Gold Coast’s most extra Christmas celebration returns.
Gold Coast’s most extra Christmas celebration returns.
Is it just us, or is the year racing by with no slowing down in sight? At this rate, ‘tis (almost) the season to start locking in your end-of-year antics.
If you like your Christmas celebrations all planned out well in advance, then you’ll want to circle this 12 December 2026 in big, glittery ink.
The annual Christmas bash at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre is officially returning on 12 December 2026, and while the full festive playbook is still being wrapped up behind the scenes, one thing is certain: this is not your average office party.
In fact, calling it a “Christmas party” feels a little like calling Santa’s workshop a “small business.” Since 2005, GCCEC has built a reputation as the Gold Coast’s go-to for over-the-top, sell-out festive celebrations. And yes, it’s the kind of event that tickets vanish faster than cookies on Christmas Eve.
So, what do we know so far? Consider this your official save the date.
The venue’s famed banquet halls will once again be transformed into a festive wonderland worth dressing up for. Whether you’re rallying the work crew, gathering your friendship group or simply refusing to let 2026 end without a proper party, this is your golden ticket to a night of merry-making done right.
While the finer details like entertainment, styling and those extra surprise-and-delight moments are still under wraps, GCCEC’s Christmas events have long been synonymous with going all out. We’re talking a four-course dinner that would make Mrs Claus proud, a 4.5-hour premium beverage package (because hydration is key), and entertainment that keeps the dance floor pumping well into the night.
Basically, it’s the kind of evening where “just one drink” turns into “last one on the dance floor,” and nobody’s complaining.
If you’ve been before, you’ll know the drill: tickets are hotter than a Gold Coast summer and tend to sell out quicker than you can say “another round of bubbles.” If you haven’t had the delight of attending the festivities yet, consider this your friendly warning. This is one event you don’t want to sleep on.
And because the elves are still busy fine-tuning this year’s magic, the best way to stay in the loop is by signing up to GCCEC’s Christmas newsletter. Think of it as your direct line to Santa’s inner circle: first dibs on announcements, ticket releases and all the juicy details as they drop.
So, before the end-of-year chaos fully snowballs, do your future self a favour: lock in the date, rally your party people, and get ready for a night that promises to sleigh (sorry, had to).
Because when it comes to Christmas on the Gold Coast, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre doesn’t just deck the halls, it completely decks them out.
Where: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2684-2690 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
When: Saturday, 12th December 2026
Website: www.gccec.com.au
Instagram: @gccec
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY GOLD COAST CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE
The stunning new venue to enjoy koala-ty eats in Currumbin.
Nestled among the lush backdrop of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, The Homestead is a jack of all trades because not only is it one of the prettiest new venues here on the Gold Coast – and trust us, we’ve seen our fair share – it also doubles as the ultimate spot for a bite to eat while you get at one with nature.
It’s also the biggest investment the crew at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary have made to the precinct in over 75 years, so we guess you could say it’s kind of a big deal since the Sanctuary is one of the Gold Coast’s most-loved and awarded tourism precincts within the city. They know a thing or two about how to create a ripper experience.
The venue is a celebration of all things Australiana with inspiration taken from our iconic Outback to blend modern design with the charm of a traditional Queensland homestead. The Queenslander-style home is where all the action takes place, with the perfect blend of modern and rustic finishes making it the perfect place to host your special day, whether that be a wedding or corporate event.
Not getting married anytime soon? Neither, but not a problem because we bet you’re still in need of a feed at some point, right. Well, we know a place. The Homestead is also the new home of casual dining for visitors to the Sanctuary, making it the only spot to perch up for a bite during your day of sightseeing.
What could beat tucking into a mean Outback Sandwich while visiting Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to cuddle a koala? Spoiler alert: NOTHING.
Australian food takes pride of place for good reason, with The Homestead setting out to capture the essence of our homegrown hospitality and that’s exactly what they nail. And there’s something about being among the trees and wildlife while you tuck into some great food that’s got us fighting back the urge to let out a big old ommmmm.
Celebrating the best of our homegrown food and flavours, with things like the Wattle Seed Damper and Coral Coast Barramundi alongside ingredients like native herbs and bush tomatoes bringing a taste of our authentic tucker to your favourite meals.
Local produce is a common theme across the paddock to plate style menu with everything from vegetables, herbs and even seafood found from our own backyard – literally, some are even grown onsite.
The darling of the menu is without a doubt the Darling Downs Black Angus, sure to be a favourite for the meat lover in your life. It brings 200grams of marbled goodness to the table and since we’ve never met a potato we didn’t like – it’s the unsung hero of the vegetable world in our opinion – the duck fat kipfler potatoes are a bonus.
The Homestead’s refreshing spin on casual dining has quickly made it a winner in our books, plus your purchase means the team at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary keep getting to do their amazing animal conservation work – talk about putting your money where your mouth is.
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
Open for lunch 10.30am – 3.30pm daily
Weddings and events available on enquiry
Website: www.currumbinsanctuary.com.au
Instagram: @currumbinsanctuary
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
Current Mood: Jolly AF!
When it comes to Christmas on the Gold Coast, we usually think of beachside barbies and a pav with more humidity than dignity.
But come July? It’s game on for festive feasting, fuzzy knits, and enough mulled wine to make even the Grinch smile. So sleigh the mid-year slump and yule be sorry if you miss these jolly good celebrations happening across the Coast.
A true Gold Coast festive MVP, D’Arcy Arms is back with their classic 2-course Christmas feast. Think roast turkey, pork, ham, Yorkshire puds, and veg so good even your nan would approve. Finish strong with homemade sticky date pudding and enough butterscotch sauce to drown your seasonal sorrows. Irish pub vibes, fireplace, and all the trimmings? We’ll toast to that. $50pp
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
When: Throughout July
If luxury was on your Christmas list, the Imperial Hotel just gift-wrapped it at Il Barocco. Their Christmas in July dining experience is elegance on a (very festive) plate. Start with a silky parsnip soup, then choose between award-winning Wagyu or Lilydale Chicken with all the wintery trimmings- hello, creamed kale and honey-glazed carrots. Cap it off with a yuzu-spiked pavlova that’s basically Queensland summer in dessert form. It’s giving sleigh, but make it fine dining. $59pp
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
When: Sunday 20th and 27th July
If a buffet is your love language, Green Fields heard you loud and clear. Cosy up under heaters with blankets and load up on traditional fare that brings all the nostalgic Chrissy vibes. Lunch and dinner sittings run across three glorious days, and honestly, we’re considering all three. Is that… too festive? No such thing. From $49pp
Where: 94 Laver Dr, Robina
When: Thursday 3rd – Friday 4th July, 11.30am – 2pm and 5pm – 9pm. Saturday 5th July, 5pm – 9pm
Running Friday and Saturday nights from 27th June to 19th July at Shoreline Restaurant, this festive buffet is bringing all the holiday cheer (and none of the sweaty Santas). Adults dine for $99, teens for $49, and kids for just $39, with epic eats like Bundy rum and maple-glazed ham, Aussie oysters, rib-eye steak and a dessert table that’ll make you believe in Christmas magic again (hello, chocolate lava pudding and rum balls). There’s also live music and drinks included, soft drinks, beer, and wine.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: Friday & Saturday nights, 27th June – 19th July (closed 29th June – 2nd July).
Eggnog on arrival? Say no more. Mr PP’s rooftop soirée comes stacked with entertainment, a Christmas in July menu (hi, pork belly and reef cod), a raffle, and a festive dress code that basically demands a novelty knit. Finish with Tuscan trifle and a dash of rooftop magic. Warning: may cause uncontrollable cheer. $75pp
Where: 43 Nerang St, Southport
When: 10th July, 6–10pm
It’s Christmas meets cocktails at this tropical-meets-twinkly fairy light haven. Kick off with mulled wine, feast on a festive menu, and dance the night away to live music. For an extra jolly boost, add the three-hour drink package or dive headfirst into a trio of specially crafted Xmas cocktails. $106.14pp
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Rd, Bundall
When: 5th July, 6pm–9pm
If Christmas was more thongs than thermals, this tropical twist is your mid-year miracle. Labrador’s Christmas in July is turning up the cheer (and the sunshine), with Aussie Santa rocking boardies and a whole day of barefoot-style festivities. Think classic old-school games, a jumping castle, free craft and sensory fun for the kids, a disco dance party with DJ Hartley Love, and market stalls galore. There’s even a Reindeer Games Arena hosted by Brett Johnathan, with prizes up for grabs. Round it out with food trucks, face painting, and all the summery vibes you never knew Christmas needed. Best of all? It’s totally free.
Where: Labrador Community Centre, 57 Billington Street, Labrador
When: Saturday 26th July from 10am – 3pm
Terraces Restaurant’s signature long brunch is back on Saturday 26th July, and this time, it’s wearing a Santa hat. Sip, Savour & Soirée is serving up all your seafood faves with a festive twist, including Stradbroke Island oysters, lobster rolls, sashimi, Balmain bugs, charcuterie, Nimbin Valley cheeses and sushi, plus glazed Christmas ham, king prawns and a decadent dessert station. Tickets are $179 per adult and $89.50 per child, including a luxe seafood buffet, a 3-hour free-flowing drinks package, live music, roving entertainment and complimentary parking. It’s indulgent, it’s vibrant, and it’s set to sleigh.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: Saturday 26 July, 12pm–3pm
Bust out your Christmas sweaters, dress festive and enjoy a fun arvo with the Miami community. Free entertainment for the kidlets, live music, eats and drinks by Little Itoshin and The Jolly Roger (with more to be announced), it’s a street style event you won’t want to miss. Make sure you wear your ugly sweater, bring a chair or picnic rug and most importantly, bring your family and/or crew for Christmas in July with a street-style twist.
Where: Miami Village Shopping Centre, 110 Mountain View Avenue, Miami
When: 2pm – 6pm Sunday 27th July
There’s nothing quite like Christmas in London, but we’ve found the next best thing, and that’s the Fox & Hounds’ Christmas in July lunches. Tamborine’s wintery, hinterland feel makes you feel like you’re tucked in a pub in the English countryside. There’s a reason people travel from near and far for a seat at the South East’s favourite English Pub. Cosy up by the fire and tuck into a classic roast of turkey and beef and don’t forget to save room for dessert because it’d be sacrilege to not have a taste of Christmas pudding and custard to finish the feed. Served daily and from $40, it’s a whole lot cheaper than a flight to the UK. Thank us later.
Where: Cnr Oxenford Tamborine Road & Elevation Drive, Wongawallan
When: Throughout July from 11.30am, bookings essential for groups
Pimpama’s going all in on a one-day-only lunch event dripping in nostalgia and cranberry jus. Two classic courses- including turkey, ham, and apricot & pine nut stuffing– followed by a lucky dip dessert round. Pav or plum pud? You won’t know until it hits the table. Surprise! A$42.61
Where: 102 Pimpama Jacobs Well Rd, Pimpama
When: 24th July, 11:30am–2pm
The Ducks are decking the halls and firing up the ovens for a cosy Christmas in July celebration on Sunday 20th July from 5pm to 8pm. For just $79 per person, guests will enjoy a festive menu filled with seasonal favourites, starting with smoked trout blinis, followed by roast turkey, glazed ham, bacon-wrapped sausages, and all the trimmings (hello, roast veggies, cranberry sauce and rich, velvety gravy). Dessert is a traditional Christmas pudding, of course. Mulled wine and cider will be flowing, alongside their wine special of the day, Mountadam 550 Cabernet Sauvignon, with the full drinks list also available for all your sipping needs.
Where: Three Blue Ducks, The Farm, Byron Bay
When: Sunday 20 July, 5pm–8pm
Looking to sleigh your Christmas in July party this year? Mona Lisa’s Lair at Miami Marketta is serving up glam, glitter and gourmet good times with an exclusive festive feast for private groups. Whether you’re after an elegant seated dinner or a chic cocktail soirée, this one’s all about luxe vibes, delish bites, and serious holiday sparkle. Think Christmas cocktails on arrival, a three-hour drinks package, themed décor, and enough merriment to make Santa blush. Bonus points: you can even add a Drag Queen, DJ, or Christmas photobooth for extra razzle-dazzle.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: Available on Marketta open days throughout July
Price: From $70pp (cocktail) or $120pp (seated)
Capacity: 20–70 guests (private events only)
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Carbohydrates are friends not foe. Repeat that, please.
Pasta is the very foundation of Italian cuisine and perhaps this is why our Italian friends have so much fire in their bellies. Italians are some of the most animated and passionate people you can meet. For this, we love them. For giving the world pasta, we adore them!
As we sit in the midst of winter, we think it’s the perfect time to enjoy hearty and soul-satisfying dishes, and nothing quite ticks those boxes like handmade pasta goodness, with ALL of the cheese, naturally.
But where does one find the perfect pasta dish? The Gold Coast has many fine Italian eateries, so we painstakingly undid a notch on our belts and compiled a list of the very best. We’re nice like that. We dare you to finish reading the list and not be tempted to attempt a GC pasta crawl for the ages (0/0 cardiologists recommend).
Prawn & Lobster Risotto
Here we are pushing the boundaries right away. We know risotto is not pasta. But what good are we if we don’t broaden your ho-rice-ons in the name of delicious food? Particularly when MĀRE by La Luna Beach Club’s Prawn & Lobster Risotto is on the line, made with creamy stracciatella, pink pepper and fresh thyme. It’s a treat for your tastebuds that’s made even better with views of the marina. Now that’s a seafood lover’s dream!
Where: Pool Pontoon, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Pacchero Genovese
Move over spaghetti, there’s a new carb crush in town, Pacchero Genovese from La Calabrese. Think fresh ribbons of pasta cuddled up with melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked pork shoulder and beef brisket, all swimming in a silky onion sauce that brings just the right hint of sweetness. To make things even saucier, it’s topped with a luscious parmesan fondue and a drizzle of basil oil. Comfort food? More like chef’s kiss levels of perfection.
Where: Level 1, Meriton Surfers Paradise, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Gnocchi Pesto
The latest gem from the Gemelli Group is dishing up all the rustic trattoria vibes, handmade pizzas, hearty pastas, BYO vino and even a scoop (or three) of Gelato Gemelli to seal the deal. And while pasta purists may protest, we simply can’t help ourselves when it comes to these fluffy little hand-crafted pillows of joy. Papa Rolly’s homemade potato gnocchi with traditional basil pesto, cherry tomatoes and parmesan is pure comfort in a bowl, one big, cheesy, herby party for your taste buds.
Where: 124 Pappas Way, Carrara
Spaghetti Marinara
Serving up all the rustic Italian vibes in the sleek surrounds of The Star Gold Coast, Cucina Vino knows how to do seafood right. Their Spaghetti Marinara is the kind of dish that could make Poseidon himself jealous—think plump king prawns, market-fresh fish, tender calamari and juicy black mussels tangled through al dente spaghetti. Choose your adventure: a rich red sauce or a delicate white, either way your taste buds are about to go full Vespa ride along the Amalfi Coast.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Lobby Level, Broadbeach
Spaghetti al Gamberi
The Gemelli twins are known for creating an authentic Italian experience and, all their dishes, including mouth-watering pasta, are made fresh in-house daily and way too good to sample just the one. Give the Spaghetti al Gamberi a try because these guys combine prawns, zucchini, chilli, garlic and olive oil in the best possible way.
Where: 2/2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Cacio e Pepe
Is there anything more indulgent than pasta twirled theatrically through a 40kg wheel of parmesan? At Sofia’s, their signature Cacio e Pepe is an elegant ode to simplicity, spaghetti coated in cream, cracked pepper and, of course, a generous snowstorm of parmesan, all served straight from the wheel at your table. It’s rich, it’s romantic, and it’s proof that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most luxurious.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
4 Formaggi Gnocchi (Wednesdays only)
Stop what you’re doing. The Gold Coast’s crispy-licious pizza bar has grown a second, spaghetti-shaped arm! Yes, you assumed correctly; they now serve pasta! However, we want to hold the fettuccine for a second (our hearts couldn’t endure any longer), to present you with their 4 Formaggi Gnocchi. It’s homemade, gnocchi, swimming in a godly amount of cheese; mozzarella, gorgonzola cream, parmesan and pecorino, served in a pizza pasta bowl and wood-fired to perfection... Can we get an amen?!
Where: 4/1840 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Spaghetti alle vongole
A coastal classic gets the LiTO glow-up with their Spaghetti alle Vongole, perfectly al dente strands tangled with sweet clams, kissed with white wine, garlic, chilli and a squeeze of lemon. It’s the kind of dish that feels effortlessly elegant yet utterly comforting, like the ocean pulled up a chair to join you for dinner. Simple, refined and unforgettable, the very essence of Italian seaside dining, right in the heart of Burleigh.
Where: Ground Level, 3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads
Pappardelle Bolognese
It’s no secret that Justin Lanes’ pizza game is strong! But did you know their pasta game is just as mighty? You should probably go and try them all. But, if you do decide to choose just one, let it be the house staple: Rich pappardelle, pork + veal, bolognese with grana padano. Bellissimo!
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Pumpkin & Ricotta Ravioli
Oh, Balboa you aesthetically pleasing thing you. Their fit-out, with a glamorous chandelier and bright red Vespa, is reason enough to visit. The pizza is outstanding, but most importantly, their pasta is to die for. Did we mention it’s all handmade on-site? Including (but not limited to) their Pumpkin & Ricotta Ravioli. You will smell this dish coming before you see it; the delectable, rich, nutty aroma of brown butter, sage, hazelnuts, mixed exotic mushrooms and parmesan. You could say it’s ravi-oling in flavour.
Where: 1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Paccheri Arrabbiata
Casual dining meets impeccably tasting food, underpinned by breathtaking vistas and some of the most attentive service around. Who wouldn’t be satisfied after a hearty bowl of god-tier cylinders that are too good to be tube-doused in a whole lot of red sauce, stracciatella and basil? If this paccheri is wrong, we don’t want to be right.
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Tagliatelle Tartufo E Porcini
This is the last stop on our virtual pub pasta crawl (but avert the eyes of cardiologists because, well, firstly, are you lost, but does anyone else have the sudden urge to try this IRL). Radici is an Italian family-run restaurant who decided to make sunny Coolangatta home 6 years ago. This dish epitomises why Italian cuisine is so damn good. Take black truffle pesto, marry it with imported pork and fennel sausage and then smother it over handmade tagliatelle. That folks, is one of the finest dishes of pasta you will have south of Sicily.
Where: 99 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
