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?
Christmas Day Feasts 2024
QT Gold Coast
Bazaar
7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: QT Gold Coast | Supplied
‘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 or Christmas Day 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
Time: Christmas Eve: Seatings from 5:30pm
Christmas Night: 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, and 7:30pm seatings
Cost: Bazaar Christmas Eve: Adults $179, teenagers $89 (13-17 years), children $39
Bazaar Christmas Day Dinner: Adults $265, teenagers $165, children $75
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
Time: 12pm seating
Cost: Adults $299 ($349 with premium beverage package)
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 at the ultimate Christmas Day lunch. Make it indulgent with a decadent Christmas seafood spread, traditional meats and 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
Time: 12pm seating
Cost: Adults $320, teenagers $189, children $89
For more information, click here.
JW Marriott Gold Coast
Citrique
158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: JW Marriott | Supplied
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
Time: Christmas Eve Dinner: 5:30pm and 8pm seatings
Christmas Day Lunch: 12pm seating
Christmas Day Dinner: 5:30pm and 8pm seatings
Cost: Christmas Eve Dinner: Adults $179, children $89 (5-12 years) & $39 (3-4 years)
Christmas Day Lunch: Adults $399, teenagers $299 (13-17 years), children $199 (5-12 years) & $79 (3-4 years)
Christmas Day Dinner: Adults $279, teenagers $189, children $129 (5-12 years) & $49 (3-4 years)
For more information, click here.
JW Marriott Grand Ballroom
158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: JW Marriott | Supplied
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 lobster, live cooking stations, a three-hour premium beverage package with French Champagne, live entertainment, face painting and a visit from Santa.
THE DETAILS
Time: 11:30am seating
Cost: Adults $359, teenagers $259 (13-17 years), children $199 (5-12 years) and $59 (3-4 years)
For more information, click here.
Chapter & Verse
158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: JW Marriott | Supplied
If you’re after something a little more lowkey than a ballroom feast but still want to impress, JW Marriott’s Chapter & Verse Christmas Day Australian BBQ has got you covered.
Experience seasonal local offerings with a seafood tower, Australian BBQ roasts, rotisserie, grilld land and sea favurites, 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
Time: 12pm seating
Cost: $259 per person
For more information, click here.
The Star Gold Coast
Uncle Su
1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Those looking for something a little non-traditional need look no further than Christmas Day 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 with delights like crab roe and scallop dumplings and deep-fried red bean paste dumplings. Beverages are available for purchase and Uncle Su will be open for Christmas Day Dinner with an a la carte menu.
THE DETAILS
Time: 12pm seating
Cost: Adults $168, children $80 (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 culinary team 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. Turkey breast with ham and oregano stuffing, Tasmanian salmon with caviar cream sauce, natural oysters and mushroom truffle arancini are just some of the dishes included in the Christmas Day banquet.
THE DETAILS
Time: 12pm seating
Cost: Adults $199, teens $100 (13-17 years), children $35 (5-12 years)
For more information, click here.
The Star Harvest Buffet
1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: The Star Gold Coast | Supplied
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 Christmas Day and enjoy a dinner-time all-you-can-eat seafood buffet and a three-hour beverage package with wines, sparkling, beer and non-alcoholic options.
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
Time: 5:45pm seating
Cost: Christmas Day Dinner: Adults $230, teenagers $100 (13-17 years), children $50 (5-12 years)
For more information, click here.
The Langham, Gold Coast
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 premium luxury destination, The Langham, Gold Coast is putting on your Christmas Day 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 yet family-friendly Australian feast with local seafood, a crudo and oyster bar, a live barbeque with preium meats and a children's sausage sizzle. Christmas just got a whole lot fancier and we love it.
THE DETAILS
Time: 12pm seating
Cost: Adults $495, teenagers $295 (13-17 years), children $155 (5-12 years)
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 buffet lunch or dinner.
All experiences come with a two-hour premium beverage package and the Christmas Day feasts star a premium seafood buffet with a crudo bar, carving station, aged meats, Moreton Bay bugs and much more.
THE DETAILS
Time: Christmas Eve Dinner: 5:30pm to 10pm
Christmas Lunch: 12pm to 3pm
Christmas Dinner: 5:30pm to 10pm
Cost: Christmas Eve Dinner: Adults $319, teenagers $155 (13-17 years), children $80 (5-12 years)
Christmas Lunch: Adults $449, teenagers $210
Christmas Dinner: Adults $319, teenagers $155 (13-17 years), children $80 (5-12 years)
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. We recommend wearing your stretchy pants to this Christmas Day feast.
THE DETAILS
Time: 11am and 3pm seatings
Cost: Adults $179, teenagers $119 (13-17 years), children $89 (4-12 years)
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 with a luxurious Christmas Eve seafood buffet, Christmas Day degustation lunch at The Fireplace restaurant, or a Christmas Day seafood buffet for dinner.
Honestly, with such scrumptious-looking menus, the hardest part will be choosing which offering to attend.
THE DETAILS
Time: Christmas Eve: Various seatings between 5pm and 8:30pm
Christmas Lunch: 12pm seating
Christmas Dinner: Various seatings between 5pm and 8:30pm
Cost: Christmas Eve: Adults $199, children $89 (5-12 years)
Christmas Lunch: $489 per person
Christmas Dinner: Adults $229, children $99 (5-12 years)
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
Time: 12pm seating
Cost: Adults $329, children $189 (4-17 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 antipasto starters, cold seafood selection, their farmer’s market salad collection, the traditional hot meats and their famous dessert station. A feast fit for Santa himself.
THE DETAILS
Time: 11am and 1:30pm seatings
Cost: Adults $185, teenagers $120 (13-17 years), children $85 (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
Time: 12:30pm seating
Cost: Adults $245, children $105
For more information, click here.
Sofitel Broadbeach Grand Ballroom
81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Celebrate this festive season with your nearest and dearest, and be transported to a winter wonderland in Sofitel Broadbeach’s 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. Whitsunday tiger prawns, freshly shucked Pacific oysters and Moreton Bay bugs will all be on the table (literally). 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
Time: 12pm seating
Cost: Adults $325, teenagers $250 (13-17 years), children $138 (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
Time: 12pm seating
Cost: Adults $307, teenagers $171 (13-17 years), children $103 (5-12 years) & $51 (2-4 years)
For more information, click here.
voco Gold Coast
31 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
For an indulgent seafood buffet lunch with all the trimmings, look no further than voco Gold Coast. There’ll be an array of fresh seafood, both hot and cold dishes, a roast carvery, and fresh, flavourful salads, along with a drool-worthy dessert bar and a three-hour beverage package to keep the Christmas cheer flowing.
The kiddies have not been forgotten, with face painting and a visit from the big man in red to keep them entertained.
THE DETAILS
Time: 12pm seating
Cost: Adults $289, teens $189 (13-17 years), children $89 (5-12 years)
For more information, click here.
Vibe Hotel Gold Coast
42 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
The Vibe Hotel Gold Coast could just be the perfect spot to have a relaxed Christmas buffet lunch that will ensure everyone’s feel of delicious food (and a side of Christmas cheer). Indulge in a variety of holiday dishes, from traditional roast turkey with cranberry sauce to seasonal favourites like freshly shucked oysters and prawns.
Looking for a place to rest your head? You can head straight from lunch to your cosy bed at Vibe Hotel, only moments away from Surfers Paradise beachfront and The Esplanade. It doesn’t get much better.
THE DETAILS
Time: 11:30am seating
Cost: Adults $169, children $89 (5-15 years)
For more information, click here.
Christmas Pub Lunches
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
Time: 11am seating
Cost: Adults $159, teens $55 (13-17 years), children $35 (5-12 years)
For more information, click here.
Hope Island Tavern
87-97 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island QLD 4212
Fresh from a brand new renovation, Hope Island Tavern will be welcoming locals to their newly transformed watering hole for a Christmas Day lunch buffet. Cold and cold seafoods, traditional meats, salads, vegetables and sweets are all on the buffet menu.
We'll be going for the maple-glazed ham with pineapple and cloves while taking advantage of the new bistro and beer garden while the kids enjoy the spacious play area.
THE DETAILS
Time: Seatings from 11:45am
Cost: Adults $165, children $85 (6-15 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 kids can get loose at the outdoor playground while parens kick back in the adjoining beer garden.
THE DETAILS
Time: Seatings at 11am and 2pm
Cost: Adults $175, teens $69 (13-17 years), children $35 (12 years and under)
For more information, click here.
Runaway Bay Tavern
10-12 Lae Dr, Runaway Bay QLD 4216
A simple yet family-friendly Christmas lunch is the name of the game at Runaway Bay Tavern's Christmas buffet lunch. The hot and cold buffet stars oysters, tiger prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, roast turkey, glazed ham and much more.
After lunch, little ones will be entertained in the indoor playroom, complete with toys and movies on the TVs while parents can kick back.
THE DETAILS
Time: 11:30am seating
Cost: Adults $155, teens $95 (13-17 years), children $70 (12 years and under)
For more information, click here.
Christmas Takeaway Feasts
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 Gold Coast 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
Time: Order by 20 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.
Looking for more festive content? Check out:
Main image credit: QT Gold Coast | Supplied
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