It’s hard not to be excited about Christmas, but if you’re looking for a little extra boost to your Christmas spirit then round up the family and check out one of the many Christmas events taking place around the Coast this month.

Here are our top picks for Christmas entertainment in the lead-up to the big day.

Kawana Waters Uniting Church Christmas Festival, Bokarina

A nightly Christmas festival held at the Kawana Waters Uniting Church from the 15th – 22nd of December. Entry is free and Christmas cake and refreshments are provided. There is also a craft stall, sausage sizzle, and the main event: a Christmas play called “Little Red Wagon”. You can find the church on Thunderbird Drive, Bokarina.

Christmas Eve Carols in the Park, Peregian

The Peregian Beach Carols are the longest running Christmas carols event on the coast. It’s free and, if the weather is good, you can see Santa arrive in a helicopter to greet all the good boys and girls. There’s a fireworks display and lots of great entertainment. Be at the Peregian Beach Park on Kingfisher Drive from 5pm to get in on the action.

Carols on Kings, Kings Beach

On the 23rd December, the amphitheatre on Kings Beach plays host to a night of carols and Christmas entertainment for the whole family. Kicking off at 6pm, the event is totally free and families are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the show, watch the fireworks and enjoy a special visit from Santa.

Photos with Santa

Bring the kids along to your local shopping centre so they can get a photo taken with Santa and let him know what they want for Christmas this year.  Kawana Shopping World and the Sunshine Plaza both play host to Santa and his elves, and some Harvey Norman stores too. Remember to check ahead to make sure Santa is in.

Sunshine Coast Christmas Lights – The Wonder of Christmas, North Buderim

Each year the Maroochydore Baptist Centre puts on a spectacular Christmas display with lights, decorations, music, performance, market stalls, a replica of the village of Bethlehem and even an animal farm for the kids. It runs nightly from 6pm – 9.30pm between the 15th and 24th of December. It’s one not to be missed, and it’s free.

Community Christmas Day Lunch, Cotton Tree

If you’re alone on Christmas or want to spend the day making new friends and enjoying the company of your local community, why not join the free Christmas day lunch at Cotton Tree Park, sponsored by Goodlife Community Buderim, 12-3pm.

Christmas Lights Tour

With Coast residents decking their halls with impressive light displays, it’s well worth hopping in the car and visiting the many lit-up houses entered in the Sunshine Coast Christmas Lights competition. For a full list, visit the Sunshine Coast Daily’s website.

There’s plenty to see and do, and what’s better than an outing for the family that won’t cost  you an arm and a leg. Get out into your local community and experience the best that the festive season has to offer.