On the Coast we celebrate Christmas and the Festive season in an array of ways, from festivals to markets, parades, buffet lunches and Balls, there’s something to suit everyone this December on the Sunshine Coast.

The Mooloolaba Christmas Boat parade has been a tradition for years, raising funds and awareness for charities and vital community services as well as joy and festive cheer as it rolls its way down the Mooloolaba River. This year RACQ’s Careflight has been selected as the service of choice for all donations and proceeds generated by entry fees. This non-for-profit organisation relies heavily on donations from such events. They provide an invaluable service, providing rescue for the lost and injured both out at sea and right throughout the outback and mountain ranges of Australia, not to mention the transportation of the most sick and vulnerable to get the treatment they so intensely require. Boats of all shapes and sizes, along with their crew, will dress up in bright lights and more tinsel than you could shake a stick at, all in the name of fun and charity. There will also be entertainment and activities along the shore for those wanting to watch, with houses and apartments encouraged to join in on the fun, and plenty of room for family picnics. Or if you’re interested in taking part, the entry fee is just twenty-five dollars. Get your friends together, drink a beer and float down the river as you do your bit for charity this Christmas. Register online here. For more information on RACQ’s Careflight, visit their website.

For those looking for something a little less festive this season and new years, the 29th annual Woodford Folk Festival will be returning with popular acts such as the Cat Empire, and Darren Middleton of Powderfinger fame to name a few that will be performing. The six-day festival will feature over four hundred acts presenting over a thousand performances across it’s thirty-five performance venues, as well as forty food stalls, including restaurants and fourteen bars offering a global food experience nestled amongst the Australian Bush. Get everyone together and camp out for the week, away from the family and break away from tradition to the tune of your favourite featured bands. Whatever your taste in food, drink or music, the Woodfolk Festival is sure to have something for everyone. For more information of the line-up and ticket prices, visit their site.

If you’re looking for something a little more traditional and kid-centric, the Christmas under the Stars event will be returning to the Caboolture town square this year. The annual Christmas celebration features everything to fill a young child with seasonal cheer and joy with everything from the Elf Village, a petting zoo and of course, Santa himself. There are no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained, with two-dollar rides and face painting amongst the most popular. Nothing puts the twinkle in a young child’s eye quite like the anticipation for Christmas morning; barely able to sleep for all the excitement to see if Santa really did bring the Pony or Pirate Lego set they asked for. And events like these are what fuel that childhood joy and excitement that make Christmas such a significant source of great childhood memories. So if you’re looking for a traditional Christmas community event then look no further and join the people of Caboolture under the stars to celebrate the festive season, any and all are encouraged to join in on the fun. Make a few memories of your own.