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Christmas in Surfers Paradise: Festive Fun for Families in 2023

If you are in Surfers Paradise this Christmas and looking for some ideas for celebrating Christmas, have we got a whole bunch of ideas for you! Because we live here, we know all the best things to do and when they are on. Thank us later! 😉

Christmas in Surfers Paradise 2023

The Gold Coast is one of the best places to spend Christmas – sun, surf and sand!  What more could you want?  There are so many fantastic events to get into the Christmas spirit locally including: 

If you would like to update your entry or add to our article, please email Janine – Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au

Christmas in Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise Aerial View
Surfers Paradise Aerial View

What could be a more Australian way to celebrate the holiday season than Christmas in Surfers Paradise? Cavill Mall decked in Christmas lights, with the backdrop of the Gold Coast’s world-renowned beaches, everyone in the singlets, shorts, and thongs; it is the perfect Australian Christmas destination.

Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Market | Various dates | 2023

The Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Markets are a must-see if you’re visiting the Gold Coast. It’s time to get into the festive spirit and treat yourself, by heading down to the beachside to enjoy a range of local handmade gifts, terrific tunes, sweets and treats, entertainment for Santa’s little helpers, and to have a unique, unforgettable outdoor shopping experience in paradise.

Upcoming dates

  • Wednesday, 13 December 2023 | 04:00 PM – 09:00 PM
  • Friday, 15 December 2023 | 04:00 PM – 09:00 PM
  • Saturday, 16 December 2023 | 04:00 PM – 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday, 20 December 2023 | 04:00 PM – 09:00 PM
  • Friday, 22 December 2023 | 04:00 PM – 09:00 PM
  • Saturday, 23 December 2023 | 04:00 PM – 09:00 PM

You’ll find sand and market stalls…not snow along The Esplanade in Surfers Paradise from 4pm ‘til 9pm. 

Find more Gold Christmas Markets here. 

Movies under the Stars | Various movies/Various dates | 2023

What better way to spend an evening than outdoors watching a movie under the stars?

City of Gold Coast Movies Under the Stars program is free, family-friendly fun!  Gather your family and friends, pack a picnic or take advantage of the delicious food options available.

Films that are screening this festive season include: Elf, ET and Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer. Movies screen in various Gold Coast locations.

You can find more details on the Movies under the Stars here.

Carols On the Beach | Sunday 17 December | 2023

Carols on the Beach at Surfers Paradise is the biggest Christmas Carols event on the Gold Coast. It’s a free, family-friendly event that takes place right on the beach. The concert boasts a lineup of all Australian performers as well as a visit from Santa and his helpers for the kids. It’s always an amazing, magical night under the stars.

Date: Sunday 17th December 2023

Time: 6 pm – 8 pm

You can find more information on Carols on the Beach here.

Past Christmas events Surfers Paradise


Magical Christmas at Skypoint

SkyPoint has a few tricks up their sleeve these school holidays as we bring magic to the top of the Gold Coast! The explosive performance will feature acts of spectacular juggling, levitation, amazing feats of balance and mind-boggling stage illusions that will shock, stun, and amaze your little ones.

Be entertained, as hosts Jason Gray and Rhett Morrow create astonishing scenes that you’ll need to see to believe, all at the most impressive location, 77 levels above the beautiful Gold Coast. Guests can experience the show as part of their entry ticket to SkyPoint Observation Deck! There is no need to book tickets, this show is free with your annual pass or entry ticket to SkyPoint Observation Deck! Daily 1pm and 2pm.

There is more information on Magical Christmas here.

Surfers Paradise Christmas events

There is so much to look forward to with Christmas at Surfers Paradise! We’d love to hear about any events we’ve missed. Please tell us about them in the comments.

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Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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