A Complete Guide to Christmas Day Dining on the Gold Coast 2023

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Thinking of eating out this Christmas on the Gold Coast? Then you’ll need to know which restaurants open Christmas Day and across the festive season.

Disclaimer: We are in the process of updating this article! All entries with 2023 listed beside them have been updated for this year. Those with TBC are to be confirm for this year.

Whether you want someone to do the heavy lifting for Christmas lunch or just want to know where you can go to grab a bite without the Christmas fanfare, we’ve searched around to find some of the best restaurants open on Christmas Day on the Gold Coast. Read on for our guide to 2023 Christmas dining across the Gold Coast.

Find a gorgeous Christmas Day dress or Christmas shirt to wear out to your meal.

RELATED: If you are planning a Gold Coast Christmas party and hunting for a great venue, we know that too!

Restaurants open Christmas Eve for dinner

Whether you traditionally celebrate on Christmas Eve, or just want to get into the festive spirit a little early, there are some great options with Christmas-themed dinners. Here are the restaurants open on Christmas Eve on the Gold Coast.

Cove Café | Sanctuary Cove 2023

Celebrate the night before Christmas with a little luxury at Sanctuary Cove’s Cove Café. You’ll indulge in stunning seafood including gulf prawns and South Australian oysters, then enjoy delicious hot dishes like turkey roulade with sage stuffing, harissa roast chicken and Christmas baked ham with cashew nut caramel. Cap it all off with Christmas puddings, fruit mince tarts, gingerbread men and more. There are two arrival times – 5pm or 8pm.

Adults – $185 | Children (5-12 years) – $75 | Children (0-4 years) – Free

Bookings are essential. Visit the website for more information or call (07) 5501 9891.

Restaurants open for Christmas breakfast

Save yourself for the main event and take yourself out for breakfast instead of cluttering up the kitchen. These restaurants open Christmas Day for breakfast on the Gold Coast.

Southport Sharks | Southport 2023

Enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat Buffet Breakfast at Southport Sharks. They’ve got all your breakfast favourites including bacon and eggs, juicy sausages, hotcakes and waffles; plus sumptuous specials such as Christmas Ham Benedict and Cinnamon Rolls. 

Adults – $55 | Children (8 – 12 years) – $20 | Children (4 – 7 years) – $15 | 3 and under – Free

Book here!

Christmas Day lunch Gold Coast

If you’re planning to outsource your Christmas lunch Gold Coast restaurants stand at the ready to do the heavy lifting. From budget to luxury, set menus to buffet Christmas lunch, our list should have something to suit your needs.

Marriott Hotel & Spa | Surfers Paradise 2023

There are three dining options for a Gold Coast Christmas Lunch at the Marriott Hotel and Spa.

Enjoy Chapter & Verse festive feast of seafood and sweets. Experience seasonal local offerings fresh local seafood plus a bottle of Champagne per couple.

Critique will once again host the ultimate seafood indulgence for Christmas Day. Included is a festive seafood buffet lunch with lobsters, live cooking stations, a 3-hour premium beverage package including Moet Champagne, live entertainment, face painting and a visit from Santa. From 12pm – 3pm

Celebrate Christmas Day in the Ballroom with a festive seafood buffet lunch including lobsters, live cooking stations, a 3-hour premium beverage package with Moet Champagne, live entertainment, face painting and a visit from Santa.From 12pm – 3pm

Chapter & Verse: $249 per person

Critique: Adults – $339 | Children (4 – 12 years) – $159 | Children under 3 free

Ballroom: Adults – $339 | Children (4 – 12 years) – $159 |Children under 3 free

For further details call 07 5592 9800 or find out more here.

Miss Moneypenny’s | Broadbeach 2023

How about Christmas lunch with all the classic trimmings? Miss Moneypenny’s presents a Christmas Day feast with two sittings to choose from: 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm. 2-hour beverage packages are also available on request. The banquet includes:

• Locally sourced seafood
• Christmas banquet roasts with all the festive trimmings
• Gingerbread triffle

Adults – $189 | Children (under 12 years) – $99

For more information or to book go to their website or phone (07) 5655 0785.

Novotel | Surfers Paradise 2023

For a truly decadent Christmas lunch Gold Coast’s Novotel is hard to beat. You’ll be transported into a Christmas wonderland in the Novotel’s ballroom where fun is the aim of the day. The seafood and Christmas-themed lunch includes:

• Succulent seafood
• Delicious meats from the carvery
• A variety of hot and cold dishes
• Christmas sweet treats
• Entertainment
• Visit from Santa with gifts for children 12 years and younger

Adults – $279 | Children (ages 13-17) – $189 | child (ages 5-12) – $139 | FREE for children 0-4 years

For further information visit their website or phone (07) 5579 3442.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat | Canungra 2023

Enjoy a traditional Christmas Buffet Lunch at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. After stuffing yourself silly at lunch you can take the kids for a stroll around the stunning World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. The package includes all drinks and a special visit from Santa.

Adults – $189 | Teens (13 – 17 years) – $99 | Children (4 – 12 years) – $65 | Under 4 years – Free

Find out more on their website.

Paradise Resort | Surfers Paradise 2023

Enjoy a Christmas feast at Penguins Restaurant. Lunch includes local seafood, roasted turkey, champagne ham an array of delicious desserts and all of the trimmings. Lunch includes a visit from Santa and a gift for every child (0-17years). Tea, coffee and unlimited soft drinks and resort selected wine and beers also included.

Adults – $190 | Teens (13-17 years) – $115 | Children (4 – 12 years) – $75 | Little kids (0 – 3) FOC 

Book your Christmas Day lunch at Paradise Resort here!

QT Gold Coast | Surfers Paradise 2023

There are plenty of options on offer at the QT including a very family-friendly buffet, a fancy affair in the ballroom and a spectacular Japanese degustation.

Buffet Christmas Lunch at Bazaar includes:

• Fresh seafood
• Slow roasted meats
• A vibrant selection of salads with ingredients picked from the rooftop garden
• 3 hours of free-flowing beverages

For a Japanese cuisine affair choose Christmas lunch at Yamagen where you can enjoy a 7-course degustation menu fit for Santa himself. Lunch includes a range of Japanese seafood dishes with a Christmas twist paired with your choice of beverage.

Bazaar Buffet: Adults – $320 | Teens (13-17 years) – $179 | Children (5-12 years) – $59 | Children (0-4 years) – Free

Yamagen degustation: Adults – $295 | Children (under 18 years old) $170

Go to the QT website for more information or phone (07) 5584 1200.

Sea World Cruises | Main Beach 2023

Here’s a completely different way to celebrate Christmas lunch. Sea World Cruises is running lunch cruises around the waterways of the Gold Coast that will take you past magnificent homes of the rich and famous, through the Gold Coast Broadwater and past famous spots like Sea World, Marina Mirage and Palazzo Versace.

There are four cruises available: 10.30am, 1pm, 4.30pm & 7pm. The COVID-safe 2-hour buffet Christmas lunch includes:

• Fresh local trawler prawns, oysters and mussels
• Maple baked hams and roasted chicken pieces
• Caesar salad, garden salad and coleslaw
• Fresh damper-style rolls
• Christmas pavlovas with fresh fruits
• Beverage package of locally brewed boutique beers, wines, champagne, soft drinks and juices
• Presents for the kids

Adults (14 and over) – $199 | Children (3-13 years) – $99

Visit the website for bookings and more information or phone (07) 5539 9299.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort | Main Beach 2023

Celebrate Christmas lunch in style at the family-friendly event in the Terraces Restaurant. You will be treated to a sumptuous seafood buffet lunch complete with all of your favourite festive trimmings. Stay amused with roving entertainment and a glass of sparkling wine on arrival for the adults, plus the kids can enjoy a visit from Santa and even receive a special gift.

Seafood experience: Adults & Teens – $299 | Children (5-12 years) – $145

To find out more, visit the Sheraton Grand Mirage website or call (07) 5577 0038

Southport Sharks | Southport 2023 (Sold out)

Enjoy a sumptuous Christmas Seafood Buffet Lunch at Southport Sharks featuring fresh oysters and prawns alongside all your other traditional Christmas favourites. From 11.30am – 3pm

Adults – $145 | Seniors – $125 | Children (8 – 12 years) – $65 | (4 – 7 years) – $40

Book here!

The Fireplace | Sanctuary Cove 2023

Here’s a little something special for adults only. Indulge in a festive-inspired 4-course menu at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort’s signature restaurant The Fireplace. Complete with a 3-hour drinks package, this is a luxe affair. The menu takes the restaurant’s wood-fire style and infuses it with some Christmas inspiration to deliver dishes that go beyond the traditional fare. You’ll enjoy:

• Seafood canapés
• Entrées of barbeque spiced quail, Queensland seafood terrine and a luxe festive intermezzo of Champagne sorbet with cranberries
• Mains of turkey ballotine with walnut, golden raisin and thyme and fig stuffing as well as beef tenderloin
• Chocolate parfait dressed with toffee cream, smoked almond and caramelised banana gelee. 
• Vegetarian menu available on request

$449 per person

Bookings are essential. For details visit the website or phone (07) 5501 9891.

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences | Surfers Paradise 2023

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Queensland without a festive feast of premium seafood including fresh prawns, oysters, Moreton Bay bugs, salmon sashimi, and baked barramundi. Their chefs have perfected the traditional Christmas meats including maple and ale glazed smoked ham, roast turkey, and mustard roast beef – are we making you hungry yet?

They invite you to leave the cooking to them, and indulge in a lavish seafood buffet lunch with your family at Hilton Surfers Paradise on Christmas Day. Lunch bookings are available from 12pm – 3pm.

Adults – $329 (includes 3-hour beverage package with beer, cider, wine, soft drink, tea and coffee)
Child – 12 – 17 years – $249 | Child – 5 – 11 years – $189 (includes 3-hour beverage package with soft drink, tea and coffee) | 4 years & under – Free

You can find more information here.

The Island | Surfers Paradise 2023

Set in the fabulous Glasshouse at the Island, one of the Gold Coast’s newest and most vibrant events destination, this traditional Christmas buffet lunch will feature the freshest hot and cold seafood, succulent roast meats, seasonal roast vegetables, wholesome summer salads and decadent desserts. Drinks are an additional charge.

Adults: $179 | Children (13 – 17 years) – $119 | Children (4 – 12 years) – $89 | Children (0 – 3 years) – Free

Christmas Day Buffet Lunch at The Island will run from 10:45am – 1:45pm.

The Star | Broadbeach 2023

If you’re looking for variety this Christmas The Star is for you. With a variety of meal and drink options in the Garden Kitchen & Bar, Cucina Vivo, or Harvest Buffet.

There are a number of packages to choose from! Here are our top picks for family-friendly fare. 

Garden Kitchen & Bar invites guests to experience a four-course lunch and 3-hour beverage package is included! Bookings are essential for this delectable feast that uses only the very best in fresh seasonal produce. Lunch runs between 11:30am to 2:30pm.

Cucina Vino is the perfect location for your Christmas celebration. This Christmas, the chefs at Cucina Vivo have created an inspired menu that draws on all the best flavours Italian culture has to offer. Savour a 4-course lunch menu plus a 3-hour beverage package! Lunch is from 12pm – 3pm.

Let The Star make your Christmas one to remember by celebrating with your friends and family in the Harvest Buffet. Indulge in a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet with all the trimmings, and a 3 hour drink package. This special Christmas lunch event will take place from 12.15pm-3.15pm.

Garden Bar & Kitchen: Adult (over 18)- $195 | Children (5 – 17 years) $125 | (0– 4 years) free 

Cucina Vino: Adult (over 18) – $205 | Children (7 –17 years) – $140 | (0 – 7 years) Free

Harvest Buffet: Adult – $280 | Children: (13 –17 years) – $125 | (6 – 12 years) – $65 | (0 – 5 years) Free

Find out more here.

Christmas dinner Gold Coast

Looking for restaurants open on Christmas for dinner instead of lunch? Try one of these feasts.

Imperial Hotel | Main Beach 2023

Full seafood buffet with Christmas trimmings. Children’s Buffet $189*. A celebration of fresh, seasonal flavours, Il Barocco Restaurant boasts a bountiful array of the freshest seafood and fish, vibrant salads, succulent roast meats with all the tasty trimmings and decadent sweet treats available for buffet dinner every evening.

Adults – $379 | Teens (13 – 17 years) – $289| Children (4 – 12 years)- $189

You can find more details on Imperial Hotel website.

Bazaar | Surfers Paradise 2023

Finish off the day’s festivities with a Christmas dinner at Bazaar. Indulge in fresh trawler caught seafood, vibrant salads, chocolate fountains and traditional gooey desserts. Children will receive a complimentary gift from Santa himself. 

Adults – $265 | Teen (13-17 years) – $165 | Child (5-12 years) – $75

Find out more on QT’s website.

Cove Cafe | Sanctuary Cove 2023

Indulge in a worldly selection of hot and cold dishes (including Pizza and Pasta) and fresh seafood, before enjoying the traditional roast carvery with an assortment of festive condiments.

Be sure to save some room for in-house Pastry Chef, Chef Dee’s, decadent dessert collection featuring a traditional bûche de Noël and other indulgent sweet treats. Beverages are not included in the price and will be available to purchase on consumption. Please be sure to select your preferred arrival time (5pm or 8pm) and advise them of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Adults (13+) – $209| Children (5-12 years) – $89 | Children (0-4 years) – Free

For more information or to book visit the website or call (07) 5501 9891.

Paradise Resort | Surfers Paradise 2023

Enjoy a Christmas feast at Penguins Restaurant. Dinner buffet includes local seafood, roasted turkey, champagne ham an array of delicious desserts and all of the trimmings. Dinner includes a visit from Santa and a gift for every child (0-17years). Tea, coffee and unlimited soft drinks and resort selected wine and beers also included. Dinner runs between 5.00pm – 8.00pm.

Adults – $175 | Teens (13-17 years) – $105 | Children (4 – 12 years) – $65 | Little kids (0 – 3) FOC

Book your Christmas Day dinner at Paradise Resort here

The Star | Broadbeach 2023

The Star’s team of chefs have been working around the clock to make sure it’s a Christmas you (and your stomach) won’t forget. Prepare your appetites for a feast with all the trimmings, because you’ll be spoilt for choice with the freshest seafood, hot and cold meats, pizza, pasta, salads, soups, desserts and more, plus a 3-hour drinks package. You won’t want to miss Christmas at Harvest Buffet.

Dinner seatings are from 5.45pm – 8.45pm

Adult (18 and above) – $225 | Children (13 – 17 years) – $105 | Children (6 – 12 years) – $55 | Children (0 – 5 years) – Free

Find out more here.

Restaurants open as normal on Christmas Day

If you aren’t celebrating Christmas, or would just prefer something a bit more casual than a buffet Christmas lunch or set menu, these are some restaurants open Christmas Day for normal trade.

• Crew, Burleigh – 6am-1pm
• Door 50, Mermaid Beach – 6-11am
• Easy Street Diner, Mermaid Beach – 5-9pm
• Finn Poké, Burleigh Heads – 11am-8pm
• Harajuku Gyoza, Broadbeach – 12-8pm
• Neptune Kiosk, Burleigh Heads – 5.30am-12pm
• Osteria del Mare, Burleigh Heads – 7am – 2pm
• Vegepatch Studios, Palm Beach – 5-11am
• Wavybone, Chirn Park – 5-11am
• The Lakeside, Robina Pavilion – pizza and beverages only

Restaurants open on Christmas Day

Whatever your dining desires, there are plenty of restaurants open Christmas Day across the Gold Coast. We hope our article helps you find the perfect location for your Christmas celebrations. You can find a list of all the Christmas events on the Gold Coast here. And if you are lookibng for some festive shopping to ensure you are looking perfect for the big day, check out these Gold Coast Christmas shops for to make everything sparkle!

Heading north? We have a detailed guide of restaurants open of Christmas Day in Brisbane too.

Find out where you can get a Christmas Day lunch in the middle of the year because some Australians celebrate Christmas in July across the country.

Join our Facebook group to jumpstart your Christmas planning all year long!

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