Are you trying to decide where to eat on Christmas Day in Sydney for 2023? Whether you like to celebrate with Christmas Eve dinner, have a seafood lunch or a more traditional Christmas menu look no further, we have done all the research to save you hours of searching.

It can be hard being away from family and friends during the holidays, and it can be challenging figuring out what is open on Xmas day, we hope this list of ideas will help.

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.

This page contains affiliate links. Please check our disclosure policy or more details.

Some details below relate to 2022, however they will give you an idea of what to budget for. We are continuously add new 2023 content as it is released. This usually happens from September onwards.

Find the perfect restaurant for Christmas in Sydney

Where to find the best Christmas buffet lunch or dinner in Sydney
This year Christmas buffets seem to be making a bit of a comeback. However many restaurants will offer fixed menus, unlimited servings or shared plate service.

Are there any Christmas Eve or Christmas night dinners?
Sure are, you can find Christmas Eve and dinners, even Christmas day brunches are on offer. For something low key, the Sheraton is offering Christmas Day High tea!

What is different in 2023?
One thing we have noticed last year was that many restaurants only offered one sitting, who knows if this will continue but it if does the result is things book out more quickly than previous years. With International borders open things may also go more quickly.

Christmas Eve Lunch and Dinner in Sydney

Looking for dining options for a Christmas Eve get together?

Sir Stamford Hotel Circular Quay

Sir Stamford will offer a Christmas Eve buffet dinner featuring a salad bar, turkey, ham, and 4 hot mains, along with a large selection of salads and desserts. Seatings from 5:30-8:30pm. The price includes a 2 hour beverage package.

Prices: Adults $159 and Kids $99 Kids under 6 years are free.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 2 9252 4600

Botanic House

Botanic House in the Royal Botanic Gardens will offer an 9 course shared feast with drinks on arrival. Choose from a 5pm or 7pm seating. Adults $150, Kids under 12 years $60)

Cost: Adults $225 and Kids (under 12 years) $70
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 558 980

The Langham Hotel – Kitchens on Kent 

An extensive Christmas Buffet offering loads of glorious Aussie seafood, with prawns, Sydney rock oysters, crab and Balmain bugs. There will also be a sushi and sashimi raw bar, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean bars, and of course a Christmas carvery. Top it off with over 10 dessert options, including a chocolate fountain. Also includes a drink package with wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee.

A brisk walk around Barangaroo might be in order on completion! 

Lunch is 12pm – 2pm Dinner 5.30pm – 7.30pm or 8pm-10pm

Cost: Adults $298 and Kids (under 4-12 years) $149/ Dinner cost: Adults $348 and kids (under 12 years) $174
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9256 2222

The Pantry Manly

Celebrate right on the waterfront with the best view in Manly at The Pantry. Enjoy a three-course Christmas Eve dinner. Choose from five entrees and five mains and three dessert options.

Cost: Adults $95
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9977 0566

Where to Eat Christmas Lunch in Sydney

Last year lunches booked very quickly, if you have your heart set on something, book it early!

Christmas lunch in the City, Pyrmont, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo

O Bar and Dining

O Bar and Dining will offer both lunch and dinner. A four-course meal with your choice from four entrees and mains and three desserts added to this a starter course. Vegetarian options are available, and there is also a children’s menu.

Cost: Adults $245 and Kids $100.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9247 9777

Botanic House

Christmas Lunch at Botanic House in the Royal Botanic Gardens will offer a nine course shared feast plus a glass of prosecco on arrival. The menu features Asian and modern Australian flavours. Two seatings are available either from 11:30am or 4:30pm.

Cost: Adults $225 and Kids (under 12 years) $70
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 558 980

Sydney Opera House

Enjoy Christmas Lunch at the Sydney Opera House. There are two options, The Joan Sutherland Theatre or the Yallamundi Room. On offer is a 4-course menu featuring scallops, salmon and turkey.

Seatings from 12 to 4.30pm for a 2-hour meal.

Joan Sutherland Cost: Adults $280, Childrens pricing available on request.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 305 529

Fullerton Hotel

Located in Martin Place and housed in the historic former General Post Office building, the Fullerton Hotel is bringing out all the trimmings this Christmas season.

Enjoy a suite of festive experiences specially curated for the entire family, and see the hotel come alive with festive decor including a 5-metre tall Christmas tree filled with over 500 Fullerton Christmas bears.

Join us for a sumptuous Christmas Day Buffet Lunch with all the trimmings and have a truly memorable holiday feast.

Generous servings of fresh Australian seafood, traditional Berkshire ham, delicious Christmas turkey and festive desserts — all your holiday favourites await you at The Place this Christmas Day. Available from 12.00 p.m. Christmas Day, 25 December 2022.

Cost: Adults $275, Children 4-12 years $135 Under 4 years complimentary
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: +61 (0) 2 8223 1111 or email fsy.theplace@fullertonhotels.com

Sir Stamford Hotel Circular Quay

Well located opposite the Royal Botanic Garden, just a short walk from Circular Quay, Sir Stamford will offer both Christmas Day lunch and dinner.

Christmas Lunch is a seafood buffet from 11:30am-2pm A 2-hour Standard beverage package is included. There will also be a special visit from Santa with a gift for each child.

Seafood Buffet Dinner will be held from 5:30-8:30pm and includes a plus a 2hr beverage package including house beer, wine and sparkling.

Lunch cost: Adults $269 and Kids $159 Kids under 6 years are free.
Dinner cost: Adults $199, Kids $115 (6-12years)
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 2 9252 4600

Feast at the Sheraton Grand

It’s hard to beat the buffet at Feast. Their famous seafood selection is legendary, with everything from prawns and rock oysters to lobster and Balmain bugs. There is also a sushi and sashimi bar, antipasti and salad will be all the Christmas favourites, including ham, turkey and plenty of desserts.

Your lunch includes a hours beer and wine package. For dinner a wine Package available for additional $45 pp

At lunch service, Santa will pop in and all children will receive a signature gift pack.

Cost Lunch: 12-3pm Adults $365 and kids 13 years and older, kids 4-12 years $199
Cost Dinner: 6-9pm Adults $339 and kids 13 years and older, kids 4-12 $174
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9286 6000

Park Hyatt Hotel 

Both the Dining Room and the Living Room will host guests for Christmas. With one of the best Opera House views in the city, the Dining Room at the Park Hyatt is a fabulous choice for Christmas day lunch or dinner. A 4-course menu with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne is on offer at both services. Lunch from 12-3pm and dinner from 6-10pm 

Lunch cost: Adults $320 and Kids (under 12 years) $160
Dinner cost: Adults $220 and kids (under 12 years) $11View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9256 1661

The Langham Hotel – Kitchens on Kent 

Gather your family and friends for an intimate and stress-free family-style lunch event on Christmas Day. Indulge, with our extravagant seafood displays, carvery meat selection and festive dessert stations. For all our little diners, look out for Santa! Lunch 12pm – 2pm  Dinner 6pm – 10pm

Lunch cost: Adults $448 and Kids (under 4-12 years) $224 / Dinner cost: Adults $348 and kids (under 12 years) $174
Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9256 2222

Infinity at Sydney Tower

Christmas 245 meters above Sydney is one you will remember. Titled Christmas in the Clouds Infinity will offer a 3-course menu on offer will help too with entrees featuring oysters, salmon tartare, pork belly and stuff turkey for main and finish up with stone fruit pavlova.

Cost: Adults $265, with guaranteed window seat $295, Kids $95
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 391 808

Skyfeast at Sydney Tower

If you have been dreaming of a decent buffet since the pandemic stole them from us, then you are in luck. Skyfeast is back with plenty of seafood, a great range of mains -with a ton of choice. Oh, and a meal that ends in 10 desserts, it must be Christmas! Seatings from 11:45am.

Cost: Adults $150, with guaranteed window seat $170, Kids 3-12 years $70
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: 1300 391 808

Christmas at Crown Sydney

There is plenty on offer this Christmas at Crown in Barangaroo.

Epicurean

A lavish Christmas brunch with Sydney Harbour views to match. Included is a glass of Piper-Heidsieck Essential Cuvée Champagne per adult and an unlimited selection of soft drinks and juices.

Lunch cost: Adults $480 | Children $240 per child
Make a booking | Phone: 02 8871 7171

Silks

This authentic Cantonese fine dining restaurant will offer a six-course menu which includes a glass of Champagne for each adult.

Lunch cost: Adults $388 | Children $138 per child
Make a booking | Phone: 02 8871 7171

a’Mare

Christmas with an Italian flavour and a Sydney Harbour view. a’Mare will offer an extravagant feast. Chef Alessandro Pavoni’s perfectly crafted 5-course menu will be offered at 11:30am and 2:30pm. You can add a drinks package for $180-$300 (premium). There is a 3 course menu for kids. They will also offer their al la carte menu on Christmas evening.

Lunch cost: Adults $450 | Children $200
Make a booking | Phone: 02 8871 7171

Woodcut

A festive lunch on the harbourside terrace or choose to watch the action of the open kitchen, either way, this is a Christmas lunch you will remember. On offer is a 4-course sharing menu for adults and three courses for kids.

Lunch cost: Adults $450 | Children $200
Make a booking | Phone: 02 8871 7171

Nobu

Why not enjoy a festive omakase experience at Nobu this Christmas. The finest local seafood 7-course extravagant lunch makes this a very special place to spend December 25th!

Lunch cost: Adults $320 | Children $160
Make a booking | Phone: 02 8871 7171

Oncore by Clare Smyth

Five course menu which includes a glass of Champagne on arrival.

Lunch cost: Adults $450
Make a booking | Phone: 02 8871 7171

Christmas at the Star

Black Bar and Grill

Start your Christmas lunch with a complimentary glass of sparkling before indulging in seafood, turkey, rump steak and decadent desserts 

Cost: $230pp 
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1800 700 700

Cucina Porto

An Italian feast to remember featuring Alaskan King Crab, Whole Roasted Cappon and Millefoglie 

Cost: $95
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1800 700 700

Flying Fish

Every Aussie Christmas meal should feature seafood if you ask us and Chef Peter Robertson and the Flying Fish team have prepared a seafood extravaganza for the whole family to enjoy. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival to kick things off. 

Cost: $195pp
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1800 700 700

Sokyo

With salmon, scallops, Miso glazed tooth fish and Wagyu striploin MBS +9 and Matcha tiramisu on the menu, this non-traditional Christmas lunch will delight any seafood lover. 

Cost: $200pp share menu 
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1800 700 700

Christmas Day Lunch Harbour Cruises

Christmas Day cruise on Sydney Harbour may be in short supply this year. We are awaiting updates from cruise operators, but with international travellers, the biggest takers for lunch on the harbour get in quickly when these become available.

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

Sydney’s premier cruise company is offering 3 dining choices for Christmas Day on the MV Sydney 2000 on Christmas Day. The cruise departs at 12.30pm and returns at 3pm. Get in quick for early bird pricing (up to $35 saving on some tickets.)

• Ocean Deck – Christmas platters that include Charcuterie board, Seafood platter with Queensland prawns, Sydney rock oysters and smoked Salmon. This is on the entry-level deck with no stairs. Adults $250 | Children 4-15years $175.
  
• Club Deck Lunch – 4-course lunch with premium drinks package held on the middle deck. Adults $275 | Child 4-15 years $199.
  
• Sky Deck – 6-course premium lunch with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival plus premium wines, beers and spirits served throughout. Seated on the top deck. Adults $299 | Child 4-15 years $209.

View detailed menus for all three cruise options here

Other cruise options include:

• Vagabond Cruises has a 3-hour Christmas day lunch cruise with traditional Christmas roasts, leg of ham and plenty of delicious fresh seafood. Adults $100.88 for adults and $80 for kids (children under five free) Drinks not included. They are also offering a Christmas dinner cruise for the same price
• Oz WhaleWatching – one of the friendliest boats on the harbour, is offering a 3-hour seafood buffet including drinks for $147 for adults and $97 for kids.
• Majestic Cruises – a Christmas banquet and drinks package $149 for adults and $130 for kids.
• Sydney Harbour Showboat – a 3-hour banquet lunch cruise with drinks package included. Jazz duo and the views provide the entertainment. Adults $159

Christmas Day lunch with Sydney Harbour views

Fancy dining with a view? These options all offer water views.

Ripples Chowder Bay

With beautiful views over Chowder Bay, Ripples is a lovely, relaxed place to celebrate Christmas lunch. On offer is a three-course menu (Salmon, Pork or risotto)l with sides. If you are looking to avoid traditional Christmas fare, this is a good option. 

Cost: Adults $275 and Kids (under 12 years) $95
View the menu | Make a booking online via email chowderbay@ripplescafe.com.au | Phone: (02) 9960 3000

Otto Woolloomooloo

On the historic wooden wharf, Otto at Woolloomooloo is offering a four-course menu with plenty of choices. No turkey, ham or plum pudding here, just plenty of Italian-inspired eats featuring fresh local ingredients. 

Cost: Adults $475 per adult, Children $150 Optional four-hour beverage packages available $95 or $145
View the menu or Make a booking | Phone: 02 9368 7488

Ormeggio Mosman

This year Ormeggio will offer a luxury three-course sharing lunch menu. The menu will be confirmed 3 weeks prior to the day. Although the chef is happy to accommodate dietary requirements or allergies with notice.

Cost: Adults $350 per adult, Children $150
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9969 4088

The Deckhouse

The Deckhouse at Woolwich on Sydney’s lower north shore has a lovely view of the Harbour Bridge is a bonus on top of their consistently delicious food. A three-course menu with a beverage package of wines (Sparkling, White, Rose & Red), beers, soft drinks & juices. Three seatings between 12-1pm.

2021 Cost: Adults $275 per adult, Children $150
View the menu (not yet available) | Make a booking | Phone: 02 8279 2706

Related: Check out our Sydney Christmas Gift Guide to support local small operators

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. As these become available, I will update this page.

Watergrill at Kirribilli Club

DEDES Watergrill will offer a three-course Christmas lunch with a half lobster for the main course. A vegetarian menu is also available. Lunch seating from noon with service from 12.15pm. Views of the Harbour Bridge and a walk in Clark Park after lunch make for a lovely afternoon. A drinks package of premium red and white wines, tap beers, juices, soft drinks, tea & coffee is included.

Cost: Adults $210 and Kids (under 12 years) $70
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone:  02 8925 0223 

Bather’s Pavilion 

With its fantastic beach and harbour views, Bather’s Pavilion is a long time favourite for celebrating special occasions. They are offering a few dining options including brunch, a restaurant or cafe lunch or a formal lunch with a drinks package.

This year brunch will be on offer from both the bistro from 8am-10am will be $95, or in the restaurant from 10.30am from $150. A 2.5hr family sharing lunch will be on offer at Upstairs at Bathers for $250 for adults and $110 for kids.

Cost: Lunch in the restaurant Adults $320 and Kids (under 12 years) $110
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9969 5050

Pilu at Freshwater 

Pilu at Freshwater is a fantastic choice for a relaxed waterfront meal on Christmas day. With beautiful views out of Freshwater Beach, you can finish up the day with a lovely waterfront walk.
Their 2022 Christmas lunch will be a four-course menu featuring the classic Aussie surf and turf (Wagyu beef & Australian Bay lobster) for the main. Prices do not include drinks. 

Cost: Adults $295 and Kids (under 12 years) $95
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9938 3331

Fish Face

Fish Face provides a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere to unwind and enjoy the freshest of Seafood offerings. Gather your Loved Ones for Christmas in the heart of Balgowlah. 

Executive Chef, Adam Rust has created a three-course menu with a glass of Champagne on arrival, that makes for an indulgent Christmas Day Lunch. Vegetarian and Children’s menus are also available. 

Cost: Adults $140 and Kids (under 12 years) $40
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02  8068 4989 

Christmas at Q Station

Celebrate with your family and friends at the harbourside Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar with either Christmas lunch or dinner. Situated on North Head enjoy stunning views of the city on a pre or post-Christmas lunch walk or swim at Quarantine Beach.

On offer is 3-course menu with entrees to share, a selection of mains and desserts to share. You will receive a glass on wine on arrival and a 2 hour premium beverage package. Seatings are available from noon for lunch and 5pm for dinner.

Cost: Adults $250, Kids over 12 years $210
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9466 1500

Governor Bourke Ballroom Q Station

Enjoy an Aussie Christmas Buffet at the Governor Bourke Ballroom also at Q Station. Dine on all your seasonal Australian favourites, including Sydney rock oysters and prawn cocktails, as well as roast turkey, Portoro beef, scrumptious sides and an assortment of desserts. Also included is a drink on arrival & 2-hour premium beverage package.

Cost: Adults $199, Kids under 5 years free, 5-10 years $35 11-17 years $100 (+ booking fee)
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9466 1511

New Brighton Hotel Manly

From its prime position overlooking Manly Beach, you can enjoy all your Christmas favourites at this casual lunch and then pop off for the traditional afternoon swim.

Seafood and antipasto platters for starters, Ham, turkey, beef carvery and salmon for mains and pavlova, mince tarts and traditional Xmas pudding for dessert.

Cost: Adults $115, Seniors $105, Kids $65
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9977 3305

Christmas lunch in Sydney’s West and Hills District

Novotel Parramatta

Novotel Parramatta is back with a generous Christmas buffet featuring a Christmas carvery with turkey, wagyu, ham and pork belly, plenty of fresh Aussie seafood including prawns, oysters, salmon and mussels. Desserts include all the Christmas classics along with fresh fruit and cheese. A generous 4-hour drinks package is included (house wine, beer and soft drinks). They even throw in free parking!

The little ones will receive a special Christmas present and, in keeping with the true spirit of gifting, the adults also get a three-hour beverage package, including house wine, beer and soft drinks!

Cost: Adults $185 per adult, seniors $150, Teens $120 Children (5-12yrs) $62
Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9630 4999

The Epping Club

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 $125, Non Members $135, 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 $125, Kids $65 (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

A lovely waterfront option in East Balmain just minutes from the ferry wharf. Enjoy lunch with stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Fenwick is offering a three-course set menu with sides. 

Cost: Adults $275  and Kids (under 12 years) $95
View the menu | Phone: (02) 9159 4700

Stamford Plaza

The Stamford Plaza will offer Christmas Day Buffet Lunch, featuring a wide array of salad selections, fresh seafood, unique hot dishes, and a beautiful variety of desserts.

Seatings from 11.30am to 2pm. Last day to book: 8 December 2023. Prices include both beverage and non-beverage package options.

Cost: Adult (Buffet with beverage package) – $229, Adult (Buffet only) – $199, Kids – 6 to 12 years old – $150, Kids under 6 eat for free
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9317 1680

Noi in Petersham

Celebrate Christmas Day at Noi in Petersham – On offer is a 4-course set lunch menu with a heavy focus on seafood plus snacks. Take a break from traditional Christmas fare and enjoy wagyu tartare, Moreton bay bug, swordfish and white chocolate, sour cherries, and lemon thyme.

2022 Cost: Adults $179  and Kids (under 12 years) $59
View the menu | Make a booking via email reservations@noirestaurant.com.au | Phone: 02 9337 7377

Christmas Dining in the South and Sutherland Shire

Neptunes at Brighton le Sands

Neptune’s will offer a festive version of the usual menu with a few special options, like a $55 per head, the Mediterranean share menu or a $75 for a BBQ meal.

Lugarno Seafood 

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 $165 and Kids (4- 12 years) $45
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9119 1809

Soldiers on the Esplanade, Cronulla RSL

Enjoy a 3 course Christmas lunch and 3-hour beverage package between noon and 4pm. The menu includes a cold seafood platter, alternate service of pistachio-crusted salmon, or flame-kissed lamb backstrap for mains and pavlova or chocolate fondant for dessert.

Live entertainment and water views make this an extra special afternoon.

Cost: Adults $160, Kids $50 
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9523 6833

Christmas in the Watergrill, Cronulla RSL 

3 Course Christmas lunch, drink on arrival, presents for the children with a special guest appearance from Santa. Doors open at 12pm with entree being served at 12:25pm. Mains include Black Angus fillet steak and whole lobster. The children’s menu is chips and lasagne.

Cost: Adults $150, Kids $60
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone 02 9523 6833

Jensens at Kareela

Dining off a 3-course set menu local favourite Jensens is a great choice for your family lunch. Details are not yet available but check the link below for updates.

Cost: Price: $150pp
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9528 8433

Willow at Tradies Gymea

Enjoy a 3-course festive feast including both traditional and modern Christmas dishes. The menu has something for everyone, including vegan and gluten-free options. Two lunch sessions will be offered Session 1: 11am to 1pm and  Session 2: 1:30pm to 3:30pm. 

Members are limited to 4 guests each however you can join the club before Christmas. 

Cost: Price: $89pp and $30 for kids under 12 years (members prices) 
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9540 1933

Good Choices for 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. 

Fratelli Fresh

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.

The Christmas menu features a glass of Limoncello on arrival for the adults, shared antipasti, king prawns, ham or slow-cooked lamb for main and shared dessert platters to finish. You can add a 2 hr drinks package for $39 (Aperol spritz, espresso martini, wine, beer and soft drinks)

Cost: Price: $89pp and $30 for kids under 12 years.
View the menu | Make a booking

Christmas at Nicks Seafood

With a stunning Christmas menu featuring the freshest seafood, premium Angus steaks, champagne, plus a mesmerising waterfront location, Christmas at Nick’s will be a Christmas to remember! Extensive options on the menu for all tastes. One of the best kids menus we have seen this year.

2022 fully booked!

Centennial Homestead

A BBQ Lunch in Centennial Park will feature a menu offering seafood & charcuterie starters, pork belly, chicken and steak for mains. This will be followed by a cheese course and dessert. No one will go home hungry here!

Cost: Price: $170pp and $60 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!

The Lookout Echo Point

Enjoy a 3-course menu and cocktail on arrival with seatings between 12:00pm – 2:00pm at this casual restaurant just minutes from the Three Sisters Lookout at Echo Point.

Cost: Adults $160, Kids (7-12) $70pp, Kids (under 12) $40pp
Check the menu | Make a booking (02) 4782 1299

Echoes Blue Mountains

Celebrate all that is magical this Christmas with views of the Jamison Valley. This Chef Hatted experience includes a special 5 course festive Christmas degustation lunch menu featuring traditional Christmas mains with trimmings, seafood and delectable dessert all designed to delight and surprise your senses whilst complimented by a glass of sparkling wine on arrival!

Cost: Adults $249 Kids (13-17yrs) $179pp, Kids (4-12 yrs) $89pp
Check the menu | Make a booking

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 2021. 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
• John Montagu – Darlinghurst – coffee only 8am-noon
• Tropicana – Darlinghurst
• They’re There – Darlinghurst – coffees, frappes, smoothies and wraps

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
• Pancakes at the Rocks – Pancakes and more.
• 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
• Miller’s Kitchen Cammeray – Breakfast from 7.30am / Lunch 12.30-3.30pm
• Ellie Mays Nook in Cammeray 

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

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