Christmas on the Gold Coast moves fast. We’ve done the groundwork so you can head straight to the good stuff near Palm Beach. This guide features the most festive things happening close to your stay, with no guesswork required.
Carols by the beach, light-filled walks, and even wildlife dressed for the season are all part of the fun. Use this list to plan smarter, move quicker and enjoy every warm, twinkling evening.
Christmas Events Gold Coast Locals Love
Palm Beach puts you close to some of the most talked-about festive experiences on the coast. The Christmas events Gold Coast locals prioritise bring together ease, energy and a festive atmosphere worth leaving the house for.
This year, two favourites near Palm Beach combine carols, markets, food and community cheer without the crowds or stress. Both are close, well-loved, and easy to include in your holiday plans.
Tugun Lights Up – December 06, 2025
The coastal village of Tugun shines bright each year with a festive street celebration that draws in families and locals. Tugun Lights Up is known for its welcoming feel, glowing decorations and lively markets that spill onto the streets.
What to expect:
- Free community event with a friendly atmosphere
- Christmas markets selling handmade gifts and treats
- Live music and entertainment throughout the evening
- Street food vendors and local cafés serving crowd favourites
- Light installations decorating shopfronts and streets
This event suits family holidays in QLD, especially for those staying nearby. It’s only 8 minutes from Palm Beach, making it a relaxed and convenient night out. With its early start and compact layout, it’s one of the Christmas events on the Gold Coast that’s especially easy with kids.
Ceremony of Carols – Coolangatta – November 22, 2025
Held at the picturesque corner of McLean and Tweed Streets, the Ceremony of Carols in Coolangatta brings the community together through beautiful choral performances and festive spirit. The event offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere in one of the Gold Coast’s southernmost seaside suburbs.
Event highlights:
- Live carol performances by local choirs and guest vocalists
- Outdoor seating near the beachfront with space for picnic rugs and foldable chairs
- Nearby cafés and dining options within walking distance
- A relaxed coastal setting that captures the essence of a Coolangatta Christmas evening
Only about 12 minutes from Palm Beach, this carol event delivers a peaceful and heartfelt celebration of the season.
It brings together Gold Coast entertainment, family fun and the best parts of Christmas in Gold Coast, Australia, without needing to go far.
Festive Fun in Palm Beach
You don’t have to go far. Christmas cheer lives right here in Palm Beach. Staying local during the holidays has its perks.
Palm Beach comes alive in December with easygoing activities made for families. The area lights up with simple, memorable moments that don’t require much planning.
If your festive checklist includes coastal strolls, a bit of sparkle and relaxed outings, these Palm Beach attractions are worth adding to your plans.
They’re ideal for guests enjoying family holidays in QLD and searching for the best things to do in Palm Beach this season.
Palm Beach Christmas Carols 2025 – December 13, 2025
Held on the sands of Palm Beach, the Palm Beach Christmas Carols brings holiday magic to life under starlit skies, offering locals and visitors a relaxed yet festive evening by the sea.
Event highlights:
- Live performances from local choirs, community groups, and special guest artists
- Sandfront seating (bring your picnic rugs or low chairs)
- Pre-show entertainment: children’s activities, roaming musicians, face-painting
- A selection of food trucks and nearby cafés catering to all tastes
- A grand finale with fireworks or a lighting display over the ocean
Just minutes from Coolangatta and Palm Beach suburbs, this event is perfect for families, couples or anyone wanting to soak in the spirit of Christmas against a coastal backdrop.
Worth the Drive
For those willing to go just a little further, the rewards are sparkling. If your holiday schedule allows a short outing beyond Palm Beach, the Broadbeach Christmas Markets deserve a spot on your itinerary.
This seasonal event is known for its atmosphere and quality, bringing a stylish edge to the Christmas events on the Gold Coast calendar.
The night markets feature boutique gifts, festive lights and live entertainment in a relaxed beachside setting. Held over a mid-December weekend, the event lights up Kurrawa Park as the sun goes down.
Expect soft music in the background, food stalls filling the air with delicious scents and a laid-back crowd enjoying the evening. It’s a simple way to add something special to your Gold Coast holiday plans.
What to expect:
- Dozens of handmade and artisan stalls
- Street food and seasonal treats
- Live music performances throughout the evening
- A beachfront location near cafés and shops
Parking is available at Oasis Shopping Centre, just a short walk away. The Light Rail also provides easy access.
Among the many Gold Coast Christmas events, this one stands out for its convenience and coastal charm. It’s a solid pick for relaxed Gold Coast entertainment with a festive finish.
Make Your Gold Coast Holiday Easy
A little smart planning goes a long way toward a stress-free celebration.
This festive guide highlights the most convenient and well-loved Christmas events Gold Coast has scheduled this season, especially for visitors staying in and around Palm Beach.
With no shortage of things to do in the Gold Coast, it’s easy to plan a holiday that suits your pace and style.
To stay ahead:
- Save the events that match your travel dates
- Visit organiser websites for final details and weather notices
- Sort out transport or parking before you go
A few small steps now can help you avoid last-minute decisions once December picks up speed. These festive highlights suit both short stays and longer getaways, keeping the stress low and the sparkle high. Your Gold Coast holiday should run smoothly, feel relaxed and leave you with nothing to do but enjoy.
Holiday Cheer Starts at Your Doorstep
Step outside your beachfront apartment and into the heart of the holidays. Royal Palm Resort puts you right in the centre of Palm Beach’s festive season.
This spacious Palm Beach resort is only moments away from light displays, parkland picnics and coastal carols. No long drives. No packed crowds. Just easy access to everything that makes the season shine.
Families love the lagoon-style pool, direct beach access and apartments with room to spread out. If you’re after relaxed Gold Coast accommodation, this is where the holiday starts to feel like one.
Stay close to the sand, the sparkle and the cheer. Royal Palm keeps it simple, and that’s the magic.
Image Credit: Tugun Lights Up