic or more elevated menu.
Gold Coast Things to Do During the Holidays
The Christmas season brings more than events. A Gold Coast holiday also means sunny beaches, family attractions and relaxed coastal living.
- Mornings suit a swim at the beach followed by a trip to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This is one of the most iconic family attractions on the Gold Coast, giving children and adults a chance to see wildlife while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
- Palm Beach cafés set the tone for relaxed dining. A casual breakfast or lunch here flows naturally into an evening of Christmas carols on the Gold Coast, adding local flavour to your holiday.
- Afternoons are perfect for browsing Christmas markets Gold Coast, where stalls brim with handmade gifts and festive food. Balance the shopping with a picnic at Tallebudgera Creek or a visit to a theme park for family things to do on the Gold Coast
- Evenings come alive with live shows and seasonal highlights. The city becomes a centre of Gold Coast entertainment, rounding out the best Gold Coast things to do during December and ensuring each day ends with a sense of celebration.
Tips for a Stress-Free Gold Coast Christmas
Planning ahead makes every Gold Coast holiday more relaxed and enjoyable. A few simple steps will help you stay organised and ready for the season.
- Check event listings early. Dates for Christmas events on the Gold Coast often update close to December, so staying informed avoids last-minute surprises.
- Pack smart. Rugs, sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottles, and light clothing keep everyone comfortable during outdoor family activities on the Gold Coast.
- Pay attention to food options. Many venues bring in food trucks, while Palm Beach and Burleigh cafés are convenient for quick and tasty dining.
- Plan transport wisely. Walking is best when possible, but rideshare helps ease parking stress at busier Christmas events on the Gold Coast.
Make Your December Shine
The festive season on the Gold Coast fills the air with music, markets, and coastal cheer. Every evening offers a chance to create new memories, from singing along to Christmas carols by the sea to strolling through market stalls glowing with lights.
Christmas on the Gold Coast brings families together in seaside parks where laughter and holiday tunes carry through the night. The Christmas markets are another highlight, featuring handmade crafts, local food, and live entertainment for all ages.
Afternoons are perfect for family adventures. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Christmas program has become a favourite tradition, blending festive fun with wildlife encounters. It is a wonderful way to add excitement and variety to any Gold Coast holiday.
As night falls, the city comes alive with shimmering lights and vibrant celebrations. From neighbourhood displays to major Gold Coast Christmas events, the entire coast sparkles with festive spirit. Families, couples, and groups can all find joy in the many things to do during December, sharing laughter and creating moments that last long after the season ends.
Stay Close to the Festivities at Currumbin Sands
There is nothing like celebrating Christmas by the beach, and Currumbin Sands puts you close to every highlight on the Gold Coast.
Christmas carols at Palm Beach Parklands and Burleigh are just minutes away, making it easy to enjoy evenings filled with music and sea breezes. The Christmas markets and major Gold Coast events are also nearby, offering plenty of options for shopping, food, and festive lights before returning to the calm of your beachfront stay.
During the day, families can visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Christmas program or explore nearby attractions. Creekside picnics, beach outings, and local markets all add to the relaxed rhythm of a Gold Coast holiday.
Back at Currumbin Sands, unwind in the pools, spa, or tropical gardens between outings. The resort offers comfort and convenience right by the beach, making it simple to enjoy every part of the holiday season.
Enjoy every Gold Coast holiday moment with a stay at Currumbin Sands, where the warmth of the season meets the beauty of coastal living.
Image credit: HOTA Christmas Markets