Christmas is right around the corner! We’ll give you a minute for the inevitable “where did the time go” freak out. Ok, now that we’ve cracked open that Santa sack, let’s talk about how to make this season extra merry and bright. Those wishful letters to the North Pole are great, but we need something a bit more… substantial. And before you accuse us of jumping the gun a bit with talk about Christmas this is one event you need to know about way ahead of time.

Enter the annual Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (GCCEC) Christmas extravaganza (with its free-flowing drinks. More on that later). Arguably the hottest ticket in town. And one that is guaranteed to sell out- consider yourself warned.

If you’re new in town, let us introduce you to the GCCEC’s tradition of hosting the Gold Coast’s most magical Christmas event. They’re like the Martha Stewart of throwing Christmas parties, without the insider trading. Year after year, the GCCEC finds new ways to sleigh their advent event, surpassing expectations and leaving attendees awestruck.

Is anyone else taking notes? We could all use a few tips to make our own holiday celebrations as festive and fantastic!

Whether you’re rounding up friends and fam or toasting another year of toiling with some corporate-style cheer for the work crew, the GCCEC Christmas event needs to be on your radar as you ponder the perfect festive season celebration for your fellow comrades. It’s been almost two decades since their first iconic event, and the city’s favourite Noel party has only grown in popularity, completely selling out tickets for the past five years—even over COVID!Needless to say, they are quite the spectacle.

This year’s theme is ‘Deck The Halls’, and we can assure you, no cookies or milk have been left on the table.

That’s your queue to book the babysitter —we have festivities to attend to.

Get set for a night of unforgettable Christmas merriment that’ll make even the North Pole jealous! A sumptuous four-course dinner and 4.5 hours of free-flowing premium refreshments sets the stage for an evening of festive delight. The dance floor awaits with your favourite decade hits from Stu Campbell and Magic Carpet Ride followed by live entertainment to keep the good times sleighing into the night.

Santa’s elves have nothing on the party planners here at GCCEC—it’s inevitable the evening will be packed with more cheer than a sleigh full of presents.

All this for a very jolly $195 per person! I think it goes without saying that just like Santa on Christmas night, these tickets don’t stick around long. But don’t get your tinsel in a tangle! Tickets are still available, but they won’t be for long. Don’t miss out on the chance to jingle all the way to a night of holiday magic! The jolly man himself has even awarded this event 5 stars (credible stuff).

Grab your tickets here.

Where: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2684-2690 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
When: Saturday, 14th December 2024
Website: www.gccec.com.au
Instagram: @gccec

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

STORY SPONSORED BY GOLD COAST CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE

Christmas on the Gold Coast is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like us, the thought of tackling a big festive feast after a morning of opening presents and popping bubbly sounds downright exhausting.

Luckily, there are plenty of local spots ready to handle the heavy lifting for you. Hang up the apron, ditch the dishes, and let the pros serve up a day of delicious indulgence with no cleanup required. Here’s your guide (north to south) to the best Christmas Day feasts on the Gold Coast. Word to the three wise men – these tickets are flying faster than Santa’s sleigh, so grab yours before they’re gone!

Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
Offering two decadent dining experiences, spend your Christmas Day situated among Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove’s stellar surrounds and get amongst some fanciful fare to mark the occasion in the most delicious of ways.

If the thought of festive fine dining sparks a whole lot of joy for you – we present to you, option numero ono: the long, and lavish – Degustation Lunch. Secure your spot at this little advent affair for an all-inclusive experience hosted at The Fireplace, and prepare to sip and savour your way through your Christmas Day for $489pp.

If you’d rather take the night off following a jam-packed day of festivities (aka keep the arvo open for a very necessary nap) the Seafood Buffet Dinner option will be enticing on every level. With two convenient seatings available at 5 pm and 8 pm, get cosy at Cove Cafe and sidle up to a mouthwatering spread of traditional Christmas fare fused with modern Australian flavours. Tickets from $229 per person, children aged 5 to 12 are priced at $99 per child (ages 0-4 free with a paying adult).
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Manor Cir, Hope Island

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
This year, Main Beach’s stellar Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, is poised to throw not one but two tantalising Christmas Day events – take your pick of the family-style feast in Horizon’s Room or the seafood buffet luncheon in Terraces Restaurant… either way, yule be left feeling rather jolly indeed.

From 12pm – 3pm, prepare to tuck into all the traditional festive provisions and trimmings – savour hot and cold seafood, succulent roast meats, seasonal roast vegetables, wholesome summer salads and decadent desserts.

Tickets for the Family-style feast event start at $129 for kids (ages 0-4 free) through to $259 for adults. Seafood buffet luncheon tickets are $319 per adult including a glass of champagne on arrival.
Where: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

RACV Royal Pines Resort
Another festive contender for your consideration – round up your kin and revel in the Chrissy Day array at RACV Royal Pines, for an indulgent spread hosted within the impeccable surrounds of the Royal Benowa Ballroom.

Kicking off from from 12:00 pm, this year’s proceedings include a 3-hour beverage package along with all the traditional festive fare – delight in fresh Australian seafood, carved meats, and a selection of hot dishes, salads and desserts. Tickets start from $$49 for children aged 2-4 (ages 0-2 free) up to $298 per adult. Click here for all the details.
Where: Ross St, Benowa

QT Gold Coast
Families looking to converge for some magical (and mouthwatering) Christmas mems, look no further than the luxe QT luncheons – both the Ballroom and Bazaar (dinner also available) will be abuzz with beverage packages, a sumptuous spread of roasted meats, fresh seafood and decadent desserts. Christmas cheer also comes courtesy of a festive cocktail on arrival, and for kids under 12, a gift from Mr Claus himself.

Alternatively, avid foodies can treat themselves to an exquisite gastronomic experience at the adults-only Christmas Lunch at Yamagen. Get in the spirit with a meticulously crafted 7-course menu, a masterclass in Japanese dining with a showcase of seafood dishes with a Christmas twist. Tickets from $299 pp + BF, including an arrival cocktail and curated beverage pairings.

(Pssst – Santa called, he said you should go ahead and upgrade to the Premium Whisky/Wine/Sake Pairing, it is Christmas after all). Get all the details here.
Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Hyde Paradiso
This Dec 25, have a cracker of a (carefree) Christmas Day with all of the cheer and none of the tears, and lock in a spectacular seaside buffet lunch at Hyde Paradiso.

Find all the deets here to secure your spot – and score yourself a sneaky Chrissy morning sleep in while you’re at it – aka cut out the crack-of-dawn pilgrimage to the prawn trawlers altogether.. now that’s a Merry Christmas!
Where: Peppers Soul, Level 2/8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

voco Gold Coast
We need not spend days toiling away in the kitchen, offload the preparations (read: stress) and let the voco pros handle your Chrissy day proceedings. Indulge in a banquet of iconic Christmas Day fare, such as fresh seafood, summer salads, succulent roast carvery, a variety of hot and cold dishes – complete with a mouthwatering dessert bar for your feasting pleasure. Plus, face painting and a sneaky cameo from the big man in red, for some extra special Christmas magic for the kiddos.

This little Chrissy extravaganza will set you back $289 per person, with children from $89 (ages 0-4 free).. and simultaneously deliver max satisfaction and zero stress in the process. Find out more here.
Where: 31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Langham Gold Coast
Are you and/or the fam fans of the finer things? Then look no further than The Langham for your December 25 festivities, friends. As a destination with a rep for all things luxury, our unofficial dealers of decadence are especially equipped to deliver a swanky Christmas Day.

The Christmas Lunch Buffet in Akoya includes a 2 hour beverage package, ocean views and a seafood buffet for $449 per adult and $210 per teenager. Or if you’d prefer to spend the day at the beach and feast in the evening the Dinner Buffet is $319 per adult and $80 per child (ages 0-4 free).

Alternatively, the swoon worthy Diamond Ballroom Family Christmas Lunch buffet includes fresh local seafood, a crudo and oyster bar, live barbeque with premium meats such as wagyu steaks (feat. sausage sizzle for the littles) salads, desserts and more. This stellar shindig kicks off from 12pm, with tickets ranging from $155 per child (ages 0-4 free) to $495 per adult inc. premium beverage package.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Assemble your nearest and dearest for a delicious ripper of a Christmas celebration at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach this year. They will host a most extraordinary Christmas Day lunch, ensuring every dish and decoration is taken care of.  We’re talking a mouth-watering buffet selection of exquisite seafood and carvery, an array of starters, salads, and a wealth of traditional Christmas desserts and Australian cheeses. These tickets are limited so jump on now and book and then all you have to do come Christmas is sit back, relax and let lunch be served. Go here for all the delicious details.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

The Star Gold Coast
Who better equipped to handle our merry munches than the veritable recreation wonderland that awaits at The Star? They literally spend 365 days a year honing their impeccable hosting skills… and an atmosphere primed for fun and frivolity is kind of their whole schtick.

Check out the epic array of shindigs on offer here for the ‘star’ on the top of a tree-mendous Chrissy Day. Pssst, there are even gourmet hampers available for stress-free hosting.. (feel free to steal all the glory, our lips are sealed).
Where:1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach

Words by Belinda Symons

Is there anything better than celebrating with the people you love most, extravagant feasts you don’t have to lift a finger to enjoy and the ocean only footsteps away? We think not.

Which is why you can (and should) book your Christmas and New Years Eve celebrations at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast right now.

There are so many options to choose from to ensure the 2024 festive season is one you’ll always remember as Sheraton Grand Mirage is home to not one but three five-star venues, one of which offers views out over a sparkling lagoon to Main Beach beyond.

Here are your choices and if you know what’s good for you after a year of cooking dinner for yourself and (probably) your family every single night of the year, you’ll book them all.

Christmas Eve Lunch and Dinner
Christmas Eve is equally as exciting as Christmas Day; the vibes are high and we’re all VERY excited for a day of eating and slothing about. So why not make it two days.

Terraces Restaurant at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort will open up its famous seafood buffet with Christmas trimmings for both lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve. Treat yourself to all the seafood your heart desires and then go back for more just to make sure.
When: Lunch: 12pm-3pm & Dinner: 5.30pm-9.30pm
Price: Lunch: Adults & Teens: $105pp | Children (5-12): $52pp and Dinner: Adults & Teens: $119pp | Children (5-12): $65pp
Inclusions: Terraces Restaurant’s iconic seafood buffet with Christmas trimmings
Book: Call (07) 5577 0029 or book online.

Christmas Day Luncheon at Terraces Restaurant
Christmas Day and a seafood feast go hand in hand on the Gold Coast. Particularly when that seafood feast is a buffet of the highest quality, with all the Christmas trimmings included of course. Terraces Restaurant will also hand every adult a glass of champagne on arrival PLUS there’ll be live acoustic music, roving entertainment and a visit from Santa.

Whether you’re spending the day with the kids, the extended family or your friends, everyone will love Christmas lunch here.
When: 12pm-3pm
Price: Adults & Teens: $319pp | Children (5-12): $160pp
Inclusions: Delicious all-you-can-eat seafood buffet and a glass of champagne on arrival for the adults
Book online.

Christmas Day Luncheon at Horizons
A luxe Christmas Day lunch spent overlooking a sparkling lagoon with the ocean beyond is exactly what you’ll experience when booking at Horizons. Enjoy a traditional Christmas spread with fresh seafood, an antipasto grazing tower, family-style platters and obviously a sweet treat to finish. Perfection.

Adults get a glass of champagne on arrival and there’s roving entertainment throughout the day.
When: 12pm-3pm
Price: Adults & Teens: $259pp | Children (5-12): $129pp
Inclusions: Traditional Christmas spread with fresh seafood, an antipasto grazing tower, family-style platters and of course, something sweet, Plus, a glass of champagne on arrival for the adults.
Book online.

Christmas Day Dinner at Terraces Restaurant
If a delightful Christmas dinner is more your thing, book at Terraces Restaurant for an exceptional all-you-can-eat seafood buffet featuring all the very best seafood treats you can imagine plus a glass of champagne for the adults on arrival.
When: 5.30pm-9.30pm
Price: Adults & Teens: $150pp | Children (5-12): $75pp
Inclusions: Delicious all-you-can-eat Christmas-themed buffet and a glass of champagne on arrival for the adults
Book: Call (07) 5577 0029 or book online.

Now once all that feasting is done and dusted and we have regained the strength to eat again, it’s time to book a celebratory New Years Eve soiree.

New Years Eve in Terraces Restaurant
The best way to say goodbye to one year and welcome in another is undoubtedly by feasting. A seafood feast to be precise. And champagne of course. Bring the dream to life with your favourite party people at Terraces Restaurant with a seafood buffet, a glass of champagne on arrival for the adults and of course, live entertainment.

If dining on the second sitting, you’ll also enjoy a two-hour premium beverage package in your booking.
When: First Sitting: 5.30pm-7.30pm | Second Sitting: 8pm-10pm
Price: First Sitting: Adults & Teens: $149pp | Children (5-12): $75pp
Second Sitting: $199pp (includes 2-hour premium beverage package)
Inclusions: Delicious all-you-can-eat seafood buffet and a glass of champagne on arrival for the adults
Book: Call (07) 5577 0029 or book online.

New Years Eve in Pearls Bar
If an oyster and champagne station sounds like the perfect way to ring in the New Year, there’s an option for that too. Pearls Bar is the place to be if dancing the night away to live music, but making it a little bit fancy is your party of choice. No bookings required, join the fun from 8pm to 1am.

That’s your festive season well and truly covered. Get in quickly because Sheraton Grand Mirage is one of the most beautiful spots on the Coast to spend a relaxed, stress-free Christmas so spaces won’t last.

Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast,  71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Words by Kirra Smith

STORY SPONSORED BY SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT GOLD COAST