One thing’s for sure – the silly season has well and truly arrived, folks. It’s the most wonderful time of year and, thanks to our friends at The Strand, Christmas has just been levelled up. The much-loved locale sits pretty in the centre of Coolangatta and is the perfect place to get festive. This year’s free Christmas program is packed with delights for the whole family, from Santa’s Arrival Parade to crafts and a special brekkie for kids.

On Saturday December 3 at 11:00 am, Santa and his magical elves and reindeer will take to Griffith Street for Santa’s Arrival Parade to spread the Christmas cheer with festive music and plenty of fun for the family. If your little ones love a spot of arts and crafts, be sure to head to the Christmas Beach Shack from December 19-23, where you will find free Christmas craft workshops daily from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. You can find the Christmas Beach Shack on The Strand’s ground level (near Timezone) where the kidlets can create free Christmas bags, stockings and a Santa.

For one day only on Sunday December 18, The Strand will host a special event – Santa’s Breakfast! Two sessions are available for this fun-filled morning at the Pancake Diner, at either 8:30 am or 10:00 am. This delicious brekkie, featuring either bacon and eggs or pancakes along with a juice or soft drink, is completely free for The Loop members – but make sure you book your spot here. Last but not least, Christmas shoppers will see Santa’s helpers roaming the centre and spreading cheer every weekend in December in the lead-up to Christmas.