The Strand at Coolangatta is embracing the spirit of the season this December, rolling out a full calendar of Christmas cheer for families, shoppers and beach-side wanderers. With the arrival of Santa Claus, hands-on creative workshops and a sweet pop-up for little bakers, the centre is transforming into a lively festive hub all month long.
Santa photos
Santa is swapping the North Pole for the coast from December 6–24, settling into Level 1 at The Strand between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm each day. Families can share their wish lists, snap a keepsake photo and choose from instant prints and magnet mementos. Bookings via the website are highly recommended and walk-ins are welcome. A special announcement about Santa Pet Photos is also on the way – keep an eye on The Strand’s Instagram page for dates, times and details.
Santa’s Bake House
From December 20–24, young visitors can pop into Santa’s Bake House for a free, drop-in decorating session that’s as sweet as the season itself. Running from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm with no bookings required, kids can get creative with both cookies and cupcakes, adding icing, sprinkles and festive touches to their edible masterpieces. It’s the perfect way to keep little hands busy between gift shopping and beach breaks, and a fun treat to take home afterwards.
Festive workshops with The Craft Parlour
Creatives can join The Craft Parlour for two weekends of intimate, artist-led workshops. Wreath-making sessions on the weekend of December 6–7 invite guests to craft a fresh, custom design, while the bauble-making sessions on December 13 and 14 offers the chance to personalise ornaments to match this year’s tree theme. Each workshop runs from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on the ground floor near Boardriders, and spots are just $5 per person. Be quick to book online.
The Strand’s festive line-up is bringing creativity, colour and Christmas spirit to Coolangatta’s beachfront throughout December. Visit the website for details and workshop bookings.