Festive grants: lighting up our community spirit
This festive season, the Sunshine Coast is bursting with opportunities to connect, celebrate and make memories.
Whether it’s chasing Santa’s surf boat, hunting for handmade treasures at a market or belting out your favourite holiday tunes under the stars, there’s a festive community event waiting for you.
Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio Taylor Bunnag said across the Sunshine Coast, local streets, parks and beaches were set to sparkle as Sunshine Coast Council’s Festive Grants help to bring beloved community celebrations to life.
“Whether you’re joining a favourite event or discovering something new, there’s a place for everyone to share in the joy and connection that makes our region so special – especially at this time of year,” Cr Bunnag said.
“Through our Festive and Commemorative Events Grants, Council supports local groups to deliver much-loved traditional events and new favourites, ensuring every corner of our region shines bright with community spirit.
“This year, more than $136,834 has been allocated to community organisations to support a wide range of community-led Christmas festivities right across the Sunshine Coast.”
Check out the Sunshine Coast festive events near you
Here’s a snapshot of the wonderful events receiving Council support this festive season. Each one is a testament to the creativity, dedication and heart of our local community groups.
22 November – North Shore Community Centre, Mudjimba
Christmas Carnival
Santa arrives by helicopter! Enjoy live entertainment, craft workshops, and plenty of family fun.
23 November – Caloundra Rugby League, Plover Parade
Annual Steps Christmas Party
Festive celebration for children and young people with autism and other disabilities.
28 November – Beerburrum Hall
Community Christmas Party
Puppet show, petting zoo, face painting, music, food, and a visit from Santa.
29 November – Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge, Sippy Downs
Santa Paws Market & Photos
Pet‑friendly market with photos alongside Santa.
29 November – Double Bay Park, Parrearra (Kawana Island)
Movie by the Bay
Face painting, sausages, popcorn, and a screening of The Grinch.
30 November – 28 Mill Street, Nambour
TramFest Christmas Street Party
Live music, food stalls, markets, and gifts from Santa.
4 December – Nambour CBD
Twilight Christmas Shopping Trail
Special offers, prizes, food trucks, and festive stalls.
5 December – Bli Bli State School
Community Christmas Carols
Sing along to carols and enjoy community fun.
5 December – Mapleton State School
Mapleton Christmas Concert
Live music, Santa, face painting, food, and festive cheer.
6 December – Montville Village Hall
Montville Christmas Market
Handmade gifts, gourmet treats, live music, and holiday cheer.
7 December – Crummunda Park, Wurtulla
Currimundi Lights on the Lake Festival
Children’s activities, live entertainment, illuminated watercraft parade, and laser light show.
7 December – Yandina State School
Community Christmas Carols
Family‑friendly carols with food trucks and fireworks.
7 December – Glen Retreat Park, Marcoola
Seaside Shores Christmas Event
Zumba, puppet shows, face painting, and Santa’s visit.
11 December – Nambour CBD
Twilight Christmas Shopping Trail
Special offers, prizes, food trucks, and festive stalls.
11–14 December – Suncoast Church, Woombye
A Christmas Carol
Free musical theatre production over four nights, with five showings.
13 December – Mooloolah Valley, 47 Bray Road
Christmas Lights & BBQ
Face painting, carols, and a lights competition.
13 December – Kings Beach Amphitheatre, Caloundra
Community Christmas Carols
Free, family‑friendly carols by the beach.
13 December – Glasshouse Mountains Hall
Combined Churches Carols
Local, free, and family‑friendly Christmas carols.
13 December – Diddillibah Hall
Community Carols
Santa and entertainment for all ages.
13 December – Forest Glen
GATHAA First Nations Twilight Market
Local stalls and entertainment celebrating First Nations culture.
14 December – Buhk Park, Alexandra Headland
Christmas in Alex
Live music, food stalls, entertainment, and a fireworks finale.
14 December – Apex Camp, Twin Waters
Carols in the Park
Food trucks, face painting, local music, Santa’s visit, and pyrotechnic finale.
14 December – Buderim Village Park
Community Christmas Carols
Family entertainment, food stalls, and local performers.
17 December – Village Green, Montville
Carols on the Green
Sausage sizzle, face painting, and festive fun under the stars.
17 December – Peregian Beach Surf Club
Christmas Carols
Live music, children’s entertainment, gourmet food stalls, and a sky‑diving Santa.
19 December – Bokarina Boulevard Park
Christmas Movie & Picnic
Free family‑friendly movie night under the stars.
20 December – Alexander Bluff Foreshore Park, Mooloolaba
Community Christmas Carols
Traditional carols and entertainment by the water.
20 December – Mudjimba Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Community Carols
Santa and entertainment in a family‑friendly setting.
24 December – Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club
Santa’s Arrival at the Beach
Santa arrives by surf boat with treats, photos, and fireworks.
25 December – Nambour Community Centre
Christmas Community Lunch
A warm, welcoming lunch for the community.
25 December – Coolum Civic Centre
Coolum HeARTs Community Lunch
Celebrate Christmas together with food and friendship.
For more details, reach out to your local community group featured or visit events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au to find and list events near you.