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While snowy landscape scenes and cosy fireplaces are the last thing you'll find on Queensland's Gold Coast at Christmas, that doesn't mean this isn't a great place to celebrate the festive season. After all, what could be more festive than glorious sunshine, beautiful white-sand beaches, a striking skyline, and some of the best shopping and dining around? If you're still in need of some traditional trappings however, here are just a few suggestions of how you might celebrate Christmas on the Gold coast. Christmas decorations, parties and carols are always a great start, and once you start looking; there are plenty of festive season options around.

First you'll need to get the shopping done. Christmas shopping need not be a drama when you shop in surrounds as glamorous as these. Robina Town Centre is not only the Gold Coast's premier shopping centre, it boasts over 300 specialty stores and a 900 seat food atrium: perfect for a spot of lunch between browsing. Robina Town Centre is also where you'll find the Gold Coast's only David Jones, and when it comes to Christmas, this department store knows how to celebrate. Their in-store decoration and window displays are always lavish, so it's definitely the place to bring the kids (and they'll get to meet Santa in store).

Need more shopping? How about the enormous Pacific Fair opposite Jupiter's Casino where you'll find hundreds of stores. Or if you're looking to shop with a view, Surfers Paradise offers plenty of great waterfront options, with everything from exclusive boutiques, to fabulous markets. The markets here operate every Wednesday and Friday night, and are a great place to stock up on nick knacks, jewellery, artworks, homewares and always unique gifts.

One of the Gold Coast's biggest silly season celebrations is the Centre of Christmas ball at The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Now in its sixth year, the party will be held at Broadbeach on 9 December 2011 and feature fabulous seafood and wine, live entertainment, door prizes and all of the Christmas trimmings.

For a more traditional family celebration, head to Carols by Candlelight. There are a couple of options in the Gold Coast region, with the Christmas Carols at Varsity Lakes being held in Central Park, Varsity Lakes on 4 December. This is a free event that treats the community to live performances, fireworks, children's rides and plenty of food stalls. Or on 17 December, Broadbeach Christmas Carols will be held at Kurrawa Park, another great event for all the family. Also for the calendar, Gold Coast City Council may be holding a Christmas Light Up competition in December. Keep an eye out for details closer to the date.

And while you're at it, be on the lookout for Christmas lights all over the region. Every year householders put up fantastic displays the length and breadth of the Gold Coast. Christmas decorations, life-size Santa's and flashing lights are just some of the things you're likely to see if you take a drive around the region or a stroll through just about any suburb.

For all of the great ways to celebrate Christmas on the Gold Coast, it's always worth remembering this is meant to be a time to give. This year the Gold Coast Bulletin, Gold Coast Suns, Gold Coast Community Fund and Warner Bros. Movie World have joined forces to help raise funds for disadvantaged Gold Coast families. It's called the White Christmas Stocking Fund, and donations can be made at any Gold Coast Branch of the Commonwealth Bank or online (BSB: 064 430 A/C: 2801 5688).

 So to make the most of your summer Christmas, dive right in and you'll uncover the best Gold Coast Christmas decorations, lights, parties and family events.  From shopping to dining to family gatherings, the Gold coast is a perfect spot to celebrate the festive season in style.