The Best Places for Christmas Lunch in Sydney in 2026

Looking for the best Christmas lunch in Sydney? This guide covers where to book for Christmas Day 2026, from hotel buffets and harbour cruises to waterfront restaurants and family-friendly spots. Plenty of restaurants are open on Christmas Day, and most set menus run from about $145 to $450 per adult. Many venues also serve Christmas Day dinner, including Altitude, Park Hyatt, Infinity, Pullman and Sailmaker.

Use the table of contents to find Christmas lunch near you.

This page contains affiliate links. You can find our full disclosure policy here.

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.

Christmas Day lunch in Sydney at a glance

Short on time? These quick picks will point you to the right part of the page.

• Under $200 per adult: Noi in Petersham ($145), Jimmy’s Kitchen in The Rocks ($150), Ripples Little Manly ($195), Jensens in Kareela ($195), Skyfeast at Sydney Tower ($199) and Lugarno Seafood ($199)
• Christmas Day dinner: Altitude, Park Hyatt, Infinity by Mark Best, Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, Sailmaker and Skyfeast
• Highest views: Infinity by Mark Best (81 floors up), Skyfeast and Altitude (Level 36)
• On the beach: Ripples Little Manly, Summer Salt in Cronulla and Bathers’ Pavilion at Balmoral
• Free parking: Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport

Prices and details were confirmed in October 2026. We recommend contacting venues directly to confirm current availability.

Planning Christmas Day Lunch in Sydney: Prices and Tips

Sydney has a huge range of Christmas dining, from traditional hotel buffets to smart harbourside restaurants. Whether you’re planning a small family lunch or a big celebration, you’ll find something to suit your budget.

Christmas Dining Styles and Experiences in Sydney

Waterfront dining remains popular, with venues around Circular Quay, Woolloomooloo and Darling Harbour offering 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 start from around $100 per person.
• Mid-range restaurants and hotel buffets are usually $150 to $250 per person.
• Premium venues or harbour views generally start from $250 per person, with some luxury venues over $300.

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.

Booking early matters more than ever, and many venues now ask for full payment when you book.nues 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 24 December.

For 2026, you’ll find options ranging from multi-course menus to relaxed seafood feasts. Many venues have early seatings that suit families with young children, as well as later slots for those going to Christmas Eve services or wanting a more adult night.

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.

Sailmaker Restaurant Christmas Eve Buffet

Celebrate Christmas Eve harbourside with a festive seafood buffet at Sailmaker in the Hyatt Regency. Along with the seafood, there’s slow-roasted turkey, glazed ham and a dessert station.

Order drinks from the à la carte menu, or add a two-hour premium drinks package for $54 per person.

When: Thursday 24 December 2026, 6pm to 10.30pm
Where: Sailmaker, Hyatt Regency Sydney, 161 Sussex Street, Sydney
Cost: Adults $189, children (6 to 12) $99 Booking link

Altitude Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner

Altitude on Level 36 of Shangri-La Sydney has one of the best Christmas views in the city, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking over Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. This year Chef de Cuisine Jason Phi Huynh has created a five-course menu, served on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Seatings run for up to two and a half hours. Wine pairings are available. If you want a guaranteed window seat, there’s a premium option at $400 per person, though at this height most tables have impressive views. Book online or call (02) 9250 6000.

When: Thursday 24 December and Friday 25 December 2026, 5.30pm to 10pm
Where: Altitude, Level 36, Shangri-La Sydney, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Cost: Christmas Eve adults $284, children under 12 $184. Christmas Day adults $294, children under 12 $194. Wine pairing from $155 Book here

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day 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 the right spot for your Christmas Day lunch.

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 to 3 hour dining slots
• Prices often include drink packages and special touches like visits from Santa
• Consider transport. Many venues have parking, but 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.

Christmas Day Buffets in Sydney

Amora Hotel Christmas Day Seafood Buffet Lunch

Five-star Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney is in the heart of the CBD. It’s an easy walk from Circular Quay, the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, The Rocks and Barangaroo, and a few minutes from Wynyard train and light rail stations.

Celebrate Christmas at Amora with a seafood buffet lunch. Expect king prawns, turkey roulade and festive desserts like chocolate croquembouche. Kids can meet Santa and receive a gift. Adults can choose a ticket with or without a three-hour drinks package. Tickets are non-refundable.

When: Friday 25 December 2026, 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Where: Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney, 11 Jamison Street, Sydney
Cost: Adults $299 with drinks package or $269 without, children (5 to 12) $155, under 5s free Book here

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 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 views, but the lobster service and drinks inclusion help justify the cost.

When: TBC
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 buffets at Sailmaker. Start with an early breakfast buffet.

Lunch brings seafood, turkey, ham, roast beef, paella and sushi, with a two-hour beer and wine package included. Kids can meet Santa, receive a gift and have their photo taken.

In the evening there’s a seafood buffet with live cooking stations.

When: Friday 25 December 2026. Breakfast 6.30am to 8.30am, lunch 12.30pm to 3pm, dinner 6pm to 10.30pm
Where: Sailmaker, Hyatt Regency Sydney, 161 Sussex Street, Sydney
Cost: Breakfast adults $75, kids (6 to 12) $36. Lunch adults $299, kids $130. Dinner adults $209, kids $99 Book here

Pullman Sydney Hyde Park Christmas Buffet

Pullman Sydney Hyde Park is running Christmas Day seafood buffets for lunch and dinner. Lunch has entertainment for kids, with face painting, a 360 photobooth and a visit from Santa. Dinner is a simpler affair in Windows on the Park Restaurant.

Both include a two-hour drinks package, and children receive a gift. Accor+ Explorer members get a discount. Call +61 2 9361 8400 to book.

When: Friday 25 December 2026. Lunch 11.30am to 1.30pm or 2.30pm to 4.30pm (Ibis Room or Windows on the Park), dinner 5.30pm to 7.30pm (Windows on the Park)
Where: Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, 36 College Street, Sydney
Cost: Lunch adults $239, kids (6 to 12) $140. Dinner adults $225, kids $125. Under 6 free. Accor+ Explorer lunch $215 and $126, dinner $202 and $112 Book here

Christmas Day Lunch and Dinner in Sydney City

Infinity by Mark Best Christmas Day

Infinity sits 81 floors up in Sydney Tower, with 360-degree views over the harbour and city. Christmas Day is a four-course menu by Mark Best, for lunch or dinner.

Every guest gets an Archie Rose cocktail on arrival and a bon bon, and there’s a Christmas gift for each table. Kids get unlimited soft drinks. Window seats cost more. Email [email protected] to book.

When: Friday 25 December 2026, lunch from 11.30am, dinner from 6pm
Where: Infinity, Sydney Tower, entry via Level 4, Westfield Sydney, 108 Market Street, Sydney
Cost: Adults $320, or $350 for a window seat, children $95

Botanic House Christmas Day Lunch

Botanic House sits inside the Royal Botanic Garden, so this is a long garden lunch away from the city crowds. Chef Luke Nguyen has created a set menu, and you get a glass of Champagne on arrival and a Christmas bon bon.

When: Friday 25 December 2026, from 11am
Where: Botanic House, Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
Cost: Adults $260, children (4 to 12) $75 Email [email protected] to book.

Jimmy’s Kitchen Christmas Day Lunch

Jimmy’s Kitchen is opening for one day only to serve a three-course shared Greek feast on its outdoor terrace at Circular Quay West, looking out over the harbour.

You can order drinks as you go, or pay a little more for a drinks package.

When: Friday 25 December 2026, sittings from 11.30am
Where: Jimmy’s Kitchen, Bay 9, 7-27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks
Cost: Adults $150, or $215 with a drinks package, children $75 including one soft drink More info Call 02 8248 3933 to book.

Christmas Day Dining at Park Hyatt Sydney

When: Friday 25 December 2026. Lunch 12.30pm to 3pm, dinner 6pm to 9pm
Where: The Dining Room and The Living Room, Park Hyatt Sydney, 7 Hickson Road, The Rocks
Cost: Five-course menu, adults $450, children $220 More Info & Bookings

Christmas Day Lunch Cruises on Sydney Harbour

Combine your Christmas celebrations with Sydney’s best-known views by spending Christmas Day on the harbour. A cruise gives you a different view of the city’s famous landmarks while you enjoy 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 2026, 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

Spend Christmas Day on Sydney Harbour aboard the Sydney 2000, Captain Cook Cruises’ flagship vessel. This three-hour cruise pairs harbour views with festive dining, with three menus on different decks to suit different budgets.

Each cruise includes live entertainment, a visit from Santa, and plenty of photo opportunities from the outdoor decks. Watch the harbour 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 ($249, or $225 online) A three-course lunch at water level, good for easy access and close-up harbour views.
• Club Deck ($299, or $269 online) A four-course lunch on the second-highest dining level.
• Sky Deck ($349, or $315 online) A six-course lunch on the top level.

Window seats are $59 per person extra (minimum two people).

When: Friday 25 December 2026, boarding 11.30am, departs 12pm, returns 3pm
Where: King Street Wharf 1, Darling Harbour
Cost: Adults from $225 online. Children (4 to 15) $199 on the Ocean and Club Decks, $249 on the Sky Deck

View detailed menus for all three cruise options here

Vagabond Christmas Day Lunch Cruise

Vagabond’s three-hour Christmas Day lunch cruise leaves from King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour. Lunch is a seafood and carvery buffet with dessert, plus music, bon bons, tea and coffee, and a visit from Santa.

Drinks aren’t included, but there’s a licensed bar on board. It’s one of the cheaper ways to spend Christmas on the harbour.

When: Friday 25 December 2026, 12pm, about 3 hours
Where: King Street Wharf 9, Darling Harbour
Cost: From $109.60 per person, drinks extra Book here

Vagabond Christmas Day Dinner Cruise

Prefer the harbour at night? Vagabond also runs a three-hour Christmas Day dinner cruise. You get a buffet dinner with dessert, music, bon bons, and tea and coffee. Drinks are extra from the bar.

When: Friday 25 December 2026, 7pm, about 3 hours
Where: King Street Wharf 9, Darling Harbour
Cost: From $109.60 per person, drinks extra Book here

Clearview Christmas Day Lunch Cruise

Clearview’s glass boat gives you clear views of the harbour from inside, with air-conditioning and open sky decks for photos. The three-hour cruise passes the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Luna Park and Barangaroo.

Lunch is a banquet of roast meats, seafood and Christmas desserts, with waiter service and reserved seats. Beer, wine, sparkling wine, soft drinks and juice are unlimited. It sells out early each year, so book soon. Call +61 2 8296 7353.

When: Friday 25 December 2026, about 3 hours
Where: King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour
Cost: from $210 Book here

Christmas Day Lunch with Sydney Harbour Views

Deckhouse Woolwich Christmas Lunch

Deckhouse sits right on the harbour at Woolwich, with water views across to the city. Christmas lunch is a shared set menu with oysters, sashimi, crab salad, beef wellington and mango pavlova.

Drinks are included, starting with a cocktail on arrival, then Christmas sangria, Taittinger and a list of wines. Santa visits with gifts for children and teens. The price covers food and drinks, so you’ll know upfront what to budget. Book online or call (02) 9817 4618.

When: Friday 25 December 2026
Where: Deckhouse, Clarke Road, Woolwich
Cost: $295 per person, including drinks Book here

When: Friday 25 December 2026, 11.30am to 3pm
Where: Bottega Coco, Barangaroo
Cost: $140 per person, plus a 15% public holiday surcharge. A 10% service fee applies to groups of 10 or more

Sails Christmas Day Lunch

Sails sits on the water at Lavender Bay, looking across to the Harbour Bridge and the city. Christmas lunch is three courses with snacks and sides.

It starts with a Hokkaido scallop tartare, then Hiramasa kingfish crudo. The main is Coppertree Farms tenderloin with potato pavé and café de Paris butter, and dessert is a Black Forest with sour cherries and dark chocolate.

When: Friday 25 December 2026
Where: Sails, Lavender Bay
Cost: Adults $365, children $110, plus a 15% public holiday surcharge Book here

Sala Dining Christmas Seafood Lunch

Sala Dining is serving Italian-influenced seafood for Christmas Day lunch at the end of Jones Bay Wharf in Pyrmont. The shared menu includes seafood antipasti, grilled lobster tail, crispy-skin groper, Berkshire porchetta and an Italian dessert trolley.

There are vegetarian and kids’ menus as well. The restaurant is known for its wine list, which includes Australian sparkling and French champagne.

When: Friday 25 December 2026
Where: 26 to 32 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont (end of Jones Bay Wharf, lower deck)
Cost: $245 per person (food only) Book here

The James Christmas Day Lunch

The James in Millers Point mixes classic British food with modern Australian cooking. Christmas lunch is a shared set menu over three courses.

Start with a Fraser Island crab tart, then a beef wellington with minted peas, bitter leaf salad and chips. Dessert is The James cherry pavlova.

When: Friday 25 December 2026
Where: The James, Millers Point
Cost: Adults $345, children $110, plus a 15% public holiday surcharge Book here

Christmas Lunch in Manly and the 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.

Ripples Little Manly Christmas Day Lunch

Ripples Little Manly is right on the sand at Little Manly Cove. It’s the cheapest of the SRG set lunches, which makes it a good pick for families.

The three-course menu includes Hokkaido scallops with pistachio brown butter, then eye fillet, crispy skin salmon or a miso cauliflower steak. Dessert is a vanilla cheesecake or sorbet, with truffle fries and broccolini on the side.

When: Friday 25 December 2026
Where: Ripples Little Manly, Manly
Cost: Adults $195, children $95, plus a 15% public holiday surcharge Book here

Ripples Chowder Bay Christmas Day Lunch

Ripples Chowder Bay sits on the water at Mosman and keeps Christmas relaxed. Lunch is three courses with bread, snacks and sides.

When: Friday 25 December 2026
Where: Ripples Chowder Bay, Mosman
Cost: Adults $295, children $95, plus a 15% public holiday surcharge Book here

Bathers’ Pavilion Christmas Lunch

Spend Christmas Day by the beach at Bathers’ Pavilion in Balmoral. Choose from the Restaurant, the more relaxed Bistro, or the Balmoral Room upstairs.

Christmas breakfast

Breakfast includes fresh fruit and pastries for the table, a main course, juice and coffee, all with Balmoral views.

• Bathers’ Pavilion Restaurant: Adults $160, kids under 10 $95. Sittings at 8.30am and 8.45am (1 hour 45 minutes)
• Bathers’ Bistro: Adults $110, kids under 10 $70. Sittings at 8am and 8.15am (1 hour 30 minutes)

Christmas lunch

Lunch is a three-course menu, with a mix of traditional favourites and modern Australian flavours.

• Bathers’ Pavilion Restaurant: Three-course choice menu with bread and side salad. Adults $390, kids under 10 $170. Sittings at 11.30am, 11.45am, 12pm, 2.30pm, 2.45pm and 3pm (2 hours 30 minutes)
• Bathers’ Bistro: Three-course choice menu with bread. Adults $270, kids under 10 $140. Sittings at 11.30am, 11.45am, 12pm, 2.15pm, 2.30pm and 2.45pm (2 hours)
• Balmoral Room (upstairs): Set three-course menu served family style. Adults $250, kids under 10 $130. Same sittings as the Bistro (2 hours)

Bookings are fully refundable until 1 November, 50% refundable from 2 to 30 November, and not refundable from 1 December. Call 61 2 5747 4133.

When: Friday 25 December 2026
Where: 4 The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach
Cost: Breakfast from $110, lunch from $250 per adult Book here

Christmas at Q Station

The Boilerhouse lunch is a shared four-course set menu with sparkling wine on arrival, a two-hour drinks package and bon bons, all in a heritage building with harbour views.

New this year, the Governor Bourke Ballroom is running a Christmas buffet with two-hour sittings. Booking fees apply to both. Call (02) 9466 1500.

Boilerhouse sittings at 12pm, 12.15pm, 12.30pm, 12.45pm, 2.45pm, 3pm and 3.15pm.
Ballroom sittings at 12pm, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 3pm

When: Friday 25 December 2026.
Where: Q Station, North Head, Manly l Book here
Cost: Boilerhouse adults $279, teens (11 to 16) $170, children (5 to 10) buy a kids’ meal on the day, under 5 free.
Ballroom adults $229, teens $120, children (5 to 10) $45, under 5 free

Christmas lunch in Sydney’s West and Hills District

Novotel Sydney Parramatta Christmas Day Buffet

Novotel Sydney Parramatta is serving a Christmas Day buffet with roasts carved to order, seafood, fresh salads and desserts. There’s also a soft serve station where everyone can make their own ice cream.

Book early for 10% off, or Accor+ Explorer members can get 15% off. Only one discount applies per booking. Call +61 2 9630 4999.

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

Christmas in the Inner West

The Fenwick

Celebrate Christmas Day on the Balmain East waterfront, in an 1880s sandstone boat store with harbour views. Lunch is a three-course set menu with snacks and sides.

It starts with Grain Bakery sourdough, a scallop tart and olives. Then comes a Yamba king prawn cocktail, followed by Westholme wagyu eye fillet with potato pavé, roast chat potatoes and a leaf salad. Dessert is The Fenwick’s own trifle with amaretto, custard and berries. You can add oysters, a spanner crab tart or a caviar tart for an extra cost.

Kids get their own menu. They choose barramundi, pasta, steak or chicken schnitzel, then a chocolate brownie with ice cream.

When: Friday 25 December 2026
Where: The Fenwick, 2-8 Weston Street, Balmain East
Cost: Three-course lunch with snacks and sides, adults $295, children $110
Book here or view the menu | Phone: (02) 9159 4700

Noi Christmas Day Lunch

Noi in Petersham is a neighbourhood Italian, and Christmas Day here is a four-course family-style lunch. The menu includes salmon tartare, porchetta, tuna crudo and beef tartare, with roast potatoes, grilled vegetables and focaccia. Dessert is a meringue with peach and mascarpone.

Kids get focaccia, arancini, lasagne bolognese or chicken cotoletta, and Noi’s tiramisu.

When: Friday 25 December 2026
Where: Noi, Petersham
Cost: Adults $145, children $75, plus a 15% public holiday surcharge Book here

Christmas Day Lunch in the Sutherland Shire and South

Summer Salt Christmas Day Lunch

Summer Salt is right on the beach at Cronulla. Christmas lunch is three courses with bread, snacks and sides.

Start with tuna and salmon carpaccio, brie with cranberry or beef tartare. Mains are a wild mushroom raviolo, crispy skin salmon or MB5+ wagyu sirloin, with duck fat potatoes on the side. Dessert is a banoffee tart or an Eton mess pavlova.

When: Friday 25 December 2026
Where: Summer Salt, Cronulla
Cost: Adults $275, children $95, plus a 15% public holiday surcharge Book here

Lugarno Seafood Christmas Lunch

A seafood Christmas menu, with a few meat and chicken options for anyone who isn’t a seafood fan. Lunch includes a bread roll, tea, espresso coffee and chocolates.

When: Friday 25 December 2026
Where: Lugarno Seafood, 1220 Forest Road, Lugarno
Cost: Adults $199, children (4 to 12) $65, plus a 10% public holiday surcharge
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9119 1809

Jensens at Kareela

Local favourite Jensens is serving a three-course set menu for Christmas lunch, with cocktails available all day. The menu will be released closer to the date. Jensens says it is almost fully booked for 2026, so book soon if you want a spot. Call 02 9528 8433.

When: Friday 25 December 2026, bookings from 10.30am to 2.30pm
Where: Jensens Restaurant, Kareela
Cost: $195 per person

Stamford Plaza Christmas Buffet in Mascot

Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport is holding a Christmas Day seafood buffet in its Mascot Ballroom. Expect seafood, roast meats, hot dishes and desserts.

Parking is free on site. Tickets are sold through Eventbrite, which charges a booking fee, and they are not refundable. Call +61 2 9317 2200.

When: Friday 25 December 2026, 12pm to 2pm
Where: Mascot Ballroom, Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport, Mascot
Cost: Adults (13+) $219, or $209 early bird. Children (6 to 12) $149. Under 6 free Book here

Family-Friendly Christmas Lunch in Sydney

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 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.

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.

Pancakes on the Rocks

Pancakes on the Rocks will trade as usual. Along with their famous pancakes, the family-friendly menu includes ribs, pizza, steaks and salads.

View the menu | Phone 02 9247 6371

Christmas Lunch 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

Paula’s tips for Christmas Day in Sydney

Public transport runs on a Sunday timetable on Christmas Day, but it’s still how I’d get around. Trains and ferries mean no one has to worry about parking or skip a drink at lunch.

If I were picking for myself, it would be Jimmy’s Kitchen in The Rocks. I love Greek food, and a long shared lunch on the harbour is hard to beat. For visitors, a harbour cruise is a lovely way to spend the day. You get lunch and the Opera House and Harbour Bridge views in one go.

Families visiting Sydney will find plenty of kid-friendly options around Darling Harbour. For locals with kids, I’d look at Ripples Little Manly or Centennial Homestead in Centennial Park.

Cafes Open on Christmas Day in Sydney

Wondering where to find a hot coffee on Christmas morning?These places were open on Christmas Day last year, and we’ll update the list in December once cafes confirm their 2026 hours. If you’re making a special trip, check before you go.

City centre and inner suburbs

• 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

• 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.
• 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, so it’s best to get in early.

• Attend mass at St Mary’s Cathedral (Catholic) or St Andrew’s 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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