Experience the sun-drenched magic of a quintessentially Australian Christmas in Surfers Paradise, as Santa dons boardies and arrives in a surfboat sleigh drawn by kangaroos to spread festive cheer to families and visitors throughout the world-famous holiday precinct from Wednesday 13 to Sunday December 24.

An initiative of Surfers Paradise Alliance, Christmas in Surfers Paradise brings a new dimension of summer sparkle to traditional festivities with a free, family-friendly entertainment spectacular, culminating in the beloved Carols on the Beach on Saturday December 23 – Australia’s only event of its kind where revellers rejoice in the spirit of the season with twinkling stars overhead and golden sands underfoot.

Presented by G:Link and supported by Gift It Now, Surfers Paradise will be transformed into an Aussie-style festive wonderland by the shore, as Cavill Mall becomes home to Santa’s summer grotto and families can pose for free keepsake photos in the surfboat sleigh, while kids can share their Christmas wish list with the big guy in red.

Santa will be in his grotto from Wednesday 13 to Friday December 15 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00–7:00 pm, on Saturday December 16 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, and on Sunday December 24 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00–7:00 pm.

Children of all ages will delight as roving carollers and colourful performers spread the magic of the season through the streets of Surfers, while merry decorations including summer-themed Santa statues and oversized gifts enhance the festive spirit throughout the precinct.

Christmas in Surfers Paradise will see traders decorate their stores in seasonal theme, as visitors stroll the precinct’s colourful retail offering to complete their Christmas gift checklists.

The festival’s pinnacle event, Carols on the Beach, features a stunning line-up of talented local musicians and dancers and culminates in a colourful fireworks finale.

A beloved annual tradition for generations of Gold Coast families, Carols on the Beach sees residents and visitors come together to reflect on their blessings at this special time of year, led in a chorus of traditional Christmas tunes to the accompanying soundtrack of the ocean lapping the shore.