Whether a traditional roast or fresh seafood is your idea of a Christmas feast, there’s no doubt one of the best things about the festive season is the food. If slaving away in the kitchen doesn’t sound like your idea of a fun Christmas day, you’re not alone. Let’s change it up this year and leave the cooking (and washing up) to the experts.
We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best cafes and restaurants open over the Christmas festive period for you, where you can eat, drink and be merry—stress-free! Does that sound like a Christmas wish come true?
Cafes Open On Christmas Day 2023
- Side Piece Coffee: open 8am to 11am (limited menu and coffee)
- vegepatch studios: open 5:30am to 10am
- BSKT Cafe: open 6am to 11am
- Palm Springs Burleigh: open 7am to 10am
- Stone Studio Kingscliff: open 6:30am to 10am
- Quest Burleigh: open 5am to 12pm
Cafes Open On Boxing Day 2023
- Side Piece Coffee: open 8am to 11am (limited menu and coffee)
- Tarte Bakery: open 6:30am to 3pm
- Blackboard Varsity: open 6am to 11am (kitchen closed, takeaway only)
- Elk Espresso: open 5:45am to 3pm
- Tarte Beach House: open 6:30am to 3pm
- Paddock Bakery: open 6am to 3pm
- Bam Bam Bakehouse: open 6am to 2:30pm
- Bear Boy Espresso Helensvale: open 7am to 1pm
- Zoux Bar Broadbeach: open 5am to 2pm
- Buoy Cafe: open 5am to 5pm
Restaurants Open Boxing Day 2023
- Hideaway Kitchen & Bar: open 5pm to late
- The Tropic: open 11am to 10pm
- Robina Pavilion: open 10am to late
- YOT Deck: open 11am to 6pm
- Billy Chow: open from 11:30am to late
- Kirra Beach House: open 11am to late
- Kirra Beach Hotel: open 1oam to late
- Local Burleigh: open 6:30am to late
Cafes Open New Year's Day 2023
- Blackboard Varsity: open 6am to 11am (kitchen closed, takeaway only)
- Tarte Bakery: open 6:30am to 3pm
- Elk Espresso: open 5:45am to 3pm
- Tarte Beach House: open 6:30am to 3pm
- Paddock Bakery: open 6am to 3pm
- Bam Bam Bakehouse: open 6am to 2:30pm
- Buoy Cafe: open 5am to 5pm
- Custard Canteen: open 6am to 2:30pm
- Fuel Bakehouse: open 5am to 2pm
Christmas Day Feasts 2023
Bazaar
7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
‘Tis the season to spoil yourself and the team at QT Gold Coast's Bazaar know how to throw an awesome bash at the best of times, so it’s safe to hand over the reins on Christmas Day.
The hardest choice you’ll have to make is choosing between their Bazaar Christmas Eve Dinner, Bazaar Christmas Morning Breakfast, Christmas Day Lunch or Christmas Night Dinner. Bazaar will be dishing up all your traditional favourites, from fresh trawler-caught seafood to decadent desserts (including their famous chocolate fountain). Bazaar really has all your Christmas feasting needs covered.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Bazaar Christmas Eve: Adults $179, teenagers $89 (13-17 years), children $39
Bazaar Christmas Morning: Adults $85, children $35 (5-12 years)
Bazaar Christmas Lunch: Adults $320, teenagers $179, children $59
Bazaar Christmas Night: Adults $265, teenagers $165, children $75
For more information, click here.
Citrique
158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Indulge in a delicious display of Christmas fare at JW Marriott Resort where they will be letting the elves loose and whipping up a decadent buffet for the whole family. Feast on a succulent seafood and carvery buffet and seasonal sweet treats at Citrique Restaurant—make sure to arrive with an empty stomach.
You can choose between the Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day lunch and Christmas Day dinner seafood buffets, which will include live cooking stations, three-hour premium beverage packages, live entertainment and a visit from Santa.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Christmas Eve Dinner: Adults $179, children $89 (5-12 years)
Christmas Day Lunch: Adults $389, teenagers $289 (13-17 years), children $189 (5-12 years)
Christmas Day Dinner: Adults $279, teenagers $189, children $129
For more information, click here.
Yamagen
7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Treat yourself this Christmas with an exquisite seven-course degustation at QT Gold Coast's beautiful Yamagen. Experience a masterclass in Japanese dining with a showcase of seafood dishes with a Christmas twist, an arrival cocktail and curated beverage pairings—make this indulgence your best present yet.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Yamagen Lunch: Adults $299 ($349 with premium beverages)
For more information, click here.
Uncle Su
1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Those looking for something a little non-traditional need look no further than Christmas lunch at The Star Gold Coast’s signature Cantonese restaurant, Uncle Su for an impressive Chinese banquet.
With a focus on traditional Chinese flavours, ingredients and cooking styles, internationally trained Executive Chef of Asian Cuisine, Chef Song Yao Su, has developed a special festive lunch menu. The Uncle Su Christmas package includes a beautiful banquet meal fit for the most festive occasion.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $165, children $70 (5-14 years)
For more information, click here.
Cucina Vivo
1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Inspired by the cliff-top restaurants of the Amalfi Coast, Cucina Vivo features an outdoor terrace overlooking the beautiful pool, perfect for a Christmas day soiree. This Christmas, the chefs at Cucina Vivo have created an inspired menu that draws on all the best flavours Italian culture has to offer.
You'll be spoiled with a four-course Italian lunch, three-hour beverage package, live entertainment and a Santa visit with presents for little ones.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $205, children $140 (8-17 years)
For more information, click here.
The Star Harvest Buffet
1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach QLD 4218
We all know The Star Gold Coast has a reputation for serving up some of the best Christmas Day feasts around, and this year is no different. Head to Harvest Buffet on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and enjoy a lunch or dinner time all-you-can-eat seafood buffet and a three-hour beverage package (or glass of sparkling wine if you're dining on Christmas Eve).
Tuck into a range of traditional, seafood, Asian and Mediterranean dishes. Highlights include grilled lamb chops, hot chilli crab, Hervey Bay scallops, Oysters Kilpatrick, and decadent desserts such as pavlova, steamed pudding and brandy custard.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Christmas Eve: Adults $120, children $50 (8-12 years)
Christmas Lunch: Adults $280, teenagers $125 (13-17 years), children $65 (6-12 years)
Christmas Dinner: Adults $225, teenagers $105, children $55
For more information, click here.
QT Ballroom
7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Celebrate in style with those you love in the grandeur of the QT Ballroom. Make it indulgent with our Christmas seafood spread, traditional meats, three hours of free-flowing liquid libations. All wrapped up with a Christmas cocktail on arrival.
With live music and entertainment, face painting for the kids, gingerbread house decorating, and a special visit from Santa and gift for the littlies—make this Christmas a truly lavish affair.
THE DETAILS
Cost: QT Ballroom Lunch: Adults $299, teenagers $179, children $79
For more information, click here.
The Langham Ballroom
38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Forget about that novelty kitchen apron this festive season, because the Gold Coast's newest luxury destination, The Langham, Gold Coast is putting on your Christmas spread—and you don’t want to miss out.
Celebrate in the Langham's signature Diamond Ballroom and you will be spoiled with a premium beverage package and sophisticated Australian feast with local seafood, an oyster bar, a live barbeque and a children's sausage sizzle. Christmas just got a whole lot fancier and we love it.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $468, teenagers $280 (13-17 years), children $148
For more information, click here.
Akoya
38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
The Langham, Gold Coast's elegant beachfront restaurant, Akoya is pulling out all the stops with three festive dining experiences this Christmas. Start celebrations early with Akoya's Christmas Eve European Buffet or celebrate Christmas day in Akoya's ocean-facing dining room with a lunch or dinner buffet.
All experiences come with a two-hour premium beverage package and the Christmas Day feasts star a premium seafood buffet with sashimi, a crudo bar, a carving station, aged meats and much more.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Christmas Eve Dinner: Adults $268, teenagers $140 (13-17 years), children $80
Christmas Lunch: Adults $368, teenagers $180
Christmas Dinner: Adults $358, teenagers $180 , children $98
Miss Moneypenny’s
50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Christmas ‘tis the season of indulgence and indulge you shall at Miss Moneypenny’s Christmas Day Banquet Lunch.
You’ll be treated to a four-course banquet that showcases festive delights crafted by Head Chef Tapos Singha, including a seafood platter, WA rock lobster, rosemary and garlic porchetta, a classic trifle and much, muc more. Be sure to wear your stretchy pants for this Christmas Day feast.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $189, children $99 (11 years and under)
For more information, click here.
The Island
3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Eat, drink and be merry while soaking up the stunning views at The Island this Christmas. Selling out every year, you’ll have to get in quick to buy tickets for a memorable Christmas Day Buffet Lunch hosted at their various venues, including the picturesque The Island Glasshouse and The Island Penthouse.
Go all out with the next-level festive buffet featuring warm and cold fresh seafood, traditional roast meats with the trimmings and wholesome salads. Make sure to save room for dessert and fill your belly with pavlova, trifle and Christmas plum pudding.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $179, teenagers $119 (13-17 years), children $89 (4-12 years)
For more information, click here.
Chapter & Verse
158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
If you’re after something a little more lowkey than a ballroom feast but still want to impress, JW Marriott’s Chapter & Verse Christmas Lunch has got you covered.
Experience seasonal local offerings with a seafood tower, chef's live station, and a bottle of French champagne for two on arrival. We recommend a dip in the lush, lagoon-style pool after your Christmas Day feast.
THE DETAILS
Cost: $249 per person
For more information, click here.
Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
Sanctuary Cove, Manor Cir, Hope Island QLD 4212
If you haven’t got your Christmas plans sorted yet, the swanky Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove has got to be on your list. Experience five-star cuisine at the luxurious The Fireplace restaurant’s Christmas Day Degustation Lunch, where you can drool over a remarkable six-course menu with a premium paired beverage package.
Elegant festive theming accompanied by a customised gift for everyone will further elevate the iconic Fireplace Restaurant experience, which is also adults-only (no screaming kids, guaranteed).
THE DETAILS
Cost: $449 per person
For more information, click here.
Hilton Surfers Paradise
6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Hang up your apron, get out of the kitchen and celebrate Christmas with your loved ones at Hilton Surfers Paradise. Relax in style at the glamorous hotel and let their talented chefs treat you to an extravagant feast—no washing up required.
Tuck into their premium buffet which showcases a cold and hot buffet of seafood, traditional festive meats and a range of tempting desserts. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available, as well as a three-hour beverage package.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $329, teenagers $249 (12-17 years), children $189 (5-11 years)
For more information, click here.
JW Marriott Grand Ballroom
158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
If you're all about pulling out all the stops on Christmas Day lunch, the JW Marriott Grand Ballroom Seafood Buffet is right up your alley.
Celebrate Christmas Day with a festive seafood buffet lunch including lobsters, live cooking stations, a three hour premium beverage package with Moet Champagne, live entertainment, face painting and a visit from Santa.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $339, teenagers $249 (13-17 years), children $159 (4-12 years)
For more information, click here.
Robina Pavilion
229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina QLD 4226
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Robina Pavilion. Let the kids loose in the Christmas wonderland while you sit back and indulge in their generous buffet lunch.
You’ll struggle to choose between their cold seafood selection, their farmer’s market salad collection, the traditional hot meats and their famous DIY pavlova station. A feast fit for Santa himself.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $165, teenagers $99 (13-17 years), children $79 (4-12 years)
For more information, click here.
Hyde Paradiso
Level 2/8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
If you’re after top-notch ocean views this Christmas Day, Hyde Paradiso is the Christmas restaurant for you. Indulge this Christmas at Hyde in a seaside soiree starring a decadent seafood buffet lunch accompanied by a three-hour premium drinks package.
Featuring unobstructed ocean views, a visit from Santa, festive bon-bons, a take-home gift and mouthwatering food options to suit everyone, there are few better ways to spend Christmas Day lunch than at Hyde.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $280, children $120 (4-12 years)
For more information, click here.
Elements Byron Bay
144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Sure, this one might not technically be on the Gold Coast, but if you're one of the many Gold Coasters who like to soak up Byron Bay's sunshine and laidback vibes over Christmas, Elements of Byron Bay has your name all over it.
We highly recommend spending a few days in their luxe rainforest villas—with direct private beachfront access, no less—and even if you're not staying, you can enjoy Christmas Day feasting at their sublime Azure Bar & Grill restaurant. Experience Christmas with a lavish buffet lunch laden with the freshest seafood and traditional favourites.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $230
For more information, click here.
Sofitel Broadbeach Grand Ballroom
81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Celebrate Art de Noël this festive season and experience Christmas joy with a French flair in Sofitel Broadbeach’s Gingerbread House-themed Grand Ballroom.
Indulge in a sumptuous seafood and hot carvery buffet including all your favourite traditional trimmings, a decadent dessert buffet and a three-hour beverage package. The little ones will be kept busy with live entertainment and a visit from jolly Santa making it a truly family-friendly magical experience.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $295, teenagers $225 (13-17 years), children $125 (5-12 years)
For more information, click here.
Sofitel Broadbeach Bistro On3
81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD 4218
For those seeking a more intimate setting, Bistro On3 at the Sofitel Broadbeach is the perfect setting. Delight in fresh and succulent local seafood, from prawns and oysters to Moreton Bay bugs and crab.
Indulge in the rich flavours of a traditional Christmas carvery, featuring tender roasted meats and an array of delicious accompaniments. And of course, no festive feast would be complete without an abundance of lavish desserts that will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $325, teenagers $259 (13-17 years), children $159 (5-12 years)
For more information, click here.
RACV Royal Pines Resort
Ross St, Benowa QLD 4217
Amidst a beautifully themed ballroom, feast on a Christmas buffet lunch offering the freshest Australian seafood, traditional festive meats and a huge selection of hot dishes, salads and desserts.
This is what Christmas at RACV Royal Pines Resort looks like. Adults will be treated to a three-hour beverage package and roaming entertainment, while the kids can burn off the sugar with a very special visit from Santa himself. You might just end up rolling home after this festive feast.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $297, teenagers $162 (13-17 years), children $103 (5-12 years)
For more information, click here.
Driftwood Social
42 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Oozing Miami pool club vibes with chilled in-house music and prime sunset views, Driftwood Social is a hot spot for your end-of-year Christmas celebrations.
Christmas packages include poolside venue hire, a glass of wine or beer on arrival, festive feasting station, canapes on arrival and three-hour drink package. Looking for a place to rest your head? Spent the night at Vibe Hotel Gold Coast, only moments aways from Surfers Paradise beachfront and The Esplanade.
THE DETAILS
Cost: $99 per person
For more information, click here.
Coomera Lodge Hotel
160 Maudsland Road, Oxenford QLD 4210
Those looking to indulge in a casual, family-friendly Christmas feast this year need to look no further than Coomera Lodge Hotel.
Seated in the restaurant with views of the river, Coomera Lodge will be serving up a three-course lunch from 11am, featuring everything from Christmas roasts and fresh seafood to finger-lickingly delicious desserts and sweet treats.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $150, children $50 (6-12 years)
For more information, click here.
Burleigh Town Hotel
Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads QLD 4219
Burleigh Town Hotel is taking the stress out of Christmas Day, inviting you to join the team for a traditional Christmas buffet this year from 12pm. You will be treated to fresh seafood, Christmas classics and all the traditional festive favourites. The best part? No cleaning up required.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Adults $170, children $57 (5-12 years)
For more information, click here.
QT Christmas Feast At Home
From the comfort of home
It's the most delectable time of the year. And Christmas by QT at Home is here to make Christmas a piece of pav. Christmas by QT at Home is an at-home dining experience with lashings of indulgent Christmas cheer and an expertly crafted meal kit for simple assembly.
The Christmas hampers cater for four to six people and includes a plethora of designer dishes to unwrap—from the Christmas classics your Nan cooks, through to tiger prawns in cognac-horseradish, slow-roasted suckling porchetta and pavlova, they're serving up food comas left right and centre.
THE DETAILS
When: Order by 22 December for pick up between 23 and 24 December
Cost: $649 per box
For more information, click here.
Takeaway Hampers From The Star Gold Coast
From the comfort of home
Do you want to look like you’ve put a lot of effort into your Christmas feast, whereas in reality...you haven’t? No judgement here.
Let the talented The Star culinary team do all the hard work this Christmas and feast on one of their takeaway Christmas hampers, complete with Christmas favourites like delicious smoked ham, roasted turkey breast, Tasmanian salmon and more—all from the comfort of your own home. You can even add in seafood upgrades if you’re feeling extra boujee.
THE DETAILS
When: Order by 15 December at 2pm; pick up on 24 December between 10am-12pm and 3pm-5pm
Cost: Prices and hampers vary; $260 to $700
For more information, click here.
Now that you’ve got your Christmas Day plans sorted, NYE is lurking just around the corner. Dust off your dancing shoes and check out the hottest New Year’s Event events happening on the Gold Coast this year.
Image credit: The Star Gold Coast, QT Gold Coast & JW Marriott Gold Coast