What’s On In The Gold Coast This Weekend, Month And Beyond
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List, Gold Coast, QLD
It’s the last weekend before Christmas, so naturally, there’s many a festive affair to attend, but fear not, fellow Grinches—not everything is Christmas-focused. Whether you’re after some live music, a vintage shopping moment, or a musical (alright, that one is Christmas themed), there’s a little something-something for everyone to sink their teeth into.
So, grab your people and read on to plan yet another fabulous weekend on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri country.
Jump to each section:
What's On Friday 19 December
Snag Tickets To A Christmas Musical At HOTA
A magical, Christmassy musical is bursting onto the stage at HOTA, and it’s Love Actually-themed. Christmas Actually will feature many of the tunes from one of the most loved Christmas flicks, brought to life by a live band of talented Australian musicians.
It’ll be the perfect balance between a bucket of laughs, some festive cheer, and an epic show, and it’s sure to be a joyous evening for the whole family. Grab tickets before they’re gone.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Friday 19 December, 7:30pm
Cost: $69 per adult; $52 per pensioner; $45 per child
For more info and tickets, click here.
What's On Saturday 20 December
Flick Through Vintage Goodies At Lobby's Rack Sale
Following a successful debut, Lobby is back with another rack sale at its chic warehouse digs. Expect cool threads, vintage goodies, jewellery, and more, accompanied by Lobby’s killer beverages and nosh.
What better way is there to start your Saturday morning?
Where: Lobby, https://www.instagram.com/p/DRwOrlkEi29/
When: Saturday 20 December, 8am—11am
Cost: Free entry
Find out more here.
HOTA Twilight Christmas Market
Image Credit: HOTA Markets | Supplied
Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit at the HOTA Twilight Christmas Market this Saturday from 4pm. 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.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Saturday 20 December, from 4pm—9pm
Cost: Free
For more info, click here.
Australia's Hottest Magician Is Coming To Twin Towns
Fresh off eight sold-out Sydney Opera House shows, illusionist and card master Jackson Aces is hitting the Twin Towns stage on Saturday 20 December and we promise this is one night that will blow your mind.
Known for his lightning-fast sleight of hand, jaw-dropping cardistry and big-stage illusions, Jackson has wowed everyone from Delta Goodrem to Nathan Cleary (who called him “the best magician I’ve ever seen”). It’s family-friendly, wildly entertaining and an easy win for date night or school holiday magic.
Where: Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
When: Saturday 20 December, 7pm (show at 7:30pm)
Cost: From $35
For more information, click here.
Broadwater Pavilion Christmas Twilight Market
Festive magic is in the air as the Broadwater Pavilion Christmas Market kicks off at Broadwater Parklands this Saturday from 2pm. It's a fully merry time with carols, Christmas fairies, and it's even pooch-friendly.
There will be an array of fantastic vendors with unique Christmas gifts, plus live music, food and drink stalls, a petting zoo, and a visit from Santa himself.
Where: Great Lawn, Broadwater Parklands, Marine Pde, Southport QLD 4215
When: Saturday 20 December, from 2pm—9pm
Cost: Free
Click here for more info.
What's On Sunday 21 December
Boogie Down For A Good Cause At Mo's
Get ready for an afternoon of heavy riffs and high energy at Mo's Desert Clubhouse’s Riffs for a Reason this Friday as a bunch of acts come together for a mini-fest raising money to support children impacted by domestic violence. Clay Pigeons, Elestial, Lipline, ALLORA, and many more acts will take the stage, with market stalls, raffles, a skate ramp and eats at Ranchero to sustain the vibes.
Rock out and support a great cause at the same time—it's a win for everyone. Grab your tickets now to secure your spot.
Where: Mo's Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Sunday 21 December, from 12pm
Cost: $33.70 per adult; $15.30 per child
Tickets and more info here.
What's On All Weekend
Christmas In Coomera Is Bringing 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.
A Cute-As-Can-Be Gingerbread Village Is Taking 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: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218
When: Monday 15 to Sunday 21 December
Cost: Free
For more information, click here.
Get Holly Jolly With The Whole Fam At Christmas Markets GC
Perhaps the largest and most iconic Gold Coast Christmas markets, Christmas Markets GC have changes locations from their usual Broadwater Parklands, to Macintosh Island Park in 2025. They'll transform the seaside locale into a winter wonderland from Friday 19 December to Sunday 21 December. Wander under fairy-lit trees through a vibrant assortment of local small businesses offering unique artisanal goods and handcrafted gifts.
If last year's anything to go by, as well as seemingly endless gift-filled stalls, there'll be kids' rides, giant inflatables, gourmet Christmas food, roving characters, glittering lights and all the ingredients for a merry time. I've even heard rumours Santa might arrive by helicopter...
Where: Macintosh Island Park, Main Beach Pde, Main Beach QLD 4217
When: Friday 19 December to Sunday 21 December, from 4pm to 10pm daily
Cost: Free
Find out more 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.
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
La Clique Is Returning To HOTA In 2026
Image Credit: La Clique | Supplied
After a massive sold-out run in 2025, the internationally adored cabaret-circus show La Clique is making its way back to HOTA in 2026—and trust us, this encore season is going to be even bigger, bolder and more fabulous. Expect a fresh lineup of world-class performers alongside the cult-fave acts everyone lost their minds over last year, serving up a heady mix of high-octane acrobatics, seductive cabaret and laugh-til-you-snort comedy.
If you missed out the first time (or you’re ready for round two), consider this your sign to lock in a night of glitz and gasp-worthy spectacle.
Where: Lakeside Room, HOTA Central
When: 26 March to 19 April 2026
Cost: Tickets from $49
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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