Christmas is the time to get merry at The Star Gold Coast.
Christmas is the time to get merry at The Star Gold Coast.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and as Christmas creeps closer on the calendar, The Star Gold Coast have unveiled their infamous events that invites you to eat, drink and be merry.
After a spectacular year with lots of silver linings, everyone will be looking to celebrate, so beating the crowd should be a priority for locking in fun and frivolities with friends, family and work colleagues. So, we suggest you cast your attention to The Star’s infamous Not So Silent Night Christmas Ball.
If a decadent night of great food, first-class entertainment and getting all dressed up sounds like the only way to kick off your festive season, then this is the event for you.
The location is set at The Star’s Ballroom event space, where your evening will include a 4-hour drinks package and a three-course meal — set to rival mum’s Christmas roast, that’s for sure. Beverages will consist of Queensland produced wines and some of the Gold Coast’s best-produced beers from our long list of award-winning breweries.
Should you feel like amping things up a notch, there’s also the option to upgrade your ticket to VIP status, whereby you’ll have additional access to a bespoke collection of spirits to drink at your leisure!
The menu for the evening, curated by some of the finest chefs, is sure to provide the ultimate festive feast with Australian cuisine intertwined with Northern Hemisphere Christmas favourites.
Entrees will include Mini Crab Sliders and Hervey Bay Scallop Ceviche before the main course is either Honey Glazed Atlantic Salmon with confit potato or Italian Roast Porchetta with sauteed cabbage and apple.
And suppose there is room for anything else, the dessert station will astound even the sweetest of tooths with a barrage of insanely delicious goodies, including Classic British Christmas Pudding with brandy scented custard, Bûche de Noel (a traditional 19th century French Christmas favourite), Layered Cherry Pavlova with vanilla whipped cream, kirsch coulis, fresh cherries, and Traditional Trifle with vanilla-infused custard, summer fruits, jelly and cream.
Plus, how could anyone leave out Fruit Mince Tarts and Christmas Cookies — the epitome of Christmas in one bite!
It wouldn’t be a Christmas ball without back-to-back world-class entertainment schedule with two sensational acts to keep the evening vibes flowing and the mood merry. To get the Christmas cheer started, 42Band will be kicking off the entertainment for the evening, who are presented by the ever-popular Hanlon Brothers, known for their unique high energy and heart-warming RnB songs. Taking you later into the night is the Gold Coast’s sensational and glamourous DJ Brooke Evers. This young lady unquestionably knows how to get people moving with electro-fused hits such as Get Dirty and Check Me Out.
So, Gold Coasters, if this all doesn’t sound like the best possible way to start the silly season (AKA Christmas 2021), then don’t delay. Tickets have already been shifting in a quick smart fashion and only a little over 200 tickets are actually now left. We know it’s only just turned October, but you have to organise these things early: go on, gift yourself a jolly good Christmas!
Where: Event Centre Ballroom, The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: 7:30pm — 11.30pm, Saturday 11th December 2021
Book your tickets here.
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
For more than three decades, the Atrium Bar at The Star Gold Coast has been the city’s go-to venue for fun nights on the dancefloor, the keeper of many stories and the creator of many lasting memories over its fun-filled history. Most notable is its undeniable flair for playing cupid, with the bar sparking the beginning of countless love stories, relationships and marriages.
The current Atrium Bar, which has been a cherished part of The Star Gold Coast property since initially opening as a piano bar in 1986, will close shortly in mid-July — with the lively new Atrium Bar to open within the casino flooring area at the end of August!
It is the ambiance and the Atrium Bar’s affinity for bringing merrymakers together that The Star Gold Coast anticipates will carry through. After 35 incredible, memorable years, The Star Gold Coast again turns the page on an exciting new chapter that will honour the fun, playful energy synonymous with the bar.
Best get those dancing shoes ready as the live music venue promises to have partygoers feeling lively whatever the occasion, with live DJs Thursday through Sunday playing everyone’s favourite classic anthems, much loved top 100, and epic mashups.
The revamped and reworked bar will capture your attention with a bright, bold, colourful, and new design. The comfy lounge booths will be perfect for having chilled moments, accompanied by a classic and exciting cocktail menu, and of course, a dancefloor complete with disco mirror ball to cut shapes long into the night. Trust us; this facelift will deliver fresh, party vibes. All while injecting a little extra colour and spice: perfect for shirking those winter blues!
But will this new space hold a candle to our beloved Atrium Bar? We have no doubt it will and neither does The Star Gold Coast Chief Operating Officer, Jess Mellor. “There’s little doubt the Atrium Bar has been much-loved – people are always sharing their stories about meeting their husband or wife there, or times their dinner ‘kicked on’ and they woke up with sore feet, but a big smile on their face. I promise all those loyal revellers the new Atrium Bar will deliver the same warm welcome and lively, carefree party vibes they remember.”
Just like the original bar, the newly relocated Atrium Bar will be the textbook go-to for post-work drinks, birthday merriments, fun nights out with the girls (or the guys), and with special parties planned year-round, it will still be the same place to meet new people and dance the night away. Who needs Bumble these days, anyway?
The brand spanking new Atrium Bar is set to open in its fresh setting at the end of August 2021. Serving drinks and good times from 4pm till late seven nights a week, with live entertainment weekly from Thursday – Sunday.
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
This is our 2023 list. Here is our list of 2024 Christmas feasts.
It’s almost that time again Gold Coasters and if you’re anything like us, whipping up a Christmas lunch or dinner is the absolute LAST thing you feel like doing after sinking a few (too many) champers and opening all those pressies.
But never fear, we’re here to round up the local faves taking the hard yakka out of the jolliest time of year, so that you enjoy your food coma sans the prep and post feast clean up.
The Star Gold Coast
Who better equipped to handle our merry munches than the veritable recreation wonderland that awaits at The Star – we mean, 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 soirees 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
Novotel Surfers Paradise
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 seafood buffet lunch at Novotel Surfers Paradise.
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: Novotel Surfers Paradise, Cnr Of Surfers Paradise Blvd, Hanlan St, 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. The Sofitel’s stunner trio of venues are set to transform for the occasion, on offer will be three enchanting experiences: a ‘Grand Ballroom Gingerbread House’, a jolly gastronomic journey for those who fancy their Christmas with a side of French indulgence, and sumptuous seafood and hot carvery buffet. Go here for all the delicious details.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
JW Marriott Gold Coast
We’re more spoiled than a kid on Christmas morning with the array of delectable dining experiences on offer at JW Marriott. As experts in exquisite eats, their annual yuletide events always sell out.. so get on it like an empty parking spot in December, guys.
This Christmas, we’ve got four spectacular events to choose from. Citrique is gearing up to deliver a luxurious lunch (sold out) and dinner celebration, with a festive twist on their famous seafood buffet for $279 pp + BF, children starting from $49 (under 2 free).
The signature seafood buffet experience will also be hosted in Grand Ballroom, for a luxe lunch including live cooking stations, a three hour premium beverage package with Champagne, live entertainment, face painting and a visit from Santa. Tickets $339 pp + BF, children starting from $159 (under 3 free).
Alternatively, choose to celebrate at Chapter and Verse with the ‘Festive Feast of Seafood and Sweets’ Christmas Lunch, from 12.30pm – 3.30pm – a selection of mouth-watering morsels all set to satisfy, including seafood on ice, raw bar, cheese and charcuterie, tapas and dessert. Tickets $249 pp + BF.
Where: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
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 3-hour 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 wine pairings.
(Pssst – Santa called, he said you should go ahead and upgrade to the Premium Whisky/Wine/Sake Pairing, it is Christmas after all).
Want to bring the QT home with you this Christmas? Indulge in the epitome of festive luxury with a QT Gold Coast curated opulent hamper. Crafted to delight 4-6 people, this lavish banquet features culinary treasures like the iconic Moreton Bay bug & prawn roll, slow-roasted suckling Berkshire Porchetta with crackling, locally caught tiger prawns, Sydney Rock oysters and Tasmanian smoked salmon. From $649 per box with 20 dishes to unwrap.
Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
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 years 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 $51.00 for children aged 2-4 (ages 0-2 free) up to $297.85 per adult (+ booking fees).
Where: Ross St, Benowa
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 soiree.
This year, their swoon-worthy spread 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. Their stellar shin-dig kicks off from 12:00 pm, with tickets ranging from $148 per child (ages 0-4 free) to $468 per adult inc. premium beverage package.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise
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 $449pp + BF.
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 $209 per person, children aged 5 to 12 are priced at $89 per child (ages 0-4 free).
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Manor Cir, Hope Island
Southport Sharks
Sadly for fans of the legendary Sharks seafood buffet lunch, this event has already sold out for this year #tear – though if the thought of this leaves you languishing, tickets to the Festive Buffet Breakfast are still available. On the bright side, this means we can bring forward our scheduled smorgasbord proceedings – and frankly, feasting sooner is never a bad thing in our books.
Start your Christmas day with a classic brekkie banquet fit for a ‘Kringle’, complete with all the morning mainstays – tasty rashers of bacon, delicious eggs, juicy sausages, sides of mushrooms and tomatoes, hotcakes with warm butter or sweet syrup (both, obvs), piles of pastries and so much more. Tickets for this very merry morning start at $15 for kids (ages 0-3 free) up to $55 for adults + BF, with 90 minute seatings available from 7:30am – 10am.
Where: Corner Olsen and, Musgrave Ave, Southport
The Island
This year, Surfers’ stellar pozzy, The Island, is poised to throw not one but two tantalising Christmas day events – take your pick of the Family Buffet in the Glasshouse – or the all-inclusive Buffet & Beverage Package in the Penthouse.. either way, yule be left feeling rather jolly indeed.
From 11am – 2pm, 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 Buffet event start at $89 for kids (ages 0-3 free), through to $179 for adults (+ booking fees) – with drinks available at the bar throughout the day. While the Penthouse Buffet & Beverage tickets are $229 pp + BF including 3-hour beverage package – which we might add, includes Christmas sangria and spritz, bc it would be rather Rudolph us to omit this very important detail.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
voco Surfers Paradise
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 $130 (ages 0-4 free).. and simultaneously deliver max satisfaction and zero stress in the process.
Where: 31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Kellie Leader.
