Christmas In Gold Coast

Christmas In Gold Coast Australia Ideas and Events

Starting in early December there is a build up to Christmas in Gold Coast that includes:

• Christmas Carols - at various parks and venues around Gold Coast
• Christmas Lights - a formal and informal competition to out do your neighbour with your decorating skills!
• Christmas Entertainment - special shows or variations to existing shows
• Christmas Lunches and Dinners - selection of places that serve traditional and more modern Christmas lunches and dinners running up to and over the Christmas holidays.
• Christmas Shopping - hints and tips on Christmas shopping, crowds and opening times over the holidays.

As it gets closer to Christmas and New Year there will be more information about the general celebrations. If you are looking to book a Christmas Lunch, Dinner or Christmas Entertainment I highly recommend booking in early.

Christmas in Gold Coast Australia 2011

You know Christmas is coming by early December on the Gold Coast because there are festive decorations in many of the shopping centres and local communities. Special Christmas shows and turkey on the menu also help to bring the Christmas feel to the area.

Officially Christmas holidays are celebrated in Australia starting with Christmas Eve on 24 December, Christmas Day 25 December and Boxing Day 26 December each year. Depending upon when these days fall other days may be designated as public holidays in lieu.*

Christmas Eve is usually a half day for office workers, but the shops stay open for that last minute shopping until the evening.

On Christmas Day you will generally find only the bare essential convenience shops open. Starting later in the morning, the roads get a little busier as local families head out to the beach, bbq, family get togethers or restaurants for Christmas Lunch and Dinner.

Australian families celebrate christmas (chrissy, xmas) with family on Christmas Day, some European families have their family dinners and gift giving on Christmas Eve. Often it is too hot to cook the traditional northern hemisphere fare of Roast Turkey with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding. Many Australian families eat seafood including prawns and have cold ice cream christmas puddings. Restaurants cater for the different tastes, and it is easier to eat roast turkey in airconditioning if you haven't had to slave over a hot stove to create it!

Traditionally in Australia, Boxing Day means Boxing Day Cricket Match, start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (on the TV) and of course the Boxing Day Sales for shopaholics!

Christmas in Australia also heralds the start of Australian Summer Holidays!

* Sometimes if Christmas and or Boxing Day fall on a weekend there are holidays in lieu or additional holidays. This changes each year. Check out the official holidays for Queensland. In 2011 the public holidays in Queensland fall as follows: Christmas Day Holidays Monday, 25 December 2011 whilst Boxing Day Holiday Tuesday 26 December 2011.

Christmas in Gold Coast - Shows and Entertainment

During the run up to Christmas in Gold Coast there are many activities and special shows as well as variations on existing shows and activities on the Gold Coast. Here are a selection.

White Christmas at MovieWorld - on selected nights in December at Movie World on the Gold Coast - see dates below.

First seen in 2010 Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast celebrates Christmas northern hemisphere style! Creating a Christmas wonderland with family entertainment and snow over several magical nights in December.

White Christmas at Movie World in 2011 looks amazing! As well as a huge display of fairy lights in Main Street, a parade, Looney Tunes Kwazy Christmas Live Show featuring all your favourite Looney Tunes Characters. Don't forget to look out for the Christmas carollers, 4-D Polar Express experience and the big man himself!

In true, Movie World style an evening Christmas Parade under a white snowy sky - yes you read that correctly - snow is forecast on the Gold Coast between 10 and 18 December!

Update: When White Christmas tickets become available, it is best to buy them early as they can sell out. In 2010, we missed out, so in 2011, we jumped in early and did not regret it. What a great evening at MovieWorld. Sometimes locals can take advantage of the combination offers. I will update this when details for 2012 become available (likely in November 2012).

WHITE CHRISTMAS DATES 2011
White Christmas Times
From 5.30pm - 8.30pm
From 10 to 18 December 2011

Christmas in Surfers Paradise 2011 - Christmas in Paradise! What could be better? Running from Friday 9 December to Saturday 24 December in Cavill Mall.

Enjoy the festivities during the run up to Christmas Day. You may catch sight of Santa and his six white boomers (like the Rolf Harris Song!). Don't forget to post your letter to Santa in Santa's mailbox. Watch the light show, sing along to Carols by Candlelight on 15th, 16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th December and get into the Christmas spirit with a traditional Christmas pantomime. It's all happening in the main precinct of Cavill Mall.

2010 Bush Christmas at Australian Outback Spectacular

From Tuesday 30 November through to Friday 24 December 2010, Australian Outback Spectacular is turning festive! Along with festive food including plum pudding, expect to see Santa, hear Christmas Carols and feel the Christmas spirit Aussie style! Bookings are essential and can be made without booking fees online.

Return to top Christmas in Gold Coast

Christmas in Gold Coast Carol Concerts

During December many community groups hold Christmas Carol Concerts to celebrate traditional songs and activities.

In this section you will find a selection of these christmas carol concerts and events listed by date.

I have highlighted a few of the big ones in yellow boxes.

Local radio and TV stations get involved with some of the larger events includ big name celebrities.

IMPORTANT: Many of these Christmas in Gold Coast events are outdoors, if it is raining or bad weather please check with individual event organisers to see if the event is still running or if it has been moved.

Sunday 4 December 2011

Christmas Carols at Varsity Lakes 2011 at Central Park Oval, Cnr Lake Street & Central Park Drive, Varsity Lakes. From 4pm to 6pm there will be pre-show entertainment and a family fun fair with free kids rides and activities. Carols will go from 6pm to 8pm. Food and drinks can be purchased and fireworks to wrap up the night. More information at www.varsitylakesonline.com.au

Combined Communities Carols By Candlelight at Movie World car park, Oxenford 5.30pm for pre-show entertainment and carols from 6pm to 9pm. Entertainment including Warner Brother Santa Bugs and other characters. Food and drinks available to purchase. Fireworks to finish off! More information at www.studiovillage.com.au

Return to top Christmas in Gold Coast

Saturday 10 December 2011

The Blenders Chorus Present Christmas in Woop Woop at Robina Community Centre, 196 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina. 2.30pm and 7pm shows. Family show with visits from Santa, Jamaican Bobsled Team, Mary and Joseph, Angels, Wisemen, A Cricket Team, Pirates and Elves - are you serious! Sounds like LOTS of fun. The Blenders Chorus are acclaimed entertainers so this should be lots of fun. You can book tickets ahead of time or on the door, if not sold out prior. More information at www.theblenders.com.au

Return to top Christmas in Gold Coast

Sunday 11 December 2011

Burleigh Rotary Carols in the Park PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED AS OF 5 DECEMBER 2011. John Handley Oval, Christine Avenue, Burleigh Heads. Family Christmas carols

Ormeau Carols presents The Little Drummer Boy at Brien Harris Oval Peachey Road at Ormeau. Entertainment with food and free rides from 4.30pm. Carols start at 7.30pm. Santa and fireworks! More information www.ormeaucarols.com

King's Carols at King's Christian Centre, 68 Gemvale Road, Reedy Creek from 6pm to 7.30pm. Family outdoor carols by candlelight starting at 6pm including family entertainment.

Return to top Christmas in Gold Coast

Monday 12 December 2011

Friday 16 December 2011

Alberton Community Christmas Carnival and Carols at St Peters Church, 185 Alberton Road Alberton from 3.30pm to 8.30pm. Lots of free activities and Santa is putting in an appearance. Food, BBQ and drinks available.

Return to top Christmas in Gold Coast

Saturday 17 December 2011

Nerang Celebrates Christmas at Bischoff Park in Nerang Street. From 2.30pm to 8.30pm. Rides operate from 2.30pm to 6.30pm. Lots of family and kids entertainment all afternoon with the main program starting at 6.30pm. Fireworks finale at 8.30pm. $1 rides, sausage sizzle, drinks, fairyfloss and animal farm.

Carols in the Park at Upper Coomera at John Siganto Park, Gawler Place, Upper Coomera. From 5.00pm to 9.00pm Community Christmas event and BBQ.

Southport Yacht Club Christmas Carols at Southport Yacht Club, Macarthur Parade, Main Beach. This year in the Jack Gordon Park next to the yacht club. Hosted by Hot Tomato (local radio station). Entertainment, boat procession, carols and a visit from Santa. We have been to this one and it is a great location and lots of fun. More information at www.southportyachtclub.com.au

Christmas in the Village in Tamborine Memorial Hall, Waterford Road, Tamborine Village which is at the bottom of the mountain! From 6pm to 9pm. Carols start at 7pm. This is Tamborine Village Lions Club host this Community event. Gold Coin donation, if it rains will be held inside. Bring your picnic rug or chair.

Return to top Christmas in Gold Coast

Sunday 18 December 2011

Jacobs Well Community Carols by Candlelight at Jacobs Well Community Centre - Riesenwebser Park on Bay Drive from 5pm for sausage sizzle carols from 6.30pm. Including carols by candlelight and fireworks.

Coolangatta Carols at Coolangatta beach Queens Elizabeth Park, opposite Showcase on the Beach from 3pm to 7pm 3pm to 4.30pm Ethno Australia Concert which brings together traditional folk musicians from around the world. Carols from 5.30pm to 7pm Entertainment and Santa visit. Presented by Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Tallebudgera Carols Under the Stars at Tallebudgera Community Church on Trees Road from 6pm to 9pm. Carols and entertainment from 7pm. Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus will be appearing. Santa will put in an appearance too! Sausage sizzle, drinks and other food on sale.

Gold Coast Salvos Carols on the Lawn at The Salvation Army on Wardoo Street (corner of Southport-Nerang Road) Southport. Pre-entertainment starts at 4.30pm with carols starting at 6.30pm. Entertainment, carols service, rides and food.

Return to top Christmas in Gold Coast

Saturday 24 December 2011

King's Christian Centre - Christmas Eve Service at King's Christian Centre Auditorium, 68 Gemvale Road, Reedy Creek. From 6.00pm to 7.30pm. Carols and service on Christmas eve.

IMPORTANT: If it is raining or bad weather please check with individual event organisers to see if the event is still running or if it has been moved.

Return to top Christmas in Gold Coast

Christmas in Gold Coast - Christmas Lights

Christmas lights are fast becoming a tradition in suburban Australia! From mid November onwards it is easy to spot who likes to keep up with the Joneses next door!

In the Gold Coast there is a competition held each year and around the 10th December, when the judging has finished, there is a list of the best of the Gold Coast! You can also go on a guided bus tour of the winners arranged by the Gold Coast City Council.

If you just want to check out the lights or are in town before the winners are announced, there are certain suburbs that seem to be very competitive! Try Ashmore, Arundel, Burleigh Waters, Carrara, Elanora, Helensvale, Ormeau, Oxenford, Pacific Pines (very competitive!), Robina, Upper Coomera, Varsity Lakes and Worongary.

Bus tours go from the Gold Coast Arts Centre nightly from 10 December to 24 December 2011 (Christmas Eve). Tours depart at 7pm are 3 hours long and $1 from each ticket goes to the Gold Coast Mayor's Christmas Appeal. You can see the lights without the traffic! Make sure you book with Murrays who operate the tours or GCCC website.

If you want to drive yourself, I have compiled a list of hotspots for the Christmas lights displays.

Return to top Christmas in Gold Coast

Christmas in Gold Coast - Lunches and Dinners

Many people attend Christmas parties or Christmas lunches or dinners in the run up to Christmas Day. However, this section is dedicated to eating out on Christmas Day in the Gold Coast.

Christmas Lunches on the Gold Coast - a very extensive page with plenty of options to choose from, plus some special lists that make it easier to find the kinds of Christmas lunches you are looking for. There tend to be more options for lunches rather than dinners on Christmas day, they are popular, do book out and are generally a little more expensive than their dinner counterparts.

Christmas Dinners on the Gold Coast - there aren't quite as many options for Christmas dinners as there are for lunches, but there are still a good selection to choose from for your Christmas night meal. Don't forget to book early as they will book out.

Some other pages of interest:

• Accommodation and Christmas Lunch on the Gold Coast
• Accommodation on the Gold Coast serving Christmas Lunch

Return to top Christmas in Gold Coast

Christmas Shopping in Gold Coast

There are two main parts to shopping at Christmas in Gold Coast one is shopping for Christmas presents and the other is what shops will be open on Christmas day.

If you are visiting from overseas or interstate, you may be surprised by the lack of shops open on Christmas Day.

Queensland has really strict retail laws which means that all the main supermarkets and chain stores are closed on Christmas day. You may find the local bakery open, but you will not find Coles, Woolworths or Aldi open and he local 7 Eleven or the 24 Seven may be open.

If you are planning on cooking for yourself in an apartment whilst staying over the Christmas period, make sure you plan your food and essentials shopping around the Christmas Shopping hours. Don't expect the shops to be open on Christmas Day!

All the Gold Coast Shopping centres are very busy in the run up to Christmas and many have extended shopping hours in the week running up to Christmas, however they will be closed on Christmas Day but open for the sales on Boxing Day!

If you can hold out and like bargains.... Boxing Day shopping is certainly an experience!

Return to top Christmas in Gold Coast

Christmas in Gold Coast Video

Here's something to whet your whistle to get into the Christmas spirit Gold Coast style. This video is from the Looney Tunes Characters Christmas extravaganza last year. In 2010 they will be ice skating as part of the Movie World White Christmas celebrations.

Please note, that whilst all care is taken to ensure the details are correct about Christmas in Gold Coast, things change. So please double check with the venues to ensure you are not disappointed or miss out on booking.

Christmas in Australia - Traditional and the Aussie Way!

Christmas in Australia has some similarities and some differences from other parts of the world.

Although a Christian celebration, the commercialisation of Christmas in Australia is often shown with reindeer and the man in the big red suit. Santa, St Nick, Father Christmas, you know the one I am talking about!

In Australia, Santa may wear shorts because of the heat and just like in the Rolf Harris song 6 White Boomers you may see kanagroos pulling Santa's sleigh!

Christmas cards may have outback Australia scenes with farm animals and men wearing Akubra hats with corks dangling from it to keep the flies away!

Most families celebrate Christmas together, or at least try to. Because Christmas is our summer holiday time, many families will travel to be together or go away together on holiday at this time.

Christmas Eve depending upon when it falls during the week, can be exceptionally busy for travellers. If Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then the Friday will also be unusually busy for travel.

On the roads drivers should take extra care when travelling whether a short or long distance.

If you are planning on travelling at this time, it is advisable to book rail, bus or flights well in advance and to secure your accommodation before travelling.

In 1989 I spent my first Christmas in Australia, you can read about my best Christmas vacation in Australia.

Custom Search

Back to Gold Coast in December, Gold Coast Events or Gold Coast Australia Home

Return to top Christmas in Gold Coast