Tarte unveils huge Christmas gingerbread house after 100 hours of baking
The Gold Coast’s biggest walk-through gingerbread house has opened – built from 100kg of ingredients and 100 hours of work by dedicated staff. Discover where it’s located, along with some of the city’s standout free and ticketed events this December.
Christmas has taken over Currumbin’s Tarte Tea Garden, where the Gold Coast’s biggest walk‑through gingerbread house anchors a full festive makeover.
Staff have clocked 100 hours baking and building every panel, detail and structure, using more than 100kg and 200 baking trays of gingerbread, held together by 50kg of icing.
The tea garden – perched right beside Tarte Beach House on Thrower Drive, also now glows with lights, hanging bells, toy soldiers and a real sleigh primed for pictures.
Owner Chloe Watts said the space was designed to transport people straight into their inspiration cities: London, Paris and New York at Christmas.
“It was months of planning and a labour of love,” she said.
“I want people to feel like they’ve stepped into a fairy tale. That instant sense of wonder, nostalgia and excitement – not just for kids but for adults too.
“The smell is exactly what you’d imagine – warm spices, baked gingerbread and sugar in the air.
“It feels like Christmas in a European bakery.”
Christmas is spreading across the Gold Coast.
At The Langham, a pink-themed Christmas tree has set the tone for a full festive dining program across Palm Court, Akoya and the Diamond Ballroom.
“Christmas at The Langham is always a truly magical time, and this year we raised the bar for coastal celebrations,” The Langham’s Stan Taulani said.
Over at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, families can capture outdoor Christmas photos with Blinky Bill and Nutsy the Koala during the day, and when the sun goes down, the Christmas lights come up at the Astra Lumina Christmas Village.
WHERE TO SOAK UP THE CHRISTMAS MAGIC ON THE COAST THIS DECEMBER
A Christmas wonderland at Tarte’s tea garden
WHEN: Open now
WHERE: Located next to Beach House at Shop 1, 2-4 Thrower Drive Currumbin, QLD, 4223
Christmas at The Langham
WHEN: December 2025
WHERE: The Langham, 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
The Langham, Gold Coast has unveiled a luxe pink Christmas tree as part of its festive program, transforming the hotel lobby in time for the peak holiday period.
The centrepiece display has already become a popular backdrop for holiday photos, with the hotel pairing the visuals with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Palm Court.
Christmas at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
WHEN: 1–24 December 2025
WHERE: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has switched on festive magic day and night until Christmas Eve, with Wild Christmas by day and Astra Lumina transforming into a glowing Christmas Village after dark.
By day, families can capture Christmas photos outdoors with Blinky Bill, Nutsy the Koala and the Christmas Elf, alongside daily meet & greets from 9.30am to 1.15pm, and Christmas shows from 10.15am.
When the sun sets, the Astra Lumina Christmas Village opens from 6.15pm to 8.15pm nightly, with Santa meet and greets, photo opportunities under twinkling lights, a letters station and a light menu from the village food truck, before visitors wander the illuminated Astra Lumina trail.
Christmas Flicks & Fireworks
WHEN: Friday 12 (The Santa Clause screening) and Saturday 13 (ELF screening) December, from 4pm
WHERE: Surfers Paradise Beach, Surfers Paradise Sign, The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Two festive evenings of Christmas markets, movies and fireworks will be held by the beach in Surfers Paradise in December run by City of Gold Coast. The Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Markets kick off from 4pm and will offer handmade gifts, Christmas treats, and local treasures. Families can set up a picnic rug on the sand and enjoy a free outdoor movie experience under the stars from 7pm Friday 12 December. Fireworks will go at 8.30pm for the finale.
Cooly Carols
WHEN: Sunday 14 December, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
WHERE: Queen Elizabeth Park, Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Cooly Carols will light up Coolangatta on Sunday 14 December, with classic Christmas tunes, food trucks and a fireworks finale at Queen Elizabeth Park.
The free community event is presented by City of Gold Coast and of course will include an appearance from the big red man himself.
Christmas in Broadbeach
WHEN: Monday 15 to Sunday 21 December, 10am to 8pm daily
WHERE: Broadbeach Mall, Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
Broadbeach Mall will turn into a Gingerbread Village, offering free family activities, daily workshops and Santa meet‑and‑greets.
The interactive precinct will include gingerbread cookie decorating, Christmas crafts and story time theatre. Santa’s Post Office will take wish lists, and The Oasis Treasure Hunt returns with maps available from village staff.
Attendees can expect free, family‑friendly programming across the precinct, with the movie screening by the beach rounding out the schedule. The event is presented by City of Gold Coast.
Santa and elves will be on site from 5pm.
Christmas in Coomera
WHEN: Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 December, 2pm to 8pm daily
WHERE: Coomera Indoor Sports Centre Forecourt, 35 Beattie Road, Coomera
Christmas in Coomera will deliver a weekend of free family fun, headlined by a DJ dance party, a 9‑hole North Pole putt putt and on‑stage appearances from Santa.
Snow machines will add to the atmosphere as Hip Hop Santas pop up across the precinct, with prize games and roving stilt‑walking candy canes keeping crowds entertained.
The program includes meet‑and‑greets with the Grinch and Rudolph the Red‑Nosed Reindeer, offering plenty of chances for photos and a quick hello.
Face painting will be on offer and families can also grab photos with Santa.
Food trucks will serve a range of bites and drinks, while market stalls provide options for last‑minute gifts and stocking fillers across the weekend.
Christmas in Coomera is presented by City of Gold Coast.
