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Get Festive At 8 Of The Sunshine Coast’s Best Christmas Events

By – who loves morning run clubs as equally as she loves negronis and tiny snack plates

No matter how old we get or how busy our lives become, each year we still get just as excited for the onslaught of Christmas events that merrily overtake the Sunshine Coast. Whether it’s the sweet Christmas markets popping up every weekend, the sweet sound of carols permeating the air or simply attending one of the many uniquely Sunny-style festive celebrations, there’s nothing quite like Christmas in our pocket of paradise. We like to celebrate Christmas with sand, not snow.

So, to help you get your elves in a row, we’ve rounded up every festive event you need to check out on the Sunshine Coast this silly season. Go, be merry and spread the Christmas cheer.

Christmas At The Ginger Factory

Jump aboard the gingerbread train at Yandina’s famous Ginger Factory this Christmas. Meet Santa in his workshop, get your Christmas photos sorted, take in the massive Christmas display and shop for unique Aussie gifts at the iconic ginger gift shop. The Ginger Factory is famously festive for a very good reason and they have really gone all out this Christmas, so you don’t want to miss it. Don’t forget to BYO your camera for some epic shots with Santa in his workshop.

When: Various dates from 8th to 24th December
Where: The Ginger Factory, 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina
Cost: Free
For more information,
click here.

All Wrapped Up At Aussie World

Jingle all the way to Christmas cheer at Aussie World’s All Wrapped Up Christmas celebrations. Boasting a stunning venue, out-of-this-world festive decorations throughout the entire theme park, world-class chefs, roaming live entertainment and access to some of your favourite Aussie World rides and attractions, this has to be one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas. You’ll even get your own version of a White Christmas, with Aussie World’s huge snow entrance. Grab your friends and snag a table at this oh-so-cheery yuletide celebration.

When: Saturday 11 December
Where: Aussie World, 73 Frizzo Road, Palmview
Cost: $80 per person (minimum eight people)
For more information,
click here

Eumundi Christmas Extravaganza

The Eumundi Christmas Extravaganza is undoubtedly one of the most popular Christmas events on the Sunshine and once you’ve visited this sweet market transformed into a winter wonderland, you’ll understand why. The Eumundi Christmas Extravaganza is a five-hour festival showcasing Christmas themed entertainment for the whole family, plenty of food and market stalls, rides, face painting, a community Christmas show and Christmas carols galore. Now that’s what we call the perfect way to get into the spirit this weekend.

When: Sunday 12 December, from 2:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: Eumundi Markets, 29 Napier Road, Eumundi
Cost: Free
For more information,
click here.

Christmas Carols At NightQuarter

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without hearing a few carols. And what better way to immerse yourself in the spirit than by watching them performed live at the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic music venue? Merry makers of all ages will have a blast at NightQuarter’s annual Christmas Carols, where you can dance with Rudolph, sing with Santa, enjoy live entertainment and dig into all your favourite NightQuarter food stall delights. These are Christmas festivities like no other and there’s no better way to spread the festive cheer.

When: Saturday 18 December, from 4pm
Where: NightQuarter
For more information,
click here.

Christmas Boat Parade

Every year, the Mooloolaba Yacht Club hosts a Christmas parade with a difference. Yep, it’s a Christmas lights display on boats. We dig it. The Mooloolaba Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade will showcase decorated boats of all shapes and sizes, as their festively decorated displays light up the Mooloolah River. Houses along the Mooloolah River and Kawana Waters’ canal will also be cheerfully lit up, contrasting against the parade of boats making their way downstream.

When: Saturday 18 December, from 7pm
Where: 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
Cost: Free
For more information,
click here.

Christmas At Lifepointe

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at this sweet Christmas celebration that guarantees all the warm and fuzzies. This December, Lifepointe Church will open their doors to the community for the 18th year in a row, and trust us, this is one epic Christmas extravaganza. Watch the Christmas show, experience the stable and animal farm (animal cuddles guaranteed!), be captivated by the Tunnel of Lights, get your Christmas shopping sorted at Market Lane, indulge in something delicious from the various food trucks and let the kids go wild on the free popcorn, fairy floss and jumping castle. 

When: Friday 10 December to Thursday 16 December, from 5:30pm to 9pm
Where: 186 Wises Road, Buderim
Cost: Free
For more information,
click here.

Christmas Lights Cruise

Something about viewing Christmas lights from the water just hits different. Well, luckily for you, you can soak up all the wholesome LED goodness from the comfort of a fully licensed boat on Seafood Cruises’ Christmas Lights Cruise. Take in the festive surrounds of the Mooloolah River as you relax (with a drink in hand, of course) from the comfort of the indoor seating or enjoy the view from the outdoor viewing decks.

When: From Monday 6 December to Tuesday 28 December, various times
Where: 33 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
Cost: Adults: $29; children: $19
For more information,
click here.

The Festive Garden

A walk-through experience of stunning Christmas lights at the Maroochy Botanic Gardens? Sign us up. At The Festive Garden tour, you’ll be able to explore Christmas lights in a magical setting, meet Santa and his elves, get your face painted and enjoy roving entertainment—and it’s all festively free! This ultra-aesthetic, twinkly AF tour is the prime spot for all your Christmas Instagram glory.

When: Friday 17 December to Tuesday 21 December, from 6pm to 9pm daily
Where: Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha
Cost: Free
For more information,
click here.

Are you still looking for that perfect and oh-so-elusive Christmas gift? Score unique Christmas gifts and get in the festive mood at the Sunshine Coast’s best Christmas markets.

Image credit: Night Quarter

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