Events · Festive Season
Christmas & New Year’s Eve in Broadbeach
Beach-side celebrations, festive dining, NYE fireworks — how Broadbeach does the holiday season.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve on the Gold Coast is unlike anywhere else in Australia. While the southern states shiver through a grey December, Broadbeach delivers warm evenings, golden sand, and outdoor celebrations that feel like a tropical holiday — because that’s exactly what they are.
Broadbeach is one of the best spots on the Gold Coast for the festive season. The beachfront parks host community events, Oracle Boulevard restaurants put on special menus, The Star lights up with entertainment, and New Year’s Eve fireworks are visible from Kurrawa Park without fighting the Surfers Paradise crowds.
The catch? Broadbeach is extremely popular over this period. Accommodation books out months in advance, and restaurant tables for Christmas lunch and NYE dinner fill up by early November. This guide covers everything you need to plan — and when to book.
Key Dates & Tips
- Peak season: 20 December – 7 January — book accommodation 2–3 months ahead
- Christmas Day dining: most restaurants open with special menus — book by early November
- NYE fireworks: visible from Kurrawa Park (9pm family fireworks + midnight show)
- Surfers Paradise NYE fireworks also visible from Broadbeach beach looking north
- Accommodation prices: 50–100% higher than normal during peak festive week
| Event | When | Where | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Christmas Carols | Mid-December | Kurrawa Park | Free |
| Christmas Day lunch | 25 December | Various restaurants | Pre-booking essential |
| Boxing Day beach day | 26 December | Kurrawa Beach | Free |
| NYE family fireworks | 31 Dec, 9pm | Visible from Kurrawa Park | Free |
| NYE midnight fireworks | 31 Dec, midnight | Surfers Paradise (visible from Broadbeach) | Free |
| The Star NYE events | 31 December | The Star Gold Coast | Ticketed, varies |
Christmas Day in Broadbeach
Christmas Day in Broadbeach follows a distinctly Australian pattern: morning presents (if you have kids), followed by a long Christmas lunch, followed by an afternoon at the beach.
Christmas Day dining: Most Broadbeach restaurants open for Christmas Day with special set menus, typically $80–150 per person for a multi-course lunch with drinks packages available. Popular choices include:
• Nineteen at The Star — premium buffet with seafood, roasts, and dessert bar. One of the most popular Christmas bookings on the Gold Coast.
• Koi Dining — Asian-fusion Christmas menu with a twist
• Social House — relaxed Christmas lunch with beachside views
• Moo Moo at The Star — premium steakhouse Christmas lunch
Book early. Christmas Day tables at popular Broadbeach restaurants fill up by early November. If you’re arriving mid-December and haven’t booked, your options will be very limited. Call directly rather than relying on online booking — some restaurants hold tables for phone bookings.
Self-catering: If you’re staying in an apartment with a kitchen, Woolworths at Pacific Fair is open until 6pm on Christmas Eve. The beachfront barbecues at Kurrawa Park are first-come-first-served and get claimed early on Christmas morning — arrive by 8am if you want one.
New Year’s Eve in Broadbeach
NYE in Broadbeach offers the best of both worlds: you’re close enough to see the Surfers Paradise fireworks but far enough to avoid the 100,000-person crowd.
Fireworks viewing:
• Kurrawa Park / Broadbeach beach — the Gold Coast City Council runs a 9pm ‘family fireworks’ display visible from the Broadbeach foreshore. The midnight Surfers Paradise fireworks are also clearly visible looking north along the beach. Bring a blanket, arrive by 7pm for a good spot.
• The Star Gold Coast — multiple NYE events across the precinct, from casual rooftop bars to premium ticketed parties. These book out well in advance.
• Restaurant NYE dinners — Oracle Boulevard restaurants run special NYE set menus ($120–250 per person), many with outdoor seating where you can watch the fireworks. Book by mid-November.
Getting around on NYE: Don’t drive. The G:link tram runs extended hours on New Year’s Eve (typically until 3am), and it’s by far the easiest way to get between Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise if you want to join the bigger crowd for midnight. Uber surge pricing on NYE can hit 3–5x normal rates.
Accommodation During the Festive Season
The Christmas–New Year period is peak season in Broadbeach. Accommodation prices rise 50–100% above normal rates, and minimum stays of 5–7 nights are common.
When to book: For the best selection and reasonable prices, book by September–October. By December, you’re choosing from whatever’s left, often at premium prices.
What to expect:
• 2-bedroom apartment: $250–400/night (normally $150–250)
• 4-star hotel: $300–500/night (normally $180–300)
• 5-star (The Star, AVANI): $450–800/night (normally $280–500)
Tip: The week between Christmas and New Year (26 Dec – 1 Jan) is the most expensive. If you have flexibility, arriving on 2 January can save 30–40% as families start heading home.
School holidays continue until late January, so Broadbeach remains busy (but more affordable) through January.
Tips for the Festive Season in Broadbeach
The most popular Christmas and NYE venues sell out 6–8 weeks before the date. Don’t wait until December — you’ll be left with fast food or self-catering.
December and January are peak UV months on the Gold Coast. The UV index regularly exceeds 12 (extreme). Wear 50+ sunscreen, a hat, and rashie at the beach — even on overcast days.
The G:link tram runs extended services on New Year’s Eve. It’s the only sensible way to travel between Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise on the night — no parking, no surge pricing, no designated driver needed.
Supermarkets close on Christmas Day and open with reduced hours on Boxing Day. If you’re self-catering, do your Christmas shopping by December 24. Woolworths at Pacific Fair and Coles at Niecon Plaza are the closest options.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Gold Coast City Council runs a 9pm family fireworks display visible from the Broadbeach foreshore. The larger midnight fireworks are launched from Surfers Paradise but are clearly visible from Broadbeach beach looking north. Kurrawa Park is the best viewing spot — arrive by 7pm for a good position.
Yes, most Broadbeach restaurants open on Christmas Day with special set menus (typically $80–150 per person). Popular options include Nineteen at The Star, Koi, Social House, and Moo Moo. Booking is essential — tables fill up by early November.
Book 2–3 months ahead (September–October) for the best selection and prices. By December, availability is very limited and prices are at their peak. Expect minimum stays of 5–7 nights and rates 50–100% higher than normal.
Yes — Christmas through New Year is the busiest time of year in Broadbeach. Accommodation is near capacity, restaurants are fully booked, and the beach is packed. The upside is the atmosphere is fantastic, the weather is warm, and there are events and celebrations throughout the period.
Book Your Festive Season Stay
Don’t leave it too late. Broadbeach accommodation for Christmas and New Year fills up fast.
Written and maintained by a Broadbeach local. I update this guide regularly to keep it accurate.