A Celtic Christmas lights up the stage with Irish dance music and holiday cheer.
A Celtic Christmas lights up the stage with Irish dance music and holiday cheer.
Christmas on the Coast is already a pretty magical time – balmy nights and beachside carols. But this year, A Celtic Christmas is bringing a slice of Northern Hemisphere holiday magic straight to the Gold Coast. Think fiddles, fancy footwork, and a whole lot of Irish charm.
On Tuesday, December 23rd, A Celtic Christmas by global phenomenon A Taste of Ireland lands for one night only, delivering a Celtic holiday spectacular filled with world-class Irish dancers, carols, and all the heartfelt ballads. Prepare to be hypnotised by the footwork, enchanted by the melodic sounds, and charmed right out of your pants. That’s a promise.
Fresh from a season Off-Broadway and touring stages across the USA, this live performance has been winning hearts wherever it goes. If you’ve never seen Irish dance live, get ready. These performers aren’t just tapping away to any old beat, they’re former world champions and stars from mega-productions like Lord of the Dance and Riverdance. Translation: they know exactly how to steal a show.
The moment the lights dim, you’re transported from the Gold Coast to the rolling green hills of Ireland, minus the cold, plus a comfy theatre seat. You’ll be wrapped in the warmth of Ireland, with traditional tunes, storytelling (these folks are masters), and that undeniable Irish charm that makes A Celtic Christmas the holiday event you won’t want to miss.
While the dancing is absolutely the star of the show, the music and storytelling are what weave everything together. Expect folk mash-ups, Celtic takes on classic carols, stirring ballads, and even the odd a capella tap battle (yes, that’s exactly what it sounds like, and yes, it’s very cool).
It’s energetic, it’s polished, and it brings a different style of festive spirit to the Coast that we rarely get to experience. So if you’re craving something fun, different, and guaranteed to lift your holiday mood, ‘A Celtic Christmas’ at HOTA is your night out. Bring Mum, bring ya bestie, bring ’em all! This is one for the whole crew.
Don’t miss your chance to see this magical production as it tours Australia for a strictly limited season. This is your chance to get a glimpse into the traditional Celtic landscape and an Irish Christmas. Shows like this don’t pop up on the Coast every day. All we will say is, see you there!
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
When: 7pm, 23rd December 2025
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
STORY SPONSORED BY PACE ENTERTAINMENT
HOTA is bringing the soundtrack of Love Actually to the stage in Christmas Actually.
What is Christmas without watching the classic Christmas movies? Love Actually burst into our lives in 2003 (two decades ago, actually!) and has been stealing our hearts every December ever since.
It’s the movie we return to year after year, not because we don’t know what happens, but because we do and we want to relive every airport reunion, every awkward cue-card confession, every wildly enthusiastic school performance all over again. That’s the magic Christmas Actually taps into, only this time it’s all happening right in front of us, live on stage.
If your idea of the perfect December night involves belting Mariah at the top of your lungs, ugly-crying to Joni Mitchell, and laughing so hard you nearly spill your eggnog, then wrap yourself in tinsel and head straight to HOTA on Friday 19th December for Christmas Actually.
Presented by HOTA and The Little Red Company, Christmas Actually is the ultimate silly-season starter. It’s a sparkling stage celebration of the music of Love Actually, the movie that convinced an entire generation that all you need is love, a grand gesture at the airport, and occasionally a lobster in the Nativity play.
This 90-minute festive feast takes every magic musical moment from the beloved film and performs it live, with a rockstar band of Australia’s top musos and vocalists. Think Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, Joni Mitchell’s heart-shattering “Both Sides Now,” the sultry ache of Norah Jones, the sunshine harmonies of The Beach Boys and even a cheeky Beatles tune or two. It’s the soundtrack you’ve played on repeat every December, now performed live.
Leading this festive charge is cabaret legend Libby O’Donovan OAM, whose blend of powerhouse vocals, razor wit and Christmas energy could make even the grumpiest Grinch tap their toes. With a star-studded ensemble like Luke Kennedy (The Voice Australia) and Irena Lysiuk (Round the Twist) as well as a killer band, they’ll turn nostalgia into a night to remember. Expect comedy. Expect charm. Expect at least one moment where you whisper to your friend, “I’m not crying, you’re crying.”
This show doesn’t just lean into the silly season, it’s like an overexcited kid on Christmas morning. By the time the finale rolls around, you’ll be feeling more festive than a shopping-centre Santa on overtime.
So whether you’re a diehard Love Actually devotee or the person who quietly admits they only watch it for the soundtrack (no judgement), this one’s for you. Get your tickets, gather your people, dig out your jazziest Christmas jumper and prepare to sleigh your way into the holidays.
There’s only one performance on the Gold Coast, and it’s the second last stop on the Christmas Actually tour. You don’t want to be the only one not rockin’ around the Christmas tree, so book your tickets here!
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: Friday 19th December 7:30pm
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY HOTA
The freshest spots are here, and the Gold Coast is just warming up.
The year’s winding down, but if November openings are anything to go by, the Gold Coast is still full throttle.
From sampling sizzling meats and frosty fruity treats to soaking up the vibes in beer gardens and on mountain picnics, we’ve rounded up all the November openings so you can start planning your ultimate end-of-year adventures.
Peddly Picnics is rolling into Tamborine Mountain with the smoothest way to explore the Scenic Rim… on two wheels! Grab an e-bike, load up your picnic basket and cruise between wineries, distilleries, cafes and lookout spots at your own breezy pace. With lush rainforest trails, secret foodie stops and even room for a pup in the basket, it’s the ultimate sip-and-snack summer adventure. Trust us, this is one wheelie good day out.
Where: 43 Main St, Tamborine Mountain
The Chilly Bin is officially Tugun’s coolest new hangout, bringing a taste of true Kiwi summer with its real fruit ice cream served straight from a converted horse float. Blending frozen fruit with silky handmade ice cream on the spot, it’s part soft serve, part smoothie, and all delicious. Think mango, mixed berry, rotating specials and even dairy-free bases made with coconut milk and olive oil. With sunny seating, games and major chill vibes, this spot has summer written all over it.
Where:478 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Costa Taco has taken over Burleigh in the best possible way, opening its biggest and boldest venue yet. What started as a tiny Palm Beach hole-in-the-wall with epic queues has grown into a full-blown coastal fiesta, and this new flagship is the ultimate taco playground. With 110 seats, colourful vibes, icy margaritas and all your Costa favourites, Burleigh is officially the new home of tortilla-fuelled good times.
Where: 1718 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh
Southport is heating up, and it’s all thanks to Ember by Fire Baby, the fiery new sibling turning up the sizzle on Welch Street. Upstairs, Fire Baby brings cheesy comfort by the slice, but downstairs Ember is where things get sear-iously smoky. Think flame-kissed steaks, charcoal-grilled seafood and bold dishes crafted by a powerhouse culinary team. With moody vibes, inventive flavours and that irresistible open-fire aroma, Ember is serving up the kind of heat you’ll happily lean into.
Where: 10 Welch Street, Southport
Pappa Flock has swooped into Surfers Paradise, landing on Cavill Ave with a whole lot of cluckin’ good energy. The bright, beach-inspired venue features bold orange decor and a mural by local artist Kiel Tillman, instantly claiming landmark status. Known for a loyal fan base, Pappa Flock hand-breads every tender and squeezes thousands of lemons daily for unbeatable lemonade. From the Mighty Box to Loaded Fries and signature Crispy Chicken sandwiches, this new hotspot is set to be Surfers’ go-to for a flockin’ good feed.
Where: Paradise Centre, Shop 24, 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Hotel Jardin has officially brought a new era of chic to Chevron Renaissance, unveiling a multi-level playground of bars, dining and late-night glamour. Its first stage features the moody Lobby Bar, a sultry Piano Bar and SABA Kitchen, where Executive Chef Minh Le dishes up spice-driven pan-Asian flavours. With velvet booths, live music, refined cocktails and a rooftop arriving in 2026, Hotel Jardin is set to become Surfers Paradise’s newest go-to for elevated evenings, golden-hour moments and seriously stylish fun.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Cheek Café has arrived in Southport with big flavours, bold personality and peachy-good vibes. This sunny corner spot blends playful design with seriously good coffee, wholesome ingredients and a menu inspired by Greek, Italian and Aussie roots. Owner Natalie Yiannakopoulos has poured her heart into every detail, backed by Head Chef Anjelika Arnaiz, whose global experience brings a refined twist to brunch favourites. From the Cheeked Up Benny to Peachy Pannacotta, this cafe is guaranteed to brighten your day.
Where: 412/1 Como Crescent, Southport
Crack a cold one because Padre Brewing Co has officially landed in Miami. Built on two decades of friendship, the crew behind Padre believes good beer is best shared, and their new 160-seat brewery is the best place for it. Expect 14 beers brewed onsite, a menu stacked with elevated pub classics and a space designed for good times. Whether you’re sinking a lager, sampling an IPA or grabbing a takeaway, Padre is your new best mate.
Where: 9 Ozone Parade, Miami
Words by Lisette Drew
Ken Done exhibition bursts into HOTA this spring.
When you think Australiana, you might picture koalas, beaches, gum trees and backyard barbies, but on canvas, nothing captures our sun-soaked spirit quite like Ken Done (A.M.). And this September, the national treasure is bringing his world of fearless colour and “no rules” to HOTA.
Beloved for his bold colours, sunny disposition and iconic depictions of reef, harbour and home, Ken Done (A.M.) has been one of Australia’s most recognisable artists for more than four decades. At 85, his passion for breaking rules and painting life with optimism continues to inspire generations.
And Ken’s not done yet! He’s still creating with the energy of someone half his age, and his philosophy hasn’t changed.
“An artist can – and should – create their own rules.”
Ken Done: No Rules exhibition at HOTA is set to brighten up the Gold Coast this spring. We’re talking works from throughout the years of Ken’s exuberant practice featuring his love of Australian culture in hues only Ken could dream up. But here’s a first for a major exhibition at HOTA: an interactive animation of some of Ken’s key artworks will be projected onto the walls of the Gallery, letting visitors experience his work in a whole new dimension.
Ken’s work is stitched into the fabric of Australian identity, and when we say stitched, we really mean it. His art isn’t just on canvas. From the 80s and 90s, his vibrant designs exploded onto bedspreads, shirts and swimmers, including a standout collab with visionary fashion label Romance Was Born in 2022. And yes, some of these pieces will also be on show in this exhibition.
For collectors and fans, there’s even more reason to visit: exclusive Ken Done themed merchandise will be available from the HOTA shop, so you can take a slice of his bold, bright world home with you.
As if seeing Ken’s iconic work up close wasn’t enough, you can also catch the man behind the brush IRL. In Conversation with Ken Done on the 14th September promises an intimate glimpse into his philosophy, inspirations and maybe a cheeky yarn or two from his long career. If his paintings are full of colour, his stories are just as vivid.
Now, here’s where things get really juicy. Whenever HOTA has a major exhibition, the surrounding venues – The Exhibitionist Bar (rooftop cocktails, yes please!) and Palette Restaurant (fine dining with an artistic flair) – go all out with themed treats.
Palette is teaming up with Romance Was Born and Ken himself for a fashion-meets-food extravaganza. Surrounded by animated visions of Ken’s iconic works, indulge in five exquisite courses by Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law, perfectly paired and inspired by all things Australian. With Ken as guest of honour, the evening includes a Q&A led by HOTA Senior Curator Julie McLaren with Romance Was Born’s Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales, exploring their dazzling 2022 Done Zone collaboration.
If Palette’s past exhibition menus are anything to go by, it’ll be a feast as bold as a Done’s colour palette.
So mark your calendars, art lovers! Ken Done: No Rules opens 13th September. Whether you’re here for the bold brushstrokes, the interactive animation, the exclusive merchandise or the chance to say you chatted with an Aussie icon, this is one cultural canvas you won’t want to leave blank.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: From 13th September 2025 – 15th February 2026
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY HOTA
