We confirmed 17 Christmas events for kids on the Gold Coast for 2026. The season starts on 28 November with Mayor's Christmas Carols and runs until 20 December (Surfers Paradise Christmas Flicks & Fireworks). 17 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Australia.
The short version
- 17 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Hope Island, Southport, Surfers Paradise, Varsity Lakes and Broadbeach
- First: Mayor's Christmas Carols, Surfers Paradise, 28 November
- Free events: Mayor's Christmas Carols, Runaway Bay Carols by Candlelight, Santa's Arrival and Buggy Parade, North Burleigh Carols by the Sea, Christmas at Frascott and Tugun Lights Up 2026
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by suburb, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (booking, ages, what is included).
Gold Coast Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 17 confirmed for 2026
- Suburbs
- Hope Island, Southport, Surfers Paradise, Varsity Lakes, Broadbeach, Coolangatta, Coomera, Currumbin Waters, Miami, Palm Beach, Robina, Runaway Bay and Tugun
- Season
- 28 November to 20 December
- Free events
- 17
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Hope Island
2 confirmed events in Hope Island, soonest first.
Santa's Arrival and Buggy Parade (Hope Island)
Christmas paradeFreeSanctuary Cove · Hope Island
- Host
- Sanctuary Cove (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sanctuary Cove, Masthead Way, Hope Island 4212 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Sat, Nov 28, from 10 am
- Cost
- Free (fee to register a buggy)
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Sanctuary Cove, with Ray White Sanctuary Cove, marks the start of the festive season with Santa's Arrival Parade, which includes the much-loved Rotary Hope Island Buggy Parade. Creatively decorated buggies make their way through the village, joined by cheerful costumed characters spreading some holiday magic.
After the parade there is a Santa Show, and a sausage sizzle raises funds for Rotary Hope Island. Watching the parade is free, while there is a cost for anyone who wants to enter a buggy, with a prize for the best decorated entry. Being a morning event, it is a good fit for families with toddlers and preschoolers who are not up for a late evening carols night, and Sanctuary Cove's cafes are close by.
Parent tip: Free to watch. Bring a few coins for the Rotary sausage sizzle.
See dates and details from Sanctuary Cove (opens in a new tab)Carols on the Lawn & Christmas Market at Sanctuary Cove (Hope Island)
Christmas carolsFreeSanctuary Cove · Hope Island
- Host
- Sanctuary Cove (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Marina Lawns, Sanctuary Cove, Masthead Way, Hope Island 4212 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Thu, Dec 10, 4 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Carols on the Lawn is one of Sanctuary Cove's best loved Christmas traditions, and in 2026 it adds the village's first Christmas Market. The market runs from 4 pm to 8 pm with festive gifts, handmade treasures, Christmas decorations and seasonal treats, which is handy for some Christmas shopping.
From 5 pm families can settle in on the Marina Lawn with a picnic blanket for live Christmas carols, festive performances and family entertainment. At 8 pm the sky above Sanctuary Cove Marina lights up with a fireworks finale. Entry is free, and the Marine Village has waterfront dining and shops for families who want to make a full evening of it. Being a Thursday, it can be a more relaxed option than weekend carols.
Parent tip: Carols start at 5 pm and fireworks are at 8 pm. Bring a picnic blanket for the lawn.
See dates and details from Sanctuary Cove (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Southport
2 confirmed events in Southport, soonest first.
Alicia Street Christmas Fair (Southport)
Meet SantaFreeCr Brooke Patterson, City of Gold Coast · Southport
- Host
- Cr Brooke Patterson, City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Alicia Street, 28 Alicia Street, Southport 4215 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Sun, Dec 6, 4:30 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Alicia Street Christmas Fair is a local Christmas celebration in Southport organised by Division 6 Councillor Brooke Patterson. It brings together the local community, schools, businesses and residents for a Sunday evening of festive fun on Alicia Street.
The programme includes live music, market stalls, inflatable fun, games and activities, and specials from local restaurants for families who want to stay for dinner. The highlight for many children will be a visit from Santa Claus. It runs from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm, which is a manageable time slot for younger children before a school or work week. Entry is free, and the council encourages public transport, walking or cycling as street parking may be limited.
Parent tip: Free entry. Parking may be limited, so walking, cycling or public transport is encouraged.
See dates and details from Cr Brooke Patterson, City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)Broadwater Christmas Twilight (Southport)
Meet SantaFreeCity of Gold Coast · Southport
- Host
- City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Great Lawn, Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport 4215 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 3 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Free entry (jumping castle small fee)
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Broadwater Christmas Twilight turns the Great Lawn at Broadwater Parklands in Southport into a seaside Christmas market for the afternoon and evening. Stalls feature handcrafted gifts, artisan creations and local treasures, alongside live holiday music, roving entertainment and plenty of food.
For children there is free face painting, free messy play and a free family interactive game show, plus a kids magic craft activity. A jumping castle is available for a small fee, and Santa makes an appearance. There is even a Christmas photo prop area for dogs. The event runs from 3 pm to 9 pm, so families can choose an afternoon visit or stay for the twilight atmosphere by the water. Bring a picnic blanket and make an evening of it.
Parent tip: Most children's activities are free, but the jumping castle has a small fee.
See dates and details from City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Surfers Paradise
2 confirmed events in Surfers Paradise, soonest first.
Mayor's Christmas Carols (Surfers Paradise)
Christmas carolsFreeCity of Gold Coast · Surfers Paradise
- Host
- City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- HOTA Outdoor Stage and HOTA Parklands, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise 4217 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Sat, Nov 28 and Sun, Nov 29, 6 to 8:30 pm (parklands from 4 pm)
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Mayor's Christmas Carols return to HOTA, Home of the Arts, for a 15th year across two nights. The 2026 line-up is led by Samantha Jade and DJ Havana Brown, with the Royal Navy Band Queensland, Warner Bros. Movie World's Looney Tunes Christmas Show and a visit from Santa. The main show runs from 6 pm to 8:30 pm and ends with fireworks, and Auslan interpreters are on hand.
The free ticket allocation for the HOTA Outdoor Stage area has already gone, but families can still come along without a ticket. The HOTA Parklands open from 4 pm with big screens showing the concert, food trucks and free Ferris wheel rides for the whole family. Bring a picnic blanket, claim a patch of lawn early and enjoy the show from the parklands.
Parent tip: Outdoor Stage tickets are exhausted, so plan to watch on the big screens in the HOTA Parklands, which open from 4 pm.
See dates and details from City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)Surfers Paradise Christmas Flicks & Fireworks (Surfers Paradise)
Christmas showFreeCity of Gold Coast · Surfers Paradise
- Host
- City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Surfers Paradise Beach (at the Surfers Paradise sign), The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise 4217 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Sundays, Dec 6, 13 and 20, movies from 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Surfers Paradise Christmas Flicks & Fireworks brings three festive Sunday evenings to the beach beside the Surfers Paradise sign. The movies are Elf on 6 December, The Grinch on 13 December and Home Alone 2 on 20 December, all screened free on the sand from 7 pm.
From 4 pm the Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Markets offer handmade gifts, festive food and local treasures, so families can make an afternoon of it. Each night there are fireworks at 8 pm, part way through the film, which is a lovely moment for children. The event is presented by the City of Gold Coast and needs no tickets. Bring a picnic blanket and settle in early, as beach space near the screen fills up on warm evenings.
Parent tip: No tickets needed. Arrive from 4 pm for the markets and to claim a spot on the sand before the 7 pm movie.
See dates and details from City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Varsity Lakes
2 confirmed events in Varsity Lakes, soonest first.
Christmas at Frascott (Varsity Lakes)
Meet SantaFreeCr Dan Doran, City of Gold Coast · Varsity Lakes
- Host
- Cr Dan Doran, City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Frascott Park, Mattocks Road, Varsity Lakes 4227 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas at Frascott is a free community evening in Varsity Lakes, presented by Division 11 Councillor Dan Doran. From 5 pm the park fills with market stalls, food trucks, kids entertainment and trackless train rides for younger children.
On the main stage Santa Claus arrives alongside special Christmas characters, followed by performances from local schools. The evening finishes with a spectacular live laser show. It wraps up by 8 pm, so it suits families with primary school aged children and toddlers. Entry is free, though food trucks and some stalls will charge. The council listing links to the event's own website for the full running order. It also notes that parking around the park may be limited, so walking, cycling or public transport are the easiest ways to get there.
Parent tip: Free entry with no bookings. The council encourages public transport, walking or cycling as parking may be limited.
See dates and details from Cr Dan Doran, City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)Carols by the Lake (Varsity Lakes)
Christmas carolsFreeCarols by the Lake (The Events Agency) · Varsity Lakes
- Host
- Carols by the Lake (The Events Agency) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Waterfront Stage, Varsity Promenade, 240 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes 4227 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free, no tickets required
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Carols by the Lake is a free community Christmas event on the Waterfront Stage at Varsity Promenade in Varsity Lakes. The evening promises Christmas carols and live music, kids activities, festive stalls, food trucks, a visit from Santa Claus and fireworks to finish.
The organisers describe it as a local event for the local community and expect most people to walk, scooter or ride, as car parking around the venue and side streets is limited. Public transport and rideshare are also suggested. Admission is free and no tickets are required. Pets are asked to stay at home because of crowds, loud speakers and fireworks. Bring a blanket to sit on, and look for the event managers' information tent if you need help on the night.
Parent tip: Parking is limited, so walk, scoot or ride if you can. Dogs are not permitted.
See dates and details from Carols by the Lake (The Events Agency) (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Broadbeach
1 confirmed event in Broadbeach, soonest first.
Christmas in Broadbeach (Broadbeach)
Storytime with SantaFreeCity of Gold Coast · Broadbeach
- Host
- City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Broadbeach Mall, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach 4218 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Daily, Dec 14 to 20, plus Elf movie night Fri, Dec 18
- Cost
- Free (storytime theatre bookings required)
- Booking
- Booking recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
For one week before Christmas, Broadbeach Mall is transformed into a gingerbread village by the City of Gold Coast. From Monday 14 to Sunday 20 December, children can drop in for Christmas crafts and cookie decorating, then wind down with storytime theatre sessions, which need to be booked. There is also a special evening visit from Santa during the week.
On Friday 18 December the celebrations move to nearby Kurrawa Park for Movies Under the Stars, screening the Christmas classic Elf. Most of the activities are free, and the location in the heart of Broadbeach makes it easy to combine with a beach morning or lunch out. The council suggests searching Christmas in Broadbeach on Facebook for the latest session times and updates as the week approaches.
Parent tip: Storytime theatre needs a booking. Check the Christmas in Broadbeach Facebook page for session times and the Santa visit evening.
See dates and details from City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Coolangatta
1 confirmed event in Coolangatta, soonest first.
Cooly Carols (Coolangatta)
Christmas carolsFreeCity of Gold Coast · Coolangatta
- Host
- City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Queen Elizabeth Park, Marine Parade, Coolangatta 4225 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Sun, Dec 13, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Cooly Carols is a much-loved southern Gold Coast tradition, held beside the beach at Queen Elizabeth Park in Coolangatta. The City of Gold Coast describes it as a laid-back festive evening with family, friends and all the Christmas feels, with the ocean as a backdrop to the singing.
The carols run for two hours from 5:30 pm, which makes it a manageable outing for families with young children, and it is free to attend. At the time of checking, the council said the full line-up and more festive details were still to be announced, so it is worth checking the page again closer to the date. Bring a picnic blanket and consider public transport, as parking along Marine Parade can be limited on busy summer evenings.
Parent tip: The line-up was still to be announced when checked. Parking near the beachfront may be limited, so consider public transport.
See dates and details from City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Coomera
1 confirmed event in Coomera, soonest first.
Coomera Christmas Flicks & Fireworks (Coomera)
Christmas showFreeCity of Gold Coast · Coomera
- Host
- City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Viney Park, 1 Yuan Street, Coomera 4209 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Fri, Dec 18 and Sat, Dec 19, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Gold Coast is hosting two festive movie nights at Viney Park in Coomera. From 5:30 pm families can settle in with food trucks, kids activities and some Christmas cheer, before a free outdoor movie starts at 7 pm. Friday 18 December screens Arthur Christmas and Saturday 19 December screens Elf.
Each night finishes with a fireworks display at 8:30 pm, so children get a proper festive finale without a very late night. Entry is free and there is nothing to book. Pack a picnic blanket or low chairs, some insect repellent and a jumper for later in the evening, and arrive early to find a good spot on the grass in front of the screen.
Parent tip: Free with no bookings. Movies start at 7 pm and fireworks are at 8:30 pm each night.
See dates and details from City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Currumbin Waters
1 confirmed event in Currumbin Waters, soonest first.
Currumbin Christmas Carols (Currumbin Waters)
Christmas carolsFreeCurrumbin Christmas Carols · Currumbin Waters
- Host
- Currumbin Christmas Carols (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Merv Craig Park (Currumbin Eagles RLFC), 26 Galleon Way, Currumbin Waters 4223 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Sun, Dec 20, 5 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Currumbin Christmas Carols is a free community celebration held at Merv Craig Park, home of the Currumbin Eagles rugby league club, in Currumbin Waters. It falls on the Sunday before Christmas, which makes it one of the last carols events of the Gold Coast season.
The programme includes Christmas carols on a live stage, kids entertainment, roving performers and a visit from Santa, with a laser light show to finish the evening. It runs from 5 pm to 7:30 pm, so it is a comfortable length for younger children and finishes in time for an easy bedtime. Entry is free. Bring a picnic blanket or chairs, and check the event's website and social media for any updates on the line-up closer to the day.
Parent tip: Free with no tickets needed. Stallholder spaces are limited, so expect a mix of food and market stalls on the night.
See dates and details from Currumbin Christmas Carols (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Miami
1 confirmed event in Miami, soonest first.
North Burleigh Carols by the Sea (Miami)
Christmas carolsFreeCr Nick Marshall, City of Gold Coast · Miami
- Host
- Cr Nick Marshall, City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Ed Hardy Park, The Esplanade, Miami 4220 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Thu, Dec 3, 4 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
North Burleigh Carols by the Sea is a free afternoon and evening of Christmas entertainment at Ed Hardy Park, right by the beach between Miami and North Burleigh. It is presented by Division 12 Councillor Nick Marshall.
From 4 pm there is a festive mix of children's activities, food trucks and market stalls, which gives families time to arrive after school and let the kids play. At 6 pm the Christmas themed stage entertainment begins, with carols, community groups and live music. Because it is held on a Thursday, it can be a quieter alternative to the busy weekend carols events. The evening finishes by 8 pm, which suits school aged children with a busy end of term.
Parent tip: Children's activities start at 4 pm and the stage programme starts at 6 pm. No bookings needed.
See dates and details from Cr Nick Marshall, City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Palm Beach
1 confirmed event in Palm Beach, soonest first.
Palm Beach Christmas Carols (Palm Beach)
Christmas carolsFreeCr Josh Martin, City of Gold Coast · Palm Beach
- Host
- Cr Josh Martin, City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Palm Beach Parklands, 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach 4221 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Palm Beach Christmas Carols is a free community celebration in the Palm Beach Parklands, presented by Division 13 Councillor Josh Martin. Families are invited to bring a picnic blanket and enjoy an evening of live entertainment and Christmas carols under the stars, with food from Dune Cafe and other food and drink stalls.
There is plenty aimed at children, including face painting, bubble entertainers and creative arts stalls, plus community stalls and local performances throughout the evening. Santa makes a special visit, and the night concludes with a fireworks display over the parklands. The event runs from 5 pm to 8 pm, which is a comfortable length for younger children, and further details are on the event's own website.
Parent tip: Free with no bookings. Bring a picnic blanket and arrive early for a spot close to the stage.
See dates and details from Cr Josh Martin, City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Robina
1 confirmed event in Robina, soonest first.
Christmas at Greenheart (Robina)
Meet SantaFreeCr Dan Doran, City of Gold Coast · Robina
- Host
- Cr Dan Doran, City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Greenheart Robina Parklands, Stadium Drive, Robina 4226 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Sat, Dec 19, 4 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas at Greenheart returns for its second year in the Greenheart Robina Parklands, presented by Councillor Dan Doran and the City of Gold Coast. The afternoon begins at 4 pm with Christmas markets, food trucks and free family activities, including face painting, Christmas crafts, bubble fun and a pop-up playground.
From 5 pm the stage comes alive with performances from local dance studios, community groups, musicians and choirs. Santa makes a special visit during the evening, and the night ends with a fireworks finale before 8 pm. Entry and the family activities are free, so it is an easy, low cost night out for families in the Robina and Varsity Lakes area. More information is on the event's own website, christmasatgreenheart.com.au.
Parent tip: Free entry. Arrive by 4 pm to enjoy the crafts and playground before the stage show starts at 5 pm.
See dates and details from Cr Dan Doran, City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Runaway Bay
1 confirmed event in Runaway Bay, soonest first.
Runaway Bay Carols by Candlelight (Runaway Bay)
Christmas carolsFreeCr Shelley Curtis, City of Gold Coast · Runaway Bay
- Host
- Cr Shelley Curtis, City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Runaway Bay Soccer Fields, Lae Drive, Runaway Bay 4216 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Sat, Nov 28, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Runaway Bay Carols by Candlelight kicks off the Gold Coast's carols season on the last Saturday of November, hosted by Councillor Shelley Curtis at the soccer fields on Lae Drive. John Kerr from 94.1FM and Danielle Goullet host the evening, with performances from Brett Mills, Leah Lever, Jack Watson, Sharon Rowntree, Craig Martin, local school choirs and a seven piece live band.
Children can enjoy free face painting and appearances from favourite Christmas characters, and glow products are available to buy. Food, drinks and sweet treats are on sale. Santa joins the crowd as everyone counts down to a fireworks display at 8 pm, which closes the night. Entry is free, so pack a picnic rug and come along early.
Parent tip: Free entry with no bookings. Glow products, food and drinks are sold on the night.
See dates and details from Cr Shelley Curtis, City of Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Tugun
1 confirmed event in Tugun, soonest first.
Tugun Lights Up 2026 (Tugun)
Storytime with SantaFreeTugun Progress Association · Tugun
- Host
- Tugun Progress Association (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Toolona Street, Toolona Street, Tugun 4224 (near Gold Coast)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 4 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free, no tickets required
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Tugun Lights Up returns in 2026 for its fourteenth annual celebration along Toolona Street. It is a Tugun Progress Association event presented with Division 14 Councillor Gail O'Neill and Community Bank Tugun. The street area opens at 4 pm with live music, Christmas market stalls, roving performers, children's activities and festive food, and the main stage runs from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Stage entertainment includes children's character shows, live music and carols, and the programme also lists a Christmas storyfest, art activities and a drumming band. Santa makes a special appearance during the evening. Admission is free and no tickets are needed. Local cafes and restaurants stay open, so families can dine under the stars, and the organisers publish an event map and road closure details on their website.
Parent tip: Toolona Street has road closures for the event, so check the event map on the website before you go.
See dates and details from Tugun Progress Association (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cosy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.com.au (opens in a new tab)Gold Coast Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are on the Gold Coast in 2026?
We confirmed 17 Christmas events for kids on the Gold Coast for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Mayor's Christmas Carols (Surfers Paradise), Runaway Bay Carols by Candlelight (Runaway Bay), Santa's Arrival and Buggy Parade (Hope Island), North Burleigh Carols by the Sea (Miami), Christmas at Frascott (Varsity Lakes), Tugun Lights Up 2026 (Tugun), Alicia Street Christmas Fair (Southport), Surfers Paradise Christmas Flicks & Fireworks (Surfers Paradise), Carols on the Lawn & Christmas Market at Sanctuary Cove (Hope Island), Broadwater Christmas Twilight (Southport), Carols by the Lake (Varsity Lakes) and Palm Beach Christmas Carols (Palm Beach). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids on the Gold Coast?
Yes. 17 of the 17 events here are free, including Mayor's Christmas Carols (Surfers Paradise), Runaway Bay Carols by Candlelight (Runaway Bay), Santa's Arrival and Buggy Parade (Hope Island), North Burleigh Carols by the Sea (Miami), Christmas at Frascott (Varsity Lakes), Tugun Lights Up 2026 (Tugun), Alicia Street Christmas Fair (Southport), Surfers Paradise Christmas Flicks & Fireworks (Surfers Paradise), Carols on the Lawn & Christmas Market at Sanctuary Cove (Hope Island), Broadwater Christmas Twilight (Southport), Carols by the Lake (Varsity Lakes) and Palm Beach Christmas Carols (Palm Beach). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa on the Gold Coast this year?
Santa appears at Mayor's Christmas Carols (Surfers Paradise), Runaway Bay Carols by Candlelight (Runaway Bay), Santa's Arrival and Buggy Parade (Hope Island), Christmas at Frascott (Varsity Lakes), Tugun Lights Up 2026 (Tugun), Alicia Street Christmas Fair (Southport), Broadwater Christmas Twilight (Southport), Carols by the Lake (Varsity Lakes), Palm Beach Christmas Carols (Palm Beach), Christmas in Broadbeach (Broadbeach), Christmas at Greenheart (Robina) and Currumbin Christmas Carols (Currumbin Waters). Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids on the Gold Coast?
Christmas storytimes on this page: Tugun Lights Up 2026 (Tugun) and Christmas in Broadbeach (Broadbeach).
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on 2 November 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
