Leave the cooking and cleaning to the elves.
Leave the cooking and cleaning to the elves.
This is our 2023 list. Here is our list of 2024 Christmas feasts.
It’s almost that time again Gold Coasters and if you’re anything like us, whipping up a Christmas lunch or dinner is the absolute LAST thing you feel like doing after sinking a few (too many) champers and opening all those pressies.
But never fear, we’re here to round up the local faves taking the hard yakka out of the jolliest time of year, so that you enjoy your food coma sans the prep and post feast clean up.
The Star Gold Coast
Who better equipped to handle our merry munches than the veritable recreation wonderland that awaits at The Star – we mean, they literally spend 365 days a year honing their impeccable hosting skills.. and an atmosphere primed for fun and frivolity is kind of their whole schtick.
Check out the epic array of soirees on offer here for the ‘star’ on the top of a tree-mendous Chrissy Day. Pssst, there are even gourmet hampers available for stress-free hosting.. (feel free to steal all the glory, our lips are sealed).
Where:1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
Novotel Surfers Paradise
This Dec 25, have a cracker of a (carefree) Christmas Day with all of the cheer and none of the tears, and lock in a spectacular seafood buffet lunch at Novotel Surfers Paradise.
Find all the deets here to secure your spot – and score yourself a sneaky Chrissy morning sleep in while you’re at it – aka cut out the crack-of-dawn pilgrimage to the prawn trawlers altogether.. now that’s a Merry Christmas!
Where: Novotel Surfers Paradise, Cnr Of Surfers Paradise Blvd, Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Assemble your nearest and dearest for a delicious ripper of a Christmas celebration at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach this year. The Sofitel’s stunner trio of venues are set to transform for the occasion, on offer will be three enchanting experiences: a ‘Grand Ballroom Gingerbread House’, a jolly gastronomic journey for those who fancy their Christmas with a side of French indulgence, and sumptuous seafood and hot carvery buffet. Go here for all the delicious details.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
JW Marriott Gold Coast
We’re more spoiled than a kid on Christmas morning with the array of delectable dining experiences on offer at JW Marriott. As experts in exquisite eats, their annual yuletide events always sell out.. so get on it like an empty parking spot in December, guys.
This Christmas, we’ve got four spectacular events to choose from. Citrique is gearing up to deliver a luxurious lunch (sold out) and dinner celebration, with a festive twist on their famous seafood buffet for $279 pp + BF, children starting from $49 (under 2 free).
The signature seafood buffet experience will also be hosted in Grand Ballroom, for a luxe lunch including live cooking stations, a three hour premium beverage package with Champagne, live entertainment, face painting and a visit from Santa. Tickets $339 pp + BF, children starting from $159 (under 3 free).
Alternatively, choose to celebrate at Chapter and Verse with the ‘Festive Feast of Seafood and Sweets’ Christmas Lunch, from 12.30pm – 3.30pm – a selection of mouth-watering morsels all set to satisfy, including seafood on ice, raw bar, cheese and charcuterie, tapas and dessert. Tickets $249 pp + BF.
Where: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
QT Gold Coast
Families looking to converge for some magical (and mouthwatering) Christmas mems, look no further than the luxe QT luncheons – both the Ballroom and Bazaar (dinner also available) will be abuzz with 3-hour beverage packages, a sumptuous spread of roasted meats, fresh seafood and decadent desserts. Christmas cheer also comes courtesy of a festive cocktail on arrival, and for kids under 12, a gift from Mr Claus himself.
Alternatively, avid foodies can treat themselves to an exquisite gastronomic experience at the adults-only Christmas Lunch at Yamagen. Get in the spirit with a meticulously crafted 7-course menu, a masterclass in Japanese dining with a showcase of seafood dishes with a Christmas twist. Tickets from $299 pp + BF, including an arrival cocktail and curated wine pairings.
(Pssst – Santa called, he said you should go ahead and upgrade to the Premium Whisky/Wine/Sake Pairing, it is Christmas after all).
Want to bring the QT home with you this Christmas? Indulge in the epitome of festive luxury with a QT Gold Coast curated opulent hamper. Crafted to delight 4-6 people, this lavish banquet features culinary treasures like the iconic Moreton Bay bug & prawn roll, slow-roasted suckling Berkshire Porchetta with crackling, locally caught tiger prawns, Sydney Rock oysters and Tasmanian smoked salmon. From $649 per box with 20 dishes to unwrap.
Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
RACV Royal Pines Resort
Another 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 from 12:00 pm, this years 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 $51.00 for children aged 2-4 (ages 0-2 free) up to $297.85 per adult (+ booking fees).
Where: Ross St, Benowa
The Langham Gold Coast
Are you and/or the fam fans of the finer things? Then look no further than The Langham for your December 25 festivities, friends. As a destination with a rep for all things luxury, our unofficial dealers of decadence are especially equipped to deliver a swanky soiree.
This year, their swoon-worthy spread includes fresh local seafood, a crudo and oyster bar, live barbeque with premium meats such as wagyu steaks (feat. sausage sizzle for the littles) salads, desserts and more. Their stellar shin-dig kicks off from 12:00 pm, with tickets ranging from $148 per child (ages 0-4 free) to $468 per adult inc. premium beverage package.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise
Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
Offering two decadent dining experiences, spend your Christmas Day situated among Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove’s stellar surrounds and get amongst some fanciful fare to mark the occasion in the most delicious of ways.
If the thought of festive fine dining sparks a whole lot of joy for you – we present to you, option numero ono: the long, and lavish – Degustation Lunch. Secure your spot at this little advent affair for an all-inclusive experience hosted at The Fireplace, and prepare to sip and savour your way through your Christmas Day for $449pp + BF.
If you’d rather take the night off following a jam-packed day of festivities (aka keep the arvo open for a very necessary nap) the Seafood Buffet Dinner option will be enticing on every level. With two convenient seatings available at 5 pm and 8 pm, get cosy at Cove Cafe and sidle up to a mouthwatering spread of traditional Christmas fare fused with modern Australian flavours. Tickets from $209 per person, children aged 5 to 12 are priced at $89 per child (ages 0-4 free).
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Manor Cir, Hope Island
Southport Sharks
Sadly for fans of the legendary Sharks seafood buffet lunch, this event has already sold out for this year #tear – though if the thought of this leaves you languishing, tickets to the Festive Buffet Breakfast are still available. On the bright side, this means we can bring forward our scheduled smorgasbord proceedings – and frankly, feasting sooner is never a bad thing in our books.
Start your Christmas day with a classic brekkie banquet fit for a ‘Kringle’, complete with all the morning mainstays – tasty rashers of bacon, delicious eggs, juicy sausages, sides of mushrooms and tomatoes, hotcakes with warm butter or sweet syrup (both, obvs), piles of pastries and so much more. Tickets for this very merry morning start at $15 for kids (ages 0-3 free) up to $55 for adults + BF, with 90 minute seatings available from 7:30am – 10am.
Where: Corner Olsen and, Musgrave Ave, Southport
The Island
This year, Surfers’ stellar pozzy, The Island, is poised to throw not one but two tantalising Christmas day events – take your pick of the Family Buffet in the Glasshouse – or the all-inclusive Buffet & Beverage Package in the Penthouse.. either way, yule be left feeling rather jolly indeed.
From 11am – 2pm, prepare to tuck into all the traditional festive provisions and trimmings – savour hot and cold seafood, succulent roast meats, seasonal roast vegetables, wholesome summer salads and decadent desserts.
Tickets for the Family Buffet event start at $89 for kids (ages 0-3 free), through to $179 for adults (+ booking fees) – with drinks available at the bar throughout the day. While the Penthouse Buffet & Beverage tickets are $229 pp + BF including 3-hour beverage package – which we might add, includes Christmas sangria and spritz, bc it would be rather Rudolph us to omit this very important detail.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
voco 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 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 $289 per person, with children from $130 (ages 0-4 free).. and simultaneously deliver max satisfaction and zero stress in the process.
Where: 31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Kellie Leader.
Hold on to your Santa hats! ‘Tis the season to be jolly and indulge in some merry munching, and where better to do it than at The Star Gold Coast?
They’ve rolled out the red and green carpet for some tree-mendous festive feasting options so get ready to sleigh your hunger – Star Style!
Harvest Buffet
If you’re looking for a Christmas nosh-up that’s as bountiful as Santa’s gift sack, then Harvest Buffet is your go-to!
Serving up Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day lunch and Christmas Day dinner, sink your teeth into succulent roasts, jingle all the way with fresh seafood, cold meats, pizza, pasta, salads and soups, and top it off with a sleigh-load of delectable desserts.
Buffets start at $120 per adult and both Christmas Day lunch and dinner include a three-hour beverage package.
Garden Kitchen & Bar SOLD OUT
This is one Chrissie day garden party lunch that’s sure to leave your taste buds in full bloom!
They’ve got something for everyone (even those on the naughty list) like Hervey Bay Scallops in the half shell, Ratatouille with summer herb salad and jus, and Sticky Date Pudding with Guinness chocolate sauce and summer cherries to top it all off (literally).
We’re pleased to confirm that lots of love was (Christmas) puddin’ into this spread! $195 per person and a-la-carte bookings are available at dinner time.
Uncle Su
Christmas Day lunch just got a Cantonese style glow up! Executive Chef Song Yao Su, the Wok-star of Asian Cuisine, is dishing out a festive menu to guarantee a wonton-derful day!
Blending Mandarin and Cantonese ingredients like a Kung Fu master, you’ll enjoy a banquet featuring dishes including Chicken Shu Mai with truffle, hot and sour soup, Fried Live Coral Trout Fillet Zhou Chou Style and Deep Fried Porcupine Custard Bun.
And psst kids – Santa will be making an appearance so get ready for some ‘elfies! $165 per adult and a-la-carte bookings are available in the evening.
Kiyomi
No need for a sleigh ride to Tokyo, just head to Kiyomi for Christmas dinner where the only thing longer than Santa’s beard is the list of rave reviews!
Explore innovative dishes like Scallop Sashimi and Spanner Crab with compressed watermelon and Yuzu honey, Dengakuman Miso Glazed Toothfish, and Dry Aged Maremma Duck with charred witlof, sansho, and wasabi jus.
Still hungry? Tuck into a dessert and we recommend the Okinawa Black Sugar Parfait with umeshu and candied walnuts. Prices as per the menu.
Cucina Vivo SOLD OUT
If you’re dreaming of a Christmas in the Amalfi Coast and really, who isn’t, Cucina Vivo is the next best thing.
Picture this: you and the fam bam, a table laden with an exquisite four-course meal accompanied by a three-hour beverage package.
Think antipasti, a fintastic Seafood Platter, Borrowdale Porchetta and Ocean Trout Fillet share platters and for something sweet, Torta Al Cioccolato! There’s also live entertainment and the jolly man himself will be swinging by with plenty of loot for the small peeps. $205 per adult.
Christmas Hampers
Take the heavy lifting out of your merry munching with a delish takeaway Christmas Hamper!
Available for pick up on Christmas Eve, they’re decked out with all the festive faves like smoked ham, roasted turkey breast, Tasmanian salmon and much more.
Plus, you can make this Christmas extra spesh with optional seafood and salad upgrades and hold the bus sleigh, because there are even Beverage Hampers!
Hampers can be purchased for either two people or six and prices start from $260 per hamper.
Event Centre SOLD OUT
Perfect for those who can’t be stuffed putting on Christmas lunch this year, The Star’s beautifully themed ballroom will take care of the lot!
Enjoy a festive all-you-can-eat lunch, four-hour beverage package, live entertainment, and a special appearance from Santa.
With a seafood selection, antipasto and cheese station, cold salads, carving station, hot selection and desserts, it would be just rude-olph not to go. Prices start from $310 per adult.
For more information or to purchase tickets for any of The Star’s Christmas activations, go here
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various activations on Sunday 24th and Monday 25th of December 2023
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star Gold Coast practises the responsible service of alcohol.
Imagine a Christmas Day that doesn’t involve an extensive grocery list, meal planning with your in-laws, food prep or cooking. Now, that’s an idea! Well, the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach has beat us to that thought and one-upped us. They’re here to host a most extraordinary Christmas Day lunch, ensuring every dish and decoration is taken care of. 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. Whoever said Christmas is just for kids has officially been refuted.
Celebrate Christmas Day in opulence this year with a luxurious lunch inside the Grand Ballroom at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach. Don’t mind if we do! This year’s grandiose event has plenty in store for you and your loved ones, especially the enchanting transformation of the ballroom into a whimsical winter wonderland, making it pure ticket appeal!
Guests are in for a festive feast to remember! We’re talking a mouth-watering buffet selection of exquisite seafood and carvery, an array of starters, salads, and a wealth of traditional Christmas desserts and Australian cheeses. Don’t worry, we’re not about to skim the details- let’s dig into the extravagant Christmas lunch that waits before you!
Clears throat*. For starters and salads, we have freshly baked gourmet boulangerie, an extensive selection of antipasto, and artisanal salads including roasted cauliflower, cranberry and cashew and Persian feta, zucchini and sundried tomato. Then, of course, we have the classics with a Caesar, Niçoise and mixed leaf garden salad.
But wait, there’s more! Indulge in the freshest and finest selection of seafood with Whitsunday Tiger Prawns, freshly-shucked Pacific Oysters and Moreton Bay Bugs (to name a few highlights). For the hot varieties, standouts include pistachio and cranberry stuffed turkey, slow-roasted pork loin with that heavenly Christmas crackle we wait for year-long, and a twice-cooked lamb leg with red wine jus and mint jelly. And it would only be a proper Christmas lunch with carved ham, traditional honey-roasted ham, to be specific.
What’s Christmas without a little boujee booze? Are we right? To accompany the impressive buffet is a three-hour beverage package offering a selection of premium wines from famous winery regions in Australia, like Western Australia and New South Wales, including Cloud Street Chardonnay, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc, and Louis Pommery Brut Sparkling (from France). For beer, enjoy James Boags Light and Premium, and Hahn Premium Superdry. Keep things sensible (or not) with tea and coffee, and the kids happy with juice and soft drinks.
The treats don’t stop there (they just get better). End your feast with a variety of traditional sweet Christmas treats and decadent desserts, seasonal fruit and ice-cream. Then, feel the festive spirit take over with live entertainment from ‘Geed Up.’ This fun show from Brisbane blends hilarious comedy, soulful voices, and smooth harmonies with the biggest hits across genres. With a mix of energetic dance, DJ’ing, rapping, and vibrant light shows, ‘Geed Up’ is sure to get everyone laughing and dancing—a perfect fit for the holiday spirit! Watch little eyes light up with a special visit from Santa Claus himself.
Guests can bask in the warm and festive atmosphere alongside loved ones while seated at an intimate, tastefully decorated table of 10. You may even have the pleasure of enjoying Christmas lunch with some new and friendly faces (an underrated experience). For specific seating requests or dietary requirements note them under the “Special Requests” section of the ticket details page.
Tickets (including the three-hour beverage package) are $325 pp. Children aged 13-17 are $250 per ticket, and those aged 5-12 are $138. Children under 4 are free!
This event is destined to sell out so snap up your tickets here.
Where: Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, Grand Ballroom, Level 1, Broadbeach
When: 12-3pm, Wednesday, 25 December 2024
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
STORY SPONSORED BY SOFITEL GOLD COAST BROADBEACH
As another silly season approaches, we’ve got the word on one venue ready to help us sleigh, sip and sashay our way to a ripper of a Chrissy celebration. Here to help us bid a big adieu to the year, the voco Surfers Paradise crew has an array of festive function options for all manner of advent antics.
Firstly, let us re-introduce you to a (near unrecognisable) old friend – because voco signifies a multi-million dollar shake-up of the iconic former Watermark Hotel site. A funky R&R brand which has been servicing leisure seekers for some five years from their conveniently central Surfers spot.
Whether you’re rounding up friends and fam or toasting another year of toiling with some corporate-style cheer for the work crew, voco is a name that needs to be on your radar as you ponder the perfect festive season celebration for your fellow comrades.
This year, voco has arranged a fine array of four fabulous options primed for fun and frivolity a’plenty, so you can lock in a legendary party to go down in office history. Whether you’ve been handballed the party planning thanks to your organisational prowess – or (despite a total lack thereof) you somehow continue to be relegated to the role, prepare to tick this ‘ole chestnut off the to-do list. The voco team has got you covered like a Christmas present.
Social House Cabana
At only $25pp the Social House Cabana venue offers incredible value. We’re headed straight to the VIP-vibing surrounds of the voco Cabana – available for groups of 20+ to revel in the semi-private industrial luxe terrace and raise a glass to the year.
Guests can luxuriate between a selection of themed food stations, including an Oyster Bar with dipping sauces, Gourmet Slider Station, and Greek Station featuring Pull-apart slow cooked lamb with feta and tzatziki – this option just keeps getting feta, no?
A full drinks menu inc. expertly mixed cocktails is available for purchase at the bar, as is the option to add on a bar tab.
Cocktail Party at Kingfisher Marquee or Brolga Room
Santa’s drink of choice may well be a glass of milk, but for many of us sashaying through the silly season cocktail in hand is where the true Christmas magic happens. Ergo, the Cocktail Party option at voco is sure to be one gift very graciously received by your guests.
For groups 30+, $69 pp includes a 2-hour beverage package and hot and cold canapés, backdropped by your choice of two of voco’s prime pozzys. Choose from soaking up sweeping Surfer’s views while mingling alfresco style under the Kingfisher Marquee, or the allure of A/C and your own private bar in the comfort of the indoor Brolga room. Either way, a Chrissy cocktail party = a sure-fire smash hit rivalled only by Mariah’s ‘All I want for Christmas is you’.
Clifford’s Grill & Lounge
There are myriad reasons to opt for hosting your festivities at Clifford’s Grill & Lounge, (retaining your rightful rep as ‘Event Queen’ or ‘Logistical Kris King-le’ rating pretty high on the list #sleigh) – but we certainly wouldn’t blame you if it was the excuse to partake in that famous Clifford’s fare that ultimately sealed the deal on this little Chrissy party conundrum.
A stellar spot well known for dishing up communal dining deliciousness (with the reviews to prove it), Clifford’s is one of those venues that’s sure to impress the whole office. Even Brad from accounts will be rapt with the array of contemporary shared dishes, including their renowned 1kg T-bone steak that practically melts in your mouth.
To really put the ‘fancy’ in fancy-free, sizeable soirees (40+) hosted Sun to Thurs night, can secure this swanky space in its entirety, while groups sized 12+ can lock in their spot for good times galore.
Waves Buffet Restaurant
What could be more befitting of an end of year celebration than the classic Christmas ritual of stuffing ourselves silly after going a few rounds with a mouth-watering buffet? For the ultimate Chrissy #crowdpleaser, lock in your large get-togethers of 50+ at Waves Buffet Restaurant for $135pp.
Gleeful guests will enjoy a 2-hour beverage package and, as an extra special treat, functions held Thursday to Sunday will be treated to a special festive themed buffet.
For those needing to feed an advent-sized army, exclusive use is also available for 190+ guests.
So go ahead and draft up that company-wide memo, because it’s office-al – Christmas is all wrapped up. Cheers to you holiday heroes Blitzen this Chrissy party business (it’s giving ‘employee of the year’). Check out all the options here.
Where: 31 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Various venues and times available
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY VOCO
