Christmas in Noosa 2025 brings sun-soaked celebrations to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast from early December through the New Year. Experience the unique Connecting Noosa Christmas Convoy (8-11 December), festive markets including Peregian Beach Christmas Carols (20 December), beachside Santa visits at Noosa Main Beach (12-18 December), and carol cruises on the Noosa River. Swap snow for sand and celebrate the festive season Australian-style with beachfront dining, street parties, and warm summer weather.
Planning your Christmas in Noosa this year? You’re in for a treat. This coastal paradise transforms into a festive wonderland each December, offering a unique blend of traditional Christmas celebrations with a distinctly Australian twist. Think carol singing by the river, Santa visits on the beach, and Christmas lunch with ocean views.
Whether you’re a local looking for holiday activities or a visitor planning your Sunshine Coast getaway, this guide covers everything you need to know about Noosa Christmas events, markets, and dining experiences for 2025.
Why Choose Noosa for Christmas?
Forget snowy landscapes and freezing temperatures. Christmas in Queensland means celebrating in 28-degree sunshine, swapping heavy coats for swimwear, and enjoying festivities outdoors. Noosa’s temperate summer weather creates the perfect backdrop for beach picnics, outdoor concerts, and waterfront dining.
The region comes alive with community spirit during the festive season. Locals and visitors unite for street parties, charitable toy drives, and beachside carols that create memories lasting well beyond Boxing Day. Plus, with school holidays in full swing, the atmosphere buzzes with excitement.
The Connecting Noosa Christmas Convoy: A Must-See Event
One of the most beloved Noosa holiday activities returns in 2025 for its sixth year. The Connecting Noosa Christmas Convoy brings Santa, surf lifesavers, and emergency services personnel to communities across the entire shire.
Event Dates and Locations:
Monday, 8 December – Starting from Peregian Surf Club at 4pm, the convoy visits Peregian Beach, Castaways Beach, Marcus Beach, Sunrise Beach, Sunshine Beach, Noosa Junction, and travels through Hastings Street.
Tuesday, 9 December – Beginning at the Boreen Point pub at 4pm, Santa travels to Cooroibah and Noosa Banks.
Wednesday, 10 December – The convoy starts at 3:15pm at Kin Kin School, visiting Cooran and Pomona before finishing at Crackerjack Cooroy.
Thursday, 11 December – Starting at 4pm from Noosaville Primary School, the parade concludes in Tewantin.
Mayor Frank Wilkie describes this event as a unique Queensland tradition that draws massive crowds each year. Free giveaways from sponsors including Hot91, ZINC96, Tewantin Noosa RSL, and Crackerjack Cooroy add extra excitement. The convoy provides a wonderful opportunity to thank local emergency services while spreading Christmas cheer throughout the community.
Full route maps and detailed schedules are available through Noosa Shire Council’s website closer to the event dates.
Christmas Markets in Noosa: Shop Local This Season
Shopping at Christmas markets offers a more personal, community-focused experience than big shopping centres. Noosa’s markets showcase local artisans, fresh produce, and handcrafted gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.
Top Christmas Markets for 2025
Noosa Arts & Crafts Christmas Market
When: Early December
Where: 1 Wallace Drive, Noosaville
What to Expect: Handmade cards, ceramics, toys, and unique gifts created by association members. Perfect for finding one-of-a-kind presents for hard-to-buy-for relatives.
Pomona Christmas Market
When: 6 December
Where: Pomona
Highlights: Live music performances, cooking demonstrations, face painting for children, and a special Santa visit. The market features handmade crafts from local artisans alongside festive treats and food stalls.
BlueCare Christmas Market
When: 3 December
Where: BlueCare Aged Care Home
Features: Family-friendly atmosphere with Christmas carols, coffee van, sweet treats, local artisan stalls, and mini Christmas cakes. A portion of proceeds supports community programs.
Noosa Junction Twilight Markets
When: Friday evenings throughout December
Where: Noosa Junction
Atmosphere: Diverse range of stalls selling handmade gifts, delicious food options, and live entertainment. The evening markets offer a festive atmosphere perfect for leisurely browsing after the day’s heat subsides.
Eumundi Markets Special Christmas Edition
When: Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout December
Where: Eumundi (15 minutes from Noosa)
Why Visit: With over 500 stalls, these famous markets expand their offerings during Christmas. Expect unique fashion pieces, handcrafted jewellery, artisan foods, fresh produce, and international cuisines. The bohemian atmosphere and live music create an unforgettable shopping experience.
Pro Tip: Visit markets early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. Bring reusable shopping bags, cash (some stallholders don’t accept cards), and consider ordering online from Noosa Farmers Market if you prefer to skip the queues.
Beachside Santa Visits and Photos
What could be more Australian than meeting Santa in board shorts at the beach? Noosa offers several opportunities for children to meet Father Christmas in unique coastal settings.
Santa on Noosa Main Beach
When: 12-18 December, 9am-11am daily Where: Santa’s beach hut, Noosa Main Beach (front of Noosa Heads Surf Club) Cost: Completely free Details: Bring the kids down for complimentary photos with Santa while enjoying the pristine beach setting. No bookings required, but arriving early ensures shorter wait times. The relaxed beachfront location lets families combine Santa visits with a morning swim or beach walk.
Peregian Beach Santa Visit
When: 20 December, 3pm-8pm Where: Peregian Village (10-minute drive from Noosa) What’s Included: Santa appears as part of the larger Peregian Beach Christmas Carols event, complete with children’s entertainment, jumping castle, face painting, food trucks, and artisan market stalls.
Christmas Carols and Musical Events
Music brings communities together during the festive season. Noosa offers several carol events that blend traditional Christmas songs with the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Reed & Co Carol Cruise
When: Saturday, 14 December, starting at 4pm Where: Noosa River (follow the Noosa Ferry or watch from riverbank) Experience: Set up your picnic blanket along the riverbank or bring your own boat to follow the Noosa Ferry as it cruises the waterway. This unique event combines scenic river views with festive singing. Bring drinks, nibbles, and Christmas spirit for an afternoon of celebration on the water.
Peregian Beach Christmas Carols
When: 20 December, 3pm-8pm Where: Peregian Village Atmosphere: This boutique seaside town just south of Noosa hosts one of the region’s most beloved carol events. The afternoon combines traditional carol singing with modern festivities including food trucks, market stalls, children’s activities, and a jumping castle. The beachside setting creates a magical atmosphere as the sun sets over the ocean.
Additional Carol Events
Several local churches and community groups host carol singing throughout December. Sunset carols at various beaches offer intimate, community-focused celebrations perfect for families wanting a more traditional experience.
Festive Dining: Christmas Day and Special Menus
Skip the stress of cooking and cleaning this year. Noosa’s restaurants pull out all stops for Christmas, offering everything from traditional turkey dinners to fresh seafood feasts with ocean views.
Beachfront Christmas Dining
Sails Restaurant Noosa Offering: Five-course degustation menu with wine pairings Price: $360 per person (children under 18: $180) Booking Status: Sells out months in advance Why Choose: Award-winning wine list, 180-degree views over Laguna Bay, and sophisticated seasonal menu featuring local produce. This is Noosa’s most prestigious Christmas dining experience.
Bistro C Location: Absolute beachfront, Laguna Bay Menu: Modern Australian cuisine with Christmas specials Atmosphere: Dining room opens directly onto white sand beaches with Pacific Ocean backdrop. Perfect for couples and families wanting an elegant yet relaxed celebration.
Boardwalk Bistro Offering: Christmas set menu or summer a la carte options Price: $115 per person Seatings: 2pm-2:30pm, 3pm-5:30pm, or 6pm until late Highlights: Seafood plate or wagyu prosciutto terrine starters, choice of oven-baked barramundi or slow-cooked lamb mains, finishing with Christmas pudding or fresh pavlova. The beachfront location means you can hear waves crashing while you dine.
Waterfront Restaurants
Noosa Boathouse Experience: Four-course a la carte choice menu Setting: Noosa River waterfront location Features: Fresh seafood, quality beef, and locally harvested produce. The relaxed riverside atmosphere combines fine dining with Noosa’s laid-back charm.
Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort When: 25 December, 11:30am-2:30pm Price: Adults $259, Members $245, Teenagers (13-17) $189, Children (3-12) $109 Included: Three-hour beverage package Menu: Lavish seafood platters featuring Queensland prawns, oysters, and sashimi, abundant buffet with slow-roasted meats and seasonal salads, dessert platters with holiday favourites and artisan cheeses. Dietary requirements accommodated with advance notice.
Noosa Reef Hotel Offering: Delicious Christmas seafood buffet lunch with drinks included Location: Laguna Bay and North Shore coastline with expansive deck area Views: Panoramic bay vistas create the perfect Christmas Day backdrop
Alternative Dining Options
Cafe Le Monde Menu: Set menu for adults and children with three choices per course (including vegetarian options) Welcome Drink: Schooner of Noosa Heads Lager or glass of bubbly Seatings: 11am, 2pm, 5pm Price: $125 adults, $49 children Notes: Book early as spots fill quickly. Dinner seatings from 5pm-7pm are still available.
El Capitano Unique Offering: Organic sourdough pizzas with 72-hour fermentation process Vibe: Old-world pizzas meet world-class cocktails for a non-traditional Christmas celebration Perfect For: Families wanting a relaxed, casual Christmas meal
Kaali Restaurant Cuisine: Gourmet Indian Experience: 30+ years of culinary expertise from head chef Nitin Bhogale Dietary Options: Wide range of dietary requirements accommodated Atmosphere: High-energy, pulsating vibe that’s difficult to resist
Booking Tips: Most popular restaurants book out by October. If you haven’t secured a table yet, consider early lunch seatings (11am-12pm) or later dinner slots (7pm onwards), which often have better availability. Many venues offer takeaway Christmas hampers if you prefer dining at your accommodation.
Family Activities and Entertainment
Christmas in Noosa offers more than markets and dining. Families can enjoy a range of activities that combine festive cheer with the region’s natural beauty.
Beach Activities
Noosa’s beaches provide the perfect Christmas Day activity. Pack a picnic, bring beach toys, and spend the morning swimming before heading to lunch. Main Beach offers calm waters ideal for young children, while Alexandria Bay suits more adventurous swimmers.
Noosa National Park Walks
Work up an appetite before your Christmas feast with a coastal walk through Noosa National Park. The park features multiple trails offering stunning ocean views, potential koala sightings, and refreshing sea breezes. The Coastal Track to Hell’s Gates takes about 2-3 hours return and showcases the region’s spectacular headlands.
River Cruises and Water Activities
Several operators run special Christmas cruises on the Noosa River. Options include:
Noosa Ferry: Regular services along the river with commentary about local landmarks and wildlife Gondolas of Noosa: Romantic cruises perfect for couples Noosa River and Canal Cruises: Sunset tours that showcase waterfront homes and natural beauty
Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking offer active ways to explore the river system. Hire equipment from various operators along Gympie Terrace in Noosaville.
Christmas Lights and Festive Displays
While Noosa doesn’t have large-scale Christmas light installations like major cities, several locations offer festive displays worth visiting.
Peregian Springs Christmas Lights
Location: Peregian Springs residential area Features: Over 50 sequenced songs, mega tree, singing faces, and Selfie Wings photo opportunities. Use the QR code for Remote Falcon to select your favourite Christmas songs. This suburban display has become a regional highlight.
Cooroy RSL Light Display
Where: Cooroy RSL (15 minutes from Noosa) Bonus: Combine your light viewing with dinner at the RSL’s restaurant Atmosphere: Magical illuminated displays create perfect photo opportunities for families.
Hastings Street Decorations
Noosa’s premier shopping street decorates with festive lights and Christmas trees throughout December. The palm tree-lined boulevard creates a unique tropical Christmas atmosphere, especially beautiful at sunset.
Shopping Beyond Markets: Retail Options
If markets don’t appeal, Noosa offers excellent retail shopping for last-minute gifts.
Noosa Fair Shopping Centre
What’s Available: Extended trading hours throughout December, wide range of stores selling fashion, accessories, homewares, technology, beauty products, toys, and treats Family Features: School holiday activities, giveaways, and Christmas photo moments Convenience: Ample parking and one-stop shopping for all Christmas needs
Hastings Street Boutiques
Experience: Summery, eclectic stores offering unique fashion, homewares, and gifts Atmosphere: Mix shopping with cafe stops and ocean views along Noosa’s most famous street
Day Trips from Noosa During Christmas
Extend your Christmas celebrations with day trips to nearby attractions.
The Ginger Factory, Yandina
Santa Visits: Tuesday-Saturday mornings, 9:30am story time, photos 10am-1:30pm Cost: Free Santa visits Activities: Factory tours, ginger-themed products, and family-friendly attractions Distance: 30 minutes from Noosa
Eumundi Township
Beyond the markets, Eumundi’s charming main street features antique stores, cafes, and boutiques perfect for leisurely exploration. The Imperial Hotel offers classic Australian pub atmosphere with cold drinks and hearty meals.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Escape the coastal heat with a drive through the hinterland. Visit mountain towns like Montville and Maleny for cooler temperatures, stunning views stretching to the coast, art galleries, and cosy cafes. The winding roads through the rainforest provide a refreshing change from beach scenery.
Accommodation Tips for Christmas in Noosa
Book early or miss out entirely. Christmas represents peak season for Noosa accommodation, with many properties booked a year in advance.
Accommodation Options:
- Beachfront resorts like Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort
- Self-contained holiday homes perfect for families
- Boutique hotels in Hastings Street
- Budget-friendly apartments in Noosaville
- Hinterland retreats for those seeking quieter celebrations
Booking Strategy: If beachfront accommodation is sold out, consider Noosaville properties along the river or Peregian Beach locations 10 minutes south. These areas offer excellent value while maintaining easy access to all Christmas events.
Sustainable Christmas Celebrations
Noosa’s environmentally conscious community embraces sustainable practices during the festive season.
Eco-Friendly Tips:
- Shop at farmers markets for locally grown produce with minimal packaging
- Choose reusable gift wrapping like fabric or recycled paper
- Support local artisans and small businesses rather than chain retailers
- Bring reusable bags to markets and shopping centres
- Consider experience-based gifts like Noosa National Park walks, river cruises, or restaurant vouchers instead of material items
Many restaurants source seafood and produce locally, reducing food miles while supporting regional farmers and fishers.
Weather and What to Pack
December in Noosa brings warm, humid weather typical of Queensland summers.
Expected Conditions:
- Daytime temperatures: 25-30°C
- Evening temperatures: 20-23°C
- Occasional afternoon thunderstorms
- High UV radiation requiring sun protection
Packing Essentials:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Swimwear and beach towels
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Light rain jacket for afternoon storms
- Comfortable walking shoes for markets and nature walks
- Insect repellent for evening outdoor events
New Year’s Eve in Noosa
Extend your Christmas celebrations into the New Year. Noosa offers spectacular New Year’s Eve festivities including fireworks displays, beach parties, and special restaurant events.
Multiple vantage points along the river and beachfront provide views of midnight fireworks. Book restaurant reservations months in advance for premium waterfront dining experiences.
Getting Around During Christmas
Traffic increases significantly during the Christmas period. Plan accordingly:
Best Transport Options:
- Noosa Ferry for river-based travel
- Walking or cycling in Hastings Street and Noosa Heads areas
- Ride-sharing services for evening events when parking is limited
- Public buses connecting major areas
- Bicycle hire for exploring at your own pace
Park early at popular events like the Connecting Noosa Christmas Convoy. Arrive at least 30 minutes before scheduled start times to secure good viewing spots.
Essential Christmas Planning Checklist
By Early November:
- Book accommodation if you haven’t already
- Make restaurant reservations for Christmas Day
- Research events and add dates to your calendar
By Late November:
- Plan market visits and shopping lists
- Book any special activities like river cruises
- Confirm all reservations
Early December:
- Check Connecting Noosa Christmas Convoy routes
- Purchase gifts at markets
- Finalise Christmas Day plans
Week Before Christmas:
- Confirm all bookings
- Check weather forecasts
- Pack appropriate clothing
- Download event maps and schedules
Final Thoughts: Making Your Noosa Christmas Memorable
Christmas in Noosa offers something truly special: the combination of traditional festive celebrations with uniquely Australian coastal living. Whether you’re singing carols by the river, meeting Santa on the beach, or enjoying seafood with ocean views, you’ll create memories that last long after you return home.
The relaxed atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and strong community spirit make Noosa one of Australia’s premier Christmas destinations. Start planning now to secure accommodation and restaurant bookings, then simply relax and enjoy everything this magical coastal region offers during the festive season.
For more information about Noosa events, accommodation, and local attractions, explore our comprehensive directory of everything this beautiful region has to offer.
Merry Christmas from Noosa Life!
