The Mayor’s Christmas Carols is the Gold Coast’s big free carols night, held at HOTA in Surfers Paradise over two evenings, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November. It is in its 15th year, with live entertainment, family fun, food trucks and a fireworks finale.
The free Outdoor Stage tickets have run out. You can still go: bring a picnic blanket to the HOTA Parklands for a family-friendly screening on a big screen.
Dates, times and tickets
The carols run on both nights from 6 pm to 8.30 pm at the HOTA Outdoor Stage and HOTA Parklands, 135 Bundall Road. The event is free, but the ticket allocation for the Outdoor Stage area is exhausted and the listing shows it as sold out. Everyone else is welcome in the Parklands.
Line-up at the HOTA Christmas Carols
The listed performers are:
- Samantha Jade, the ARIA Award-winning singer
- DJ Havana Brown
- The Royal Navy Band Queensland
- Warner Bros. Movie World’s Looney Tunes Christmas Show
- A visit from Santa
The hosts are Amanda Abate and Chris Parsons from 7NEWS, and Auslan interpreters will be on hand. A fireworks display closes the main show.
Missed out on a ticket? Watch from the Parklands
If you do not have an Outdoor Stage ticket, the HOTA Parklands has a family-friendly screening of the show on a big screen, with food trucks and free Ferris wheel rides. It starts at 4 pm, two hours before the stage show.
The official page does not say whether the screening runs on both nights, so check before you go.
Planning your visit
- Get there early for the Parklands: the screening, food trucks and Ferris wheel start at 4 pm, well before the 6 pm show, so you can claim a spot on the grass and eat first.
- Finish time: the show wraps up around 8.30 pm with the fireworks finale, which suits younger kids.
- Cost: the event is free, and the Ferris wheel rides in the Parklands are free too. Food trucks are extra.
- Accessibility: Auslan interpreters will be on hand. For other access questions, contact City of Gold Coast on 07 5588 4000 or [email protected].
- Which night: the programme is listed for both nights, but check the organiser’s page in case acts or timings differ between Saturday and Sunday.
Getting there and parking
HOTA is at 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise, about 65 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD. The City of Gold Coast encourages public transport, walking and cycling, and links the Translink journey planner.
Parking may be limited and parking regulations still apply during the event. The City of Gold Coast says you can get four hours of free parking by entering your rego at the meter, and metered parking can be paid through the EasyPark app. A carpark and public toilets are listed at HOTA.
Nearby
- Evandale Parklands – a Gold Coast parkland close to Surfers Paradise.
- Gold Coast Regional Botanical Gardens – a daytime stop in the city.
- 5 of the best markets in South East Queensland
- More things to do on the Gold Coast
Details can change, so check the organiser’s website before you go.
Quick answers
Are the HOTA Christmas Carols free?
Yes, the event is free. The HOTA Outdoor Stage ticket allocation is exhausted, but there is a free Parklands screening.
What time do the Mayor’s Christmas Carols start?
The show runs 6 pm to 8.30 pm on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November. The Parklands screening starts at 4 pm.
Where are the Mayor’s Christmas Carols?
At HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise.
Where do I park?
Parking may be limited. The City of Gold Coast says you get four hours of free parking by entering your rego at the meter; EasyPark is the app for metered parking. The city encourages public transport, walking or cycling.
Is there anything for kids?
Yes: a Looney Tunes Christmas Show, a visit from Santa, food trucks and free Ferris wheel rides in the Parklands.
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