Where to Find Christmas Light Displays on the Gold Coast

One of the magical things about Christmas is that despite the age of technology, where we commonly experience intense colours, big screens, and incredible cinematic effects, we still get excited by Christmas lights.

For many families, Christmas isn’t Christmas without a tour of the neighbouring Christmas displays. From hotels and shopfronts, to harbour fronts, parks and residential homes, there’s always fun to be had when exploring light displays.

So where can you find magical Christmas lights on the Gold Coast this year? Here we take a look…

Follow the competition

Each year, the City of the Gold Coast hosts its annual Christmas Lights Competition, in which locals and tourists can cast their vote for their favourite displays. The Mayor narrows the many entrants down to twelve and from 6 to 17 December you can cast your vote and join the fun.

This year the twelve entrants are:

• 2 Tulipwood Drive, Bonogin
• 104 Dipper Drive, Burleigh Waters
• 16 Dabchick Drive, Burleigh Waters
• 14 Worley Drive, Gilston
• 3 Cuthero Court, Highland Park
• 5 Mintwood Place, Molendinar
• 28 Riverpark Drive, Nerang
• 58 Salvado Drive, Pacific Pines
• 4 Beaumont Crescent, Pacific Pines
• 70 Melinda Street, Southport
• 7 Coolara Street, Tugun
• 26 Jagera Drive, Upper Coomera

As well as voting via the City of the Gold Coast website, you can also view previous entrants and winners, such as 37 Eugaree Street, Southport. Diane and Dennis Jordan picked up the Grand Champion prize in 2014 for their incredible Christmas display, which they’ve been creating for the last five years. No expense is spared, and the home features a snow machine and more than 50 sets of lights.

Take the bus

Another great way to explore the wonder of Gold Coast Christmas lights is to hop aboard the Christmas Lights Tour Bus, which departs every night from The Arts Centre Gold Coast between 20 and 24 December. Operated by Murray’s Coaches, the buses leave at 7pm from the Bundall Road location, returning by 10pm.

Tickets start from $10 for children and $15 for adults and bookings are essential.

Visit Candy Cane Lane

Dubbed “Candy Cane Lane” due to the fact that nearly every house lights up, Forest-Oak Drive in Upper Coomera is a truly magical place. Number 26 and 52 are among the best, with one house going as far as to synchronise the display to music.

Number 26 has a unique tropical theme, while number 52 offers one of the most elegant displays on the Gold Coast.

Upper Coomera in general will wow those out and about at night, with other homes in Runaway Drive, Morgan Court, Shelduck Street, Jagera Drive, Hasemann Crescent and Pitt Street all offering some fantastic displays.

Enjoy long-time favourites

The Gold Coast is home to a whole host of friendly people who love nothing more than to bring happiness to others. Many Gold Coast homes have been decorating with lights for decades, creating lasting family traditions for locals.

1. 5 Tyalla Drive, Ashmore

For 23 years, Bob and Maureen Bottomley have been making kids smile with a spectacular transformation of their Ashmore home. The lights take months to put up, but the couple say it’s worth it to see the joy on kid’s faces. They also hide their magic elf in a different spot every night, making coming back to the home night after night to find the elf a real treat.

2. 8 Sue Court, Highland Park

When Cherylee Marques’ mother passed away, Christmas lost its sparkle. Not one to really celebrate, she tossed aside her Christmas blues thirteen years ago and vowed to make the most of the festive season instead. Not only is her home now covered in Christmas lights, her husband Alberto often dresses up as Santa and hands out presents to the kids.

3. 91 Blacks Road, Willowvale

With his acreage Willowvale property, Joe Bauer spreads the magic of Christmas across his lawn. Each year his display gets better and better and these days it includes a laser light show. Mr Bauer won the title of Grand Champion in 2012, with the judges describing his display as “amazing”.

Stay local

If you’re staying at Focus Apartments and like the idea of keeping local, then Southport is a great place to explore. Just a few minutes drive or a tram ride away, Southport is packed with beautifully decorated nonresidential and residential homes.

Shop 1066 in Australia Fair is worth a look, as is 2/59 Ferry Road. If you prefer strolling the neighbourhood, the streets around Melinda Street, Alicia Street and Eugaree Street offer lots of shimmer. 70 Melinda Street in particular is a must-see.

Take to Facebook

Social media is a great way to discover where the best Christmas light displays can be found, in particular the Facebook page, Gold Coast Christmas Lights. Offering updates on locations all over the Gold Coast, you can be sure to find a mesmerising display nearby. Many of the posts are videos, offering great insight into what to expect on a night out exploring.

Get into the Christmas spirit this year

However you decide to investigate the best of the Gold Coast’s Christmas lights this festive season, we encourage you to stay safe and embrace the magic. Lose yourself in the sparkle and enjoy the smiles on the faces you meet. Merry Christmas!