Christmas on the Gold Coast is the most wonderful time of the year, in one of the world’s best locations! Whether you’re local or visiting, there are so many ways to get into the Christmas spirit and get festive on the Gold Coast.
Here are some of the best ways to celebrate Christmas on the Gold Coast.
Celebrating Christmas on the Gold Coast
Christmas on the Gold Coast means sun, surf, sand – and Santa! There are lots of places to take your Christmas lunch or to relax with a full belly after dining with loved ones. Airtrain has lots of year-round suggestions that pair perfectly with a bit of Christmas spirit. The Australian tradition is to get outside, eat good food, be thankful, and share the holiday season with loved ones. Whether that’s a family gathering or a video call while you’re away, the Gold Coast is the perfect backdrop to celebrate the season.
Coming Up to Christmas
In the lead-up to Christmas, get involved with festivities and celebrate the season! There are lots of different activities you can join that will get you in the very special Gold Coast Christmas frame of mind. Click the links in the headings to find out more.
16-20 December | Christmas at Sanctuary Code
Join the Christmas extravaganza at Sanctuary Cove. Eat, drink, and be merry with a range of festive activities. See Santa, join the competition, sing some carols, and experience all the Christmas fun at Sanctuary Cove.
December 16-18 | Gold Coast Christmas Markets
Join the group of Christmas Carollers at the Coomera Sports Park to sing your favourite Christmas tunes. The kids will love the show, and everyone gets to see Santa – what could be better?
16 – 23 December | White Christmas at Movie World
Movie World are famous for their Christmas celebrations! Be there as all your favourite characters join in the parade, view the beautiful lights, and celebrate Christmas with the stars!
16- 18, 23-24 December | Cavil Lane
The world-famous tourist destination is celebrating a Gold Coast Christmas in style! Catch roving performers, special decorations, and plenty of carols and seasonal cheer.
17 December | Paint Australian Christmas
Join fellow budding artists at The Pavilion on Tamborine Mountain and learn to paint an Australian Christmas scene over a glass of wine. The step by step instructions will have you creating a personal masterpiece!
17 December | Carols in Coomera
It’s not too late to buy those gifts and celebrate the season! The Christmas Markets at the Broadwater Parklands give you the chance to grab some handmade, artisan gifts and soak up the best things about the season. Don’t miss the rides and Santa’s visit – by helicopter!
17 December | Broadwater Movie Under the Stars
Catch a starlit screening of the Christmas favourite, The Grinch. It’s a free, family-friendly program that everyone will enjoy. Grab a blanket and some food and head on down!
17 December | Afro-Caribbean Xmas Party
Get involved with the Afro-Caribbean beats and celebrate Christmas in international style! Get on your best red gear and join the party!
17 – 23 December | Skypoint’s Magical Christmas
As part of your entry ticket to the Skypoint Observation Deck, you can participate in a spectacular Christmas extravaganza! Located 77 floors straight up, see juggling, balancing acts, and magical tricks that will delight the whole family.
18 December | Christmas Kirtan Party
Join the renowned kirtan band Ashraya and fill your Christmas with friendship, carolling, celebration, and mantras! Join in the festivities under the magical fairy light-laden tree at the Country Paradise Parklands.
18 December | Swing On Christmas Party
Celebrate the Christmas season with some swing! You’ll get a gingerbread gift, some best dressed prizes, and all the swing dancing you can handle with the special DJ!
18 December | Christmas in Paris Gala Night
Can’t make it to Paris for Christmas this year? Let Paris come to you. Join the Gala Ball at the Mark Wilson Dance Centre, with ticket prices including your meal for the night.
18 December | Electronic Xmas
Celebrate Christmas in electronic style! Get rocking with other fun-loving friends at Burleigh Heads, with a food truck on site to provide dinner and enjoy the tech-house and techno beats.
18 December | Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Perfect for late night shopping, but the fun doesn’t stop there! Amongst the stalls set right next to the beach there will be live music, roving entertainment, and an unbeatable atmosphere.
18 December | Animal Action Christmas Comedy Music Extravaganza
Help the homeless this Christmas by participating in a fundraising event that offers great fun and side-splitting laughter. At the Quality Hotel Mermaid Waters there will be hilarious comedy, a cover band, and plenty to keep you entertained.
19 December | Christmas Salsa Party
Boogie on down with your best dancing shoes! Get on your best Christmas gear and join in for the salsa class until 8:30, with social dancing going until 10:30.
21-23 December | The Valley Estate Christmas Feast
Head to the Valley Estate for a pre-Christmas feast in luxurious surroundings. There are plenty of dates and sittings for you to enjoy a wonderful meal with your loved ones.
22 December | Candlelight Concerts
Visit the opulent Palazzo Versace for a candlelit carol extravaganza. Hear magical tunes with a multi-sensory experience to remember.
23 December | Latin Christmas Party
Celebrate Christmas in true Latin style at the Miami Marketta. Dress in your holiday best and come dance the night away at with live entertainment and lots of tunes.
24 December | Elanora Christmas Carols
Last minute Christmas carols? Yes please! This Christmas eve, join for burgers and stay for the singing.
24 December | A Very Slay Christmas
Bingo, drag queens, and a bunch of sassy fun. Join the ultimate entertainers this Christmas and play a bit of bingo at the Miami Marketta.
24 December | Aquis Park Christmas Eve Raceday
Dress up, get your friends together and celebrate Christmas Eve with some excitement and fun! The Aquis Park raceday is a unique and enjoyable day of live racing to get you into the holiday spirit.
Christmas Day
Whether you’re away from home on Christmas Day or would rather have someone else do the cooking and cleaning, there are plenty of options for a fantastic Christmas lunch. It’s best to get in quick – many places are selling out fast. If you do miss out, why not take a picnic to one of our favourite scenic spots around the Gold Coast?
- Enjoy Christmas lunch at the RACV Royal Pines Resort.
- Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort have a family-style feast to remember.
- Dine in style in the Marriot Grand Ballroom.
- The Island Gold Coast have a family buffet in a festive atmosphere
- Celebrate with others at the free Gold Coast Christmas Community lunch.
- Enjoy Christmas at Burleigh Beach.
- Relax and let the Anglers Arms Hotel serve you an incredible lunch.
- Celebrate Christmas the Italian way with a traditional meal.
- Join in with a Christmas smorgasbord and a 3 hour drinks package.
- The Seagulls Club would love to host you with a range of delicious food
- You’ll find great food and atmosphere at the Harvest Buffet.
- Take your Christmas lunch to a scenic spot with The Star Gold Coast’s takeaway hampers
- Robina Pavilion are also offering incredible hampers for your own festive feast.
Getting Around
From the Brisbane Airport head to Helensvale station. To get into the heart of the Gold Coast, simply change onto the G:link tram, or catch a ride with the many bus services. When you travel with Airtrain, you only need the one ticket to get all the way from the airport to your Gold Coast destination. You can also check out our premium service with AirtrainConnect, which will pick you up and deliver you right to your destination.
Remember, public transport timetables can be affected by the holiday period. Before you travel, check your journey on Translink’s Journey Planner.
Once you have arrived, you can use a smart card for travel, or you can purchase a paper ticket. Visitors should check out the go seeQ card. It allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries, and trams. It also includes 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport. The go explore smartcard allows you travel in the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast for up to 8 days, but you don’t have to use them consecutively.
You can easily get around with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination. The go card is accepted on all TransLink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
To purchase your smartcards or to find out more, head to the nearest Airtrain counter. You’ll be able to purchase tickets for travel, attractions, and events around South East Queensland.
Merry Gold Coast Christmas!
For locals and visitors alike, the Gold Coast is a magical place to spend Christmas. The scenery, the events and attractions, and the perfect backdrop make it a place to remember. No matter your Christmas plans, from all of us at Airtrain – have a very merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season.
