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Gold Coast Christmas Activities for Families with Kids

If you are looking for Gold Coast Christmas activities to keep everyone in the family in the Christmas spirit, look no further than this page jam-packed full of ideas for this year’s festive season. Living locally means we can round up all the very best events and activities on a day-to-day basis to ensure everything you need for your kids this Christmas is right at your finger-tips, right here.

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

Movie World White Christmas

movie-world-white-christmas

There is so much to see as you walk through the transformed theme park. The main street of Movie World will be lit up one million Christmas lights. In the centre of Main Street family Christmas movies are played on a big screen for everyone to enjoy. There will also be street performers and carollers to put everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Get everything you need to know here.

Gold Coast Christmas markets

Christmas Markets Gold Coast to Byron Bay 2016 Christmas market stand with baubles

If you want to shop local and NOT hit up your local Christmas shop on the Gold Coast, then check out our comprehensive list of Christmas Markets from the Gold Coast, through Tweed and down to Byron Bay for you and your family. Christmas Markets are one of the ‘must do’ Gold Coast Christmas activities to get you in the spirit!

Click here to find all the best Gold Coast Christmas markets for your family.

Christmas Carols from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay

Stars on stage at Christmas Carols Gold Coast

It’s that time of year, Carols by Candlelight. There’s no better way to shake off the bah humbugs than a good dose of Christmas carols with flameless candles lighting up angelic little faces. In this round up of the best Gold Coast Christmas activities, we’ve included a list of the very best places to enjoy Christmas Carols, Gold Coast to Byron Bay

We have the most up to date list of all the Gold Coast Christmas carols here.

The best Christmas lights Gold Coast

Christmas Lights Gold Coast Christmas activities

It’s only natural to want your kids to experience a magical Christmas they’ll treasure too. What better way to create a special new Christmas tradition than to hit the road and tour the Gold Coast Christmas lights? We have maps for Gold Coast North AND Gold Coast South – IN DRIVING ORDER!!

Enjoy the festive atmosphere and twinkling kaleidoscope of light and colour this Christmas. Here’s all you need to know about where you can start your search for the best Christmas lights on the Gold Coast this year!

Click here for the lists and maps.

Christmas lights bus tours on the Gold Coast

Looking for an easy way to see the Christmas lights this year? Why not consider a Gold Coast Christmas Lights bus tour in 2023!?

Find out about all the options for bus tours here.

Christmas in Surfers Paradise

gold coast christmas activities - christmas-in-surfers-paradise

If you are in Surfers Paradise this Christmas and looking for some ideas for celebrating the festive season, 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! 😉

You can find them all detailed in our article here.

Santa and Sensory Santa photo opportunities

sensory santa caring santa photos

Create memories with your family this Christmas and get in early to book your Santa photos at one of the local Gold Coast venues. If your child has special sensory needs this sensory overload can be very distressing, but a visit to a Sensory Santa (also known as Sensitive Santa and Caring Santa) means you can get that special family Santa photo after all.

You can get Santa photos across the Gold Coast here

You can get Sensory Santa photos on the Gold Coast here

Where to buy a real Christmas tree on the Gold Coast

Are you looking to track down the most stunning, real Christmas tree gold coast has to offer? We totally understand the need to breathe in that sweet pine scent not to mention how special a real tree looks decorated and surrounded by presents on Christmas morning.

Find a real Christmas tree locally here

Find the details here.

Gold Coast beaches

The Gold Coast is famous for the golden sands of its beaches. Stretching from Coolangatta to The Spit – there is enough beachfront for every Gold Coaster to enjoy. During summer, most beaches will have Lifesaving Patrols to help keep your family safe.

Kid-friendly spots include Greenmount at Coolangatta, Tallebudgera Creek at Currumbin and for those that want to get physical; Kurrawa at Broadbeach and Main Beach at Southport are popular options. For those with dogs who love a paddle, The Spit at the end of Seaworld Drive Main Beach is a popular haunt and has dog-friendly wash bays and showers to help rid you of the sand before the car trip home.

Explore nature

O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat located just under 25km from the Gold Coast and 70km from Brisbane is an excellent day out with large picnic and BBQ areas. This is best planned as a day trip as you will want to soak in the beauty of the Lamington National Park. Featuring 320km of walking tracks you will want to ramble and discover the amazing forest. Onsite is a restaurant and café area, natural toilet amenities and a wedge tail eagle show that you do not want to miss! You could also bring along a picnic for a cheaper day.

Check out the coolest Gold Coast parks

The Gold Coast offers a number of well-equipped and maintained parks for all ages to enjoy. The largest parkland on the Gold Coast is located at The Broadwater Parklands in Southport. With large outdoor fields and playground equipment galore including a jumping pillow, roving coffee carts selling cold drinks, coffee, and ice creams there’s heaps to keep every family happy. You could also bring a long a picnic. 

If it’s a hot day, be sure to take your swimmers and enjoy a dip at The Rockpools – an interactive water sculpture for kids and adults alike to enjoy. Staffed by lifeguards during the year, this is a great spot to cool off without burning a hole in your purse.

The GC Inflatable Aqua Park calls Broadwater Parklands home between September and April. Swim, jump, slip and slide along the 300m obstacle course of awesome inflatable fun. It is always best to book in advance, GC Aqua Park can also cater for parties.

You do need to pay for parking and it’s best to get in early as it does fill up quickly.

Photo of author

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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