The festive season is upon us and while the thoughts of Christmas movies, baking gingerbread men, putting up Christmas trees and driving around to look at all the beautifully decorated houses makes you feel warm and fuzzy, the stress of buying gifts for all your nearest and dearest is not so much fun.
Instead of sweating through the shopping centre crowds, how about this year you vow to purchase your presents from local stalls at markets. Not only does this mean you’ll be consciously consuming but you’ll also be shopping small and supporting local creatives and artisans. Read on for all of the best Christmas markets on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country in 2024.
Editor's Note: This article will be updated as more Christmas markets are confirmed. Let us know at editorgc@theurbanlist.com if we're missing a Gold Coast Christmas market.
2024 Christmas Markets
Confirmed for 2024
HOTA Twilight Christmas Market
Surfers Paradise
Image Credit: HOTA Markets | Supplied
Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit at the HOTA Twilight Christmas Market on Saturday 21 December, from 4pm to 9pm. This enchanting evening promises a festive wonderland filled with local artisans, delicious treats, and all the merriment you can handle.
Explore the vibrant marketplace, where unique handcrafted gifts await—perfect for those tricky-to-shop-for loved ones. Savour a mouthwatering array of seasonal delights from gourmet food stalls, and let the live music lift your spirits as you soak in the festive atmosphere.
When: Saturday 21 December, from 4pm to 9pm
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Entry: Free
For more information, click here.
Christmas Markets GC
Broadwater Parklands
Perhaps the largest and most iconic Gold Coast Christmas markets, get in the Christmas spirit at the annual Christmas Markets GC, which will transform the Broadwater Parklands into a winter wonderland from Friday 20 December to Sunday 22 December. Wander under fairy-lit trees through a vibrant assortment of local small businesses offering unique artisanal goods and handcrafted gifts.
Over 100 stalls will be selling everything you need to make it a seriously festive Christmas this year, plus kids rides, giant inflatables, gourmet Christmas food, roving characters, glittering lights and all the ingredients for a merry time. We've even heard rumours Santa might arrive by helicopter...
When: Friday 20 December to Sunday 22 December, from 4pm to 10pm daily
Where: Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport
Entry: Free
For more information, click here.
Tamborine Twilight Christmas Country Market
Tamborine Mountain
Festive magic is in the air as the Mammoth Country Christmas Markets light up the Bearded Dragon Hotel on Friday 29 November, from 5pm to 9pm. Get ready for a charming evening filled with holiday cheer, where the venue transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with live music, a pop-up bar, and delicious food trucks to satisfy your cravings.
With over 100 market stalls showcasing unique gifts, homewares, and local artisan treasures, you’re sure to find something special for everyone on your list. Little ones will be delighted by the petting zoo, letters to Santa, and a spectacular dance show to get everyone in the festive spirit. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the big man in red himself. Best of all, this event directly supports the local Tamborine Rural Fire Brigade and wildlife charities, making your holiday shopping even more meaningful.
When: Friday 29 November, from 5pm to 9pm
Where: Bearded Dragon Hotel, 2-22 Tamborine Mountain Road, Tamborine
Entry: Free
For more information, click here.
Christmas Art & Crafters Market
Benowa
The Gold Coast Potters Association are hosting a gorgeous arts and crafts Christmas market to bring the local community together and celebrate the most festive time of year. Over 35 arts and crafts stalls filled with handmade stylish homewares, jewellery, accessories, music and loads more await, so grab your Christmas list and your wallet and make tracks.
There will also be pottery demonstrations, food stalls, live loom weaving and more. You’re sure to be on Santa’s nice list as you’ll be supporting local small businesses and artists.
When: Sunday 1 December, from 8am to 1pm
Where: 173 Ashmore Road, Benowa
Entry: Free
For more information, click here.
Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Market
Surfers Paradise
Image Credit: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets | Supplied
You’ll find sand (not snow) and market stalls along The Esplanade on Saturday 14 December, where you’ll be able to score a sweet deal on a range of bespoke homemade gifts at the Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Market. You’ll find it hard not to treat yo’ elf (we couldn’t resist) with artisan handmade gifts, boutique clothing and accessories and spectacular Christmas decorations from a huge array of stalls.
Grab your little helpers because there will be live tunes, kids activities and loads of stocking stuffers. Oh, and don’t miss Santa’s grand arrival—rumour has it he’s ditching his sleigh for a specially wrapped surfboard, making waves right in the heart of the market.
When: Saturday 14 December, from 4pm to 9pm
Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Entry: Free
For more information, click here.
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Dreamworld Christmas Night Markets
Coomera
Get ready to jingle all the way to Dreamworld’s Christmas Night Market with the first festive iteration launching on Friday 29 November and the markets running every Friday and Saturday night, from 5pm to 9pm, until Saturday 21 December.
Round up the whole family and head to Dreamworld for a sleigh-full of festive fun, including live tunes from Gold Coast bands, surprise visits from the Grinch and mouthwatering festive food stalls. There will also be meet and greets with Santa and Mrs Claus, a Tree-mendous Christmas Show at 6pm and 8pm every night and roving Christmas characters spreading cheer.
When: Every Friday and Saturday (29 November to 21 December), from 5pm to 9pm
Where: 1 Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
Entry: $2 or free for kids under 13 years and passholders
For more information, click here.
Broadwater Pavilion Christmas Market
Broadwater Parklands
Festive magic is in the air as the Broadwater Pavilion Christmas Market kicks off at Broadwater Parklands on Saturday 30 November. Shop small and local this Saturday with the team's biggest market in over two years. So yes, it's huge.
There will be an array of fantastic vendors with unique Christmas gifts, plus live music, lawn games, food and drink stalls, a free kids craft area and of course, a visit from Santa himself. Best of all, it's also pet-friendly so no one needs to miss out.
When: Saturday 30 November, from 8am to 2pm
Where: Great Lawn, Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Entry: Free
For more information, click here.
Christmas Twilight Markets
Upper Coomera
Northern Gold Coast peeps will be happy to learn that the Upper Coomera Christmas Twilight Markets are making a return for 2024. Even better for those who like to get organised early, the Christmas markets will be held on Saturday 9 November.
Located at The Well in Upper Coomera, this twilight Christmas market is the perfect family-friendly evening with a petting zoo, free jumping castle, face painting, kids' games, delicious food trucks, markets stalls (for those who like to get their gifts organised early), carols and photos with Santa Clause. What more could you want?
When: Saturday 9 November, from 4pm to 7pm
Where: The Well, 58 Highland Way, Upper Coomera
Entry: Free
For more information, click here.
The Village Markets Christmas Pop-Up Market
Robina
Join the local legends at The Village Markets for their end of year Christmas markets, which they’re hosting as pop-up markets at Robina Town Centre this year. With live tunes from local musicians to groove you through the stalls, and seriously trendy threads and heartthrob homewares; it’s also the perfect place to cross everyone off your list.
These are THE Christmas markets to discover new local brands that you can’t help but purchase. And the best part? They’ll be hosting two of these pop-up markets this year, on Thursday 12 December and Thursday 19 December, so you get double the fun. Supporting the community feels good, doesn’t it?
When: Thursday 12 December and Thursday 19 December, from 4pm to 8pm
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Entry: Free
For more information, click here.
Christmas at Frascott Market
Varsity Lakes
This free community Christmas market will be loaded with festive, family-friendly fun—we're talking about live music, Christmas carols, market stalls, free kids' entertainment and plenty of food trucks.
Kicking off the festive season in style on Sunday 1 December, there will also be a snow zone, a live laser show to finish and of course, a special appearance from Santa Claus.
When: Sunday 1 December, from 4pm to 8pm
Where: Frascott Park, Mattocks Road, Varsity Lakes
Entry: Free
For more information, click here.
Labrador Community Christmas Market
Labrador
Experience the holiday cheer at Labrador's Community Christmas Market at Labrador State School Oval on Saturday 23 November. Running from 12pm to 4pm, enjoy live stage performances, indulge in treats from food trucks, explore Christmas market stalls, connect with local community groups, and let the little ones loose(ish) on the free carnival rides.
When: Saturday 23 November, from 12pm to 4pm
Where: Labrador State School, Gordon St, Labrador
Entry & Parking:
For more information, click here.
Beechmont Stocking Filler Christmas Market
Beechmont
We're all about shopping local and supporting small businesses, which is why you'll find us stockikng up on early Christmas gifts at the Beechmont Stocking Filler Markets on Sunday 17 November. Running from 8am to 1pm, the Beechmont Markets tick every box with breathtaking views, local produce, homemade goods, plants, craft, community garden, live music, free kids craft and more.
Bring a picnic rug and soak up the slow Sunday vibes—dogs are also welcome so no one has to miss out.
When: Sunday 17 November, from 8am to 1pm
Where: 1835 Beechmont Road, Beechmont
Entry : Free
For more information, click here.
Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Market
Beenleigh
Get ready to sleigh into the festive season at the Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Market, kicking off on Friday 15 November from 5pm to 9pm. Beenleigh Town Square will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with over 100 food, drink, and artisan stalls, festive entertainment, and a visit from Santa himself.
There’s plenty of festive fun for the little ones too, with an Old McDonald’s petting zoo, a big bubbles entertainer, and endless Christmas cheer. Top it off with live music, roving performers, and twinkling decorations, and you’ve got the ultimate Queensland-style Christmas celebration.
When: Friday 15 November, from 5pm to 9pm
Where: Beenleigh Town Square, 1 Kent St, Beenleigh
Entry: Free
For more information, click here.
2023 Christmas Markets
Unconfirmed for 2024
Editor's Note: These Christmas markets ran in 2023 but are yet to confirm a 2024 event. Stay tuned for more details.
Marina Mirage Christmas Market
Main Beach
Celebrate your spot on the nice list at the Marina Mirage Christmas Market, which will be packed full of festive stalls and all your Christmas-themed goodies. Christmas will be coming at full speed to Marina Mirage and this pre-Christmas market is perfect for all you thrill-seeking, last-minute shoppers. So grab your baskets, bags and buggies and stock up on all the last-minute gifts you can carry.
Christmas Market at Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay
This community-orientated Christmas market was held in the last week of November, so if you're the type that likes to get your gifting organised early, this is perfect for you. After a hugely successful first market in 2022, this Christmas market will have Christmas photos, live music, market stalls and more to keep your little elves entertained.
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Main Image Credit: Pexels | Website
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