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

Okay friends, we need to talk.

There are very few sleeps until Christmas day and yes, our hearts started pounding too. Firstly because it’s legit our favourite time of the year and secondly coz crap, we need to get our rears into gear and sort presents stat.

If you’re like us and running way behind in this department (every.darn.year), here’s a roundup of inspo to help you get a wriggle on.

Being the proud Gold Coasters that we are, each of our suggestions is based in our ‘hood, coz #supportlocal will forever be our favourite hashtag (and we do love a good hashtag, in case you hadn’t noticed).

Here we go….

Spirits and Beer
Get in the spirit this Christmas – quite literally! Who doesn’t love a tipple so a pressie from one of these local booze-bosses, you’ll be the golden child/friend/niece/nephew/co-worker…you get the gist.

Starting with to the central power players, Granddad Jack’s in Miami will sort you out with a selection of extra special Christmas gift packs. Or hit up a rising fave which has been attracting attention for all the right reasons, Burleigh’s Familiar Spirits. We highly recommend their limited-edition Pudding Gin (you’re welcome).

For beer enthusiasts who want both the sips and the swag, the Coast has you sorted. Burleigh Brewing Co. (their Twisted Palm Tropical Pale Ale is basically summer in a can) and Balter are classics, while newcomers Roji Cat and Padre are quickly building a cult following. And if someone’s craving a proper Belgian-style brew, Ashmore’s Madlocke Beer Brewing Company is the go-to.

Coffee
For anyone who runs on caffeine (so, most of us), the Gold Coast has some seriously gift-worthy coffee options. Local roasters like Social Espresso in Burleigh, Willy’s Beans in Burleigh Heads, and Miami’s Whyld Coffee Roastery are serving up freshly roasted beans that make your morning brew feel like a celebration. Perfect for popping straight into a machine at home or gifting to a mate who appreciates a quality cuppa, these roasters combine passion, flavour, and a little bit of Gold Coast magic in every bag. Whether you’re gifting a single bag or a subscription, it’s a present that keeps the energy (and smiles) flowing.

Apparel
Like booze, we all love threads, so when in doubt, look to these local legends!

PJ’s are a go-to for a well-received Chrissie gift and Homebodii specialises in thoughtfully created, elegant sleepwear which, bonus, can be personalised.

Head for Rhythm in Burleigh or online to Olas Supply Co for the coastal surfy vibing missus or mister.

You can never have too much activewear, making it a quintessential GC gift. Local (and local-ish) favourites like KEEPTHATPUMP, Cleo Harper and LSKD have you covered, whether they’re hitting the gym or just rocking the athleisure look.

The lads at Alfred’s Apartment are providing our local men with an ever-growing range of curated fashion and accessories. And, on a totally unrelated note, you NEED to drop in and check out their coffee slushies stat. #thankuslater.

Take it from us, an oversized T from Sabbi is on every GC girl’s wish list!

For the ultimate #supportlocal nod, you cannot go past The Undercurrent. Stocking men’s and women’s unique, high quality tees, singlets and caps designed exclusively by Gold Coast artists who share a passion for our city’s culture, it’s the perfect stocking filler.

Uggs are the quintessential Aussie must-have and the genuine, original version are crafted right here on the GC at Ugg Since 1974. Our tip: personalise your Ugg for a truly unforgettable gift!

Homewares
We all love homewares (verified fact) and both Kira and Kira in Miami and Burleigh and St Barts in Burleigh and Southport stock the highest quality, timeless homewares, décor, artwork, and furniture.

For linen lovers (AKA e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e), I Love Linen has a long list of goodies for the bedroom, the kitchen, and beyond.

For the greenery enthusiast, pop into Greenfolk Botany Shop in Burleigh for plants, cacti, succulents, pots, home and garden wares.

Now these guys aren’t strictly Gold Coaster’s (hailing from just over the border) but we reckon Clubbies Prints Gold Coast surf series are so spesh they need to be included #soznotsoz.

Head to our list of Pinterest-worthy Gold Coast homewares stores for more inspo.

Vouchers & experiences
For the friend who already owns everything (including three air fryers and a suspicious number of beach umbrellas), experiences are where it’s at. Think memberships to the Gold Coast Suns for the footy fan who lives for game day, animal encounters at the theme parks for anyone who melts at the sight of a meerkat, or a voucher to check out the soon-to-open cliff park Happitat, because who doesn’t want bragging rights as “one of the first in”? These gifts don’t just unwrap well… they make you look like an absolute gifting genius.

Other Gifts
Annabel Trends is your go to for funky giftware and gorgeous home accessories! Every Gold Coaster appreciates a lush, premium quality beach or bath towel, just like those at Mayde Towels and no-one does environmentally-friendly natural skincare like Sabbia Co.

Give the gift of an instant bar with locally crafted The Bench Bar – a sleek bar that hooks over any railing. Perfect for summer gatherings, sunset drinks and easy entertaining.

Mermaid Beach-based STYLD. is always a great option for effortless gifting, and their Baby, Let’s Go Outside collection is a sunshine-soaked tribute to the Australian summer. With pieces that blur the line between indoor lounging and alfresco living, STYLD. nails that sweet spot where playful meets polished.

Small-batch, locally crafted jewellery from YCL Jewels is a great stocking filler, as is luxury hand-made artisan chocolate from Little Cocoa, who collaborate with esteemed local distilleries, artisans, and farmers to create bespoke chocolate experiences that reflect the essence of the Gold Coast.

And, last but not least, if you’ve yet to discover Good Neighbours, now’s the time! This Gold Coast gem curates the best selection of unique, Gold Coast goodies into beautifully packed boxes – handmade treats, boutique finds and thoughtful products that make the perfect stress-free Christmas gift while supporting local makers.

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Words by Bianca Trathen & Belinda Symons

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