If you are looking for a way to get the family feeling all festive, then this is the week! There are Christmas events galore in all corners of the Coast so practice your fa la la la's in the car and enjoy some community Christmas spirit! Merry Christmas!
Christmas Light up Public Viewing Tours
Until 24 December from 7pm nightly – Gold Coast Arts Centre, 135 Bundall Rd, Bundall
You can download a list of display lights on the GCCC website or take a tour and let someone else drive. The bus tours depart from the GC Arts Centre each night at 7pm. Bookings are essential phone 132251 to reserve a space. Costs are $14 for $9 for children and under one are free. You can phone 5581 6877 for more details.
Moonlight Markets
Thursday 17 December from 5pm to 8pm - The Marine Village, Sanctuary Cove Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove
Pick up that one of a kind Christmas gift or some lovely home baked goodies for Christmas. There will be handmade toys, produce, face painting for the kids and even a visit from Santa! Phone Tracey for more details 5577 6175.
Gold Coast Turf Club Kids Christmas Party
Saturday 19 December from 10am to 5pm (kids entertainment until 3pm) – Gold Coat Turf Club, Racecourse Rd, Bundall
A day packed full of fun and entertainment for kids of all ages and of course some horse racing action for the parents! The kids can indulge in face painting, pony rides, jumping castle and more, even a visit from Santa. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a day at the races with the whole family! Tickets are $10, kids under 18 are free.
Broadbeach Christmas Carols
Saturday 19 December from 5:30pm – Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach
A fantastic night of free entertainment and lots of fa la la la la! They are claiming to be the biggest and best carols seen so far and have a great line up of talent including Santa and his elves! Fireworks conclude the night in style.
Pink Ribbon Carols Palm Beach
Saturday 19 December from 5:30pm to 9pm - 19th Avenue Shopping Centre,
Palm Beaches
This carol event may have the coolest host yet…Santa himself! Performances by some of the Australian Idol Top 12…Kate Cook, James Johnston and Scott Newnham, along with other local talent. Food & Refreshments will be available and prizes to be won...The tweens may love this one!
Surf Life Saving South Pacific Championships
Saturday 19 December from 8am to 11am – Kirra Beach
Catch the Surf Life Saving South Pacific Championships, be there to cheer on your local club! The 1029ers will be on the scene too with family prizes to be won and lots of giveaways!
Kayaking Adventure
Saturday 19 December from 9am to 11am – Currumbin Creek, Palm Beach Parklands, Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Escape the daily grind and head out with a friend for some serenity, kayaking in our beautiful Tally Creek. You can enjoy a guided adventure in a 2 person kayak including some help with your skills and safety equipment for $5. You must be 10 years old to do it alone or 6 years old with an adult. Contact Vertec Adventures for more information on 0403 293 534 or email info@vertecadventure.com.au Brought to you by Active & Healthy GC.
Surfing Saturdays from 8am at Surfers Paradise – Corner of Hanlan Street and the Esplanade, Surfers Paradise Sundays in Burleigh – Justins Park, in front of Burleigh Heads SLSC
Fab waves, warm waters and friendly instructors are on hand to give you the help in experiencing surfing yourself. Beginner lessons for all ages and abilities. Bookings are required for both locations. Cheyne Horan School of Surf for Surfers 1800 227 873 for bookings $12 for 13 years and younger, $15 for over 14 years and Godfathers of the Ocean Surf School on 5593 5661 in Burleigh which are $10 per person.
Broadwater Parklands – Roving Entertainment Saturday 19 December from 1:30pm to 4:30pm - Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade Southport
Check out Magikonrad, the magician, Blind Lemon band and the Acrobatic Elves as they wander the park in search of families to entertain! Sunday 20 December from 3pm to 6pm - Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade Southport
Roving Elves, Balloon Twisting Fun, Balyana and an interactive Sand Wizard activity entertain families enjoying the park.
Birch Carroll and Coyle $2 Family Fun Day
Sunday at the Cinemas – Various locations / times
Purchase a full price adult ticket and you will pay only $2 each for up to 2 children’s ticket to any G or PG rated film. This is the day of the week to escape the heat and treat the kids to a movie!
Sanctuary Cove Community Christmas Concert
Sunday 20 December from 5pm to 7pm – The Marine Village, Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove
Hosted by Channel Ten celebrities Sandra Sully and Tim Webster gather the family for some star powered carols including guests Paulini, Mark Gable, Casey Barnes and even the jolly ole fella himself. The event is free however guests are invited to make a gold coin donation to 4ASD Kids. Phone 5577 6175 for details.
Eco Ranger Club
Monday 21 December to 22 January (weekdays) from 9am to 3:30pm – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin St
Currumbin
During the school holidays Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is giving kids the chance to get closer to wildlife and have a fun, educational day! Feed the lorikeets and kangaroos, learn about animal care, behind the scene vet hospital tours, explore Wild Island and more! Cost is $49, however CWS are offering Savvy Mama readers and their families a coupon to save $5 so click here to get the coupon emailed to you. For more details on the program you can contact Penny 5534 0846. Public Holidays are excluded.
More Christmas Carols around the Coast ::
Alberton Community Christmas Carnival
Friday 18 December at 4:30pm (carols begin at 7pm) - St Peter’s Church Alberton, 185 Alberton Road
Christmas entertainment for the family, including a BBQ and a special visit from Santa. Phone 0414 981 102 for more details.
A Toy’s Christmas
Friday 18 December from 6pm to 9pm - Dream Centre Christian Church, 1 Chisholm Road, Carrara
A full traditional Christmas dinner and show. Cost is $30 for Adults, $25 Children and under 5 are free. Phone 5596 9999 for more details.
Carols on the Broadwater
Saturday 19 December from 4pm to 8pm - Southport Yacht Club, Macarthur Parade, Main Beach
A visit from Santa, Carols to sing the night away, fun for the kids with glow sticks and a face painter. Great prizes for best dressed boat in the vessel parade. Phone 5591 3500 for more details.
Gold Coast Celebrates Christmas
Saturday 19 December from 5pm to 9:30pm - Movie World car park, Studio Village
Christmas entertainment, family fun, food and fireworks. Phone 5529 8253 for more details.
Q150 Springfest – Kidsfest
Saturday 19 December from 11am - Rotary Park, Salk Oval, Sarawak Avenue, Palm Beach
This one is for the kids with music, dancing, Old McDonald's farm, stalls and lots of fun. Proudly sponsored by Gold Coast City Council. Phone 5535 2482 for more details.
Rotary Club of Coomera Valley Carols in the Park
Saturday 19 December from 5:30pm - Siganto Park, Reserve Road, Upper Coomera
Carols in the Park, a visit from Santa with treats for the children. Food, drinks and glow sticks will be available. Phone 5556 0887 for details.
Carols Under the Stars
Sunday 20 December from 6pm to 9pm - Tallebudgera Community Church, Trees Road
Community carols and local talent. Face painting, balloon artists and a free sausage sizzle. Phone 0432 304 474 for more details.
Jacobs Well Community Carols by Candlelight
Sunday 20 December from 6:30pm to 8:30pm - Jacobs Well Community Centre
Sausage sizzle starts at 5pm, followed by Carols at 6.30pm and concludes with a fabulous fireworks spectacular display. Phone 5546 2470 for more details.
Q150 Springfest - Carols in the Park
Sunday 20 December from 5pm - Rotary Park, Salk Oval, Sarawak Avenue, Palm Beach
Various entertainment with Santa Claus arriving at 8pm. Proudly sponsored by Gold Coast City Council. Phone 5535 2482 for details.
Coolangatta - Carols by the Beach
Sunday 20 December from 6:30pm to 8:30pm - Coolangatta foreshore, Coolangatta
Traditional carols, entertainment, Santa and fireworks to conclude the celebration. Phone 5536 1181 for more details.
Colgate-Palmolive Carols by Candlelight
Sunday 20 December from 7pm - Colgate-Palmolive Park, Allied Drive, Arundel
Hosted by Paul Burt and Karen Phillips. There will be face painting, a jumping castle, glow sticks, raffles and refreshments available. A fireworks spectacular and of course, Santa Claus. Phone 5588 7543 for more details.
Gold Coast Salvos - Carols on the Lawn
Sunday 20 December from 4:30pm to 6:30pm - 157 Wardoo Street, Southport
BBQ, children's rides and animal nursery, pre-carols entertainment and stalls. Phone 5531 3471 / 0423 780 277 for more details.
Gold Coast Blaze
Sunday 20 December from 4pm to 6pm – Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
The Blaze take on the Wollongong Hawks in an exciting match up this weekend! Lots of entertainment throughout the night including the inferno dancers, breaker boys and team mascot. Tickets are from $10 to $55 through ticketek.
Family Surf and Beach Fun
Sunday 20 December from 8am to 9:30am – Lifeguard Tower 22, St Monica Ave (1 tower down from Nobby SLSC)
Surf awareness is on offer and your chance to learn everything you wanted to know about the surf, rips and how to stay safe at the beach. You can also learn how to ride a wave! No experience necessary and bring your body board if you have one. Booking are required for this FREE event by contacting Surf Coach at coach@surfcoach.net.au or text your child’s name, phone and age to Trudy on 0432 908 977.
Gold Coast United
Sunday 20 December from 6pm to 8pm – Skilled Park, Robina
It’s East versus West as our team take on Perth Glory this Sunday. Tickets are available at Ticketek. www.ticketek.com.au
Model Train Display
Sunday 20 December from 10am to 4pm – New Pavilion at the Broadwater Parklands, Marine Pde, Southport (opp Nerang St)
If Thomas the Tank fills your toy boxes at home, maybe the kids might like a look at the Model Train Display. The Miniature Train Club is presenting an operating model railway and invite kids to come and have a look for a gold coin donation. Open daily from 26 December until 4 January from 10am to 4pm.
Christmas Eve at Broadwater Parklands
Thursday 24 December from 6pm to late – Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade Southport
The night starts off with Balloon Kings Christmas Show followed by our favourite Teen sensation Zac Efron stars in the movie 17 Again playing from 7:30pm.
Library Time
Varied Days & Times at your local Library
Baby Rhyme Time, Read & Grow and even PJ’s story time where you can come dressed in your pyjamas!
Living Green for kids - for ages 6 to 12 during school holidays.
Make a bird feeder, create your own storybook character, make a worm farm and more on recycling and our environment.
Active & Healthy School Holiday Program
There are over 260 free or low cost activities running across the Gold Coast for 6 weeks. The program caters for children of all abilities up to the age of 17. Activities include water mad, pirates of the Gold Coast, Wildlife presentation, juggle jam circus fun, laser skirmish, rock wall, bicycle obstacle workshop, splashtastic fun in the park, water mad, pirates of the Gold Coast, wildlife presentation and much more.
School Holiday Fun – Busy Bodies
Schools out for summer…and if you are looking for some cool activities for your children to do while on break check out busy bodies Australia. From Titans Mini Skills Clinic to Kite Making they have heaps of events to choose from; Creative workshops, Hip Hop Dance, Gingerbread house making, Kids Cooking, fashion workshop, Kids First Aid, Outdoor Cinema, Princess Parties, Drax Big Day out, Circus Skills, Etiquette lessons, Treasure Hunt and Balloon Twisting! Check the website for details. Phone 1300 780 447 or email for details getbusy@busybodiesaustralia.com.au
Gold Coast Markets
Feel like a bit of shopping this weekend? There is something relaxing about wandering the markets and taking in all the talent on offer and community vibe. Click on the link above and get an up to date list of all the markets on the Coast. We will now feature this every week in our What's On to keep you "in the know". NB: Any markets that fall on public holidays will be changed so please ring ahead to confirm.
We just want to remind you to call ahead or check the websites listed if you are heading out this week, just in case any details have changed since we posted them. Have fun!
What's On articles will be published each Wednesday during the holidays (Dec 23 & 30) and we will return with our regular updates the week of January 4th.
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Gold Coast Turf Club Kids Christmas Party
Broadbeach Christmas Carols
Eco Ranger Club
More Christmas Carols around the Coast ::