Sleigh the silly season at Sanctuary Cove.
Sleigh the silly season at Sanctuary Cove.
While many parts of the world are bundled up in winter coats, here in Australia, we’re lucky enough to unwrap the Christmas spirit in our sun-soaked paradise. Celebrating in summer feels as natural as sand between our toes and Sanctuary Cove shares this sentiment where all December long this favourite holiday hotspot is set to transform into a wonderland bursting with magic, merriment and memory-making opportunities.
It’s snow joke – Sanctuary Cove is the place to eat, drink, shop and be merry this silly season! Gigantic Christmas decorations are tree-mendously eye-catching, offering the perfect backdrop for those festive selfies. Whether you’re strolling through the sparkling lights, shopping for those last minute presents, or capturing a memorable moment with your loved ones, these festive activities will definitely light up your social media feed (and your heart).
Santa Photos
Here’s the claus you’ve been waiting for: Santa is making his list and checking it twice at Sanctuary Cove! From 7th to 15th of December, head to Shop 41H on Quay Street for a sleigh-load of fun. Santa’s ready to pose for photos with kids, families and even your furry friends – because pets deserve to be paws-itively festive too! Don’t miss the special sleigh sessions along the boardwalk on Friday 13th December for an extra ho-ho-holiday treat.
When: 12pm – 3pm Saturday 7th, 8th, 12th, 14th and – 15th December, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Friday 13th December (on the Santa Sleigh along the boardwalk). Pet sessions are available on 7th, 8th, 12th, 14th & 15th December from 2pm-3pm.
Dogs of Sanctuary Cove 2025 calendar
Move over firemen, Sanctuary Cove has created a Dogs of Sanctuary Cove 2025 Calendar to be sold at the annual Carols on the Lawn event. Featuring furry friends who reside within Sanctuary Cove, all proceeds from the sale of the calendar will go to the local Animal Welfare League.
Christmas Carols
Carrol the whole family and jingle all the way to Sanctuary Cove for Carols on the Lawn on Thursday 12th December. Held on the Marina Lawns, this free event is packed with holiday spirit. Sing along to Christmas classics under the stars, watch the decked-out Buggy Parade hosted by the Rotary Club of Hope Island, and end the evening with a firework display that’s sure to be lit. Arrive early to snag your spot on the grass – this event is as popular as Santa himself and fills up fast!
When: From 4.30pm Thursday 12th December
A true Aussie Christmas is a yule-nique celebration that’s as much about enjoying the great outdoors as it is about savouring the timeless traditions. So, gather your nearest and dearest to soak up the festive season at Sanctuary Cove.
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
When: 1st – 31st December
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY SANCTUARY COVE
It’s beginning to look a lot like… free festive fun!
Get ready to jingle your way from Coomera to Coolangatta and all the way till Christmas with the City of Gold Coast’s lineup of dashing festive events. Then, a host of spectacular New Year’s Eve events to back it up!
Here’s where you can get amongst allll the advent action on the Coast this year. Ho ho hope you can make it.
Mayor’s Christmas Carols presented by Village Roadshow Theme Parks
City of Gold Coast’s Mayor’s Christmas Carols returns for its 14th year, bringing two magical nights of festive fun to HOTA.
Enjoy live performances from Gold Coast pop star Ricki-Lee, toddler techno favourite Lenny Pearce, and the Looney Tunes Christmas Show, plus a visit from Santa. To top it all off, breathtaking fireworks to close out an epic evening of hard-core carolling.
Where: HOTA Outdoor Stage & Parklands, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: Gates open at 4pm, Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December 2025
Christmas Flicks & Fireworks
You can’t get much more Gold Coast than watching a Christmas movie on the sand with the ocean breeze in your hair and fireworks lighting up the sky. Head to Surfers Paradise Beach for Christmas Flicks & Fireworks, a free weekend of festive fun under the stars.
Wander the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets from 4pm, then kick back for a Christmas movie at 7pm, before the night ends with a spectacular fireworks finale at 8:30pm. Bring your picnic rug, grab some snacks, and settle in for a coastal Christmas celebration that’s pure Gold Coast magic.
Where: Surfers Paradise Beach, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Friday 12 & Saturday 13 December
Cooly Carols
Don’t say you’ve never experienced THE Cooly Carols?! One of the jolliest Christmas carol extravaganzas on the Coast.
It has families dashing from all distances to experience its legendary spectacle held at Queen Elizabeth Park.
Enjoy an array of fabulous festivities, from live performances of your most-loved Christmas carols, a skydiving Santa, a delicious assortment of sweet and savoury food trucks, and a dazzling fireworks display.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Park, 60 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
When: Sunday 14 December, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Christmas in Broadbeach
Broadbeach Mall is gearing up for a unique Christmas transformation! Set your countdown calendar for December 15 for the grand reveal of the soon-to-be HQ of festive fun – all for your merrymaking pleasure.
Think gingerbread decorating, Christmas crafts, storytime, and tons more free kids’ entertainment! An ideal way to fill up the school holiday calendar with festive cheer!
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: Monday 15 to Sunday 21 December
Christmas in Coomera
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Coomera! Get ready for a weekend packed with free family fun, festive tunes and plenty of cheer. Think DJ dance parties with snow machines, games and prizes, pop-up performances from the Hip Hop Santas, and a 9-hole North Pole Putt Putt course for all ages.
Catch Santa on stage throughout the event, spot roving candy canes and Rudolf, snap a pic with the Grinch, or get your face painted by Santa’s little helpers. There’ll also be photo moments galore, from Santa’s sleigh to his throne, plus food trucks and market stalls for those last-minute Christmas treats.
Where: Coomera Indoor Sports Centre forecourt, 35 Beattie Road, Coomera
When: Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 December, 2pm – 8pm
New Year’s Eve
Say farewell to the festive season, and ring in the brand new year with ‘a bang’ with everyone’s favourite time-honoured NYE tradition… fireworks!
There’ll be a plethora of GC park part-ays where we can convene for ‘oohs’ and ‘aaahs’ a plenty. Catch the various fireworks displays, with family friendly shows slated for Broadbeach, Coomera and Surfers Paradise at 8pm, or Coolangatta at 9pm – before they fire again for the big shebang as the clock officially strikes 12 on 2025.
Fireworks: Kurrawa Beachfront, Broadbeach (8pm & midnight), Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta (9pm & midnight), Surfers Paradise Beach (8pm & midnight), Coomera 8pm.
Community Celebration: Coomera Sports Park, Coomera (6pm to 8pm).
When: Wednesday 31 December
And that’s a wrap on another cracker season of fun-filled GC festivities for 2025, folks. Which is just as well – after all that we’ll need to channel our inner Dad à la Boxing Day and “rest our eyes” in front of the telly for a wee bit.
Words by Belinda Symons
STORY SPONSORED BY CITY OF GOLD COAST
The best places for human and fur baby Santa snaps.
It’s that time again, Gold Coasters (how is it already Christmas?). Time to grab your crew – humans and furry friends included – for that all-important Santa snap.
Yep, Santa’s back on the Coast and ready for his close-up. Here’s where you can book in for your festive photos, whether it’s family, friends, or four-legged fluffballs. Say cheese, say Christmas, say ho ho ho!
Visit Santa’s Golden Palace filled with golden treasures for all to enjoy until Christmas Eve. Pacific Fair hosts Santa photos for everyone including pet photos for pictures with your fur babies and Sensitive Santa, an experience with dimmed lights and no crowds. Book here.
Where: Santa’s Golden Palace, Ground Floor outside Myer, Broadbeach
Sanctuary Cove is getting seriously festive this year, and Santa’s front and centre! Snap a photo with the big guy in a beautifully themed setup that’s perfect for family memories, and yes, pets are welcome during dedicated sessions. Bring your own camera or phone and capture the magic alongside Santa, Mrs Claus, and even Rudolph.
When & Where: Friday 12 & Thursday 18 December, 6:30–8:30pm – Santa Sleigh, The Promenade, Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 December, 11am–2pm (Pet Sessions 1–2pm) – Shop 41E, next to Latitude Clothing, Quay Street
Step into a Christmas wonderland at Australia Fair with Santa’s Butterfly House, a magical photo experience for the whole family. Snap a festive pic with Santa surrounded by fluttering butterflies and all the joy of the season. It’s a truly unique way to make holiday memories you won’t forget. From Saturday 15th – Friday 21st December. Find out more here.
Where: 42 Marine Parade, Southport
Embark on a magical Christmas journey at Santaland! Jump on the Santaland Express, create festive art with Santa’s helpers, send wish-lists to the North Pole, and cherish the moment with Santa for an enchanting family photo. Plus, don’t forget your furry friends! Santa Paws welcomes your four-legged family members for a festive snapshot with Santa, Limited dates, so get in quick! Santaland photos are available Saturday and Sunday throughout November, then daily until Christmas Eve. Book here.
Where: Santaland, Myer near the Toy section, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach
Get your portraits taken at Stocklands Burleigh Heads from Saturday 29th November until Christmas Eve. There’ll be times for Paws & Claus, Sensory Santa and traditional Santa photos. You can book online here.
Where: Santa’s Beach Shack, outside Aldi, West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads
Gold Coast Santa Photo Sessions are 5-10 minutes per shoot with Santa, your family and your pets! Depending on your session you will receive 4-10 high resolution digital images per session. Please read the full terms and conditions before booking. Available on various dates from November 15th on the beach at Main Beach, Greenmount, Miami and Currumbin. These photo shoots are super popular. You have the option for a Castaway or Luxe Coastal theme, or Grinchify your photo package (not for the faint hearted)! You can book your Santa Beach photo here.
Keep the Christmas tradition alive at The Strand in Coolangatta and snap a professional Santa photo to treasure for years to come. From Saturday 6 December until Christmas Eve, families and friends can meet Santa Claus himself in a festive setup that makes holiday memories extra special. Booking is quick and easy, so you can spend less time waiting and more time soaking up the Christmas magic. You can book online here.
Tis’ the season to be making magical memories. Create a Christmas memory and book your photo with Santa at Westfield Coomera until Christmas Eve. This year, Westfield is offering a range of photography sessions to suit everyone, including Sensitive Santa, Baby’s First Christmas, Mrs Claus and Pet photos. You can book online here.
Where: 103 Foxwell Rd, Coomera
Words by Belinda Symons
Unwrap joy with a feast fit for Santa himself.
Christmas on the Gold Coast is creeping up on us at alarming speed, and if you’re anything like us, the thought of tackling a big festive feast after a morning of opening presents and popping bubbly sounds downright exhausting.
Luckily, there are plenty of local spots ready to handle the heavy lifting for you. Hang up the apron, ditch the dishes, and let the pros serve up a day of delicious indulgence with no cleanup required. Here’s your guide (north to south) to the best Christmas Day feasts on the Gold Coast. Word to the three wise men – these tickets are flying faster than Santa’s sleigh, so grab yours before they’re gone!
A tried and tested festive contender for your consideration – round up your kin and revel in the Chrissy Day array at RACV Royal Pines, for an indulgent spread hosted within the impeccable surrounds of the Royal Benowa Ballroom.
Kicking off from 12:00 pm, this year’s proceedings include a 3-hour beverage package along with all the traditional festive fare – delight in fresh Australian seafood, carved meats, and a selection of hot dishes, salads and desserts. Tickets start from $51 for children aged 2-4 (ages 0-2 free) up to $328.45 per adult. Click here for all the details.
Where: Ross St, Benowa
SOLD OUT
Families looking to converge for some magical (and mouthwatering) Christmas mems, look no further than the luxe QT Ballroom.
Bubbles pouring, spirits soaring, this year’s feast is pure festive indulgence. Start with a Christmas cocktail on arrival, then dive into a glittering seafood spread of Crystal Bay prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, oysters, crab and more. Follow with the classics – roast turkey, smoked leg ham and Cape Grim sirloin – before finishing with brandy pudding, 24-month soaked mince pies and a flowing chocolate fountain.
Three hours of free-flowing drinks, live music, entertainment, gingerbread decorating and even a visit from Santa keep the merriment in full swing.
Tickets from $89pp for kids up to $320 for adults + BF. Get all the details here.
Where: QT Gold Coast Ballroom, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
We need not spend days toiling away in the kitchen, offload the preparations (read: stress) and let the voco pros handle your Chrissy day proceedings. Indulge in a banquet of iconic Christmas Day fare, such as fresh seafood, summer salads, succulent roast carvery, a variety of hot and cold dishes – complete with a mouthwatering dessert bar and a three-hour beverage package for your feasting pleasure. Plus, face painting and a sneaky cameo from the big man in red, for some extra special Christmas magic for the kiddos.
This little Chrissy extravaganza will set you back $299 per person, with children from $89 (ages 0-4 free). and simultaneously deliver max satisfaction and zero stress in the process. Get all the details here.
Where: 31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Assemble your nearest and dearest for a delicious ripper of a Christmas celebration at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach. This year, the Grand Ballroom is serving up a feast to remember – ocean-fresh seafood, pistachio-stuffed turkey, slow-roasted pork, a Parmesan wheel pasta station, and decadent desserts to finish.
Kick things off with a sparkling welcome drink, then enjoy three hours of premium wines, champagne and Byron Bay Lager, all while live music and festive fun keep the mood merry.
These tickets are limited so jump on now and book and then all you have to do come Christmas is sit back, relax and let lunch be served. Go here for all the delicious details.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Belinda Symons
