Gold Coast Carols & Festive Fun

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… and we’re ready to get festive on the Gold Coast! Celebrate holiday season with Gold Coast community celebrations, Christmas carols and fun festive activities that really do make it the most magical time of the year. 

Gold Coast Christmas Carols

Get into the Christmas spirit at community carols events across the city to celebrate the festive season. These events provide free, family-friendly fun - sing along to all your favourite Christmas tunes, enjoy food truck feastsing, live entertainment, Santa visits and festive fireworks. Gather your nearest and dearest, pack a picnic blanket and spend a beautiful evening celebrating with Gold Coast locals.

Mayor’s Christmas Carols

HOTA Outdoor Stage, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise | Saturday December 6 &Sunday December 7 | 6 - 8.30pm
(If you miss out on tickets for the Outdoor Stage, you can still enjoy the event via the big screen in the adjacent parklands next to Evandale Lake.)

Pacific Pines Christmas Carols

Hotham Dr, Pacific Pines | Saturday November 29, 4 - 8.30pm.

North Burleigh Carols by the Sea

Ed Hardy Park, Burleigh | Thursday December 4 | 4 - 8pm.

Cooly Carols

Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta | Sunday December 14 | 5.30 - 7.30pm

Sanctuary Cove Carols on the Lawn

Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove | Thursday December 11 | 5 - 8pm

Christmas Carols on the Green, Mudgeeraba

Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba | Saturday December 6 | 5.30 - 8.30pm

Currumbin Community Christmas Carols

59 Galleon Way, Currumbin | Sunday December 21 | 5 - 7.30pm

Southport Commuity Carols

Carols by the Lake 

Waterfront Stage, Varisty Lakes | Saturday December 13 | 4 - 8pm

Christmas Activities

Get into the festive spirit with theme park celebrations, cruising up the canals with Santa, sharing a high tea or heading to HOTA to see a fabulous Christmas stage production.

Christmas at HOTA 2025

There’s a whole sleigh-load of Christmas fun happening at HOTA to celebrate the holiday season. Check out one of these festive-themed stage productions for a magical experience.  

Christmas Actually
Relive the magic musical moments from beloved holiday movie classic, Love Actually. Christmas Actually will deliver all the hits from your favourite festive soundtrack, wrapped up with a sprig of holly and bucketloads of comedy and charm. Don’t miss this absolute (Christmas) cracker of a show! 
When: December 19 | 7.30pm Cost: Adults $69, Kids $45

The Greatest Christmas Show

Led by internationally acclaimed Master Illusionist Anthony Street, this show blends heartwarming moments, spectacular magic, and world-class entertainment into one unforgettable night. A cast of incredible dancers and a jaw-dropping cirque aerial act bring the stage to life in a flurry of wonder, skill, and glittering costumes.
When: Fri 12 December | 3.30pm & 7pm Cost: From $49.90

The Nutcracker: Hinterland Dance Academy
Featuring a talented cast of young dancers from across the Gold Coast, The Nutcracker is a festive celebration of music, movement, and imagination. With beautiful costumes, captivating choreography, and a touch of holiday sparkle, this family-friendly performance promises to delight audiences of all ages.

When: December 3 | 5:30pm Cost: From $49.90

A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland

Direct from Off-Broadway! Prepare to be enchanted with some of the world’s finest Irish dancers and musicians bringing the spirit of Christmas to life, in a show that will make you laugh, cry, and sing into the night.

When: December 23 -| 7:00pm Cost: From $50 - $100

Movie World's White Christmas

This December, celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the return of White Christmas at Warner Bros. Movie World! This is the only time you’ll see snow in the Gold Coast! Step into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive cheer, and unforgettable moments for the whole family. Be enchanted by the Joy to the World Christmas parade, featuring spectacular floats from around the globe. Meet beloved Christmas characters, explore themed precincts and indulge in festive treats.  Plus, enjoy your favourite rides under the stars including Flight of the Wicked Witch and Kansas Twister, for the first time during White Christmas.
When: 5.30 - 8.30pm | December 11 - 23 Cost: From $89 general admission. One free entry with a Village Roadshow One Pass.

Sea World Cruises - Santa Kids Cruise

Climb aboard a festive evening cruise that’s perfect for kids (and anyone who loves a bit of Christmas sparkle). Departing from Surfers Paradise, this Sea World Cruises experience tours the residential canals as Santa waves from the deck and tosses lollies to families waiting on their jetties. Sing along to your favourite carols, enjoy Christmas-themed face painting, and soak up the cheerful holiday vibes. Every child scores a free gift, and adults can sip something festive from the fully licensed bar. It’s a bright, breezy, joy-filled way to spend Christmas Eve on the water. Bookings essential.
When: 5.30pm | December 24  Cost: Adults: $49. Kids: $29

High Tea With Santa, Ms Clause and Rudolph

For something different this festive season, treat the little ones to kids’ Christmas High Tea at Fireplace Restaurant at Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove. Santa, Mrs Claus and even Rudolph drop by for festive fun, making it the perfect treat for families who love a touch of enchantment. Little ones can dive into a buffet of sweet and savoury goodies — all crafted with classic Christmas flavours — while grown-ups sip premium teas and coffee. Spots are limited - booking essential.
When: 11am - 12.30pm | December 6 & 7  Cost: $75

Community Celebrations 

Christmas in Broadbeach

Come celebrate Christmas in Broadbeach as The Oasis shopping centre and mall transforms into a magical gingerbread village, filled with festive cheer and free family fun. Join in free craft and cookie decorating workshops ( online bookings required) or visit Santa’s Post Office where kids can mail their Christmas list to the North Pole.

Snap your own free Santa selfie in the Gingerbread Village and meet some merry elves between 5 - 8pm daily. Or catch a screening of Arther Chistmas at Movies Under the Stars in Kurrawa Park on December 17. BYO rug and pillows for the ultimate outdoor cinema experience.
When: December 15 -21 December | Day and evening activities 

Christmas in Coomera

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… in Coomera! This festive celebration brings the Christmas cheer across two days the weekend before Christmas Day. Here’s a quick run down for the family-friendly event:

DJ Dance party complete with snow machines and a hip hop Santa. 

North Pole Putt Putt

Appearances from Santa and The Grinch!

Face painting

Food trucks

Markets

Festive photo moments

When: 2 - 8pm | Saturday December 20 & Sunday December 21

Tugun Lights Up

Join in a joyous community celebration at this free, family-friendly event. Toloona Street in Tugun will be filled with festive cheer, stage entertainment, live music, carols, Christmas market stalls and twinkling lights. Dine under the stars at this local street party and the kids play with art activities and Christmas characters, including Santa himself. The festivities kick off at 4pm.

When: Saturday December 6 | From 4pm

Looking for more festive fun? Find out where to get your Santa photos on the Gold Coast.