Sun, Surf, and Santa: Celebrating Christmas on the Gold Coast in 2024
Experience the perfect fusion of sun, surf, and Santa this Christmas on the Gold Coast. In this coastal paradise, the festive season bursts into life, offering a holiday like no other. Eat, drink, and soak up a coastal Christmas ambience perfect for a summer solstice escape away from the suburbs.
Join us as we dive into a unique holiday experience where Dorsett Gold Coast is your gateway to a sun-kissed, beach-centric celebration. It's the season to create lasting memories and immerse yourself in the charm of a Gold Coast Christmas—where golden moments meet festive fun in Queensland's favourite coastal gem.
In This Blog
- Is December a Good Time to Visit the Gold Coast?
- Where to Celebrate Christmas on the Gold Coast
- The Best Gold Coast Christmas Markets
- Family-fun Christmas Events on the Gold Coast
- Your Guide to a Stress-free Christmas Feast
- Celebrating Christmas in Style
Is December a Good Time to Visit the Gold Coast?
December is pure magic on the Gold Coast, where summer days are long, sunny, and made for indulgence. Think warm, sunny days with average highs of 28°C, ideal for beachside lounging or alfresco dining. The summer buzz is in full swing, with holidaymakers flocking to world-class attractions, and boutique shopping.
Add festive vibes and lively events to the mix, and you’ve got the ultimate escape to kick off your holidays in style.
Where to Celebrate Christmas on the Gold Coast
As you venture through the bustling streets of Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and Burleigh Heads, you'll discover an array of options to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. One place that truly stands out in the region is The Star Gold Coast, a hub of entertainment and excitement. With direct connectivity from Dorsett Gold Coast, a world of Christmas cheer and festive fun awaits just steps away.
The Best Gold Coast Christmas Markets
As the summer solstice bathes the region in endless warmth, the spirit of Christmas takes on a whole new dimension.
The Gold Coast comes alive in December with an array of Christmas markets brimming with festive charm. From vibrant stalls filled with unique treasures to delicious seasonal treats and live entertainment, these markets are a must for anyone celebrating Christmas in the city.
HOTA Christmas Twilight Markets
‘Tis the season to be jolly—and shop local. On Saturday December 21, 2024, Surfers Paradise will host a special edition of the HOTA Markets for Christmas. From 4-9pm, stroll through the markets picking up local goodies and last minute gifts under the stars.
This is a free event, but you will need to register for a ticket here.
- When: 4pm to 9pm, Saturday 21 December
- Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
- Entry & Parking: Free
Christmas Markets GC
At the top of the Gold Coast strip in Southport, join the locals at the Broadwater Parklands for a family-friendly Christmas Market extravaganza. The Christmas Markets GC will be packed with stalls, performances, and food that will keep you busy for the whole weekend.
- When: 4pm to 10pm, Friday 20 December to Sunday 22 December,
- Where: Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport
- Entry: Free
The Village Markets Pop-Up Christmas Markets
Celebrate the season in style at The Village Markets' Pop-up Christmas Market at Robina Town Centre. With live music setting the tone, you’ll love exploring the chic fashion, artisan goods, and homewares these markets are famous for. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or treating yourself, this is the place to uncover local gems.
Even better, they’re hosting the pop-up twice—on Thursday 12 December and Thursday 19 December—so you’ve got double the chance to enjoy the festive vibes. Shop small, shop local, and feel great about supporting the community this Christmas.
- When: 4pm to 8pm, Thursday 12 December and Thursday 19 December
- Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
- Entry & Parking: Free
Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Market
Credit: Destination Gold Coast
Mark your calendar for Saturday 14 December, when The Esplanade in Surfers Paradise turns into a festive shopper’s paradise at the Christmas Twilight Market. Discover unique handmade treasures, stylish boutique finds, and stunning decorations that will add sparkle to your celebrations. With so many bespoke gifts on offer, you might just "treat yo' elf" this Christmas.
This family-friendly event also features live music, fun activities for the kids, and countless goodies to stuff your stockings. The highlight? Santa's epic arrival—not by sleigh, but by surfboard – it’s a Gold Coast Christmas, after all.
- When: 4pm to 9pm, Saturday 14 December
- Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
- Entry: Free
Twilight Christmas Country Markets
From the coast to the country, the Gold Coast is filled with Christmas Markets. On November 29, 2024 head up into the Hinterlands for the Twilight Christmas Country Markets. While it might take a little longer to get to, the trip is definitely worth it with over 100 stalls, food, entertainment and even live animals. If you’re ready to drop after you shop, head to the local pubs for a refreshing drink.
- When: 5pm to 9pm, Friday 29 November
- Where: Bearded Dragon Hotel, 2-22 Tamborine Mountain Road, Tamborine
- Entry & Parking: Free
Family-fun Christmas Events on the Gold Coast
ALT: Christmas Concert and Fireworks in Broadbeach Gold Coast
Credit: Destination Gold Coast
While snow angels may be out of the question, the Gold Coast offers a wealth of festive activities that showcase the region's natural beauty. Take a dip in the sparkling waters, catch a wave on a surfboard adorned with tinsel, or build a sand Santa with a dash of holiday spirit.
Wake up on Christmas morning to the sun streaming through the window as you sip on a coffee and slip into your swimsuit. Start your day with a dip at Isoletto Pool Club, the perfect way to get ready for the day's festivities.
We know that time spent with loved ones is precious, which is why we take care of all your catering needs—dishes included. And with our prime location just minutes from the beach, you'll be able to enjoy a post-dinner stroll along the shoreline with a backdrop of the Gold Coast skyline to enjoy.
Across the Christmas season, plenty of parties are popping up for the family to enjoy. Like Carol’s By the Sea in North Burleigh, the Cooly Carols in Coollangatta, Donut Decorating with Krispy Kreme, or the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra live for their special Christmas Event.
Your Guide to a Stress-free Christmas Feast
Indulge in the exquisite options for Christmas lunch and Christmas dinner at The Star Gold Coast, located just moments away from Dorsett Gold Coast. Go from room to roast potatoes via level 3 and celebrate the festive season in style—with fine food, fun, and freedom from washing the dishes included. From traditional roasted meats to seafood platters, discover culinary offerings ready to transport you to a world of gourmet flavours.
Harvest Buffet
Credit: Destination Gold Coast
Indulge in a feast fit for the holiday season at Harvest Buffet, located at The Star Gold Coast. Discover an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet for Christmas lunch and dinner, each offering a delightful culinary experience to celebrate Christmas in style.
On Christmas Eve, enjoy a delectable selection of dishes including Australian prawns, whole-baked fish, fresh grilled QLD barramundi, and Sydney Rock oysters. The Christmas Eve Dinner also includes a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival. On Christmas Day, two sessions are available - one from 12:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. and another from 5:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
The Christmas Day Dinner starts at 5:30 pm and also serves up seafood, including Sydney Rock Oysters, chilled Crab, and Australian Prawns. Discover Asian flavours like Honey Soy Chicken and Steamed Pork Dumplings, while the grill offers succulent Grilled Lamb Chops and Saltwater Barramundi. Indulge in Mediterranean delights and finish with an exquisite selection of desserts.
Cucina Vivo
This Christmas season, Cucina Vivo is offering a Christmas dining experience set to delight your taste buds. With its classic atmosphere and well-thought-out Christmas Day menu, Cucina Vivo is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season in style.
Indulge in a tantalising array of dishes and explore the flavours of the Mediterranean with a tantalising antipasti platter, featuring Wagyu Bresaola, Calabrese Salami, and San Daniele Prosciutto. Savour a seafood extravaganza, showcasing Sydney Rock oysters, Mooloolaba King prawns, and Moreton Bay bug.
Accompanied by house-made pesto, olives, mozzarella, lemon-scented goat curd, and ciabatta bread, this menu transports you to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast. Tuck into mains of succulent Borrowdale Porchetta or ocean trout. Then dive into the depths of a rich chocolate torte, adorned with almond crumble and served with Maleny Dairy vanilla bean gelato—where each luxurious bite is a sweet farewell to a meal filled with wonder.
The package, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., offers a four-course lunch, a three-hour beverage package, live entertainment, and a visit from Santa bearing gifts. Be sure to pre-book your Christmas Day Lunch at Cucina Vivo for a festive Gold Coast meal just a few minutes walk from your stylish room at Dorsett Gold Coast.
Celebrating Christmas in Style
As the day of Christmas dawns, you may be wondering what options are available for dining and entertainment. Fortunately, Dorsett Gold Coast and The Star’s leisure and entertainment precinct has you covered. With world-class facilities and offerings, your day will be filled with festive cheer.
So, whether you choose to indulge in a delectable Christmas buffet or try your luck at the casino, The Star Gold Coast provides a sanctuary of celebration on this special day. And with its direct connectivity to Dorsett Gold Coast, you can seamlessly switch between the two, effortlessly immersing yourself in the magic of Christmas and the comfort of your accommodation. Book your stay today.
