It’s almost Christmas! ‘tis the season to be jolly, dine on lots of your favourite festive fare and enjoy picnics, barbecues and other outings with family and friends.
Social get-togethers are at the top of the list during the holiday season, so we have put together a few ideas for where to go and what to do in areas near GemLife resorts.
SUNSHINE COAST, QLD
Sunshine Coast restaurants open on Christmas Day
Flaxton Gardens
If you enjoy a good buffet, Flaxton Gardens are putting on a giant feast for your Christmas Day lunch on the Sunshine Coast. Catering for more dietary requirements, including options for vegans, you will also find festive roast meats (turkey, beef, and Tasmanian salmon) plus a delicious range of sides and salads. To kick off the fun, you will be given a pre-celebration drink and canapes, plus end the day with barista-made coffee and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Where:
Flaxton Gardens, 313-327 Flaxton Drive, Flaxton
Distance from GemLife resorts
GemLife Palmwoods – 15min/ 13.62km
GemLife Maroochy Quays – 25mins/ 23.6km
GemLife Pacific Paradise – 29mins/ 25.4km
The Dock
The Dock in Mooloolaba is throwing open its doors this Christmas Day, offering three delectable courses including a chilled seafood platter, maple glazed turkey with pumpkin puree, potato fondant, grilled broccolini and cranberry jus, plus a mango parfait with macadamia crumble, and strawberry sorbet with meringue shards. Sittings available at 11.30am and 12.30pm.
Where:
The Dock, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
Distance from GemLife resorts
GemLife Palmwoods – 22mins/ 23.7km
GemLife Maroochy Quays – 12min/ 10.7km
GemLife Pacific Paradise – 14min/ 14.2km
The Savvy Squire
Known as one of the best bars in Mooloolaba, The Savvy Squire is dishing up a fabulous Christmas Day lunch on the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy fresh seafood or a charcuterie board and then devour turkey and ham or crispy barramundi to your heart’s content. There are also plenty of vegetarian options available.
Where:
The Savvy Squire, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
Distance from GemLife resorts
GemLife Palmwoods – 22mins/ 23.7km
GemLife Maroochy Quays – 12min/ 10.7km
GemLife Pacific Paradise – 14min/ 14.2km
CRUISES
Sunshine Coast Afloat
Christmas Lights Cruise – the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy the Christmas lights while cruising.
Cruises depart 6.30pm and return around 8pm. Embarks from Bridge Seafoods Mooloolaba, 209 Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba.
Mooloolaba Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade
To be held at the Wharf Mooloolaba, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba on 18 December, from 7pm to 10pm, the Christmas Boat Parade is a light display with a difference and an event that will see decorated hulls alongside houses.
Everyone is welcome to participate on the water or from the shores of the river and canals of Mooloolaba, Kawana and Buddina. On-water and house entry fees are donated to a local charity. Join in the parade and support your local community event. For details phone 0413 227 013.
BRIBIE ISLAND, QLD
The Surf Club, Bribie Island Christmas Lunch 2021
Christmas themed event with festive trees, decorated tables, lollies and bonbons plus an enormous buffet lunch with traditional favourites including turkey, ham and all the trimmings plus fresh and cooked seafood, salads, and an array of desserts.
Santa will visit with gifts for the kids and there will also be lawn games and a kids’ buffet. Festivities run from 11.30am until 2.30pm. Bookings essential. Phone (07) 3408 2141.
Sandstone Point Hotel Annual Christmas Carnival
Celebrate the holidays at Sandstone Point Hotel’s annual Christmas Carnival to be held on Sunday 12 December.
Starting at 2pm and running until late, there is plenty of fun to be had with market and food stalls, kids’ rides, entertainment, Christmas carols, fireworks and of course a visit from Santa himself! With this time of year comes plenty of cheer! It definitely won’t be a silent night with a live choir singing all the festive favourites.
GOLD COAST & TWEED WATERS QLD & NSW
Gold Coast Christmas Parade
The Gold Coast’s inaugural Christmas Parade will feature thousands of colourful performers, dancers and marching bands and is the perfect event for the whole family.
The free event on Sunday 12 December, from 11am to 6pm, is set to attract tens of thousands of families, locals and visitors, who will line the Esplanade from Main Beach to Surfers Paradise as the Parade extends 2.5 kilometres along the beach front.
Movie World White Christmas
A great event for anyone looking for somewhere to take the grandchildren this Christmas, Movie World’s White Christmas, from 4 to 20 December, offers Christmas displays, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and lots more. From the spectacular annual White Christmas Parade to festive carolling, live family shows, and the brand new Polar Express 4D Experience, there is something to get everyone in the festive spirit.
Christmas Markets Gold Coast
The annual Christmas Markets GC will be held at Broadwater Parklands 17-19 December, from 4pm to 10pm each day. Over 100 stalls selling everything you need for a very special Christmas, plus kids rides, gourmet Christmas foods, roving characters, glittering lights and more.
Coolangatta Christmas Carols
Sing along to carols, enjoy spectacular festive performances and fireworks, and settle in for a magical night under the stars. Santa will be making an appearance by plane. The Coolangatta Christmas Markets and food trucks will be open from 4pm (Queensland time), with the stage show starting at 5.30pm on Sunday 12 December at Queen Elizabeth Park, Marine Parade, Coolangatta.
WOODEND, VIC
Gisborne Olde Time Market
GemLife Woodend residents are just 15 minutes away from the popular Gisborne Olde Time Market, which is regarded as one of the top five markets in Victoria. Located in Aitken and Hamilton Streets, Gisborne, the next market on 5 December, from 9am to 2pm, provides an ideal opportunity to stock up on food and gifts for Christmas.
It offers hundreds of stalls providing a large range of handcrafted gifts, adult and children’s clothing, jewellery, art, plants, preserves, a wide range of food products, sweets, pet products and an excellent selection of prepared foods to satisfy any appetite. The market is run by volunteers and proceeds go back into the local community.
LAKE CATHIE, NSW
On stage at Glasshouse
If looking for a great night out during the festive season, Australia’s internationally acclaimed tenor Mark Vincent will present his show The Impossible Dream on stage at Glasshouse, Port Macquarie on Friday 10 December. Mark appeared in the popular revival of My Fair Lady directed by Dame Julie Andrews at the Sydney Opera House and has also been touring nationally to promote his new album – A Tribute to Mario Lanza and latest new single Dance Monkey.