Celebrate the magic of the holiday season by attending one of the City of Gold Coast’s free Christmas events this December.
4 FREE Christmas events and festive fun: City of Gold Coast Christmas events for families
December on the Gold Coast brings sunshine, sea breezes and a whole calendar of free events perfect for families. From beachfront movies to carols under the stars, this year’s Gold Coast Christmas events are bigger, brighter and completely free to enjoy.
Mayor Tom Tate summed it up perfectly: “From the north to the south, there are four free festive events to choose from. Watch Santa skydive into Coolangatta or help stop the Grinch from ruining Christmas in Coomera — there’s something for everyone.”
Here’s your guide to the best Gold Coast free events this festive season.
Christmas Flicks & Fireworks, Surfers Paradise
When: Friday 12 December (The Santa Clause) and Saturday 13 December (ELF), from 4pm
Where: Surfers Paradise Beach, Surfers Paradise Sign, The Esplanade
Surfers Paradise is set to shimmer with the debut of Christmas Flicks & Fireworks — a festive mash-up of twilight markets, Christmas movies and beachfront fireworks.
Arrive from 4pm to browse the Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Markets, packed with handmade gifts, festive food and local treasures. From 7pm, settle in on the sand for a free Christmas movie under the stars.
Each night ends with sparkling fireworks at 8:30pm — the perfect festive finale.
Presented by City of Gold Coast.
Free Christmas entertainment at Cooly Carols
Cooly Carols, Coolangatta
When: Sunday 14 December, 5:30pm–7:30pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Park, Marine Parade, Coolangatta
A much-loved local favourite, Cooly Carols returns with a joyful night of carols, food trucks and plenty of festive cheer. Hosted by the Gold Coast’s own Nicka35, the evening includes a special visit from Santa and a dazzling fireworks show to finish.
Auslan interpreters will be on stage to ensure everyone can enjoy the magic.
Proudly presented by City of Gold Coast.
Christmas in Broadbeach, Gingerbread Village
When: Monday 15 to Sunday 21 December, 10am – 8pm daily
Where: Broadbeach Mall, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
This year, Broadbeach Mall transforms into a whimsical Gingerbread Village bursting with free family fun.
Little elves will love the daily workshops, including gingerbread cookie decorating, Christmas craft and storytime theatre (pre-registration required). The popular Oasis Treasure Hunt is back too—pick up a treasure map and follow the clues to uncover festive surprises.
Don’t miss Santa’s Post Office and nightly meet-and-greets from 5pm. Then on Friday 19 December, enjoy a free screening of Arthur Christmas under the Stars at Kurrawa Park from 7pm.
With cafés and shops nearby, it’s the perfect spot to spend a festive morning, afternoon or evening.
Presented by City of Gold Coast.
Christmas in Coomera, Free Family Weekend
When: Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 December, 2pm–8pm
Where: Coomera Indoor Sports Centre Forecourt, 35 Beattie Road, Coomera
Get ready for two action-packed afternoons of free Christmas fun, including:
- DJ Dance Party with snow machines and Hip Hop Santas
- North Pole Putt Putt — a 9-hole course for the whole family
- Santa on stage throughout the weekend
- Roving entertainment, including stilt-walking candy canes
- Meet and greets with the Grinch and Rudolph
- Face painting for little ones
- Festive photo moments in Santa’s sleigh or at his throne
Families can expect a lively, colourful celebration filled with music, play and plenty of festive spirit.
More information on all these events can be found at: https://www.whatsongoldcoast.au/Home
Looking for more things to do? Check out our Gold Coast Christmas Events Guide. and our huge School Holiday Events Guide!
