No matter how old we get or how busy our lives become, each year we still get just as excited for the onslaught of Christmas events that merrily overtake the Gold Coast. Whether it’s the sweet Christmas markets popping up every weekend, the sweet sound of carols permeating the air or simply attending one of the many uniquely Gold Coast festive celebrations, there’s nothing quite like Christmas in our pocket of paradise. We like to celebrate Christmas with sand, not snow.
So, to help you get your elves in a row, we’ve rounded up every festive event you need to check out on the Gold Coast this silly season. Go, be merry and spread the Christmas cheer.
A Christmas Carol 2021
One actor, twenty characters, one festive evening. Will Bligh stars in the world premiere of this one-man show, A Christmas Carol, retelling Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption and compassion. The creative use of lighting, sound and a wooden chair (you have to see it to believe it) combine to create a dynamic and visceral performance with all your favourite characters, including Bob Crachit, Tiny Tim and the three ghosts.
When: Friday 18 and Saturday 19 December
Where: HOTA, Bundall
Cost: Adults: $25, children: $20
For more information, click here.
Movie World White Christmas
Movie World sure knows how to do Christmas in family-friendly, festive style and this year is certainly no exception. Movie World White Christmas is back and is ramping up the Christmas cheer, with a huge offering of sparkling lights displays, live entertainment and performances, festive carols, gingerbread decorating, family shows and the unmissable annual White Christmas Parade. If you’re looking for a great family-friendly Christmas event, stop the search ‘cause you’ve found the best one around.
When: Friday 3 December to Wednesday 22 December
Where: Movie World, Helensvale
For more information, click here.
7 Days Of Christmas At Sanctuary Cove
Eat, drink, shop and be merry this festive season and join the fun across a host of celebrations at Sanctuary Cove this December. Unlike the traditional White Christmas, Sanctuary Cove is mixing Christmas up with an Aussie twist—think white yachts, sea breezes, balmy summer days and seafood of all sorts at Sanctuary Cove’s stunning restaurants. For seven days in December, Sanctuary Cove will be transformed into a festive wonderland and filled with everything from Christmas carols to photos with Santa to roving musicians and a giant Christmas tree.
When: Monday 6 December to Saturday 11 December; times vary
Where: Sanctuary Cove Shopping Village
For more information, click here.
Mayor’s Christmas Carols
Christmas just isn’t Christmas without hearing a few carols. And what better way to immerse yourself in the spirit than by watching them performed live by some of the Gold Coast’s best entertainers? The Mayor’s Christmas Carols will feature two of Australia’s most-loved performers, Kate Miller-Heidke and Dami Im, accompanied by the Looney Tunes Christmas Show, the Brisbane City Gospel Church and many more acts. Perhaps the most iconic Christmas celebration the Gold Coast, this free family-friendly event will commence at 3pm with interactive kids fun including Santa and Looney Tunes meet and greets, followed by the main show at 5pm and finishing in style with a festive fireworks finale at 9pm.
When: Saturday 4 December, from 3pm to 9pm
Where: HOTA, Surfers Paradise
Cost: Free
For more information, click here.
Surfers Paradise Twilight Christmas Markets
You’ll find sand (not snow) and market stalls along The Esplanade on Saturday 11 December at the annual Surfers Paradise Twilight Christmas Markets, where you’ll be able to score a sweet deal on a range of local homemade gifts. You’ll find it hard not to treat yo’ elf with artisan handmade gifts and spectacular Christmas decorations from over 100 stalls. Grab your little helpers because there will be live tunes, kids activities and loads of stocking stuffers.
When: Saturday 11 December, from 4pm to 9pm
Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Cost: Free
For more information, click here.
Christmas At The Oasis
If the thought of Christmas shopping fills you with dread and images of overcrowded shopping centres, you can escape the Christmas mall madness at The Oasis, during their Christmas At The Oasis event. The Oasis will be transformed into a wonderland of festive fun, with free entertainment happening daily this December. Experience festive singers, magical roving performers, gingerbread house decorating (and there’s a cheeky adults-only version with eggnog) and face painting this silly season.
When: Friday 10 December to Saturday 18 December
Where: The Oasis, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Cost: Prices vary
For more information, click here.
Christmas In The Clouds
Are you looking to celebrate Christmas a little differently this year? How does a boujee, sky-high Christmas sound? Celebrate the magic of SkyPoint’s Christmas in the Clouds event this month and truly take celebrations to the next level. Dig into a decadent three-course Christmas dinner, indulge in the 4.5-hour beverage package and chill out to tunes from the live entertainment. SkyPoint really knows how to deck the halls (or clouds) with Christmas cheer.
When: Saturday 11 December, from 7pm to midnight
Where: SkyPoint Observation Deck, Level 77
Cost: $160 per adult
For more information, click here.
Christmas At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
We love an Aussie Christmas and no one does it better than the team at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Blinky Bill’s Christmas Wish show is the perfect family-friendly way to celebrate an Aussie Christmas, with Blinky and Nutsy taking to the stage and delighting the little ones with new songs and fun dance routines. Make sure to have your family Christmas photo taken with Blinky for a Christmas photo with a difference.
When: Thursday 16 December to Friday 24 December
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Cost: Included in ticket admission price
For more information, click here.
North Burleigh Carols By The Sea
In typical Gold Coast style, these Christmas carols will be beachfront, so you can sing along to your favourite Christmas songs against the backdrop of gently rolling waves. Ahhh, Gold Coast, how we love you. North Burleigh Carols By The Sea will be a festive afternoon of free Christmas entertainment, singing and performances, all held at the iconic Ed Hardy Park. You can stroll through the Christmas markets and feast on bites from the food trucks before enjoying the Christmas Carols which kick off at 6pm.
When: Thursday 9 December, from 4pm to 8pm
Where: Ed Hardy Park, North Burleigh
Cost: Free
For more information, click here.
If you haven’t Christmassed yourself out after all these cheery events (is that even possible?), you need to market-hop your way through the best Christmas markets happening on the Gold Coast. There’s no better way to spread the Christmas spirit.
Image credit: HOTA Gallery