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

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

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!

RACV Royal Pines Resort

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

QT Gold Coast

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

voco Gold Coast

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

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 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