What’s On In The Gold Coast This Weekend, Month And Beyond
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List, Gold Coast, QLD
Given the time of year, it’ll come as no surprise that this week’s list is packed to the brim with festive fun, and there truly is something for everyone. The best part? A huge chunk of these events are completely free, and many come with food trucks (you can guess which detail had me immediately on board).
You’ll also find a spattering of non-Christmas chaos—Saturday afternoon rave, anyone? So read on to plan another fabulous weekend on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri country.
Jump to each section:
What's On Friday 12 December
Snag Tickets To The Greatest Christmas Show at HOTA
Image Credit: The Greatest Christams Show | Facebook
Song, dance, glittery numbers and a touch of sorcery—The Greatest Christmas Show is pulling out all the stops this Friday night at HOTA. Led by an internationally acclaimed illusionist, this family-friendly spectacle blends heartwarming holiday moments with jaw-dropping cirque acts and just the right amount of Christmas magic.
Expect dazzling costumes, soaring aerials and enough festive spirit to make even the grinchiest grin. And yes, Mr Claus will be making a very special cameo.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Friday 12 December, 3:30pm or 7pm
Cost: $79.90 per adult, $74.90 per senior or student, $69.90 per child
For more info and tickets, click here.
Round Up Your Crew For Matemas At Mo’s
If your December calendar is looking understandably chaotic, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse has your back with a gloriously unhinged Friday night with Matemas. Expect free entry, beverages aplenty, live improvised jams hosted by local legends Luja Murfi, and the kind of musical chaos that only happens when everyone’s invited to jump onstage.
There’ll be a Santa of sorts, making his triumphant return for questionable photo ops, plus every guest scores a lucky-dip prize—because it’s Christmas, darling. Add drink specials and food trucks firing from 6pm, and you’ve got the perfect final community catch-up before the year wraps.
Where: Mo's Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Friday 12 December, from 6pm
Cost: Free
Click here for more information and to RSVP.
What's On Saturday 13 December
Catch The Comedy Samurai In Action
If your abs could use a workout but you’re not feeling the gym, swap the crunches for side-splitting laughs at HOTA this Saturday night. Multi-award-winning comedian Takashi Wakasugi—better known as the Comedy Samurai—is hitting the stage with jokes as sharp as a katana and twice as deadly.
Expect a whip-smart hour of cheeky, clever storytelling from this Japanese comedy rising star. Sharpen your wit, loosen your jaw, and prepare to laugh yourself a little closer to a six pack.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Saturday 13 December, 5:30pm
Cost: $37 per person
For more information and tickets, click here.
Sing Along At The Varsity Carols By The Lake
Varsity locals, your annual dose of festive sparkle is happening right on your doorstep as Lake Orr lights up with carols and a whole lot of Christmas magic. You can expect a night packed with live entertainment, sing-along classics, Santa sightings, and a fireworks finale dancing over the water.
It’s one of the Gold Coast’s most picturesque festive gatherings, and the perfect place to soak up a bit of community festivity before the holiday chaos hits. Bring the family, a picnic, and your loudest singing voice.
Where: Varsity Promenade, Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
When: Saturday 13 December, from 4pm
Cost: Free
More info here.
Rave The Evening Away At Mo’s
If your idea of festive season prep involves a dance floor rather than a shopping list, Thunderbird at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is calling your name this Saturday. With a next-level sound system, immersive lighting, art installations, and a stacked lineup, this one’s equal part rave and sensory overload in the best way.
There’ll be sets from TRUTH, Ekko & Sidetrack, PhoenixXL and a monster lineup of local and touring legends alike, ready to shake Mo’s concrete floor. Plus, cold drinks, great food and glorious, gloriouse air-con, so you can groove away the balmy summer afternoon into the evening.
Where: Mo's Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Saturday 13 December, from 2pm
Cost: $85 per person online, $100 per person at the door
Grab tickets or more info here.
What's On Sunday 14 December
Sip Free-Flowing Rosé At Kirra Beach House's Minuty Bottomless Brunch
Rosé lovers, assemble; Kirra Beach House is launching a seriously chic Rosé Bottomless Brunch on Sunday 14 December, and it’s the coastal long lunch of your dreams.
Expect two hours of free-flowing Minuty Rosé, spritzes, prosecco and beers, paired with a sun-soaked shared menu featuring stracciatella with grilled peaches, tuna tostadas, grilled chicken, fettuccine alla vodka and all the trimmings. With DJs from 11:30am, ocean breezes and upgrade options like Minuty Prestige and frosé, this is your sign to rally the brunch crew.
Where: Kirra Beach House, Kirra
When: Sunday 14 December, from 11:30am
Cost: $99 per person
Click here for more information.
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, Coolangatta
When: Sunday 14 December, from 5:30pm
Cost: Free
Click here for more information.
Get In The Community Spirit At The Miami Village Christmas Party
A holly jolly community bash with excellent food and even better vibes? Say no more. The Miami Village Christmas Party is taking over the streets with long-table hangs, live music, kid-friendly entertainment and eats from local favourites Little Itoshin, The Jolly Roger and Llamas to the Sky.
Expect festive fits—ugly sweaters are encouraged—and a heap of festive spirit as the community comes together for an afternoon of sunshine and cheer. BYO picnic rug and settle in for Miami’s most wholesome street party of the season.
Where: Miami Shopping Village, 110 Mountain View Ave, Miami QLD 4220
When: Sunday 14 December, from 2pm—7pm
Cost: Free
Click here to find out more.
Sing Your Heart Out At The Northern Gold Coast Carols
Image Credit: Northern Gold Coast Carols | Facebook
Northern Gold Coasters, your moment to shine and sing your little hearts out has arrived with this year’s Northern Gold Coast Carols. This massive, free, family-friendly celebration brings the whole community together with food trucks, pre-show entertainment, kids’ activities and a festive visit from Santa himself—it really is a show and then some.
Expect all your favourite Christmas tunes and a spectacular fireworks finale to top it all off. It's the perfect place to kick off the holiday spirit, and it's a night you and the family won't forget.
Where: Brien Harris Oval, 35 Vaughan Dr, Ormeau QLD 4208
When: Sunday 14 December, from 4pm—9pm
Cost: Free
For more info, click here.
What's On All Weekend
Round Up The Crew For 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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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