Christmas Day Lunch on the Gold Coast for 2025

Give yourself a break this Christmas and dine out for Christmas Day lunch on the Gold Coast.

You’d be surprised how many restaurants are open on Christmas Day on the Gold Coast, offering stylish, festive, affordable, and family-friendly Christmas lunch in 2025.

How to use this Christmas Day lunch guide:

I have broken the list into:

• budget friendly options – under $100 per adult
• mid-range – between $100 – $200 per adult
• expensive – over $200 per adult

Families tip: I have found that the Southport Sharks books out super early, so do get in quick if that is your dining option of choice! And there are a few listings that I have put into an ‘Uber Expensive’ category as they are over $300pp.

Below I have written about all the Christmas Day lunch options that I know about for 2025. If you are looking for Christmas Eve, Christmas breakfast or even Christmas dinner options, check out my Christmas dining article on my dedicated Christmas website that has all those listed too!

Mid-range Christmas lunch options – $100 – $200

Southport Sharks – Southport

Enjoy a festive family night at Sharks with a delicious buffet from 5 PM featuring roasts, pizzas, salads, Asian dishes, pasta, and desserts. Kids can join in the fun from 5:30 PM with The LOL Crew, The Grinch, Fideous the Frog, face painting, and a special visit from Santa and Sharky.
Prices: Adults $49.90 | Kids (8–12) $25.90 | Kids (4–7) $18.90 | Under 3 Free.

Paradise Resort – Surfers Paradise

Celebrate Christmas with a lavish seafood and roast buffet at Penguins Restaurant, served by the Merry Chefs of Paradise. Enjoy a 2.5-hour drinks package, Santa visit with kids’ gifts, festive table decorations, and full access to the resort’s Waterpark.

Menu highlights: fresh prawns, oysters, smoked salmon, carvery roasts, hot mains, salads, and decadent desserts like pavlova, cheesecake, and Christmas pudding with brandy custard.

Includes: tea, coffee, soft drinks for kids, and beer or wine for adults (18+).
🎅 A stress-free Christmas with all the trimmings — just relax while the elves handle the rest!

Expensive – $200 – $300

VOCO – Surfers Paradise

voco Gold Coast offers the ideal venue for festive gatherings, with flexible spaces, customised menus, and an experienced events team to ensure a seamless celebration. Whether you’re planning a casual cocktail party or an elegant Christmas lunch, they’ll handle every detail for a stress-free experience.

Marriot Hotel – Surfers Paradise – Australian BBQ

Christmas Day Seafood ‘Fire & Ice’ buffet with chef live stations, plus seafood & grill, Chandon sparkling, tap beer and sangria.
When: Thu 25 December, 12–3pm.
Prices: Adults $265; Teens (13–17) $130; Kids (5–12) $65.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat – Canungra

Sea World Cruises – Main Beach

Celebrate Christmas Day in style aboard Spirit of Elston with Sea World Cruises. Enjoy a 2-hour festive cruise along the sparkling Gold Coast Broadwater, featuring a lavish Christmas buffet of fresh local seafood, roasted meats, vegetarian dishes, and a classic pavlova dessert. Guests can relax with an unlimited drinks package including local wines, bubbly, premium beers, and soft drinks. Kids receive a special complimentary gift, and the vessel offers spacious seating and scenic views.
Four sessions are available – two lunch and two dinner cruises, all departing from Sea World, Main Beach, with free parking provided.

The Island – Surfers Paradise

Spend Christmas in Surfers Paradise with The Island Gold Coast, offering two festive options:

🎄 Family Buffet (Glasshouse) – 11am–2pm
Seafood, roasts, veggies, salads & desserts.
Adults $189 | Teens $119 | Kids $89 | Under 3 Free. Drinks from bar.

🍾 Penthouse Buffet + Drinks (18+) – 11am–2pm
Seafood & roasts with a 3-hour drinks package (sparkling, wine, beer, sangria, cocktails).
$239 + bf, all-inclusive.

Groups seated together. Paid parking nearby. No refunds.

The Star – Broadbeach

Celebrate Christmas Day at The Star Gold Coast with festive dining across its signature venues:

🎅 Event Centre Buffet – 11am–3pm
Lavish buffet with seafood, roasts, desserts, 4-hour drinks, Santa visit & entertainment.
Adults $349 | Teens $195 | Kids $75 | Under 4 Free.

🍽️ Garden Kitchen & Bar – 12pm–3pm
3-course lunch with 3-hour drinks & Santa visit.
Adults $229 | Teens $120 | Kids $35 (Under 4 Free). Dinner à la carte also available.

🐉 Uncle Su – 12pm–2.30pm
Chinese set lunch by Chef Song Yao Su.
Adults $168 | Kids $80 | Under 4 Free. Private dining rooms also available.

🍣 Kiyomi – From 5.30pm
Christmas dinner à la carte.

🍝 Cucina Vivo – Sold Out (4-course lunch with drinks).

🍤 Harvest Buffet – Seafood buffet (Lunch sold out).
Adults $230 lunch / $195 dinner | Kids $60 lunch / $50 dinner | Under 4 Free.

✨ Choose your style – from family feasts to fine dining – and make your Christmas sparkle at The Star.

Uber Expensive – over $300

Marriott Hotel – Surfers Paradise (Seafood buffet)

Christmas Eve Dinner (24 Dec)
Festive seafood & grill buffet with Christmas treats, sparkling wine on arrival, and live entertainment.
🕠 5:30–7:30pm or 8:00–10:00pm
💰 Adults $185 | Kids (5–12) $90 | Kids (3–4) $40 | Under 2 Free

🍾 Christmas Day Lunch (25 Dec)
Luxurious seafood & grill buffet with live cooking stations, 3-hour premium drinks, free-flowing Moët & Chandon, entertainment, face painting & Santa visit.
🕛 12:00–3:00pm
💰 Adults $410 | Teens $310 | Kids (5–12) $210 | Kids (3–4) $90 | Under 2 Free

Marriott Hotel – Surfers Paradise (Grand Ballroom)

Christmas Day Lunch (25 Dec)
Celebrate in the JW Grand Ballroom with a festive seafood & grill buffet, live cooking stations, Moët & Chandon Champagne (3 hrs), live entertainment, face painting & Santa visit.
🕐 11:30am–2:30pm (shared sitting)
💰 Adults $375 | Teens $275 | Kids (5–12) $200 | Kids (3–4) $60 | Under 2 Free

🍤 Citrique Restaurant (Regular Dining)

• Fri & Sat Dinner: 5:30pm – Adults $129 | Kids $65
• Sunday Lunch: 12:00pm – Adults $99 | Kids $49
  Enjoy premium local seafood, roasts, Asian and Italian dishes, and exquisite desserts.

Yamagen at QT Hotel – Surfers Paradise

Celebrate in style with QT’s bold design, festive vibes, and lavish feasts. From elegant dinners to dance-all-night parties – make your year-end celebration unforgettable. Book now and toast to 2025!

The Fireplace Restaurant – Sanctuary Cove

Celebrate Christmas in luxury with a 6-course degustation lunch and premium beverages at The Fireplace, Gold Coast. Enjoy elegant festive décor, a special guest gift, and an unforgettable dining experience.
🕛 12pm–3pm | 💰 $489 per person | Limited seats – booking essential.

🍽️ Christmas Eve Seafood Buffet
When: Wed 24 Dec | From 5:30pm
Price: $89–$209 per person
Enjoy a festive seafood buffet crafted by Executive Chef Hamish Watt, blending classic Christmas flavours with modern Australian touches.

🎄 Christmas Day Degustation Lunch – The Fireplace
When: Thu 25 Dec | 12pm–3pm
Price: $489 per person
Experience a luxurious six-course fine-dining degustation with premium beverages in an elegant festive setting – each guest receives a special gift.

Imperial Hotel – Main Beach

🎄 Christmas Eve Dinner – Wed 24 Dec, from 5:30pm
Grand buffet with seafood, seasonal dishes, desserts, a glass of sparkling or house beverage, live music & Santa visits.
Adults $189 | Teens $99 | Kids $49 | Under 4 Free

🍾 Christmas Day Lunch – Thu 25 Dec, from 12pm
Lavish buffet with lobster, festive favourites, desserts, 3-hour drinks package, live music & Santa appearances.
Adults $399 | Teens $259 | Kids $149 | Under 4 Free

🌙 Christmas Day Dinner – Thu 25 Dec, from 5:30pm
Festive buffet with seafood, desserts, sparkling on arrival, live music & Santa visits.
Adults $189 | Teens $99 | Kids $49 | Under 4 Free

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences – Surfers Paradise

Celebrate Christmas in coastal style at Catch Restaurant, Hilton Surfers Paradise. Enjoy a festive buffet lunch from 12:30pm–3:30pm in a bright, relaxed setting with live entertainment.

Arrive early and enjoy 20% off drinks at Ms. Margot’s Bar & Eats before lunch.
Bookings essential.

The Star – Broadbeach

🎄 Christmas Eve Dinner (1.5 hr seating – 5pm to 8pm)
Adults $115 | Teens $115 | Kids (5–12) $35 | Under 4 Free

🍽️ Christmas Day Lunch – Sold Out
Adults $230 | Teens $100 | Kids (5–12) $60 | Under 4 Free

🌙 Christmas Day Dinner – 5:45pm–8:45pm
Adults $195 | Teens $90 | Kids (5–12) $50 | Under 4 Free

Pubs and taverns offering Christmas Day lunch on the Gold Coast

We love a good ol’ fashioned traditional Christmas lunch. If the above venues don’t suit you, check these out:

Palm Beach Hotel

Celebrate Christmas here this year with a festive buffet and drink package included.

💰 Pricing:

• Adults: $199
• Seniors: $120
• Teens (13–17): $110
• Kids (4–12): $70
• Kids (0–3): Free

🎄 Book now and enjoy a joyful Christmas feast with family and friends.

Burleigh Heads Hotel

Celebrate Christmas with a festive family feast at Burleigh Town Hotel. Enjoy a buffet of fresh seafood, succulent roasts, and decadent desserts in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

🕚 11am–2pm
💰 Adults $185 | Teens $85 | Kids (6–12) $65 | Under 5 Free

Limited spots – book now for a stress-free, joy-filled Christmas!

Miami Tavern (Sold out for 2025)

Varsity Lakes Tavern

Celebrate Christmas here this year with a festive buffet perfect for the whole family.

💰 Pricing:

• Adults: $165
• Seniors: $110
• Teens (13–17): $110
• Kids (4–12): $70
• Kids (0–3): Free

🍷 Optional: $50 drink package available.

Dog and Parrot Tavern

Celebrate Christmas here this year with a festive family buffet and optional $50 drink package.

💰 Pricing:

• Adults: $165
• Seniors: $110
• Teens (13–17): $110
• Kids (4–12): $70
• Kids (0–3): Free

🎁 Early Bird Offer: 10% discount on bookings made in advance.

• Lonestar Tavern
• Broadbeach Tavern
• Benowa Tavern
• South Tweed Tavern
• Surfers Paradise Beergarden
• Anglers Arms Hotel
• Cecil Hotel
• Hinterland Hotel / Motel
• Commercial Hotel
• Parkwood Tavern
• Dublin Docks Tavern
• Pacific Pines Tavern
• Oxenford Tavern
• Coomera Tavern
• Norfolk Tavern

Restaurants open as normal on Christmas Day

If you aren’t celebrating Christmas, or would just prefer something a bit more casual than a buffet Christmas lunch or set menu, these are some restaurants open Christmas Day for normal trade.

• Door 50, Mermaid Beach – 6-11am
• Easy Street Diner, Mermaid Beach – 5-9pm
• Finn Poké, Burleigh Heads – 11am-8pm
• Harajuku Gyoza, Broadbeach – 12-8pm
• Neptune Kiosk, Burleigh Heads – 5.30am-12pm
• Wavybone, Chirn Park – 5-11am
• The Lakeside, Robina Pavilion – pizza and beverages only

Families tip: If your pub/tavern/hotel of choice isn’t on my list above, check out the range of pubs/taverns run by ALH Group as most will be doing Christmas Day lunch.

Christmas Lunch Gold Coast style!

Tempted to dine out for Christmas Day lunch this year? Which venue gets your top pick? Let us know in the comments! 

Looking for more Christmas family fun on the Gold Coast?

If you love Christmas markets here’s where to find the best pop-up Christmas Markets on the Gold Coast in 2025.

Planning to take your family out to see Christmas lights? Read our article plus map to find the BEST places to see Christmas lights on the Gold Coast!

There’s so much Christmas fun planned for the Gold Coast again this year. Get all the event details here.