Eat, drink and be merry – here are some top spots for Christmas Day dining on the Gold Coast
There’s something extra special about letting someone else handle the cooking on Christmas Day. Whether you’re craving a seafood buffet by the beach or a long, elegant lunch with all of the trimmings, there are plenty of festive feasts to choose from. We’ve rounded up the best spots serving Christmas Day lunch on the Gold Coast – so gather your loved ones, raise a glass and celebrate the most time of the year.
The Langham, Gold Coast
At The Langham, Gold Coast, Christmas Day takes on a touch of coastal glamour festive feast set within the opulent Diamond Ballroom. The ocean-view space will transform into a Christmas wonderland filled with elegant decor, festive touches and even a surprise visit from Santa. Executive chef Mark Marshall’s menu spans the best of land and sea – think rock lobster, oysters, Moreton Bay bugs, dry-aged Peking duck, wagyu rump cap and all of the trimmings – followed by a decadent dessert spread featuring pink pavlova, matcha cheesecake, pecan pie and more. Whether you’re gathering with family, friends or loved ones, it’s a chance to slow down and savour the most wonderful time of year at one of the Gold Coast’s most luxurious beachfront settings. Seats are limited – book early.
QT Gold Coast
Step into QT Gold Coast’s grand ballroom this Christmas Day for a festive feast brimming with flavour, flair and fun. Begin with a Christmas cocktail on arrival before diving into a bountiful seafood spread of Crystal Bay prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, oysters, clams, mussels and local crab. The carvery station serves up roast turkey, smoked leg ham and dry-aged sirloin, while a decadent dessert spread tempts with brandy pudding, 24-month-soaked fruit-mince pies and a flowing chocolate fountain. Free-flowing drinks keep the cheer alive for three indulgent hours, with live music, gingerbread-house decorating and a visit from Santa adding to the magic. Book your table here.
Sofitel Gold Coast, Broadbeach
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach is bringing a touch of luxe to your Christmas Day with a lavish lunch buffet set beneath the glittering chandeliers of the Grand Ballroom. Guests will be welcomed with a drink on arrival, followed by a three-hour premium beverage package, live music and a feast brimming with festive favourites. Expect ocean-fresh seafood including Whitsunday tiger prawns, oysters, Moreton Bay bugs and sashimi, alongside a parmesan-wheel pasta station and carvery of hot honey-roasted ham, pork belly and pistachio-and-cranberry-stuffed turkey. To finish, indulge in the likes of hot pudding with brandy sauce, chocolate-Drambuie fruit cakes and creamy housemade ice-cream. This is set to be a truly decadent Christmas celebration – head here to book your seats.
Southport Sharks
Christmas morning starts right at Frenzy’s, where Southport Sharks keeps the festive buzz alive with a Christmas Day breakfast buffet for the whole family. The spread is loaded with all of the favourites – crispy bacon, golden hash browns, fluffy scrambled eggs, juicy sausages, roasted mushrooms and buttery pastries – alongside syrup-drenched hotcakes, fresh fruit and barista-made coffee. Little ones can soak up the post-present excitement while parents sit back and relax over a hearty, fuss-free breakfast. And later in the day, the celebrations continue with a lavish Christmas lunch buffet at the Sharks Events Centre, featuring fresh seafood, live entertainment and a visit from Santa himself.
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The Valley Estate
In the heart of Currumbin Valley, The Valley Estate brings refined charm to Christmas Day with a six-course chef-curated lunch. Guests will start in The Glasshouse, enjoying festive decor, champagne and premium wines before grazing on seafood, charcuterie and freshly shucked oysters. The main event in The Manor pairs classic Christmas flavours with native ingredients – think confit squid with marigold oil, prawn agnolotti with lemon-aspen beurre blanc, pork loin with crackle, and desserts like burnt meringue with local mango and cinnamon-myrtle cream. For bookings, head here.
The Star Gold Coast
This Christmas Day, The Star Gold Coast will come alive with festive feasts and events being held across all venues. Get the party vibes flowing at The Event Centre, where an all-you-can-eat buffet and a four-hour beverage package await, along with entertainment, a photobooth and a visit from Santa himself. Get ready to feast at Harvest Buffet, with fresh oysters, prawns, sushi, crabs and mussels on offer, along with roasts from the carvery and a dessert bar – complete with a flowing chocolate fountain. Garden Kitchen & Bar is serving up a three-course Christmas lunch, plus a beverage package and a visit from the big guy, while Uncle Su will host a set festive lunch of Asian cuisine, with everything from scallop dumplings and coral-trout fillet to chicken Shu Mai with truffle and coconut pudding. For a Japanese twist, Kiyomi’s visionary chefs bring the flavours of Tokyo to your merry celebration with an a la carte Christmas dinner offering. Prefer to feast at home? The Star’s Christmas hampers are packed with festive essentials like smoked ham, roasted turkey breast, Tasmanian salmon and more. To see all of the Christmas day dining options available at The Star, head to the website.
Mondrian Gold Coast
Prefer your Christmas feast with a side of sea breeze? Mondrian Gold Coast has you sorted, with Haven and Lito dishing up sun-kissed plates, local seafood and plenty of festive flavour. At Lito, gather the crew for Christmas Day lunch or dinner and tuck into coastal Italian favourites like house-baked focaccia, chilled frutti di mare, roast bone marrow, melon with prosciutto, bay-lobster ravioli, grilled White Pyrenees lamb and Tweed Coast fish with all of the trimmings. Over at Haven, Christmas lunch is sold out, but a few spots remain for dinner – expect wagyu prime rib, market fish and merry-good sides. Jump to the website to book.
Robina Pavilion
Save yourself the trouble of shopping, cooking and cleaning this Christmas, and treat your nearest and dearest to the ultimate festive lunch at Robina Pavilion. The Christmas Lunch Buffet features everything from antipasto to a cold seafood selection brimming with Pacific oysters, wild king prawns, Moreton Bay bugs and smoked salmon rosettes. There’s also maple-baked ham, slow-roasted beef sirloin and baked salmon paired with farm-fresh salads and greens. Finish it all off with a stop at the dessert station. Book here.
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Hyde Paradiso
Celebrate Christmas lunch with ocean views at Hyde Paradiso, where a festive feast awaits. Enjoy a cocktail on arrival and a three-hour spritz-filled beverage package, then dive into the Hyde Signature X-mas Buffet with fresh seafood, a lavish carvery and classic Christmas fare. A Santa visit, bonbons and kids’ gifts complete the magic. Bookings can be made here.
No Bones Byron Bay
Fancy a trip south of the border? Byron Bay’s plant-based favourite No Bones is bringing the festive cheer with a flavour-packed vegan Christmas banquet celebrating local and native ingredients. Two sessions are available – midday and 3:00 pm – for early birds or late lunchers. Expect creative, sustainable dishes, warm hospitality and a little Christmas magic. To book, jump over here.
Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
This Christmas, The Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove is hosting a couple of special events in honour of the festive season. Stop by on the night before the day for a Christmas Eve seafood buffet curated by executive chef Hamish Watt and his team, to showcase modern Australian flavours. Remember to save some room for the in-house pastry chef’s decadent dessert collection traditional Christmas Yule log, fruit mince pies and other indulgent sweets. For those seeking an exclusive Christmas Day experience, step inside signature restaurant The Fireplace to enjoy an all-inclusive degustation lunch, complete with a personalised gift for every guest. This highly exclusive experience has limited seats available, so get in now.
RACV Royal Pines
At RACV Royal Pines Resort, Christmas Day takes a whimsical turn as the ballroom transforms into Candy Cane Lane – a festive wonderland of red-and-white elegance, sparkling touches and joyful cheer. Guests will enjoy a lavish buffet lunch featuring fresh Australian seafood from prawns and oysters to Moreton Bay bugs, alongside glazed ham, roast turkey and decadent desserts. A three-hour premium beverage package, live music and a visit from Santa create a fun, family-friendly experience for Christmas Day. Head here to book.
Terraces at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is decking the halls for a truly festive Christmas Day luncheon this year at Terraces restaurant. Enjoy a glass of Ruinart Champagne on arrival, before indulging at the sushi and sashimi station, and working through the charcuterie spread. Fill your plates at the gourmet carvery with all of the trimmings, visit the laksa station, then finish up at the beautifully displayed dessert bar. The day will feature entertainment and a visit from Santa. Book your spot here.
The Island Gold Coast
The Island Gold Coast is serving up a relaxed, family-friendly Christmas Day in the heart of Surfers Paradise. The Christmas Day Family Buffet brings together all of the favourites – from fresh prawns, oysters and roast turkey to glazed ham, seasonal vegetables, crisp summer salads and a line-up of classic desserts to finish. The first sitting (11:00 am to 2:00 pm) has sold out, but the second sitting (3:00–6:00 pm) is now available in The Island Glasshouse. For bookings, head here.
The Sandbar
Prefer something a little more laid back? Sandbar in Surfers Paradise is hosting a relaxed, beachside Christmas Day buffet lunch, serving all of your festive favourites alongside a three-hour drinks package. With ocean views and an easy coastal vibe, it’s the ideal spot for those seeking a laid-back way to celebrate the day. Book here.
Burleigh Town Tavern
For those who’d rather ditch the kitchen, Burleigh Town Tavern is serving a relaxed Christmas Day buffet loaded with crowd-pleasing classics. From trawler-fresh seafood and juicy roasts to decadent desserts, it’s an easy, delicious way to celebrate with family and friends – no cooking required. Visit the website to book.