It is a season where beach life and holiday spirit come together in perfect harmony, and nowhere captures it like Surfers Paradise. Beachfront markets, concerts under the stars, and cheerful crowds fill every corner. 

Stay at St Tropez Resort to be right in the centre of the celebration, only steps from the beach, great dining, and the city’s favourite Christmas events.

Beachside Carols and Sparkling Nights

Christmas in Gold Coast, Australia, is best experienced through its live music and open-air celebrations. The energy is contagious, the community feel is strong, and every event brings people together under the summer sky.

Mayor’s Christmas Carols at HOTA (December 6, 2025)

Held at the Home of the Arts, the Mayor’s Christmas Carols is one of the biggest festive gatherings in the region. Families spread picnic blankets across the grass, the choir begins, and fireworks light up the night to close the show. 

The event is hosted by Village Roadshow Theme Parks and attracts thousands of locals and visitors. From St Tropez Resort, it is a short drive to HOTA, making it easy to enjoy the celebration without worrying about parking or long commutes.

Markets and Festive Finds by the Sea

December nights in Surfers Paradise come alive with lights, music, and the smell of fresh food. This is the time when you can find handmade gifts, street performers, and the kind of coastal charm that defines a true Gold Coast Christmas.

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

The Beachfront Markets are a must-visit during the holiday season. Stalls line the foreshore with local art, jewellery, beachwear, and delicious snacks. 

It is one of the most popular things to do in Surfers Paradise for free, and a great way to pick up last-minute Christmas gifts. As the sun sets, the beach lights up with fairy lights and music, creating an atmosphere that feels both local and festive.

Deck the Halls 2025 at the GC Convention and Exhibition Centre

A short drive south, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre hosts “Deck the Halls 2025,” a vibrant mix of live entertainment, dinner, and dancing. It is a night of laughter, good food, and festive cheer, perfect for families, couples, or friends looking for a touch of glamour. Guests staying at St Tropez Resort can easily make it there and back for an evening to remember.

Beach Day Traditions and Sunset Picnics

A holiday in Surfers Paradise would not be complete without a beach day. Locals celebrate Christmas morning with swims, games, and beach picnics instead of staying indoors.

Christmas Day at Surfers Paradise Beach

Imagine Santa in board shorts walking the shoreline while families relax under umbrellas and children build sandcastles. It is a laid-back celebration that feels perfectly Australian. 

Guests at St Tropez Apartments can walk straight from their rooms to the beach, towel in hand, ready to start the day. The nearby cafes open early, serving coffee and brunch before the afternoon heat sets in.

Movie Under the Stars – Elliot the Littlest Reindeer

December 6
Saturday 7:00 pm

After a long day in the sun, evenings at HOTA bring another treat, the family movie Elliot the Littlest Reindeer, shown outdoors. It is one of the best night attractions the Gold Coast offers during December. 

The movie begins at sunset, surrounded by food stalls and a relaxed picnic atmosphere, making it perfect for families with kids.

Feast and Celebrate: Christmas Dinner on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is famous for its food scene, and Christmas Day brings out its best flavours. Whether you want a casual meal or a five-star buffet, there is something nearby to suit every taste.

Christmas Day Buffets at Bazaar, QT Gold Coast

Bazaar at QT Gold Coast is one of the most popular dining spots for Christmas dinner on the Gold Coast. The buffet spreads feature fresh seafood, roasts, and an entire table of desserts. 

The vibe is lively, the service is excellent, and it is only a short walk or quick ride from St Tropez Resort. Book early, as seats fill up weeks in advance.

Other Christmas Dining and Party Ideas

For those who prefer a quieter night, restaurants along Cavill Avenue and the Esplanade also offer festive menus. You can plan small get-togethers or family meals, keeping the celebration simple and relaxed. 

There are plenty of Christmas party ideas Gold Coast visitors can enjoy, from private beach picnics to rooftop dinners. You can find more inspiration for things to do in Surfers Paradise.

Tips for Planning Your Gold Coast Holiday

The holiday season in Surfers Paradise is warm, busy, and full of life. To make the most of it, book your accommodation early, especially if you plan to attend the main Christmas events on the Gold Coast. Pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. 

Public transport runs often, and most attractions are walkable from the centre of town. Staying at St Tropez Resort makes it easier to enjoy the festivities without the stress of traffic or long travel times.

Stay Close to the Festivities at St Tropez Resort

Christmas in Gold Coast, Australia, feels effortless when everything you want is just outside your door. St Tropez Resort offers self-contained apartments, a heated pool, and free parking, all in the middle of Surfers Paradise. You can walk to the beach, markets, restaurants, and entertainment within minutes. After a full day of celebration, it is the perfect place to unwind.

Book your stay directly through the St Tropez Apartments page and spend this Christmas surrounded by sun, sand, and coastal charm.

Image Credit: Mayor’s Christmas Carols

The post Christmas Gold Coast: Celebrate the Season in Surfers Paradise appeared first on St Tropez Resort.

These surfers’ paradise restaurants keep things simple. Sizzling teppanyaki shows, margaritas by the water and meals that hold their own in any foodie city. Each one adds serious flavour to your holiday, even if you’re still in thongs.

Surfers Paradise Restaurants Worth Your Appetite

Knowing where to eat in Surfers Paradise makes all the difference. Craving flame-grilled steaks, fresh seafood or sky-high burgers? 

This part of the coast has them lined up and ready. These surfers’ paradise restaurants keep dining decisions simple, with most venues walkable or just a quick Uber away.

Expect a strong mix of:

• rooftop tacos with a view
• burger joints that draw a loyal crowd
• modern grills and buffet dining with live chef stations

Big Flavour, No Fuss

Casual dining in Surfers Paradise doesn’t mean cutting corners. These spots bring bold menus, easygoing atmospheres and solid value. They are ideal for families, groups, or anyone chasing a relaxed bite without dressing up or overthinking the plan.

Longboards Laidback Eatery & Bar

Longboards belong on any list of Surfers Paradise restaurants. Just off the beach, it pulls in a steady crowd for oversized burgers, surf shack energy and outdoor tables. 

It works well for lunch after a swim or a chilled-out dinner. The Big Kahuna burger is a local talking point for good reason.

The Yankee’s Restaurant & Bar

This American-style diner runs on wings, ribs and chilli cheese fries. The Yankees suit easy group dinners, late-night bites and laid-back afternoons with sport on screen. 

It stands out as one of those places for dinner that Gold Coast visitors tend to remember for the food and the no-pressure atmosphere.

TGI Fridays Surfers Paradise

Located at Chevron Renaissance, TGI Fridays brings big portions and fast service to the table. Families rely on it for the kids’ menu, crowd-pleasing mains and casual setting. It’s dependable, familiar and easy to enjoy without much planning.

El Camino Cantina

Bright, loud and unapologetic, El Camino turns up the volume on Tex-Mex. Loaded nachos, frozen margaritas and colour in every corner make this a standout for groups wanting to set the tone for the evening. You’ll find it inside the Paradise Centre, close to everything and hard to miss.

Polished but Relaxed

Some dinners call for something a little extra without turning into a big production. These venues strike that balance. The food is sharp, the settings are well-considered, and the experience stays relaxed. Perfect for date nights, small groups or anyone wanting an atmosphere without the formality.

Clifford’s Grill & Lounge

Clifford’s serves modern Australian cuisine with confidence. Flame-grilled sirloin, crafted house sauces and cocktails that don’t miss the mark keep this spot on the radar for locals and visitors alike. 

The fit-out is stylish but not uptight, and the location near the beach makes it even easier to say yes to a night out. It stands out among dinner places; Gold Coast guests recommend it for flavour and flow. Tables fill quickly on weekends, so a booking helps.

Alma Surfers Paradise

Alma brings Mexican flavours into a coastal frame. Ceviche tostadas, chicken mole and mezcal-driven drinks anchor the menu, with balcony seating that works well for couples or relaxed dinners with friends. 

The room carries warmth without trying too hard. Alma Surfers Paradise has carved a place among venues that get the details right without losing the vibe.

Bazaar Gold Coast at QT

Bazaar Qt buffet turns the buffet experience into something worth repeating. Chefs prepare dishes live, menus rotate with global influence, and nothing feels pre-packed. 

It’s well-paced, generous and made for diners who take their time. As one of the places for dinner, Gold Coast regulars remember, it has earned its reputation without needing gimmicks.

Meals With a Show

Some venues serve theatre on a plate. When the cooking comes with showmanship, the meal becomes part of the night’s main event. These spots lean into performance without compromising on what’s on the plate.

Misono Japanese Restaurant (JW Marriott)

Misono turns teppanyaki into sharp choreography. Chefs slice, flip and flame their way through multi-course meals with precision and a sense of fun. It’s loud, interactive and worth gathering a group for. 

Every seat feels close to the action, and the pace keeps the table entertained between bites. For couples or friends looking for something playful but polished, Misono Japanese Restaurant Gold Coast sets the tone. The venue is best reached by car or Uber.

Surfers Pavilion

Surfers Pavilion leads with its view and keeps attention with fresh seafood and an all-day energy. The oyster bar fills early, especially in the afternoon sun, and the cocktail list carries a coastal lean that suits the setting. 

Music rolls in by the weekend, giving it that local favourite feel. Surfers Pavilion draws a steady crowd who know where to sit, what to order and when to arrive.

Where to Eat in Surfers Paradise

For solo travellers or slow-paced grazers, Surfers Paradise serves up light bites and good timing. Early mornings suit a strong brew and a beachside breakfast at one of many Gold Coast cafes scattered through the precinct.

In the late afternoon, the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets start to roll out along the Esplanade. It’s an easy mix of street snacks, handmade finds and music on the breeze. The kind of stop that fits between swims and strolls.

If you’re weighing up where to eat Surfers Paradise style without locking in a table, these casual spots make it simple. Pull up a chair outdoors or wander with something in hand. Good food here often lands when you least expect it.

Flavour Meets the Itinerary

Food shapes the way your holiday unfolds. It sets the pace, brings people together, and often becomes the standout moment of the day. Great meals give you stories worth repeating. 

Some of the best casual dining Gold Coast has to offer is just minutes away, with character and convenience baked in. If you’re searching for places for dinner, Gold Coast travellers recommend time and again, you’ll find them here. 

Every meal adds something to the day, and planning around food just makes sense.

Make Every Meal Easy

St Tropez puts you in a spot where good food stays close. The Surfers Paradise restaurants listed above are all within walking distance or just a short ride. 

You won’t need to plan your day around dinner. The choices are plentiful, the pace stays easy and getting there won’t slow you down. This is what staying well-located looks like.

Stay with us at St Tropez and enjoy flavour, convenience, and comfort all in one place.

Image credit: Longboards Laidback Eatery & Bar

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