Sleigh the season – your guide to the Gold Coast’s best Christmas carol events
There’s a certain sparkle that settles over the Gold Coast at this time of year – when balmy evenings linger, parks fill with picnic blankets and carols float across beachside lawns. It’s a season of twinkling lights, community gatherings and families singing beneath the summer sky. From big-stage spectaculars to relaxed local celebrations by the sea, Christmas carols on the Gold Coast are more than a yearly ritual – they’re a chance to pause, come together and revel in the simple joy of the holidays. Here’s where to experience the most magical carols across the Gold Coast in 2025 …
Mayor’s Christmas Carols, HOTA, Surfers Paradise: The city’s biggest festive celebration returns to HOTA with two nights of star-powered entertainment on Saturday December 6 and Sunday December 7. From 4:00 pm the parklands come alive with pre-show activity, before the main event lights up the outdoor stage from 6:00–8:30 pm with live music, Looney Tunes mischief, Santa sightings and a sparkling fireworks finale. While stage-area tickets have already been snapped up, families can still roll out a blanket on the surrounding lawns and enjoy the show on giant screens under the summer sky. Find all of the info here.
North Burleigh Carols by the Sea, Ed Hardy Park, North Burleigh: Set against one of the Gold Coast’s most beautiful beachfront outlooks, North Burleigh’s annual carols event returns on Thursday December 4 with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. From 4:00 pm, the park transforms with kids’ activities, food trucks and festive market stalls, before the carols begin at 6:00 pm as the sun melts into the ocean. Expect coastal breezes, twinkling lights and plenty of sing-along moments.
Cooly Carols, Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta: Down south, Cooly Carols brings its trademark seaside magic to Queen Elizabeth Park on Sunday December 14. From 5:30 pm, families can enjoy a vibrant line-up of performances hosted by local favourite Nicka35, plus a skydiving Santa, an array of food trucks and a colourful fireworks finale. It’s one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic Christmas traditions – relaxed, lively and framed by the ocean.
Southport Community Christmas Carols, Southport Broadwater Parklands: Southport’s much-loved community celebration returns on Saturday December 6, filling the Broadwater Parklands with festive spirit from 4:00 pm. Families can expect face-painting, snow cones, live entertainment and a traditional carols set beginning at 5:30 pm. The vibe is warm, local and welcoming – the kind of neighbourhood gathering that feels like the true start of the season.Find more info here.
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Northern Gold Coast Carols, Brien Harris Oval, Ormeau: Up north, Ormeau’s community comes together for a joyful night of singing and celebration on Sunday December 14. Food trucks begin serving from 4:00 pm before the pre-show kicks off at 6:00 pm, followed by carols and a brilliant fireworks display. It’s a relaxed and well-loved event that draws families from across the northern suburbs year after year. Find details here.
Christmas at Frascott, Varsity Lakes: Get ready for a sparkling community celebration at Christmas at Frascott, taking over Frascott Park, Mattocks Road Varsity Lakes on Saturday December 6 2025 from 4:00–8:00 pm. This free, family-friendly event is packed with festive magic – think live Christmas carols, a snow zone, children’s activities, market stalls, food trucks and the big man himself arriving on stage. A live laser show will light up the park at 8:00 pm, making it equal parts picturesque and full-on festive fun. Bring the picnic blanket, bring the crew and settle in for one of the Coast’s most joyful evenings of the season. More info.
Pacific Pines Christmas Carols, Pacific Pines: This Saturday (November 29) from 4:00–8:30 pm, you’re invited to roll out a rug and enjoy an evening of sensational live music. Headlined by Guy ‘Mutto’ Mutton and his band, enjoy an evening of tunes under the stars, culminating in a spectacular fireworks finale. Meet the Gold Coast’s interactive singing Santa, Mrs Claus and Rudolf, and sing along to classic carols and modern holiday hits. There’s fun for the whole family with food trucks, market stalls, competitions, free face painting and balloon twisting.
Runaway Bay Carols by Candlelight, Runaway Bay: Also on Saturday November 29 from 5:00 pm, you can enjoy live performances from Sabrina Durante, Craig Martin, Sharon Rowntree, Vocal Waves, local school choirs, and a seven-piece band, plus Santa Claus and other beloved Christmas characters. Indulge in food vans, glow products, free face painting, and more, before the night ends with a spectacular fireworks display at 8:00 pm.
As always, things change! While we always do our best to keep things up-to-date, we always recommend checking with the event organiser’s page before setting out.