Aussie World Christmas
Updated Nov 2023
From Christmas markets, carols, concerts and lights ... we’ve got all the inside tips on how to enjoy the Sunshine Coast festive season in all its glory. Here’s our guide to the best local festivities you need to tick off your list this December.
Gympie Christmas in the Park
Make sure to save Saturday the 16th December in your calendar – Gympie’s Christmas in the Park is back again for another festive season. This ultimate Christmas celebration features food trucks, markets, rides and fireworks – making it the perfect way to spend some summer family fun.
This highly popular community event kicks off at 4pm in the leafy Nelson Reserve (making the most of the cooler twilight hours!).
Maleny Handmade Markets
Don’t wait until the last minute to do your Christmas shopping this year. The Maleny Handmade and Artisan Christmas Festival will held across three crafty days on the 10th, 11th and 12th of November (2023), at the Maleny Community Centre. Peruse the offerings of 100 makers, artists, and designers and load up on goodies – we’re sure you’ll be able to find enough presents to fill the bottom of your tree (and possibly even decorate it as well!).
Don’t forget to pop this one into your calendar!
Christmas at Lifepointe
Christmas at Lifepoint
That’s right – Christmas at Lifepointe is back this year for its 20th year celebration! Held at Lifepointe Church in Buderim, this extremely popular Sunshine Coast event will be running from the 14th-22nd December (2023), from 5:30pm - 9:00pm every night. Make sure you come along and enjoy the fun-fuelled nights of festive joy.
Activities include: the tunnel of lights, an animal farm with an opportunity to pet and hold animals, witnessing an epic display of Christmas lights, enjoying the entertaining Christmas show and much more! If you’ve got kids, we know they’ll also be delighted by the free popcorn and fairy floss on offer.
The Nutcracker
There’s no need for a trip to the city to get your taste of the arts this Christmas. Instead, we suggest checking out the festive performance of The Nutcracker at the Events Centre in Caloundra (11th December, 2023). Starring international ballerinas, stunning costumes, and iconic music, this is a delightful way to immerse yourself in Christmas cheer.
Tickets are selling fast to this performance, so make sure to secure your seat here.
A Christmas Celebration – Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra
If you’re a fan of live music, make sure to mark Saturday the 9th of December in your calendar! The Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra will be holding ‘A Christmas Celebration’ concert at the Events Centre in Caloundra. Enjoy hearing a diverse selection of familiar festive tunes, ranging from historical musical legends (i.e., Mozart), all the way through to popular modern-day composers (like Hans Zimmer).
Mary Valley Rattler
Mary Valley Rattler Christmas Train
Take to the tracks to mark the festive season! Local favourite, the Mary Valley Rattler, is offering up some special Christmas Twilight Train experiences. Zip through the beautiful Mary Valley countryside on a four-hour (approx.) journey, where you'll have the opportunity to inspect the historic Gympie Station, enjoy local Christmas festivities, and soak up the early summer evening.
Two journeys are on offer this year: choose between the ‘Christmas in Dagun’ (16th December) and the ‘Christmas in Amamoor’ (8th December) experiences.
Eumundi Christmas Extravaganza
Eumundi Christmas Extravaganza
Any event labelled as an extravaganza is guaranteed to be good fun! If you come along to the Eumundi Christmas Extravaganza on the 3rd of December, you’ll be in for a treat of carols, entertainment, raffle draws, and even an appearance by Santa himself. Ahead of the fireworks, explore the food and market stalls. Be sure to leave any pets at home for this one, as the Extravaganza will also feature live reindeer!
Christmas at the Ginger Factory
Christmas at the Ginger Factory
The Ginger Factory will be offering all things Christmas and ginger from the 1st-24th December. Santa is going to be dropping by for a visit each day between 9:30am and 1:30pm, so make sure to listen out for sleighbells!
One of the best parts about this year’s Christmas festivities at the Ginger Factory is their partnership with local charity Sunny Kids, who work with children in need. You’ll have the chance to share the holiday joy and place a present under the Ginger Factory Christmas Tree.
Cavalier Cruises - Christmas Lights Cruise
The hunt for the best Christmas light displays gets a fun twist thanks to the Christmas Lights Cruise offered by Cavalier Cruises. Setting off at twilight, you’ll glide along the Mooloolah River for 90 minutes, enjoying unique views of the sparkling Christmas lights adorning the waterfront homes at Mooloolaba and Minyama.
Tramfest Community Christmas Party
Come along to Mill Street in Nambour on the 9th December for a fun-fuelled afternoon with the whole family. Held at the Tram Terminal, the celebrations are set to feature live music, food trucks and markets... plus a visit from Santa himself. Grab a drink from the pop-up bar and watch the stars come out. This is shaping up to be the Christmas party of the year!
Christmas Farm Visits at Engle End Farm
Make sure to drop by to Engle End Farm this year for a special Christmas visit on the 17th December. This beautiful farm in the Sunshine Coast hinterland is home to some very friendly alpacas (among other furry friends, like donkeys), who you’ll get the chance to meet.
With plenty of chances to snap photos, plus some fun Christmas craft for the kids, you won't want to miss this one. We’ve even had word from the North Pole that Santa’s planning on popping in to say hello!
Two sessions will be running from 9am-11am, and 2pm-4pm, so take your pick (just make sure to ring ahead and make a booking).
Christmas Street Party 2023 - Caloundra
Ring in the festive season at the Caloundra Christmas Street Party! Come along to Bulcock Street on Friday 1st December for a fun, sun-soaked afternoon for the whole family. Say hello to Santa, enjoy the roving entertainment, gather around for the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree, and wander through the market stalls. Spanning the length of Bulcock Street, the twilight market will showcase all the food and artesian stalls you know and love, plus some special surprises!
Grab your FREE ticket here.