Sanctuary Cove is set to sparkle this Christmas with a month of Festive Family Fun
The most magical time of the year is returning to Sanctuary Cove, with a festive calendar of family traditions, waterfront celebrations and exciting new experiences bringing the Marine Village to life throughout November and December.
From Santa’s grand arrival and the popular decorated Buggy Parade, to the much-loved Carols on the Lawn, a new Christmas Market, magical Santa Breakfast Cruises aboard The Lady, daytime and nighttime Santa photos and dedicated Pet Photos with Santa, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas at the Cove.
Set against Sanctuary Cove’s iconic waterfront backdrop, this year’s program blends cherished community favourites with memorable new experiences for the whole family — all wrapped up with plenty of Christmas cheer.
Christmas at Sanctuary Cove begins Saturday, 28 November. Explore what’s on below.
SANTA’S ARRIVAL & BUGGY PARADE | SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER | 10AM
Proudly brought to you in partnership with Ray White Sanctuary Cove.
Christmas officially arrives at Sanctuary Cove on Saturday, 28 November, when Santa makes his much-anticipated return to the Marine Village!
The streets will come alive with the colourful Santa’s Arrival & Buggy Parade, featuring festively decorated buggies, the Gold Coast Drumline, Mrs Claus, Rudolph and a cast of Christmas performers as Santa makes his way through the Village.
And you can be part of the parade! Decorate your buggy, gather your family and friends and join the festive procession through Sanctuary Cove.
Dress Your Buggy to Impress!
The best-dressed buggy will win a luxury weekend stay at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef. So bring out the tinsel, lights and Christmas decorations and show us your most spectacular festive creation!
REGISTER YOUR BUGGY NOW!
Registration is NOW OPEN through Ray White Sanctuary Cove. Pop into their office, call them on 07 5577 9999 or email sanctuarycove.qld@raywhite.com
Feeling hungry? The Rotary Club of Hope Island will be firing up the barbecue, with a sausage sizzle available on the day. Grab a snag and settle in to enjoy the festivities.
FREE EVENT
View the Parade Map here
Event may be postponed or cancelled due to adverse weather conditions
NEW THIS CHRISTMAS!
SANTA BREAKFAST CRUISES | 5TH, 12TH AND 21ST DECEMBER | 7:30AM
Santa is taking to the water this Christmas!
Climb aboard The Lady for a magical 90-minute Christmas morning cruise through the beautiful Sanctuary Cove waterways, with Santa, Mrs Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer along for the adventure.
Created especially for families, this brand-new Christmas experience combines breakfast, festive fun and plenty of special moments with Santa — all against the beautiful backdrop of Sanctuary Cove Marina.
What’s Included:
🎅 Meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs Claus
🎄 Christmas Show – enjoy a special taste of the festive entertainment from Carols on the Lawn, performed onboard The Lady
🦌 Appearances from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
🍓 Child-friendly breakfast grazing table, with gluten-free and lactose-free options available, plus one juice
🎨 Face painting, with two face painters onboard
📸 Plenty of opportunities to capture your own family photos throughout the experience
Boarding from 7:30am (Not Before) | Cruise Departs 8am sharp | Cruise Returns 9:30am
CAROLS ON THE LAWN & CHRISTMAS MARKET | THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER | 4PM
Proudly brought to you in partnership with Ray White Sanctuary Cove.
One of Sanctuary Cove’s favourite Christmas traditions returns, bringing families and friends together for a festive evening of entertainment by the waterfront.
This year, the celebrations begin early with a Christmas Market from 4pm. Browse a curated collection of Christmas gifts, artisan products, festive finds and delicious treats before settling onto Marina Lawn for an evening of live entertainment and a sing-along to Christmas favourites under the stars.
Feeling hungry? Grab a bite from the Rotary Club of Hope Island sausage sizzle or enjoy dinner and drinks from the Marine Village. Bring a picnic blanket, gather the family and settle in for a wonderful evening by the waterfront.
Then, look to the sky as the celebrations come to a spectacular close with a fireworks finale at 8pm.
Christmas Market: 4pm–8pm
Live entertainment: 5pm–8pm
Fireworks finale: 8pm–8:10pm
The full entertainment program will be announced closer to the event.
FREE EVENT
Capacity limits will apply. Event may be postponed or cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Capture a little Christmas magic with Santa at Sanctuary Cove!
Bring your own camera or phone and snap your family Christmas photos in one of our festive Santa settings. With daytime and nighttime sessions available, there’s an opportunity for everyone to get their annual Santa photo.
Looking for Pet Photos with Santa? 🐾
Please note: Pets are not permitted at Photos with Santa sessions. If you’d like a photo of your pet with Santa, please book one of our dedicated Pet Photos with Santa sessions below. Advance booking and payment are required for all pet sessions.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA SESSION TIMES:
Saturday 12 December | 11am – 1pm | Next to Leigh Smith Yachts
Sunday 13 December | 11am – 1pm | Next to Leigh Smith Yachts
Wednesday 16 December | 6:30pm – 8:30pm | Santa Sleigh on the Boardwalk (The Promenade)
Thursday 17 December | 6:30pm – 8:30pm | Santa Sleigh on the Boardwalk (The Promenade)
NEW THIS CHRISTMAS!
PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Santa hasn’t forgotten about your four-legged family members! 🐾🎅
Pet Photos with Santa are back for 2026 — and this year, we’re doing things a little differently.
Due to the popularity of pet photos, all Pet Photos with Santa must now be booked and paid for in advance giving your pet a dedicated time with Santa and a professional photographer to capture the moment.
Each booking includes a strictly 5-minute pet photo session and three professionally edited digital photos delivered after your session.
Your booking includes:
🐾 Dedicated 5-minute session for your pet with Santa
📸 Professional photographer
✨ Three professionally edited digital photos
🎄 Festive Santa setting
Please note: To allow our photographer to capture your pet session, personal photography using cameras or phones is not permitted during Pet Photo sessions.
IMPORTANT: PRE-BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL
Pet Photo sessions are by booking only, with no walk-ins available. Please arrive ready for your session, as appointments are strictly limited to five minutes.
Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your preferred session.
With a blend of cherished traditions and exciting new events, Sanctuary Cove is once again the ultimate destination for Christmas celebrations on the Gold Coast.
For the latest updates and event information, follow @visitsanctuarycove on social media.
