Discover the charm of the season in Sunshine Coast with our detailed guide. Whether you're a Sunshine Coast regular or a once-in-a-lifetime guest, this guide makes your holidays magical.
Start your festive journey with Carols on Kings Beach, an evening filled with merry songs and a joyful atmosphere by the sea. Experience the twinkling lights and creative displays at the Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade, where local boats bring the holiday spirit to life. And the Christmas Twilight Markets are something you definitely don't want to miss, offering unique gifts and delicious holiday treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Illuminated boat procession along the Mooloolah River
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Mooloolaba's waterways sparkle with a procession of brilliantly decorated boats. This nautical spectacle showcases the region's maritime heritage while embracing the holiday spirit. Spectators line the shores to witness vessels of all sizes adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The event pays homage to Mooloolaba's fishing village roots, dating back to the late 19th century.
Rural properties transformed with elaborate light displays
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Maleny's rolling hills twinkle with an impressive array of Christmas lights. Rural properties throughout the hinterland create elaborate displays, turning the countryside into a luminous spectacle. This event showcases the creativity and community spirit of the Sunshine Coast's rural residents. Visitors can take a self-driven tour of the best displays. The tradition of hinterland light displays began in the 1990s.
Mountain village transformed with holiday decorations
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Montville's charming mountain village atmosphere is enhanced with elaborate holiday decorations. The town's quaint shops and galleries are adorned with lights and festive displays, creating a picturesque holiday scene. This event showcases Montville's artistic community and scenic beauty. Visitors can join guided tours of the town's best-decorated spots. Montville has been a popular tourist destination since the 1920s, known for its arts scene.
Evening market with local artisans and gourmet food
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Caloundra's twilight markets buzz with the energy of local creativity. Artisans showcase handcrafted gifts while the aroma of gourmet treats fills the air. This event highlights the Sunshine Coast's thriving maker community and culinary scene. Visitors can participate in wreath-making workshops led by local florists. The markets continue a tradition of supporting small businesses that began in the early 2000s.
Eumundi's famous markets take on a holiday twist with this Christmas extravaganza. Local artisans and craftspeople showcase unique, handmade gifts and decorations. The event celebrates Eumundi's reputation as an arts hub, blending creativity with holiday cheer. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts. The markets have been a cornerstone of Eumundi's identity since their inception in 1979.
Caloundra's Kings Beach transforms into a melodious seaside celebration. Visitors can join in singing traditional carols while waves gently lap the shore. This event blends Australian beach culture with holiday traditions, creating a uniquely coastal Christmas experience. You'll have the opportunity to decorate a sandcastle Christmas tree. The first Carols on Kings Beach was held in 1978, marking over four decades of community spirit.
Open-air concert featuring local and national performers
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Maroochydore's night sky serves as a celestial backdrop for this outdoor musical celebration. The concert brings together local talent and national acts for an evening of holiday melodies. This event showcases the Sunshine Coast's vibrant music scene. Attendees can bring picnic blankets and enjoy the performances under the stars. The concert venue, Cotton Tree Park, has been a community gathering place since the early 20th century.
Community-led carol singing in historic village setting
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Buderim's village atmosphere comes alive with the sound of communal caroling. This grassroots event brings together residents and visitors in a display of community spirit. The carols echo through Buderim's tree-lined streets, creating an intimate holiday experience. Participants can join a lantern-making workshop before the event. Buderim's community carols tradition dates back to the early settlers of the 1860s.
Peregian Beach's shoreline resonates with the sound of holiday melodies. This laid-back event combines caroling with a community picnic, embodying the relaxed coastal lifestyle. The event showcases the strong community bonds of this beachside town. Attendees can participate in a beach cleanup before the carols begin. Peregian Beach's first Christmas carols event was held in the 1970s, shortly after the town's development.
Cotton Tree Park's lush surroundings provide a picturesque setting for this carol-singing event. The gentle flow of the Maroochy River adds a soothing backdrop to the holiday melodies. This event highlights the natural beauty of Maroochydore's riverside areas. Visitors can join in a community singalong led by local choirs. Cotton Tree Park has been a focal point for community gatherings since the early 1900s.
Coolum Beach's Tickle Park becomes a hub of holiday cheer with this community celebration. Local performers take center stage, showcasing the town's artistic talent against a backdrop of coastal scenery. This event highlights Coolum's strong sense of community and love for the arts. Attendees can participate in a community art project during the festivities. Coolum's Christmas in the Park tradition began in the early 2000s.
Nambour's community comes together for an evening of carol singing steeped in local history. The event takes place in the town's historic center, surrounded by buildings that tell the story of Nambour's past. This celebration combines holiday traditions with a nod to the town's heritage. Visitors can explore a display of vintage Christmas decorations from Nambour's early days. The community carols have been a Nambour tradition since the 1950s.
Cooroy embraces its small-town roots with a community-wide decorating effort. The entire town transforms into a holiday haven, with businesses and homes alike adorned in festive finery. This event showcases Cooroy's strong community spirit and rural charm. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of the town's most elaborately decorated spots. Cooroy's Christmas celebrations date back to its founding as a timber town in the late 1800s.
Aussie World undergoes a dramatic holiday makeover, blending Australian themes with Christmas cheer. The park's rides and attractions are adorned with lights and decorations, creating a unique fusion of thrills and holiday spirit. This event offers a distinctly Australian take on Christmas celebrations. Visitors can meet a surfing Santa and his kangaroo reindeer. Aussie World has been entertaining families since 1989.
Riverside carnival with holiday-themed rides and games
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Tewantin's riverbank comes alive with a carnival atmosphere infused with holiday spirit. Traditional fairground rides and games take on a Christmas twist, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and seasonal cheer. This event celebrates Tewantin's history as a river port town. Visitors can try their hand at holiday-themed carnival games. The carnival continues a tradition of riverside celebrations that began in the early 20th century.
Historic town center hosts community-wide celebration
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Yandina's historic main street comes alive with a vibrant street party. The town's heritage buildings provide a charming backdrop for this community-wide celebration. This event highlights Yandina's rich history and strong community bonds. Visitors can enjoy performances by local musicians on a heritage-listed stage. Yandina, one of the Sunshine Coast's oldest towns, has been celebrating Christmas in its historic center since the late 1800s.
Christmas carnival with iconic Glasshouse Mountains backdrop
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The Glasshouse Mountains provide a stunning natural backdrop for this Christmas carnival. Traditional carnival rides and games are given a holiday twist, creating a unique blend of fun and festive spirit. This event celebrates the region's natural beauty and agricultural heritage. Visitors can take part in a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt around the carnival grounds. The Glasshouse Mountains have been a significant landmark for both Indigenous and European cultures for centuries.
