12 Pubs of Christmas Surfers Paradise Edition

Get ready for the ultimate Christmas pub crawl as we follow the Irish tradition of the “12 Pubs of Christmas”—a night filled with festive cheer, silly challenges, and twelve amazing venues across Surfers Paradise!

This legendary event takes us on a six-hour adventure through some of the best bars in town. Each pub has its own fun rule to follow, and to really get into the spirit, Christmas hats, ugly sweaters, or any type of festive costume are absolutely mandatory.

Bookings are mandatory; we need and want to know who is joining us! Spots are limited!

The Timeline

• 20 minutes at each pub, plus 10 minutes walking or transfer time between venues.
• Start time is 4:30 PM sharp.
• We aim to finish by around 10:30 PM

Meeting Point

• In front of the first venue

The 12 Pubs and Their Rules

1. The Sporting Globe – The Kickoff

• Rule: Nickname draw. Everyone will get a fake name allocated that must be used for the night. Anyone not addressing you by their fake name = 1 strike!. 3 Strikes = one penalty round of drinks.

2. The Island Rooftop – Silent Night

• Rule: Secret Santa – Everyone buys one drink of their choice for someone else. All drinks are placed on the bar. First in best dressed. No questions asked.  You must have the drink.

3. Waxy’s Irish Pub – The Irish Toast

• Rule: Selfie with a stranger. Everyone individually plus one group photo with as many strangers as possible.

4. The Local Tavern – Opposite Hand Pub

• Rule: Ask the bar staff what their favorite drink is. Everyone must have it. No questions asked.

5. The Clock Hotel – Clock’s Ticking

• Rule: No talking, unless to strangers, until your drink is finished—only gestures allowed. Heavy non-verbal conversations are encouraged.

6. The Sandbar – Christmas Cheers

• Rule: After each sip, shout out a quick Christmas lyric or festive phrase like “Jingle Bells” or “All I Want for Christmas.”

7. House of Brews – Santa’s Secret Challenge

• Rule: Draw a random challenge before drinking—examples include singing a carol, telling a bad joke, or complimenting a stranger.

8. Lulu’s Rooftop Bar – Elf Talk Only

• Rule: Everyone must speak in a cheerful high pitch elf voice while at this pub.

9. Surfers Paradise Beergarden – Dasher and Dancer

• Rule: Spin around three times before taking your first sip.

10. Cowboys – The Cowboy Salute

• Rule: Before every sip, tip your hat (real or imaginary) and say ‘Yeehaw’.

11. Surfers Pavilion – Rudolph’s Red Nose

• Rule: While taking your first sip, hold your finger on your nose. Forget and you owe a penalty sip.

12. Finn McCool’s – The Final Toast

• Rule: Riverdance – everyone needs to dance like Michael Flatley for at least 30 seconds.

The Venues

1. The Sporting Globe

• A lively sports bar with massive screens, classic pub meals, and an unbeatable game-day atmosphere.

2. The Island Rooftop

• A stylish open-air rooftop bar with tropical vibes, cocktails, and live music, perfect for sunset drinks.

3. Waxy’s Irish Pub

• A vibrant Irish pub with hearty meals, live music, and a late-night party atmosphere.

4. The Local Tavern

• A laid-back pub offering cold beers, affordable eats, and a casual atmosphere in the heart of Surfers.

5. The Clock Hotel

A spacious, multi-level venue featuring a relaxed beer garden, sports bar, and classic pub fare.

6. The Sandbar

• A beachfront bar known for its refreshing cocktails, fresh seafood, and stunning ocean views.

7. House of Brews

• A craft beer lover’s paradise with over 30 beers on tap, creative cocktails, and a rooftop terrace.

8. Lulu’s Rooftop Bar

• A trendy and intimate rooftop cocktail bar offering scenic views, premium drinks, and a relaxed ambiance.

9. Surfers Paradise Beergarden

• A buzzing open-air beer garden with live music, DJs, and a lively party crowd.

10. Cowboys

• A country-themed bar featuring big beer steins, live music, and a relaxed yet fun atmosphere.

11. Surfers Pavilion

• A modern waterfront venue with an oyster bar, cocktails, and live DJ sets overlooking the river.

12. Finn McCool’s

• A classic Irish pub with a welcoming atmosphere, traditional Guinness on tap, and live entertainment.

Important Notes and Reminders

• Festive attire is mandatory – Santa hats, reindeer onesies, Christmas t-shirts, the uglier the sweater the better!
• Bring your ID – All venues require valid ID for entry.
• Eat along the way – Grab a bite when needed to stay fuelled.
• Pace yourself – It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Water is always your friend.
• Non-alcoholic drinks are totally okay – We promote responsible drinking and support anyone who needs to slow down or switch to soft drinks. There are plenty of alcohol free beers and wine options.