Places to eat on Christmas Day in Sydney

Are you trying to decide where to eat on Christmas Day in Sydney? Whether you like to celebrate with Christmas Eve dinner, have a seafood lunch, dig into a Christmas buffet or prefer a more traditional Christmas menu look no further, we have done all the research to save you hours of searching.

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Check out this list of events to help you celebrate Christmas in Sydney. We hope whatever you do you have a wonderful time! If you are looking for dinner options for New Year’s Eve, we have you covered here.

Find the perfect restaurant for Christmas in Sydney

Sydney offers an incredible range of Christmas dining experiences, from traditional hotel buffets to sophisticated harbourside restaurants. Whether you’re planning an intimate family gathering or a grand celebration, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.

Christmas Dining Styles and Experiences in Sydney

Waterfront dining remains incredibly popular, with venues around Circular Quay, Woolloomooloo, and Darling Harbour offering stunning water views alongside their festive menus. For families with young children, several venues provide special entertainment, including visits from Santa and dedicated kids’ menus.

How much can you expect to pay for Christmas dining

Christmas dining in Sydney spans a wide range of price points:

• Casual cafes and pubs offer more relaxed experiences starting from around $100 per person
• Mid-range restaurants and hotel buffets typically range from $150-250 per person.
• Premium experiences at signature restaurants or with harbour views generally start from $250 per person, with some luxury venues exceeding $300 per person.

Most venues offer reduced pricing for children, and many include drink packages in their pricing.

What’s new for Christmas

We’re seeing some significant changes in Christmas dining. Many venues have moved to single-sitting policies, meaning fewer total bookings are available but longer, more relaxed dining experiences.

Early booking is more essential than ever, and most venues now require full payment at the time of booking to secure your reservation.

Before you make your choice

When selecting your venue, consider not just the menu and price point, but also practical aspects like transport options (remember public transport runs on reduced schedules on Christmas Day) and parking availability.

If you have specific dietary requirements, discuss these when booking, as many venues now offer impressive alternative menus for various dietary needs.

Also, be sure to carefully check cancellation policies and what’s included in the price, such as beverages and entertainment.

Christmas Eve Dinner in Sydney

Christmas Eve dining has become increasingly popular in Sydney, offering a wonderful opportunity to start your festivities early or celebrate European-style on December 24th.

For 2025, you’ll find options ranging from elegant multi-course menus to relaxed seafood feasts. Many venues offer early seatings perfect for families with young children, as well as later dining slots for those attending Christmas Eve services or preferring a more adult atmosphere.

Keep in mind that while Christmas Eve is generally easier to book than Christmas Day, popular venues do fill up quickly. Most restaurants offer special set menus for the evening, often including festive touches like Christmas crackers and seasonal cocktails.

Mode Kitchen & Bar – Christmas Eve Dinner

Kick off the festive season with a vibrant Christmas Eve celebration at Mode Kitchen & Bar. Chef Marco Putzolu presents a generous share-style menu packed with festive favourites, while Executive Pastry Chef Nicolas Blanc delivers a show-stopping dessert spread.

With two evening seatings and optional beverage packages, it’s the perfect way to welcome Christmas with style, flavour, and a touch of indulgence.

When: Wednesday, 24 December 2025 l Seatings: 5:30pm–7:30pm or 8:00pm–10:00pm
Cost: From $140 per person | Beverage packages available
Visit website | Phone: 02 9250 3160

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park – Christmas Eve Dinner

Sydney Common, the Sheraton’s signature restaurant, is offering a curated Christmas Eve dinner with modern Australian dishes and wine pairings. The menu includes pink snapper crudo with tarragon and nashi pear, their signature plum honey roast duck with fermented seasonal berries, and a Black Forest dessert with cherry gel and Baileys.

The 5:30pm start time works well if you’re planning to attend Christmas Eve services later in the evening or want to start your festive celebrations early. The restaurant overlooks Hyde Park, giving you city views while you dine.

Sailmaker Restaurant – Christmas Eve Buffet

Celebrate Christmas Eve harbourside with a festive seafood buffet at Sailmaker. Indulge in fresh crab, octopus, mussels, and more — all sustainably sourced from Australia and New Zealand. Traditional favourites like slow-roasted turkey, glazed ham, and classic Christmas desserts round out the feast.

Pair your meal with drinks from the à la carte menu or upgrade to a premium 2-hour beverage package for a truly festive night.

When: Tuesday, 24 December 2025 | 6:00pm – 10:30pm
Cost: $189 adults | $99 children | Optional 2-hour drinks package: $54 per person
Visit website | Phone: 02 9099 1234

Altitude Christmas Eve Dinner

Altitude on Level 36 of Shangri-La Sydney offers one of the city’s most spectacular Christmas Eve dining experiences, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Executive Sous Chef Michele Menegazzi has created a five-course menu featuring tempura Yamba prawns, Shangri-La honey-glazed duck breast, and Wagyu with truffle jus.

The 2.5-hour seating allows plenty of time to enjoy both the food and the views from 36 floors above the harbour. Wine pairings are available, and for those wanting guaranteed window seats, there’s a premium option at $400 per person – though at this height, most tables have impressive views.

When: Wednesday, 24 December 2025 | 5:30pm–9:00pm
Where: Altitude, Level 36, Shangri-La Sydney
Cost: $274 per person | Children (12 and under) $174 | Wine pairing from $155 | Guaranteed window table $400 per person
View menu and book | Phone: (02) 9250 6000

Where to Eat Christmas Lunch in Sydney

From waterfront fine dining to casual family-friendly buffets, fresh seafood by the harbour, a traditional roast turkey feast, or a relaxed beachside lunch, we’ve researched dozens of venues to help you find your perfect Christmas Day destination.

A few tips before you book:

• Christmas lunch venues typically book out months in advance
• Many restaurants require full payment at time of booking
• Most venues offer 2-3 hour dining slots
• Prices often include drink packages and special touches like visits from Santa
• Consider transport options – many venues offer parking, but remember public transport runs on reduced schedules on Christmas Day

Looking for something specific? Use our table of contents at the top of the page to jump to different areas of Sydney or browse by style – from harbour cruises to hotel buffets to casual cafes.

Prices and details were confirmed in Nov 2025. We recommend contacting venues directly to confirm current availability.

Christmas Day Buffets in Sydney

Amora Hotel – Christmas Day Seafood Buffet Lunch

In the heart of Sydney’s CBD, an easy walk from Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Botanical Gardens, Barangaroo, and only a few minutes from Wynyard train and light-rail stations five-star Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney is serving a Christmas Day seafood buffet lunch.

Celebrate Christmas in style at Amora with a lavish seafood buffet lunch. Expect a generous spread featuring king prawns, roasted turkey roulade, festive desserts like chocolate croquembouche, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Kids can meet Santa and receive a special gift, while adults enjoy the option of a three-hour beverage package to toast the day.

When: Thursday, 25 December 2025 | From 12:30pm
Where: Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
Cost: Adults from $250–$275 | Children (6–12) $145 | Under 5s free
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: 2 9696 2500

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park Christmas Day Buffet

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park is running a Christmas Day seafood buffet with a point of difference – lobster thermidor served directly to your table rather than sitting on the buffet. The usual seafood-on-ice station covers oysters, prawns and more, while the carvery features roasted turkey and smoked ham with traditional accompaniments.

The three-hour beverage package is included in the pricing, covering house wines, beers, and soft drinks throughout your meal. The restaurant sits on Level 1 overlooking Hyde Park, so you get parkland views rather than harbour vistas, but the lobster service and drinks inclusion help justify the cost.

When: Thursday, 25 December 2025 | 12:30pm–3:30pm
Where: Level 1, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Cost: Adults $415 (includes 3-hour beverage package) | Children (4–12) $210
Visit website to learn more or make a booking

Christmas Day at Sailmaker

Celebrate Christmas by the harbour with a day of festive feasting at Sailmaker. Begin with a relaxed breakfast buffet featuring hot and cold selections, a live egg station, Christmas ham, and mimosa stations.

Lunch kicks off with a premium seafood table (think Sydney rock oysters and Queensland prawns), slow-roasted turkey, pineapple-glazed ham, and hand-rolled sushi, all paired with a two-hour beer and wine package. Kids can meet Santa and receive a gift.

In the evening, the festivities continue with a decadent seafood buffet showcasing sustainably sourced Australian and New Zealand seafood, traditional roasts, and a generous dessert station. A two-hour drinks package is available to add on.

When: Thursday, 25 December 2025
Where: Sailmaker Restaurant, Hyatt Regency 161 Sussex St, Sydney
Breakfast: Adults $75, Kids (6–18 yrs) $35 l Lunch: Adults $289, Kids $120 l Dinner: Adults $199, Kids $89 l More Info & Bookings Phone: +61 2 9361 8400

Pullman Sydney Hyde Park Christmas Buffet

Pullman Sydney Hyde Park is running Christmas Day seafood buffets for both lunch and dinner, with different venues for each service. The lunch sessions include entertainment for kids – face painting, a 360 photobooth, and a visit from Santa with gifts. Dinner is a more straightforward affair in their Windows on the Park Restaurant.

Both services include a two-hour beverage package along with the seafood buffet. The lunch sessions run in two sittings in the Ibis Room, while dinner has a single sitting upstairs with harbour glimpses. Accor+ Explorer members get a discount on the standard pricing.

When: Thursday, 25 December 2025
Lunch: 11:30am–1:30pm or 2:30pm–4:30pm (Ibis Room) | Dinner: 5:30pm–7:30pm (Windows on the Park Restaurant)
Cost: Adults $239 | Kids (6–12) $140 | Under 6 free | Accor+ Explorer: Adults $215 | Kids $126
 Visit website to make a booking

Christmas Day Menus in Sydney city

Christmas Day Dining at Park Hyatt Sydney

When: Thursday, 25 December 2025 l Lunch: 12:30pm – 3pm, Dinner: 6pm – 9pm
Where: The Dining Room & The Living Room, Park Hyatt Sydney
Cost: From $425 per person (5-course set menu with a glass of NV Taittinger Champagne)
More Info & Bookings

Lee Ho Fook

Indulge in a festive menu that reimagines tradition with a modern Chinese twist at Lee Ho Fook. Chef Victor Liong invites you to gather for a shared feast using premium Australian produce, with bold flavours and the restaurant’s signature elegance.

Dishes include Crystal Bay prawns with garlic soy dressing; Char Siu glazed ham with gua bao, cucumber and coriander; XO pippies and prawn noodles with shellfish essence; and a red fruit trifle with rose tea and vanilla cream. Festive additions feature Peking duck pancakes, Southern Rock lobster, and the much‑loved crispy eggplant with spiced red vinegar.

When: Seating between 12 Noon and 2.30pm
Where: 203 Castlereagh St Sydney (Porter House Hotel)
Cost: Adults $190 and Children $50 (4–12 years) l Menu & bookings

Woodcut (Barangaroo)

Woodcut’s theatrical open kitchens and waterside views set the scene for a Christmas Day to remember. Enjoy a four‑course festive lunch or choose from the Woodchippers kids menu.

For dinner, groups of up to 9 can dine à la carte, while parties of 10 or more have a set menu.

When: Lunch from 12-2.30pm, Dinner from 5.40pm
Where: Crown Sydney, Level 1 (Ground/1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo 
Cost: Lunch $420 adults, $140 children (12 and under)

Flying Fish Christmas Day Lunch

Flying Fish at The Star is offering a Christmas menu built around Australian seafood and wagyu beef. The meal starts with a raw seafood platter and BBQ prawns, moves to wagyu skewers, then gives you a choice between BBQ baby Murray cod or a 200g wagyu eye fillet. Dessert is either summer pavlova or chocolate Christmas pudding.

At $195 per person, it’s one of the more affordable harbour-view options for Christmas Day. The restaurant sits on the waterfront at Pyrmont, so you get harbour views along with your meal.

When: Thursday, 25 December 2025
Where: Level G, Harbourside, The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont
Cost: $195 per person l Visit the website for more

Christmas Day Harbour Cruises

Combine your Christmas celebrations with Sydney’s most iconic views by spending Christmas Day on the harbour. A cruise offers a unique perspective of the city’s famous landmarks while enjoying a festive feast – imagine photographing the Opera House and Harbour Bridge between courses!

Most Christmas Day cruises include welcome drinks, multi-course meals or buffets, and beverage packages. You’ll find options ranging from casual buffets to premium dining experiences, with many cruises offering special entertainment and visits from Santa for the children.

For 2025, several operators are offering Christmas Day cruises, though availability tends to be limited and bookings essential. These experiences are particularly popular with international visitors, so early booking is strongly recommended.

Christmas lunch cruises can be more affordable than many of the waterfront restaurants and most offer a mix of Christmas and Seafood options with drinks included.

Captain Cook Christmas Cruises

Experience the magic of Christmas Day on Sydney Harbour aboard the Sydney 2000, Captain Cook Cruises’ flagship vessel. This three-hour celebration combines stunning harbor views with festive dining, offering three distinct experiences across different decks to suit every style and budget.

Each cruise includes live entertainment, a visit from Santa, and plenty of photo opportunities from the outdoor decks. Watch the harbor come alive on Christmas Day as you sail past the Opera House, under the Harbour Bridge, and alongside Sydney’s most exclusive waterfront homes.

Choose your experience:

• Ocean Deck ($199-$229) A three-course celebration at water level, perfect for those seeking accessibility and close-up harbor views.
• Club Deck ($259-$289) Elevate your experience with a 4-course premium lunch on the second-highest dining level.
• Sky Deck ($285-$315) The ultimate six-course celebration with premium sparkling wine and spirits on the top level.

Where: Departs King Street Wharf 1, Darling Harbour 
Note: Window seating available for $49 per person extra

View detailed menus for all three cruise options here

Christmas Day lunch with Sydney Harbour views

Deckhouse Woolwich Christmas Lunch

Deckhouse sits right on the harbour at Woolwich, offering water views across to the city. Their Christmas Day lunch runs for three hours and includes canapés and cocktails when you arrive, followed by a three-course menu with drinks throughout the meal.

The venue is set up for families, with kids receiving activity packs to keep them busy and a visit from Santa. The pricing covers everything – food, drinks, and entertainment – so you will know upfront how much to budget for a family Christmas lunch by the water.

When: Thursday, 25 December 2025
Where: Clarke Rd, Woolwich
Cost: Adults $330 (includes 3-course menu and premium beverage package) | Teens $195 (includes Santa visit) | Children $150 (includes 2-course kids menu, activity pack, and Santa visit)
Make a booking | Visit website

Sala Dining Christmas Seafood Lunch

Sala Dining is serving Italian-influenced seafood for Christmas Day lunch from their spot at the end of Jones Bay Wharf in Pyrmont. The menu focuses on seasonal seafood prepared with Italian techniques, and they’ve designed dishes to work with different dietary requirements.

At $245 per person, it sits in the mid-range pricing for harbour-view Christmas dining. The restaurant has built a reputation for its wine list, which includes both Australian sparkling and French champagne options to go with the seafood menu.

When: Thursday, 25 December 2025
Where: 26-32 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont (End of Jones Bay Wharf, Lower Deck)
Cost: $245 per person
Make a booking | Visit website

Christmas Lunch in Manly, Northern Beaches
and North Shore

If you fancy Christmas day in Manly, then you should have several options. Last year many of the restaurants on the wharf were open for Christmas lunch and dinner.

Bather’s Pavilion Christmas Lunch

Spend Christmas Day by the beach with a variety of dining options at Bathers’ Pavilion. Whether you prefer a festive breakfast with ocean views or a multi-course lunch with family, there’s something to suit every style.

Choose from the elegant Restaurant, relaxed Bistro, or the more casual Balmoral Room upstairs — each offering thoughtfully crafted menus using premium seasonal produce.

Christmas Breakfast Options

Start your day with fresh fruit, pastries, a seasonal main course, juice, and coffee — all with stunning Balmoral views.

Bathers’ Pavilion Restaurant
Cost: $160 adults | $95 kids (under 10), Sitting time: 1hr 45min
When: Booking times: 8:30am & 8:45am

Bathers’ Bistro
Cost: $110 adults | $70 kids (under 10), Sitting time: 1hr 30min
When: 8:00am & 8:15am

Christmas Lunch Options

Enjoy a generous three-course lunch in your choice of setting. Expect a mix of traditional favourites and modern Australian flavours, all crafted for relaxed yet refined festive dining.

Bathers’ Pavilion Restaurant
What: 3-course choice menu with bread & side salad
Cost: $390 adults | $170 kids (under 10)
When: 11:30am, 11:45am, 12pm, 2:30pm, 2:45pm & 3pm

Bathers’ Bistro
What: 3-course choice menu with bread
Cost: $270 adults | $140 kids (under 10)
When: 11:30am, 11:45am, 12pm, 2:15pm, 2:30pm & 2:45pm

Balmoral Room (Upstairs)
What: Set 3-course menu served family-style
Cost:$250 adults | $130 kids (under 10)
When: 11:30am, 11:45am, 12pm, 2:15pm, 2:30pm & 2:45pm

When: Thursday, 25 December 2025
Where: 4 The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach
Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9969 5050

Christmas at Q Station

Celebrate Christmas Day in the historic Boilerhouse at Q Station, where heritage architecture meets harbor views.

Cost: Adults $279, Teen (11-16yrs) $170, Children (5-10yrs) Kids Menu, Children (0-4yrs) Free. 
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9466 1500

Christmas lunch in Sydney’s West and Hills District

PARKROYAL Parramatta Christmas Day Buffet

Step into the festive spirit at PARKROYAL Parramatta, where Christmas Day becomes a three-hour celebration complete with live carollers and seasonal décor. The generous buffet showcases both hot and cold options, from an indulgent seafood spread served on ice to pan-fried salmon with peperonata and a traditional carvery featuring maple-glazed ham, roast turkey, and slow-roasted lamb.

The three-hour beverage package adds to the festivities, while Santa makes a special appearance with complimentary gifts for children aged 12 and under – ensuring the little ones have just as magical a time as the adults.

When: Thursday, 25 December 2025 | 12:30pm–3:30pm
Cost: Adults $249 | Children from $85 | Under 5s free
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: (02) 9630 4999

Families looking for a dedicated children’s experience will find plenty to love at Novotel Sydney Parramatta’s Christmas Day celebration. Beyond the traditional roasts carved to order, fresh seasonal salads, seafood, and decadent desserts, the real drawcard is The Elves’ Playground – a magical children’s space filled with holiday activities and kid-friendly treats.

While you enjoy the abundant buffet the kids can explore their dedicated area, and everyone can visit the soft serve station to create their own festive ice cream creations. Early planners can take advantage of a 10% early bird discount, while Accor Plus members receive 15% off their booking.

When: Thursday, 25 December 2025 | 12:00pm–3:00pm
Cost: Adults $239 | Teens (13–17 yrs) $119 | Kids (5–12 yrs) $89
View the menu or make a booking l Phone: (02) 9630 4999

The Epping Club Christmas Buffet

Enjoy a gourmet buffet feast including seafood and a decadent dessert ham, turkey, seafood platters and enough dessert to think you are at nana’s place. The lunch at the Epping Club is a generous feast!

Cost: Members $145, Non Members $140, Children $49 aged from 2-12 years
Menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9876 4357

The Ranch

The Ranch at North Ryde is a great family-friendly choice with affordable pricing, a playground area for the kids. Lunch will feature cold seafood platters with oysters, prawns and smoked salmon. For mains, there will be a hot carvery with ham, turkey and beef sirloin. Christmas pavlova, mince tarts and chocolate will round out the day.

Cost: Adults $135, Kids $69 (3-12 years) and Seniors $113, Children under 3 free.
Menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9887 2411

Related: Still not sure what to do NYE? Check our guide to NYE Dining.

Christmas in the Inner West & Inner East

The Fenwick

Celebrate Christmas Day at one of East Balmain’s most elegant waterfront venues, where heritage architecture meets contemporary Australian dining. The Fenwick’s festive menu showcases the finest local produce, from East 33 Sydney Rock Oysters to Ulladulla yellowfin tuna, creating a sophisticated Christmas celebration with stunning harbour views.

Executive Chef has crafted a refined menu that heroes premium Australian ingredients, including Wollemi duck breast and Queensland spanner crab. The experience is enhanced by thoughtfully chosen sides and concludes with an innovative coconut and white chocolate dessert infused with native Australian flavours.

Cost: Adults $295  and Kids (under 12 years) $95
View the menu | Phone: (02) 9159 4700

Stamford Plaza Christmas Buffet in Mascot

Transform Christmas Day into a grand celebration in the elegant ballroom of Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport. This lavish seafood buffet brings together all the elements of an Australian Christmas feast, from fresh Sydney rock oysters to tiger prawns and Atlantic smoked salmon, accompanied by live entertainment and festive decorations.

The three-hour celebration offers a relaxed approach to Christmas dining, with the added convenience of complimentary parking for guests. The spacious ballroom, which can accommodate up to 200 guests, provides the perfect setting for both intimate family gatherings and larger group celebrations.

Note: Booking fees apply through Eventbrite. Complimentary parking subject to availability.

When: Christmas Day, 11:30am-2:30pm 
Cost: Adults $209 Children (6-12 years) $150 Under 5 years free
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9317 1680

Christmas Dining in the South and Sutherland Shire

Lugarno Seafood Christmas Lunch

A stunning seafood Christmas menu (with a few meat and chicken options for those who are not seafood fans.) Your lunch includes a bread roll, tea, espresso coffee and chocolates 

Cost: Adults $195 and Kids (4- 12 years) $50
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9119 1809

Jensens at Kareela

Dining off a 3-course set menu local favourite Jensens is a great choice for your family lunch.

Cost: Price: $180pp
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9528 8433

Christmas Lunch in Sydney with Kids

Darling Harbour would be high on my list for anyone travelling with kids. Most, if not all of the restaurants here will be open and child-friendly. 

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park – Build-A-Bear Christmas High Tea

For something completely different on Christmas Day, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park offers a Build-A-Bear themed high tea buffet that’s designed specifically for families. Kids can take part in the Build-A-Bear experience while adults enjoy traditional high tea fare including finger sandwiches, quiches, and freshly baked scones.

The dessert station features teddy bear-themed treats like Teddy Bear Honey Almond Cake and Teddy Bear Cake Pops. Each guest gets a Build-A-Bear gift, making it a memorable alternative to traditional Christmas lunch for families with young children.

When: Thursday, 25 December 2025 | 11:00am–3:00pm
Where: The Gallery, Ground Floor, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Cost: Adults $95 | Children (4–12) $55 | Under 4s free (includes one Build-A-Bear per two paying guests)
 Visit their website for more details

Fratelli Fresh Italian Christmas Lunch

Fratelli Fresh’s will be serving Christmas lunch at Darling Harbour, The Entertainment Quarter and Manly. The Italian menu is well suited to kids, and the venues are family friends.

Cost: $95 Adults, kids $19
View the menu or make a booking

Christmas at Nicks Seafood

Experience a waterfront Christmas celebration at one of Darling Harbour’s most established seafood restaurants. Nick’s offers a sophisticated four-course menu that showcases premium Australian seafood alongside traditional festive favorites, all served with spectacular harbour views.

The beverage package includes premium selections like Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc and Chandon sparkling, along with craft beers and classic cocktails.

Price: 4 Course Menu $190pp / Kids $90pp, 3 Hours Drinks Package +$80pp (Additional)
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 989 989

Centennial Homestead

Experience a relaxed Christmas Day in the heart of Centennial Park, where festive food stations and family entertainment combine to create a truly magical celebration. The Homestead’s sprawling grounds provide the perfect setting for a Christmas feast that balances sophisticated dining with family-friendly fun.

Your celebration includes an array of gourmet food stations featuring everything from fresh seafood to carved Christmas meats, complemented by lawn games and festive music.

Children will love the special visit from Santa. The indoor-outdoor setting allows you to move freely between the elegant dining space and the park’s beautiful grounds.

Cost: Price: $190pp and $75 for kids 3-12 years
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9380 9350

Pancakes on the Rocks

Pancakes on the Rocks will trade as usual. They offer a range of family-friendly food. Along with their famous pancakes, including ribs, pizza, steaks and salads.

View the menu | Phone 02 9247 6371

Christmas in the Blue Mountains

Fancy escaping Sydney’s heat and celebrating somewhere different this year? The Blue Mountains is the spot to go! Eat your body weight in delicious food on Christmas day and then spend the next couple of days walking it off!

Check our list of Christmas in the Blue Mountains for the range of options

Where to find your Christmas Day coffee

Casual Christmas Day Eats & Coffee (and drinks)

If you prefer not to book something fancy, these establishments were open on Christmas Day 2024. If you are travelling out of your way to one of these, it might be good to double-check before you set out. We have added updates for as many places as we could find.

City centre and inner suburbs

• Primary Coffee Roasters in Potts Point will be open from 7am till noon
• Meet Mica in Surry Hills will be open all day 8am-3pm
• The Mayflower Cafe in Darlinghurst
• Chat Thai -Haymarket
• Coffee, Tea and Me – Redfern
• Organic Bread Bar – Darlinghurst
• Tropicana – Darlinghurst

Barangaroo and Darling Harbour

• Anason at Barangaroo – Turkish hospitality from 12-10pm
• Muum Maam – Thai Christmas lunch or dinner
• Bungalow 8 at Cockle Bay Wharf will be open noon till midnight with a Christmas Day BBQ
• Mamak – Haymarket – Malaysian – lunch and dinner

Circular Quay and the Rocks

• City Extra at Circular Quay – 24 hours a day 365 days a year for 30 years. These guys will be serving their full menu all-day
• Grain Bar, Four Seasons Hotel – 2pm–late

Suburbs

• Pacific Club Bondi Beach – noon till 5pm
• Macchina (next to the Hellenic bakery) in Marrickville 7am-1pm
• Matinee Coffee – Marrickville – 8am-11am Take away coffee only
• Campos on Missenden Rd is open 8-12 Christmas day.
• Shenkin- Erskineville, Newtown, Enmore and Surry Hills open tomorrow from 7am-noon for takeaway.
• Wolf and Stone – Dulwich Hill
• Continental Deli – Newtown – noon till 4pm
• Shuk – North Bondi, Elizabeth Bay and Chatswood from 7am
• Love of Beans Carlton – coffee and cake 7am-noon at least.
• Neptunes, Brighton-Le-Sands: 9am-late
• Efendy – Balmain – noon–3pm, 5–10pm

Things to do on Christmas Day in Sydney besides eat!

If you would rather miss all the Christmas feasting and spend your day either sightseeing or fighting off homesickness, check out these ideas.

• If you are from the Northern Hemisphere, you might enjoy the novelty of a day at the beach. Bondi is usually busy on Christmas Day, and everyone is happy to share the Christmas spirit.

• Say Merry Christmas to the animals at Taronga Zoo – They would love your presence, and a bonus is the crowds are usually a little smaller on Christmas Day. SeaLife Aquarium and Wildlife Sydney Zoo are also open and offer joint tickets that reduce the cost a little.

Check out our list of the best Christmas celebrations in Sydney in the lead up to the big day!

• For something memorable, you could book a Bridge climb. These will probably book out to best to get in early.
• Attend mass at St Marys Cathedral (Catholic) or St Andrews Cathedral (Anglican)
• Jump on the 8.54 am train up to Katoomba and explore the Blue Mountains in relative peace, as many tour operators do not run on Christmas day.

Have you sorted your plans for Boxing Day? Don’t miss the start of the Sydney to Hobart.

More ideas for the holiday season in Sydney

• Christmas Events and Activities
• Shop Local Sydney Christmas Guide
• Choose a NYE Harbour Cruise
• New Year’s Eve Restaurant Guide

Main image: Credit: Kitchens on Kent

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
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