Take your office celebration to new heights with Dreamworld’s Summer Shindig.
Take your office celebration to new heights with Dreamworld’s Summer Shindig.
If you’re the CEO of organising the work Christmas party, this one’s for you. Looking to pull off the most unique and memorable Christmas party of all time? Where small talk and average appetisers get set aside for cheap thrills, decadent dishes and just a damn good time? Behold Dreamworld’s Summer Shindig Corporate Christmas.
It’s the ultimate way to shake off the year’s slog and cheers to all the memories and milestones that happened along the way. Set for the 30th of November 2024, the Summer Shindig invites all boss babes and bros (18+) for a night of wild fun in the form of after-hours ride access, a four-hour beverage package, Christmas-themed food stations, and tons of entertainment. Oh yeah, when we said “shake off,” we meant that literally. Like, on a roller coaster in the sky type literal.
It’s time to take that corporate warrior cape off for some very not-so-serious fun. We’re talking exclusive access to select Dreamworld rides and attractions, with added thrills under the night sky. Fun! From thrilling roller coasters to fan-favourite rides, this private event presents a unique opportunity to experience the park rides in a whole new way!
Not just an adventure for the spirit but also for the taste buds. Guests will be treated to an exquisite lineup of Christmas-themed food stations to delight every palate. A standout would have to be the seafood selection, which includes freshly shucked oysters on ice with a variety of garnishes like Bloody Mary gel, gin & tonic granita, Japanese wasabi and soy. Other highlights include butter-poached shrimp cocktails, Tasmanian salmon with yuzu crème fraîche, and king prawn and snapper ceviche.
For the main attraction (yes, we’re still talking food), a host of globally inspired dishes await, such as Californian crab cakes with red pepper remoulade, Nashville spicy chicken sliders with bourbon and brown sugar glaze, pepper-crusted eye fillet with pink peppercorn jus, and a selection of vibrant salads. To conclude the feast, guests can indulge in an array of sweets from white and dark chocolate fountains with dipping treats, petite pavlovas, Valrhona chocolate mousse, and warm Christmas puddings with eggnog anglaise and sour cherry.
The park will be lit up and full of entertainment, whether you’re ready to take to the dance floor, or spectate while enjoying the live shows and band. And, of course, Dreamworld will be decked out for the festive occasion- jingle bells and all! Needless to say, Dreamworld’s Summer Shindig Corporate Christmas is the perfect backdrop to connect and enjoy an unforgettable celebration, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Tickets are $165 per person. Click here to book your spot stat.
When: 6pm-11pm, 30 November 2024
Where: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
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
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
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast knows how to party.
Is there anything better than celebrating with the people you love most, extravagant feasts you don’t have to lift a finger to enjoy and the ocean only footsteps away? We think not.
Which is why you can (and should) book your Christmas and New Years Eve celebrations at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast right now.
There are so many options to choose from to ensure the 2024 festive season is one you’ll always remember as Sheraton Grand Mirage is home to not one but three five-star venues, one of which offers views out over a sparkling lagoon to Main Beach beyond.
Here are your choices and if you know what’s good for you after a year of cooking dinner for yourself and (probably) your family every single night of the year, you’ll book them all.
Christmas Eve Lunch and Dinner
Christmas Eve is equally as exciting as Christmas Day; the vibes are high and we’re all VERY excited for a day of eating and slothing about. So why not make it two days.
Terraces Restaurant at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort will open up its famous seafood buffet with Christmas trimmings for both lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve. Treat yourself to all the seafood your heart desires and then go back for more just to make sure.
When: Lunch: 12pm-3pm & Dinner: 5.30pm-9.30pm
Price: Lunch: Adults & Teens: $105pp | Children (5-12): $52pp and Dinner: Adults & Teens: $119pp | Children (5-12): $65pp
Inclusions: Terraces Restaurant’s iconic seafood buffet with Christmas trimmings
Book: Call (07) 5577 0029 or book online.
Christmas Day Luncheon at Terraces Restaurant
Christmas Day and a seafood feast go hand in hand on the Gold Coast. Particularly when that seafood feast is a buffet of the highest quality, with all the Christmas trimmings included of course. Terraces Restaurant will also hand every adult a glass of champagne on arrival PLUS there’ll be live acoustic music, roving entertainment and a visit from Santa.
Whether you’re spending the day with the kids, the extended family or your friends, everyone will love Christmas lunch here.
When: 12pm-3pm
Price: Adults & Teens: $319pp | Children (5-12): $160pp
Inclusions: Delicious all-you-can-eat seafood buffet and a glass of champagne on arrival for the adults
Book online.
Christmas Day Luncheon at Horizons
A luxe Christmas Day lunch spent overlooking a sparkling lagoon with the ocean beyond is exactly what you’ll experience when booking at Horizons. Enjoy a traditional Christmas spread with fresh seafood, an antipasto grazing tower, family-style platters and obviously a sweet treat to finish. Perfection.
Adults get a glass of champagne on arrival and there’s roving entertainment throughout the day.
When: 12pm-3pm
Price: Adults & Teens: $259pp | Children (5-12): $129pp
Inclusions: Traditional Christmas spread with fresh seafood, an antipasto grazing tower, family-style platters and of course, something sweet, Plus, a glass of champagne on arrival for the adults.
Book online.
Christmas Day Dinner at Terraces Restaurant
If a delightful Christmas dinner is more your thing, book at Terraces Restaurant for an exceptional all-you-can-eat seafood buffet featuring all the very best seafood treats you can imagine plus a glass of champagne for the adults on arrival.
When: 5.30pm-9.30pm
Price: Adults & Teens: $150pp | Children (5-12): $75pp
Inclusions: Delicious all-you-can-eat Christmas-themed buffet and a glass of champagne on arrival for the adults
Book: Call (07) 5577 0029 or book online.
Now once all that feasting is done and dusted and we have regained the strength to eat again, it’s time to book a celebratory New Years Eve soiree.
New Years Eve in Terraces Restaurant
The best way to say goodbye to one year and welcome in another is undoubtedly by feasting. A seafood feast to be precise. And champagne of course. Bring the dream to life with your favourite party people at Terraces Restaurant with a seafood buffet, a glass of champagne on arrival for the adults and of course, live entertainment.
If dining on the second sitting, you’ll also enjoy a two-hour premium beverage package in your booking.
When: First Sitting: 5.30pm-7.30pm | Second Sitting: 8pm-10pm
Price: First Sitting: Adults & Teens: $149pp | Children (5-12): $75pp
Second Sitting: $199pp (includes 2-hour premium beverage package)
Inclusions: Delicious all-you-can-eat seafood buffet and a glass of champagne on arrival for the adults
Book: Call (07) 5577 0029 or book online.
New Years Eve in Pearls Bar
If an oyster and champagne station sounds like the perfect way to ring in the New Year, there’s an option for that too. Pearls Bar is the place to be if dancing the night away to live music, but making it a little bit fancy is your party of choice. No bookings required, join the fun from 8pm to 1am.
That’s your festive season well and truly covered. Get in quickly because Sheraton Grand Mirage is one of the most beautiful spots on the Coast to spend a relaxed, stress-free Christmas so spaces won’t last.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Words by Kirra Smith
STORY SPONSORED BY SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT GOLD COAST
