What’s On In The Gold Coast This Weekend, Month And Beyond
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List, Gold Coast, QLD
What’s on this weekend on the Gold Coast? Well, it’s the first weekend of December, so things are looking the perfect amount of festive. From markets to street parties and carols, all served up with a healthy dose of tinsel and Christmas cheer.
Even a grinch like me loves the buzz of this time of year, and the plethora of events that come with it, so read on for your Urban List-curated guide to everything worth doing on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri country this weekend.
Jump to each section:
What's On Friday 5 December
Nice Nice X Clay Cantina
While the initial plans for a Bay Street Christmas market have fallen through, the delicious collaboration between Nice Nice cafe and Clay Cantina is still going ahead this Friday from 4pm NSW time. You can expect aqua frescas, enchiladas and, of course, tres leches—I’m already salivating.
If you’ve missed Clay Cantina as much as I have, then make your way to Bay Street to get your fix. Buen provecho!
Where: Nice Nice,
When: Friday 5 December, from 4pm—8pm NSW time
Cost: Entry is free
Click here for more information.
What's On Saturday 6 December
Christmas At Frascott
Image Credit: Christmas at Frascott | Facebook
This free community Christmas market is loaded with festive, family-friendly fun—I'm talking live music, Christmas carols, market stalls, free kids' entertainment and festive crafts.
Kicking off the festive season in style on Saturday 6 December, there will also be a snow zone, a live laser show to finish and of course, a special appearance from Santa Claus.
Where: Frascott Park, Mattocks Road, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
When: Saturday 6 December, from 4pm—8pm
Cost: Free
For more information, click here.
Tugun Lights Up Returns
Tugun Lights Up is back this Saturday for its thirteenth year, transforming the suburb into a buzzing community party from afternoon until evening. The much-loved event brings together local restaurants, live music, entertainment and endless family-friendly fun.
Think festive market stalls, live performances, kids’ entertainment and even a cameo from the big man in red himself. It’s the perfect way to soak up a balmy Gold Coast evening while showing some love to local traders and getting firmly into the Christmas spirit.
Where: Toolona Street, Tugun QLD 4224
When: Saturday 6 December, from 4pm—8:30pm
Cost: Free
More info here.
What's On Sunday 7 December
Miami Christmas Block Party Returns
Image Credit: Miami Christmas Block Party | Supplied
Miami’s beloved Christmas Block Party is back on 7 December, and this year the festive cheer comes with a side of giving back. The Liquor Lanes crew—Hard FIZZ, Precinct Brewing, Black Hops, Granddad Jack’s, Pretty Handsome and new kid on the block, Mohr—are joining forces to raise funds and gifts for The Pyjama Foundation, supporting kids in foster care.
Revellers are encouraged to bring a pressie for little legends in need (with a special call-out for teen-friendly goodies like backpacks, beach gear and gift cards) or simply tap the donation QR codes dotted throughout the venues. Expect live tunes, cold drinks, street-party energy and the kind of community spirit that makes Christmas on the Gold Coast feel extra magical.
Where: Hard FIZZ, Precinct Brewing, Black Hops, Granddad Jack's, Pretty Handsome & Mohr, Miami QLD 4220
When: Sunday 7 December, from 12pm
Cost: Free entry
More info here.
Christmas Art & Crafters Market
This Sunday, the Gold Coast Potters Association are hosting a gorgeous, community-connecting arts and crafts Christmas market to celebrate the most festive time of year. This is your go-to Christmas market on the Gold Coast for handmade, stylish homewares, jewellery and accessories.
There'll be music, food stalls and the most wholesome vibe to get amongst. So grab your Christmas list and your wallet and make tracks. Last year, there were pottery demonstrations and live loom weaving, making it a seriously unique experience. You’re sure to be on Santa’s nice list while supporting local small businesses and artists.
Where: 173 Ashmore Road, Benowa QLD 4217
When: Sunday 7 December, from 8am—1pm
Entry: Free
Click here for more information.
Dusty Rummage At Balter Brewery
Image Credit: Dusty Rummage | Instagram
Dusty Rummage has found a new home just around the corner from their old digs, in the welcoming arms of Balter Brewery. That's right, now you can spend your afternoon flicking through vintage gems, all with one of the Gold Coast's favourite beers in hand—I've been loving the German lager.
There'll be food truck nosh, live music, more vintage gold than you can shake a stick at, and many, many schooners of the good stuff. Let's give this much-loved market a warm welcome to its new monthly home.
Where: Balter Brewery, 14 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
When: Sunday 7 December, from 12pm—3pm
Cost: Free entry
More info here.
Ministry Of Sound At Miami Marketta
Ministry of Sound: Testament is set to take over Miami Marketta this Sunday, bringing a full-throttle homage to the golden era of club culture. Fresh off a run of 12 sold-out shows across Australia and New Zealand, the tour is hitting the Gold Coast with a killer lineup headlined by UK icons Judge Jules and Tall Paul.
They’ll be joined by homegrown heavy-hitters like John Course, Mark Dynamix, Minx, Yolanda Be Cool and more for an afternoon of pure, euphoric nostalgia. If you’re craving an afternoon of big energy and big beats, consider this your Sunday sorted.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami QLD 4220
When: Sunday 7 December, from 12pm—8pm
Cost: $109.95
For more info and tickets, click here.
What's On All Weekend
The Mayor’s Christmas Carols Returns
Image Credit: Mayor's Christmas Carols | Supplied
The Mayor’s Christmas Carols are back for their 14th year, turning HOTA into a festive wonderland across two twinkling evenings. Ricki-Lee is headlining a stacked lineup featuring everyone from Lenny Pearce to the Looney Tunes crew—and yes, Santa will be making a cameo.
While the main stage tickets have been snapped up, you can still roll out a picnic blanket in the HOTA Parklands for a big-screen broadcast complete with food trucks and family-friendly energy. Hosted by 7NEWS’ Amanda Abate and Billy Bentley, the show runs from 6pm and wraps with a dazzling fireworks finale.
Where: HOTA Outdoor Stage, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December, from 6pm—8:30pm
Cost: Free
More information here.
Visit A SWELL Sculpture-Winning Award At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | Supplied
Visit the 2025 SWELL Sculpture Festival People’s Choice Award winner Dream Rider in its new forever home at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Crafted by local artist Mick Brown from 30 old surfboards and more than 400 hours of work, this striking wedge-tailed eagle sculpture is a powerful ode to sustainability and the impact of consumerism on our environment.
Now perched in the Wild Skies Precinct, it looks right at home among the Sanctuary’s conservation-focused surrounds. Bonus: if you’re planning a visit before 30 November, you can score $20 off full-price general admission—consider it your sign to go admire this seriously impressive artwork, and enjoy the sanctuary while you’re at it.
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
When: The Sanctuary is open from 9am to 4pm every day
Cost: General admission price
For more information, click here.
The Sky Is The Limit At HOTA’s Whimsical New Children's Exhibition
Image Credit: HOTA / Supplied.
HOTA continues to wow their audience with the Children’s Gallery, and the new iteration ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Art’ is no exhibition. As you may have guessed, the exhibition features a lot of clouds, inviting viewers to look up and explore.
But it’s not just any gallery; this feature invites a playful, hands-on experience to its younger audience. Children can explore the Daydream Zone, play Art Detective or get creative with crafting stations.
Where: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise, 4217.
When: Saturday 8 November—Sunday 1 February, 10am—4pm.
Cost: Free entry.
Find out more here.
Ken Done Is Painting HOTA In Colour This Spring With A Vibrant New Exhibition
Image Credit: Ken Done | Supplied
Australia’s king of colour, Ken Done, is bringing his unmistakable style to HOTA with a bold new exhibition that’s bursting with joy, nostalgia and serious creative freedom. Ken Done: No Rules will take over HOTA Gallery from this Saturday 13 September to 15 February 2025, showcasing his unmistakably Australian works from the ‘80s through to now, including exclusive pieces from his own collection.
Visitors can also enjoy a captivating animation of a selection of Done’s iconic paintings, offering a new and immersive way to experience his vibrant universe. In a celebration of art, fashion and collaboration, the exhibition also features a selection of dazzling garments from 'Done Zone', the 2023 collaborative collection between Ken Done and Australian fashion label 'Romance Was Born'.
When: Saturday 13 September to Sunday 15 February, 2025
Where: Gallery 1, HOTA
Cost: Ticket prices vary; up to $21
More details here.
Step Inside The Upside-Down At House Down Under
Image Credit: House Down Under | Supplied
House Down Under has flipped the Gold Coast on its head, now open at Pacific Fair just in time for the spring school holidays. Australia’s first inverted house lets visitors wander ceilings, dance on furniture, and snap surreal photos in rooms like an upside-down bathroom, lounge, and kids’ play area.
With unlimited time inside and tips from friendly staff, it’s a fun, creative experience for families and friends alike. Tickets start at $19 per person, with kids under four free, making it a playful and affordable day out.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters
When: Saturdays & Sundays, 10am—6pm; weekdays, 12pm—6pm
Cost: $19 per person aged 4 years and older; under 4 years free
Click here for more information.
Browse The Gold Coast’s Best Markets
One thing the Gold Coast continues to get right is the markets. Whether it's vintage threads, the best food, local produce and live music, they continue to meet the mark. Check out our ultimate Gold Coast markets guide for the full wrap-up on where to go and what to eat. Happy strolling.
What's Coming Up
Christmas Flicks & Fireworks
It’s no secret that one of the best parts of the festive season is cosying up with your favourite Christmas films—add a beachside market and a fireworks show and you’ve basically hit peak holiday magic. That’s exactly what’s happening on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 December, when Surfers Paradise transforms into a Christmas playground for Christmas Flicks & Fireworks, with twilight markets, festive bites and free movies under the stars.
Settle in on the sand from 7pm for The Santa Clause on Friday and Elf on Saturday before an 8:30pm fireworks finale lights up the shoreline. Round up your people, pack a picnic blanket and get ready for a night (or two) of the ultimate festive fun.
Where: Surfers Paradise Beachfront, The Foreshore, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Friday 12 & Saturday 13 December, from 4pm—8:30pm
Cost: Free
For more information, click here.
Get Festive At The Cooly Carols
Cooly Carols is back on the beach on Sunday 14 December, transforming Queen Elizabeth Park into a glittering seaside wonderland of festive tunes and warm-weather cheer. Hosted by local legend Nicka35, the evening will feature performances by Chloe Styler, Birren and the Paper Daisies, plus a special Blinky Bill Christmas Show for the little ones.
Expect food trucks, carols, plenty of Christmas spirit and, naturally, a visit from Santa. The night will wrap with a sparkling fireworks finale over the Coolangatta sky, making this free family event one to pop into your calendar.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Park,
When: Sunday 14 December, from 5:30pm
Cost: Free
Click here for more information.
Gingerbread Village Takes Over Broadbeach
Broadbeach Mall is dialling up the festive magic with a week-long Gingerbread Village takeover from 15 to 21 December, complete with free activities for every little elf (and their grown-ups). By day, expect gingerbread-decorating workshops, storytime theatre, crafty fun and a treasure hunt weaving through The Oasis.
By night, the village will glow with Santa meet-and-greets, selfie moments and charming Christmas energy, all capped off with an open-air screening of Arthur Christmas on Friday 19 December. With shopping, bites and beach strolls right at your fingertips, it’s a sweet way to soak up the season in Broadbeach.
Where: Broadbeach Mall, Victoria Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218
When: Monday 15 to Sunday 21 December
Cost: Free
For more information, click here.
Christmas In Coomera Brings Festive Fun
Christmas In Coomera is coming in hot, serving up two days of free, family-friendly festive fun to kickstart your silly season. Expect a DJ dance party complete with snow machines, North Pole putt putt, roving candy-cane stilt walkers and appearances from the Hip Hop Santas.
The kids can meet the Grinch, Rudolph and, of course, the big man in red, plus score face paint and plenty of photo ops in Santa’s sleigh. With food trucks and market stalls rounding out the fun, it’s shaping up to be Coomera’s most joyful (and delightfully chaotic) Christmas yet.
Where: Coomera Indoor Sports Centre, 35 Beattie Rd, Coomera QLD 4209
When: Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 December, from 2pm—8pm
Cost: Free
Click here for more info.
Looking for more? Check out:
- Hit up some of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants.
- Book the ultimate staycay at the Gold Coast’s best accommodation.
- Catch up on the Gold Coast food news you missed.
Not enough? Check out 50 free (or cheap) things to do on the Gold Coast.
Main image Credit: Burleigh Festival | Supplied
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