Last updated: 11 November 2024
Get the big picture of the holidays in Southport! Our guide includes all the essential festive events and activities. For Southport regulars and one-time guests, our guide is your compass through the winter wonderland.
Popular events include the vibrant Gold Coast Christmas Carnival, where families can enjoy carnival rides, festive food stalls, and live entertainment that brings the spirit of Christmas to life. With dazzling lights and joyful sounds, the Christmas Markets at Broadbeach offer a delightful array of handcrafted gifts and local treats, perfect for gift shopping or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere. And the Pacific Fair Santa's Arrival Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a spectacular procession of floats, entertainment, and the all-important arrival of Santa himself. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Southport Holiday Markets and Shopping
Gold Coast Christmas Carnival
- What to Expect
- Joyful Christmas market with music and festive gifts.
- Description
- The Star Christmas Markets at Gold Coast University Hospital Forecourt offer a joyful ambiance with music, entertainment, and festive gifts. Visitors can enjoy photos in a festive sleigh and a visit from Santa. The market supports local families and loved ones in the hospital, with all donations going directly to the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation.
- Where
- Southport | More Info : Gold Coast Christmas Carnival
Christmas Markets (Broadbeach)
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts and festive entertainment.
- Description
- The Christmas Markets at Broadwater Parklands offer a relaxing stroll through a variety of unique gifts, delectable Yuletide treats, and real Christmas trees. Enjoy family entertainment, including outdoor movies, Santa's arrival by helicopter, and a life-size snow globe for family portraits.
- Where
- Broadbeach | More Info : Christmas Markets (Broadbeach)
Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Markets
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of local food, crafts, and festive entertainment.
- Description
- The Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Markets offer a vibrant evening of local food, unique crafts, and live entertainment. Enjoy a variety of gourmet food trucks, artisan provisions, and bespoke arts & crafts. The event features Old Macdonald's Farm with adorable animals, roving entertainment, and a visit from Santa Claus. The large grassy area is perfect for picnics, and the event is free with plenty of parking available.
- Where
- Beenleigh | More Info : Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Markets
Dreamworld Night Markets
- What to Expect
- Themed nights with live music and street performers.
- Description
- Dreamworld Night Market offers a vibrant atmosphere with food trucks, live music, and family entertainment. Enjoy special events like Live Pro Wrestling, Comedy Specials, and LEGO Workshops. The event features rides like the Dreamworld Flyer and Deep Sea Dodgems, and is open every Friday and Saturday from 5-9 PM.
- Where
- Coomera | More Info : Dreamworld Night Markets
Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Market
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local designers and artisans.
- Description
- The Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Market offers a vibrant celebration by the beach, featuring bespoke artisan handmade gifts, boutique clothing and accessories, local designers, and spectacular summer-themed decorations. Enjoy amazing live music, roving entertainment, and sweet treats.
- Where
- Surfers Paradise | More Info : Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Market
Southport Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Pacific Fair Santa's Arrival Parade
- What to Expect
- Santa arrives by surfboard, blending holiday traditions with local beach culture.
- Description
- Pacific Fair's Santa's Arrival Parade features a live Christmas show, giant Christmas parade, ballet international gala, and various workshops, including Santa photos and craft activities.
- Where
- Broadbeach Waters | More Info : Pacific Fair Santa's Arrival Parade
Robina Town Centre Christmas Events
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday celebrations with cutting-edge technology.
- Description
- Robina Town Centre's Christmas events feature interactive technology and virtual reality experiences, including digital North Pole sleigh rides and high-tech Santa photo booths.
- Where
- Robina | More Info : Robina Town Centre Christmas Events
The Globe's Big Christmas Party - Surfers Paradise
- What to Expect
- Live entertainment and door presents.
- Description
- Celebrate the festive season at The Globe's Big Christmas Party in Surfers Paradise. Enjoy live entertainment, try your luck with exciting door presents, and indulge in great quality food and drinks. This event is perfect for small teams or friends looking to celebrate big.
- Where
- Surfers Paradise | More Info : The Globe's Big Christmas Party - Surfers Paradise
Charlie Brown Christmas Concert & Party
- What to Expect
- Live performance by the dynamic duo from the Carlton Blues.
- Description
- The Charlie and Ed Curnow Live event at Southport Sharks features the dynamic duo from the Carlton Blues, offering a unique evening of live entertainment and insights into their lives and careers.
- Where
- Southport | More Info : Charlie Brown Christmas Concert & Party
Southport Other Holiday Activities
Australia Fair's Christmas Festivities
- What to Expect
- Diverse entertainment options including food sampling and movie screenings.
- Description
- Australia Fair offers a vibrant atmosphere with various activities, including food sampling, Seniors Month Celebrations, and a diverse range of movies at the Event Cinemas. The event features a mix of entertainment, dining, and community engagement.
- Where
- Southport | More Info : Australia Fair's Christmas Festivities
Bundall Christmas Party
- What to Expect
- Live racing action and festive feast package.
- Description
- Join us at the Gold Coast Turf Club for an unforgettable Christmas celebration featuring live racing action and a sumptuous festive feast package tailored to suit your needs. The event will be hosted in the Event Centre, offering direct access to the fence line of the home straight. Enjoy the Christmas cheer and revel in the festive atmosphere as you indulge in culinary delights.
- Where
- Bundall | More Info : Bundall Christmas Party
Christmas Day Lunch in the Event Centre
- What to Expect
- All-you-can-eat buffet with live entertainment and Santa visit.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas with a sumptuous all-you-can-eat buffet lunch and a 4-hour beverage package in the beautifully themed Event Centre Ballroom. Enjoy a variety of seafood, antipasto, cheese, and hot selections, along with live entertainment and a special appearance by Santa.
- Where
- Broadbeach | More Info : Christmas Day Lunch in the Event Centre
A Coastal Christmas - Seafood Buffet
- What to Expect
- Live entertainment and Santa's visit.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas Day with a spectacular seafood buffet featuring prawns, oysters, and ocean-fresh delights, perfectly paired with festive trimmings. Enjoy live entertainment and a special gift for every child under 12, with Santa making a visit to add to the joy of the occasion.
- Where
- Southport | More Info : A Coastal Christmas - Seafood Buffet
Christmas Day Family Buffet, The Island Gold Coast
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas buffet with diverse seafood and roast meats options.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas Day with a traditional buffet featuring the freshest hot and cold seafood, succulent roast meats, seasonal vegetables, refreshing summer salads, and indulgent desserts. The event caters to every taste, including children, with beverages available for purchase throughout the day.
- Where
- Surfers Paradise | More Info : Christmas Day Family Buffet, The Island Gold Coast
Christmas Festive Feast - Event Centre
- What to Expect
- Live racing and festive feast in a prime racecourse setting.
- Description
- Join Aquis Park Gold Coast for the Christmas Festive Feast at the Event Centre, featuring a full day of live racing action and a sumptuous festive feast package tailored to suit your needs.
- Where
- Gold Coast | More Info : Christmas Festive Feast - Event Centre