We confirmed 9 Christmas events for kids on the Sunshine Coast for 2026, from 5 November to 24 December. 2 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
- 9 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Caloundra, Buddina, Maroochydore, Kings Beach and Palmview
- First: Santa Photos at Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore, 5 November
- Free events: Letters to Santa and Carols on Kings
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).
Sunshine Coast Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 9 confirmed for 2026
- Suburbs
- Caloundra, Buddina, Maroochydore, Kings Beach and Palmview
- Season
- 5 November to 24 December
- Free events
- 2
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Caloundra
3 confirmed events in Caloundra, soonest first.
What's in the Woods? Christmas Edition (Caloundra)
Christmas showThe Events Centre, Caloundra · Caloundra
- Host
- The Events Centre, Caloundra (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Events Centre (Beausang Room), 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra 4551
- When
- Tue 8 December, 9 am (0 to 1), 10 am (2 to 3), 11 am (1 to 2)
- Cost
- $20 for 1 adult + 1 child; $10 each extra adult or child
- Ages
- Babies and toddlers aged 0 to 3
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
What's in the Woods? is a soft, cosy theatre experience made especially for babies, infants and toddlers. In this Christmas edition the gnomes, animals and woodland critters are getting ready for a winter wonderland, and children are invited to wonder what their own Christmas wish might be.
Each 45-minute session starts with an engaging, interactive story by the campfire before little ones head off to explore the woods through sensory play, puppetry and performance. There are separate sessions for 0 to 1, 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 year olds, each designed to be developmentally appropriate. Older siblings are welcome, but the space is set up for infants and toddlers. The room is wheelchair accessible, with baby change facilities and pram parking.
Parent tip: Book the session that matches your child's age group; every attendee needs a ticket, and a transaction fee applies.
See dates and details from The Events Centre, Caloundra (opens in a new tab)Mirusia's Christmas Celebration (Caloundra)
Christmas showThe Events Centre, Caloundra · Caloundra
- Host
- The Events Centre, Caloundra (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Events Centre (Playhouse Theatre), 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra 4551
- When
- Fri 11 December, 3 pm
- Cost
- Children (2 to 17) $30; adults $65
- Ages
- All ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Mirusia, the soprano known as the Angel of Australia, returns to The Events Centre for her Christmas concert, described as a cherished Caloundra tradition. The program features traditional carols, classical favourites and nostalgic Christmas songs, and she is joined by her Christmas Vocal Quartet and band.
The concert is a 3 pm matinee on Friday 11 December in the Playhouse Theatre and is rated for all ages. It is a gentler, more traditional option than the big variety shows and suits families with children who enjoy singing along to carols, or a grandparent outing. Child tickets for ages 2 to 17 are $30.
Parent tip: A $6.45 transaction fee applies to bookings; group rates are available for eight or more.
See dates and details from The Events Centre, Caloundra (opens in a new tab)The Greatest Christmas Show (Caloundra)
Christmas showThe Events Centre, Caloundra · Caloundra
- Host
- The Events Centre, Caloundra (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Events Centre (Kings Theatre), 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra 4551
- When
- Sun 13 December, 6:30 pm; Mon 14 December, 7 pm
- Cost
- Children (2 to 15) $51.90 to $69.90; adults $59.90 to $79.90
- Ages
- All ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Greatest Christmas Show comes to The Events Centre in Caloundra for two evening performances. Billed as Australia's number one family Christmas event, it features a cast of dancers and singers plus an illusionist, glittering costumes, beloved carols and new festive favourites, finishing with a grand appearance from Santa Claus.
The show runs about 1 hour 50 minutes including a 20-minute interval and is rated suitable for all ages. Child tickets (2 to 15 years) range from $51.90 to $69.90 depending on the seating reserve. Strobe lighting, smoke and haze effects are used during the performance, which is worth knowing for sensitive children.
Parent tip: Both shows start in the evening, so younger children may need a nap beforehand. A transaction fee of $6.45 applies to bookings.
See dates and details from The Events Centre, Caloundra (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Buddina
2 confirmed events in Buddina, soonest first.
Letters to Santa (Buddina)
Meet SantaFreeKawana Shoppingworld · Buddina
- Host
- Kawana Shoppingworld (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Santa's Beach House, Centre Court (near The Coffee Club), 119 Point Cartwright Drive, Buddina 4575
- When
- 11 November to 11 December
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Kawana Shoppingworld's Letters to Santa lets children put their Christmas wishes on paper and post them in Santa's Mail Box at Santa's Beach House in Centre Court, near The Coffee Club. In return, each child receives a personalised reply from Santa himself.
It is free and a lovely low-key activity to combine with a Santa photo or a shopping trip. The important thing is to include your address so Santa can write back, and all letters need to be in the mailbox by Friday 11 December to give Santa enough time to reply before Christmas.
Parent tip: Remember to add your postal address, and post letters by Friday 11 December.
See dates and details from Kawana Shoppingworld (opens in a new tab)Santa Photos (Buddina)
Santa photosKawana Shoppingworld · Buddina
- Host
- Kawana Shoppingworld (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Kawana Shoppingworld (near The Coffee Club), 119 Point Cartwright Drive, Buddina 4575
- When
- 11 November to 24 December
- Cost
- From $25.95
- Ages
- All ages
- Booking
- Booking recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Kawana Shoppingworld in Buddina is running Santa photos from 11 November until Christmas Eve, set up near The Coffee Club. As well as classic Santa photos, there are sessions with Santa and Mrs Claus together, which is a little different from most centres.
Pet photos are available for families who want the dog in the shot, and sensitive sessions offer a calmer, more comfortable experience for children who find busy shopping centres overwhelming. Photo packages start from $25.95. When we checked, the centre said bookings were coming soon, so keep an eye on the event page.
Parent tip: Bookings were not yet open when we checked; check the event page and book a sensitive session early if you need one.
See dates and details from Kawana Shoppingworld (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Maroochydore
2 confirmed events in Maroochydore, soonest first.
Santa Photos at Sunshine Plaza (Maroochydore)
Santa photosSunshine Plaza · Maroochydore
- Host
- Sunshine Plaza (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sunshine Plaza (Santa's Wonderland, Centre Court), Horton Parade, Maroochydore 4558
- When
- 5 November to 24 December
- Cost
- Paid photo packages; book online
- Ages
- All ages
- Booking
- Booking recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa sets up at Santa's Wonderland in Sunshine Plaza's Centre Court, opposite LSKD, from 5 November right through to Christmas Eve. Families can book classic Santa photos with the whole family, a yearly ritual for many locals and a handy option for visitors on holiday.
There are also pet photo sessions for furry family members, and Sensitive Santa sessions offering a calm, low-stimulation experience with extra time and less pressure for children who need it. Times for the pet and sensitive sessions are on the Sunshine Plaza website. The centre warns that Santa's calendar fills quickly, so it pays to book early.
Parent tip: Book early, especially for Sensitive Santa and pet sessions, which run at set times only.
See dates and details from Sunshine Plaza (opens in a new tab)Santa's Arrival at Sunshine Plaza (Maroochydore)
Christmas paradeSunshine Plaza · Maroochydore
- Host
- Sunshine Plaza (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sunshine Plaza (Riverwalk and Centre Court), 154-164 Horton Parade, Maroochydore 4558
- When
- Thu 5 November, 4:30 to 8 pm (parade 5 pm, fireworks 7:30 pm)
- Cost
- No cost listed for the parade; Santa photos booked separately
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Sunshine Plaza starts its Christmas season with Santa arriving in true coastal style. From 5 pm all eyes are on the water as Santa and his festive crew come in by boat along the Riverwalk, then lead a Christmas parade through the centre to his new home in Centre Court.
The festivities start at 4:30 pm with a Christmas Disco with Santa's helpers, running until 8 pm. Santa's Wonderland opens and photos with Santa begin from 5:45 pm, opposite LSKD. For the first time there is a fireworks finale at 7:30 pm over the Riverwalk precinct. It is an early-season outing, as it falls in the first week of November.
Parent tip: Book Santa photos ahead if you want to be among the first on the night; they start at 5:45 pm.
See dates and details from Sunshine Plaza (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Kings Beach
1 confirmed event in Kings Beach, soonest first.
Carols on Kings (Kings Beach)
Christmas carolsFreeCaloundra Chamber of Commerce (presented by Caloundra RSL) · Kings Beach
- Host
- Caloundra Chamber of Commerce (presented by Caloundra RSL) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Kings Beach Amphitheatre, Corner of Burgess Street, Princess Lane and Edmund Street, Kings Beach 4551
- When
- Sat 12 December, 4 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Carols on Kings brings Caloundra together at the Kings Beach Amphitheatre for an evening of carols and live performances from local artists under a summer sky. Santa will be there, which makes it a good one for younger children, and food trucks are on site through the evening so dinner is sorted.
The event is delivered by the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce with support from Sunshine Coast Council, and Caloundra RSL runs a community marquee with free cold water. Entry is free. Organisers suggest bringing a picnic rug, something warm for later in the evening, and arriving early to get a good spot before the singing after dark.
Parent tip: Bring a picnic rug and a light layer for later; free water is available at the Caloundra RSL marquee.
See dates and details from Caloundra Chamber of Commerce (presented by Caloundra RSL) (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Palmview
1 confirmed event in Palmview, soonest first.
Aussie World Christmas Spectacular (Palmview)
Christmas lightsAussie World · Palmview
- Host
- Aussie World (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Aussie World, 1 Downunder Drive, Palmview 4553
- When
- Sat 12 December, evening
- Cost
- Ticketed; see Aussie World
- Ages
- Families
- Booking
- Booking recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Aussie World, the Sunshine Coast's theme park, opens after dark for a single Christmas Spectacular night. The park lights up for Christmas, with festive entertainment, special roaming characters, Christmas activities and surprises throughout the grounds.
Families can ride their favourite Aussie World rides together into the evening, and there are plenty of chances for festive family photos. Guests are encouraged to dress in Christmas colours. It is pitched as a fun way to kick off the festive season before the big day, with something for little ones as well as older kids who love the rides.
Parent tip: Dress the kids in Christmas colours for photos. Check Aussie World for ticket prices and session times before you go.
See dates and details from Aussie World (opens in a new tab)More Christmas events for kids in Australia
- Christmas events for kids in Sydney
- Christmas events for kids in Melbourne
- Christmas events for kids in Brisbane
- Christmas events for kids in Perth
- Christmas events for kids in Adelaide
- Christmas events for kids in Gold Coast
- Christmas events for kids in Canberra
- Christmas events for kids in Hobart
- Christmas events for kids in Newcastle
- Christmas events for kids in Australia
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)Sunshine Coast Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are on the Sunshine Coast in 2026?
We confirmed 9 Christmas events for kids on the Sunshine Coast for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Santa Photos at Sunshine Plaza (Maroochydore), Santa's Arrival at Sunshine Plaza (Maroochydore), Letters to Santa (Buddina), Santa Photos (Buddina), What's in the Woods? Christmas Edition (Caloundra), Mirusia's Christmas Celebration (Caloundra), Aussie World Christmas Spectacular (Palmview), Carols on Kings (Kings Beach) and The Greatest Christmas Show (Caloundra). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids on the Sunshine Coast?
Yes. 2 of the 9 events here are free, including Letters to Santa (Buddina) and Carols on Kings (Kings Beach). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa on the Sunshine Coast this year?
Santa appears at Santa Photos at Sunshine Plaza (Maroochydore), Santa's Arrival at Sunshine Plaza (Maroochydore), Letters to Santa (Buddina), Santa Photos (Buddina) and Carols on Kings (Kings Beach). Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids on the Sunshine Coast?
Christmas storytimes on this page: What's in the Woods? Christmas Edition (Caloundra).
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.
