Planning Christmas on the Gold Coast and staying around Palm Beach. This easy guide brings together the best markets, carols, lights and Christmas Day dining near Princess Palm.
You will find dates, simple tips for getting there, quick budget notes and what to bring. Use it to plan a relaxed festive itinerary that suits families, couples and friends.
Christmas markets Gold Coast
Christmas markets are perfect for gifts, stocking fillers and street food. These picks are close to Palm Beach and easy to reach.
You will see the terms Christmas markets Gold Coast and Christmas markets GC used by locals. Expect handmade goods, live music and plenty of festive food.
Christmas Twilight Markets at The Well
Date: Saturday, 15 November 202,5, from 4 pm
Drive time: About 36 minutes from Princess Palm
Bring: hat, sunscreen, water bottle, small tote for purchases
A relaxed twilight market with local makers, food trucks and music. It is family-friendly and an easy way to start the season before the rush.
Entry is usually free. Parking fills quickly, so plan to arrive early if you are driving. Bring a hat, water and a payment card for stalls. This is one of the easy wins within the wider list of Gold Coast Christmas events.
Broadbeach Christmas Markets
Dates: Friday 19 to Sunday 21 December, 4 pm to 10 pm
Drive time: About 25 minutes
Tip: Use the tram for a smooth exit after 9 pm
A lively beachfront setting with plenty of food and music. For a stress-free visit, park once and use the tram to move around Broadbeach. This market is popular for last-minute gifts. Prices vary, so set a small budget for snacks and little presents.
It is a classic pick for people searching for Christmas in Gold Coast or Christmas on Gold Coast and wanting an easy night out.
Broadwater Christmas Twilight Market
Date: Saturday 20 December 2025
Budget: snacks and gifts vary, plan for casual eats
Stalls by the water, roving entertainment and a festive crowd. It works well as a family stroll with dinner from the food trucks. Best reached by car or rideshare.
If you want a quieter visit, come on the earlier side. This is a great example of a Christmas event that Gold Coast visitors enjoy for the atmosphere.
Christmas carols Gold Coast and shows
Carols nights are a highlight of Christmas on the Gold Coast. Bring a picnic rug, keep the kids comfy and enjoy the music. Below are the big stage shows and several community favourites, all within easy reach of Palm Beach.
Gold Coast Mayor’s Christmas Carols at HOTA
Dates: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December
Bring: picnic rug or low chairs, water, insect spray, light jacket
A big production at Home of the Arts with headline acts, large screens and fireworks if scheduled. It is usually free with registration. Rideshare is recommended to avoid parking stress, and it is a short drive from Princess Palm.
This is our editor’s choice for scale and the sense of occasion. It is a strong match for people searching for Christmas on the Gold Coast and wanting a signature night.
Christmas at Frascott
Date: Saturday 6 December 2025
Family tip: glow sticks for little ones
A friendly community event with local carols, kids’ activities and food vendors. It is relaxed, affordable and simple to navigate with a pram.
Pack a small picnic and arrive early for a good spot. This is a nice option if you like the idea of Christmas in Gold Coast, Australia, with a neighbourhood feel.
The Greatest Christmas Show
Date: Friday 12 December
Booking: purchase tickets online and check the start time
A fun stage production with festive numbers for all ages. Seats can sell quickly, so book ahead. If you plan dinner before the show, lock in a table earlier in the week.
Lights and unique experiences
There is more to Christmas Gold Coast than markets and carols. Add one of these for a different kind of memory. If you like photos, keep an eye out for the biggest Gold Coast Christmas trees in major precincts.
Tugun Lights Up
Date: Saturday 6 December 2025
Good to know: check road closure notices before you go
Street entertainment, live music and stalls bring Tugun to life. It is close to Palm Beach and suits families who enjoy a stroll and a bite to eat. Parking is limited during peak times, so consider arriving early and walking in.
Santa Jetski Ride
Date: Sunday, 7 December at 7.30 am
Location: To be announced
Photo tip: arrive 15 minutes early for the best light
A sunrise novelty that delights kids and makes for great photos. Follow the official channel for the confirmed location. Choose a shoreline vantage point and bring a warm layer.
This also fits the broader idea of Christmas in Gold Coast, Australia, for visitors who like something different.
Spot the Gold Coast Christmas trees
Many shopping centres and public spaces install tall Christmas trees for photos. Add a quick stop for a family selfie after the markets or on the way to dinner.
Christmas Day dinner, Gold Coast near Palm Beach
If you plan to dine out on 25 December, book as early as you can. Seating times, set menus, and deposits are common.
These nearby venues are well-known and easy to reach. Planning your Christmas Day dinner Gold Coast early also helps with transport and parking. It is one of the most searched things to do on Christmas Day.
Tallebudgera Surf Club
Drive time: About 5 minutes
Booking: essential, check the Christmas Day page for details
Ocean views and a relaxed setting make this a strong family choice. Expect a set menu and seating times. Check for prepayment or a deposit and confirm kids’ pricing.
Burleigh Pavilion
Drive time: About 10 minutes
Tip: allow time to find parking or consider rideshare
Coastal classics with prime views. The venue is popular and books out quickly, so set a reminder when Christmas dates go live. Ask about dietary options when you reserve.
Palm Beach Hotel
A friendly local option for a laid-back Christmas meal. Check trading hours and whether a special menu applies on the day. If you prefer a low-key lunch, this can be a good fit.
Good to know: confirm kids’ menu and high chair availability
Local tip: Palm Beach Parklands
Before the evening carols, visit Palm Beach Parklands and the Pirate Treasure Island Playground. There are shaded areas, BBQ spots and a coffee van at peak times.
It is a simple way to let the kids play and reset before a market or a show. This small add-on works well for anyone enjoying Christmas on the Gold Coast with young children.
Know before you go
- Public holiday Gold Coast trading: hours vary across venues and shops. Always check current times.
- What to bring: sunscreen, hat, insect spray, refillable water, picnic rug, low chairs, small cash for gold coin donations and a payment card for stalls.
- Transport: trams and buses are useful around Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise. Rideshare is handy after the carols when traffic is heavy.
- Weather and updates: check the event page on the day for any changes or registration notes.
- Budget guide: markets and food trucks vary. Plan a simple spending cap per person to keep it easy.
Where to stay
Make planning simple by staying absolute beachfront at Princess Palm on the Beach. The self-contained apartments include kitchens and laundries, which make festive days easier with kids. The resort-style facilities include a heated pool and spa, tennis court, gym and sauna.
It is a calm base between markets, carols and dinners. See the Apartments and Facilities pages for details and photos. For more local ideas, explore the Palm Beach attractions hub.
Image Credit: The Greatest Christmas Show
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