Runaway Bay Carols by Candlelight is a free community carols night on Saturday 28 November at the Runaway Bay Soccer Fields on Lae Drive. It runs from 5 pm to 8 pm and finishes with fireworks at 8 pm.
It is a northern Gold Coast event, so it suits families who want carols close to home without the crowds of a big city show.
Date, time and cost
The night starts at 5 pm and the fireworks go off at 8 pm. Entry is free. The venue is the Runaway Bay Soccer Fields on Lae Drive, Runaway Bay.
The event is listed on the City of Gold Coast What’s On site, and Division 4 Councillor Shelley Curtis is taking part.
What’s on at the Runaway Bay carols
The organisers list carols and live entertainment from:
- Brett Mills, Leah Lever, Jack Watson, Sharon Rowntree and Craig Martin
- Local school choirs
- A 7-piece live band
Bring a picnic rug. Around the field there is free face painting, food, drinks and sweet treats, glow products to buy, and appearances by Christmas characters and Santa. The hosts are John Kerr from 94.1FM and Danielle Goullet from Australian Events and Entertainment.
Planning your visit
- Arrive early: the program starts at 5 pm, so you can settle in, eat and get the face painting done before dark.
- Finish time: the night ends around 8 pm with the fireworks.
- Food: food, drinks and sweet treats are sold on the night, so bring a little cash or a card.
- Questions: contact Cr Shelley Curtis’s office on 07 5581 1680 or [email protected].
Is Runaway Bay Carols by Candlelight right for your family?
The 5 pm start and 8 pm finish make it workable for most families, including those with primary-school kids. The mix of free face painting, characters and Santa keeps younger children busy while the choirs and band play, and the fireworks give the night a clear ending.
If you have toddlers, plan your exit before the fireworks end. Leaving a few minutes early usually beats waiting in the traffic that follows a finale.
Making a night of it
With food and drinks on sale at the field, you can treat the carols as dinner. If you would rather eat first, bring a snack for the kids and save the sweet treats for later. The soccer fields are open grass, so wear closed shoes and pack a light layer for after sunset.
Getting there and parking
Runaway Bay is about 60 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD. Parking may be limited and parking regulations still apply during the event. The City of Gold Coast recommends the EasyPark app for metered parking and encourages public transport, walking or cycling. Plan a trip with the Translink journey planner.
The event page does not list a car park for this event, so allow extra time to find a spot nearby.
If you take the bus, Translink’s Lae Dr at Morala Avenue stop in Runaway Bay is served by routes 712, 713 and 719. Check the journey planner for night services after the fireworks.
Nearby
- Mayor’s Christmas Carols at HOTA, Surfers Paradise – the same weekend, a bigger two-night show further south.
- Christmas Markets GC, Labrador – free Christmas markets on the Broadwater.
- Things to do on the Gold Coast
- More events on What’s On
Details can change, so check the City of Gold Coast event page before you go.
Quick answers
Is Runaway Bay Carols by Candlelight free?
Yes, entry is free. Food, drinks, sweet treats and glow products are sold on the night.
What time are the fireworks?
The fireworks finale is at 8 pm, and the night runs from 5 pm to 8 pm on Saturday 28 November.
Where are the Runaway Bay carols held?
At the Runaway Bay Soccer Fields on Lae Drive, Runaway Bay.
Is there parking?
Parking may be limited. The City of Gold Coast recommends the EasyPark app for metered parking and suggests public transport, walking or cycling.
Is there anything for kids?
Yes: free face painting, Christmas characters, Santa and school choirs.
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