Twilight markets and tequila takeovers – here’s what’s on the Gold Coast over the festive season
We here at The Weekend Edition are not afraid to come out as being pretty big fans of the weekend. We can’t get enough of it. Unsurprisingly perhaps, we’re also lovers of holidays, which we like to think of as one long weekend that lasts more than two days. So while we may be setting up the big ‘GONE FISHING’ sign on our office window soon, we’d never leave you hanging. From happening holiday events, to rocking musical gigs and art that lights up the night, there’s much to do on the Gold Coast from Thursday December 19 to Sunday January 5 and we’ve rounded it all up for you here.
Brace yourself for a raunchy night of festive fun as A Very Naughty Christmas comes to the Gold Coast for two nights only: Performing at The Star Gold Coast on December 20 and 21, A Very Naughty Christmas invites audiences to indulge in some grown-up ‘elf-care’, promising plenty of laughs, partial nudity and a titillating mix of modern pop and Christmas carols that will get you into festive spirit (and hot under the collar) like never before.
Give into the feel-good fuzzies with Christmas, Actually at HOTA Friday December 20: Christmas comes early as an all-star cast led by Australian cabaret icon Libby O’Donovan OAM unite to deliver all the hits from beloved holiday classic Love Actually, wrapped up with a sprig of holly and bucketloads of comedy and charm.
Gather the faithful friends who are dear to you for a Merry Bottomless Graze & Sip at Aviary Rooftop Bar: On Saturday December 21, unwind with an afternoon of Christmas trimmings, canapés and winter twists on Aviary’s famous pizzas.
Be merry and bright at Southport Shark’s White Christmas Party: On Sunday December 22, Aviary Rooftop Bar will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a strictly white dress code. They’re letting it snow with flurries of the snow machine and the glow of black lights to create an unforgettable festive shindig. Sip on Christmas-themed cocktails and rock around the Christmas tree.
Party with Peking Duck as they return to Miami Marketta on Saturday December 21 for a cheeky DJ set: Peking Duk are the formidable electronic/pop duo from Australia who have won two ARIA Awards with 1 billion combined streams and seven Top 40 ARIA Singles.
Discover the best of contemporary Australian photography with The Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award 2024 at HOTA Gallery: With a $25,000 acquisitive prize, the award is the most prestigious photography prize in Queensland, open to all Australian artists working in contemporary photography. This exhibition is free to visit and open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm until May 11, 2025.
Turn up the heat with Don Julio Rosado Poolside Takeover at The Langham, Gold Coast: From now until January 27, 2025, the iconic poolside at The Langham, Gold Coast transforms into a vibrant fiesta of premium tequila and mouth-watering Mexican-inspired flavours. In collaboration with Don Julio Tequila, The Langham, Gold Coast’s talented mixologists will be shaking up a selection of signature pink cocktails, expertly crafted to highlight the distinct notes of the Don Julio Rosado. To complete the experience, there will be a pop-up taco hut serving an array of Mexican-inspired delights.
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Celebrate local creativity at the Gold Coast Triennial: The Gold Coast Triennial at HOTA Gallery showcases 43 local artists through diverse works, including installations, video art, sculpture and 2D pieces. The dynamic exhibition has transformed seven interconnected spaces, highlighting the region’s artistic diversity. Spanning generations and personal histories, it celebrates emerging talent and seasoned professionals alike. With free entry, the Triennial is a must-see cultural event on the Gold Coast.
Stock up on fresh-local produce, bespoke goodies and street food snacks at one of the weekly markets as well. Burleigh Heads Art and Craft Markets, Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, and the Robina Farmers Market are open and trading this weekend. For our night owls still craving the delicious market fare but can’t beat the ‘snooze’ button – hit up Moonlight Night Market.
Get into the festive spirit at the HOTA Christmas Twilight Market on Saturday December 21. Discover a Christmas wonderland where hundreds of local artisans and gourmet goodies come together for one spectacular night of festive fun.
Snap a festive pic inside the Luminous Lane Interactive Christmas Windows: Immerse yourself in Luminous Lane, The Star Gold Coast’s eight interactive festive-themed windows. Inspired by the famous Saks Fifth Avenue holiday windows, this interactive Christmas experience invites you to step inside an array of magical holiday-themed scenes to capture precious memories with family and friends.
Step into a magical holiday adventure with The Enchanted Nutcracker in The Star Grand Foyer: Set in an enchanted North Pole wonderland, this lively Nutcracker-inspired celebration brings the wonder and whimsy of the season to life. The Enchanted Nutcracker will take place nightly from December 6–24 with photo opportunities at 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm and 7:20 pm each night.
Make some Christmas memories as Broadbeach Mall transforms into a magical gingerbread village: From December 14-22, there are a brace of festive workshops on offer, including gingerbread cookie decorating, Christmas craft and story time theatre. The village also includes Santa’s Post Office (for sending any important letters to the North Pole) and the Oasis Treasure Hunt with clues around every corner.
Partake in some Festive Fun at the The Strand at Coolangatta: December 20–24 the Strand will be hosting the North Pole Bake House Workshop for Kids between 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. This workshop offers five days of unique food crafts where even Santa’s littlest helpers can join in the fun of baking! And on Sunday December 22 you can enjoy the unique and cheerful sounds of the Coolangatta Ukulele Group, as they bring classic holiday tunes to life with a tropical twist.
Celebrate the festive season this December at Harvest Buffet: Dig into holiday classics with plenty of hearty roast dishes including roast turkey with cranberry gravy and roasted ham adorned with a pineapple glaze. Finish your feast with an array of indulgent festive desserts for a truly merry dining experience.
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Pick up your feet with Paradise Centre’s Christmas Eve free entertainment: A staple of any Christmas Eve is a quick dash to the shops to pick up all those last-minute must haves before the big day. Lucky for us, Paradise Centre is making your Christmas Eve errands the main event with a fun-filled program of festive performances. Catch the Rollerskating Reindeers gliding and jingling all the way through the centre whilst snapping some pics with Beau the Budgie and his elf buddy. Plus, DJ Axel Taylor will be spinning tracks in the beachfront dining precinct for a boogie.
If you’re looking for something to do on Christmas Day, check out our round up of dining delights.
Light up the night with Magic by Moonlight at Broadwater Parklands: From December 27 to January 26, Broadwater Parklands Surfers Paradise will be home to an incredible 400 captivating larger-than-life 3D light sculptures, featuring more than 30,000 lightbulbs.
Finish 2024 with the BEST NIGHT EVER: Returning to Miami Marketta on Saturday December 28, this year’s BEST NIGHT EVER features nine incredible acts, spread across two stages (and no set clashes!). Headlining BEST NIGHT EVER 2024 is Australian rock darlings Pacific Avenue who will be joined by The Vanns, The Grogans, Tired Lion, Letters To Lions, bella amor, Large Mirage, Ferny Fairway, and Thirst Trap.
Haven’t chosen a New Year’s Eve Party yet? Check out our round up of celebratory shindigs.
Ring in the new year at The Whitlams at Miami Marketta: On New Year’s Day, the legendarily high-spirited live band will recreate the rollicking energy of its seven studio albums, with a focus on Love This City from 1999, which featured the hit singles ‘Blow Up the Pokies’ and ‘Thank You (for loving me at my worst)’.
Or swing in the new year at iconic day party, Skin Deep at Nineteen at The Star: Skin Deep is returning on New Year’s Day with internationally acclaimed headliner Levi Neufeld, who has amassed over 43M streams for his chart-topping hit ‘Jump’.
Makes some noise with The Screaming Jets as the highly anticipated Life Blood Tour hits the Gold Coast: The Jets will be bringing a high-octane rock experience with a huge summer show at Miami Marketta Laneway, on January 5.
Wander through the latest Mater Prize Home on Bribie Island and envision your future at this breathtaking property: Step inside the Mater Prize Home and see the grand prize for yourself. Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, explore this stunning $3.6 million property and all that comes with it. On December 21–22, chef and food writer Katrina Meynick will be serving up a delicious batch of gingerbread biscuits, complimentary to anyone who buys a ticket (while stocks last).