Best Christmas Events in the Gold Coast 2025

Nothing spreads Christmas cheer quite like carols and live performers, food trucks, unique gifts from local market stalls, and impressive firework displays.

If you’re ready to get into the festive spirit, then take a look at these FREE, family-friendly Christmas events happening on the Gold Coast in 2025. Think Christmas Carols 

Mayor’s Christmas Carols

The Mayor’s Christmas Carols is a two-night, family-friendly event with festive performances and a spectacular fireworks finale. You can expect to see Gold Coast’s very own pop sensation Ricki-Lee, the pioneer of toddler techno Lenny Pearce, a Looney Tunes Christmas Show, and Santa himself.

If you missed out on a ticket for the Outdoor Stage, you can set up a picnic blanket at HOTA Parklands for a screening of the event, surrounded by food trucks. 

Dates: Saturday 6th December and Sunday 7th December 2025 (6pm to 8:30pm) 

Location: HOTA (Home of the Arts), 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise 

Christmas Flicks & Fireworks 

Christmas Flicks & Fireworks is a two-night, family-friendly event featuring Christmas markets, beachfront movie screenings, and fireworks. This year's event includes a screening of The Santa Clause on the Friday and ELF on the Saturday. The markets open at 4pm, the movie screening starts at 7pm each night, and the fireworks display pops off at 8:30pm. 

Dates: Friday 12th December and Saturday 13th December 2025 (4pm to 8:30pm) 

Location: Esplanade, Surfers Paradise 

HOTA Christmas Twilight Markets 

HOTA Christmas Twilight Markets is sure to get everyone in the festive spirit with local artisans, festive foods, live tunes, Santa meet and greet, and a community atmosphere. It's a great opportunity for people to buy unique and festive gifts.

Dates: Saturday 20th December 2025 (4pm to 9pm) 

Location: HOTA (Home of the Arts), 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise 

Christmas at Greenheart 

Christmas at Greenheart is a community-focused affair featuring live music, Christmas carols, roving performers, arts and crafts, face painting, market stalls, food trucks, a surprise visit from Santa, and a fireworks finale at 8 PM.

Dates: Saturday 20th December 2025 (4pm to 8pm) 

Location: Greenheart Robina Parklands, Stadium Drive, Robina 

Christmas Markets GC 

Christmas Markets GC is a festive market under fairy-lit trees, with artisanal goods, handcrafted gifts, seasonal eats and Yuletide treats, live entertainment, Christmas carols, and Santa himself. 

Dates: Friday 19th December to Sunday 21st December 2025 (4pm to 10pm) 

Location: Macintosh Island Park, Main Beach Parade, Main Beach

Carols On The Lawn 

Carols On The Lawn brings locals together for an evening of festive cheer, live performances, and a spectacular fireworks finale. Hosted by the Triple M Gold Coast Breakfast Team, the much-loved event invites guests to sing along to their favourite Christmas songs under the stars. 

Dates: Thursday 11th December (5pm-8:10pm)

Location: Sanctuary Cove Marina Lawn, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

Tips for Visiting

December is such an enjoyable time of year, with everyone in the festive and gift-giving spirit, the sun shining high, and Santa on his way. However, when attending the many Christmas events across the Gold Coast, there are some things to consider, including: 

• Tickets. Although all these events are free, in some cases you are required to register your attendance so check event pages.
• Parking availability. Parking is very limited when events are happening, so consider using public transport.
• Seating availability. Most events will have limited or no seating, so bring a picnic blanket or camping chair for your own comfort. 
• The weather. Summer days on the Gold Coast can be warm, so remember to use sunscreen and stay hydrated. 
• Changes and cancellations. To avoid disappointment, check event pages for updates.