49 Places to eat on Christmas Day in Sydney 2024

Are you trying to decide where to eat on Christmas Day in Sydney for 2024? 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.

Updated: 2/10/24

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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

Traditional Christmas buffets are making a strong comeback in 2024, particularly in Sydney’s leading hotels.

These typically feature abundant seafood stations, carvery selections, and lavish dessert displays. If you are seeking a more refined experience, many of Sydney’s finest restaurants offer carefully curated set menus, combining traditional Christmas favorites with modern Australian cuisine.

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.
• Premium experiences at signature restaurants or with harbour views generally start from $250, with some luxury venues exceeding $300 per person.

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

What’s new for Christmas 2024

With international tourism now back to pre-pandemic levels, 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 2024, 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.

Sir Stamford Hotel Circular Quay

Sir Stamford will offer a Christmas Eve buffet dinner featuring a Sydney rock oysters, prawns, succulent roasts, and a variety of Christmas dessert.

Seatings from 5:30-9pm. The price includes a 1.5 hour beverage package.

Prices: Adults $169 and Kids $99 Kids under 6 years are free.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 612 9252 4600

Christmas Eve Dinner at Altitude SHangri La

Enjoy a delicious five-course dinner at Altitude created by Executive Sous Chef Michele Menegazzi. On the menu is Australian dry aged MB4+ Beef with caramelised bush tomato jus and a merry Santa Claus in the chimney dessert by Head Pastry Chef, Kumiko Endo.

Executive Sommelier Matt Herod will be making spirits bright with a thoughtful wine pairing to complete your festive experience. Dinner will be served from 5:30pm-10pm.

Cost: Adults $279 and Kids $169 Kids – 12 years and under.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9250 6000

Seafood buffet at Sailmaker

Celebrate the night before Christmas at Sailmaker with a festive feast featuring fresh seafood, share platters of Christmas classics and decadent desserts. The menu includes family favorites and traditional holiday dishes paired with premium wines.

When: From 6pm – 10:30pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Sydney – 161 Sussex St, Sydney
Cost: $179 adults $99 kids 6-12 years 5 years and under dine free.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: +61 2 9361 8400

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 October 2024. We recommend contacting venues directly to confirm current availability.

lunch in the CBD, Darling Harbour & Barangaroo

Christmas Seafood Buffet Lunch at Amora

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 if hosting a Christmas Lunch.

This extraordinary culinary journey created by Amora’s talented chefs craft a mouthwatering feast that captures the essence of Christmas with a mixture of traditional and modern favourites.

From King Prawns and roasted Turkey Roulade to delectable desserts and festive treats, every dish has been meticulously curated to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Santa will bring gifts for little ones.

When: Noon-3pm
Cost: $250 per adult, includes a 3 hours house beverage package. $239 without beverages | $145 per child (6-12 years)  | Children 5 years and under eat free.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 2 9696 2500

Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour Christmas Lunch

Make your Christmas truly sparkle at Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour with a luxurious buffet featuring Moët & Chandon champagne.

This three-hour celebration combines premium beverages with an extensive festive buffet featuring fresh seafood, traditional roasts, and decadent desserts.

When: Christmas Day, 12pm-3pm
Where: Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour, Gallery Rooms and La Bella Trattoria.
Cost: Adults: $269, kids 5-12 years $115, under 4 years free.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9063 0111 

Pullman Hyde Park Christmas Lunch

Make this Christmas truly magical at Pullman Sydney Hyde Park with their extensive seafood buffet celebration. Perfect for families, this festive feast includes entertainment and special touches that will delight guests of all ages. Let their expert team handle everything while you create precious memories with your loved ones.

The generous buffet features fresh seafood, charcuteries and traditional Christmas favorites, complemented by a 2-hour beverage package. Children will be entertained with face painting and a 360-degree photobooth, plus a special visit from Santa bearing gifts.

Important note: Bookings essential by December 15, 2024

When: Lunch seatings: 11:30am-1:30pm or 2pm-4pm (Ibis Room)
Dinner seating: 5pm-7pm (Windows on the Park Restaurant)
Cost: $238 per adult | $140 per child (6-12 years)  | Children under 5yrs eat free.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: +61 2 9361 8400

Hyatt Regency Christmas Lunch

This festive season, come together with family and friends at Sailmaker Restaurant’s coveted Christmas events. Indulge in the freshest, sumptuous seafood, generous share platters featuring Christmas classics and family favourites, and decadent desserts. All paired with premium wines and tipples from near and far, for the ultimate family Christmas affair.

Children’s eyes will light up when Santa makes a special appearance, distributing gifts and spreading Christmas magic.

When: From 12pm-2:30pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Sydney – 161 Sussex St, Sydney
Cost: $299 adults $99 kids 6-12 years 5 years and under dine free.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: +61 2 9361 8400

Botanic House

Celebrate Christmas Day in the stunning surrounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens with an exclusive 9-course tasting menu created by celebrated chef Luke Nguyen. This Asian-fusion feast combines traditional Vietnamese flavors with native Australian ingredients for a unique Christmas experience.

The shared-style menu features highlights like seared Hokkaido scallops, Vietnamese salmon carpaccio, and slow-cooked Massaman lamb curry. Each guest receives a glass of champagne on arrival and a special Christmas gift.

Cost: Adults $240 and Kids (under 12 years) $75
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 558 980

Christmas Lunch at Altitude Shangri La

Celebrate Christmas at one of Sydney’s most spectacular dining rooms, with panoramic views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Altitude’s five-course sharing menu combines festive favorites with premium Australian produce, all served from their stunning 36th-floor location.

Executive Chef and Head Pastry Chef Kumiko Endo have created a menu featuring fresh seafood, traditional roast turkey, and classic Christmas desserts including a special Yule Log and house-made fruit mince tarts. The feast concludes with that Australian Christmas essential – pavlova!

Special Note: Private Dining Room available for groups up to 18 guests (minimum spend $8,000)

When: Christmas Day from 12:30pm 
Where: Level 36, Shangri-La Hotel Sydney 
Cost: Adults $289, Children: $189 Window table guarantee: $400 minimum spend. Iconic wine pairing is available starting from an additional $155 per person.
Make a booking | Phone:  (02) 9250 6000

Sir Stamford Hotel Christmas Buffet

Experience a magical Christmas Day in the heart of Circular Quay with Sir Stamford’s lavish festive buffet. This family-friendly celebration combines traditional favorites with premium seafood and includes a generous beverage package.

Package includes:

• Convenient on-site parking available
• Extensive seafood selection including fresh oysters and blue swimmer crab
• Traditional Christmas roasts featuring turkey and honey-glazed ham and tender beef cheek
• Festive dessert selection
• 2-hour beverage package

When: Christmas Day, 12pm-3pm 
Where: Sir Stamford at Circular Quay
Lunch cost: Adults $299 and Kids (6-12 years) $189 Kids under 5 years are free.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 2 9252 4600

QUAY Christmas Day Lunch

Experience the pinnacle of fine dining this Christmas Day at Peter Gilmore’s acclaimed Quay restaurant. This exclusive celebration combines spectacular harbour views with Gilmore’s innovative five-course menu, making it one of Sydney’s most prestigious Christmas dining experiences.

• Includes glass of champagne on arrival
• Optional wine pairing available
• Premium window tables available (subject to availability)

When: 12pm 
Where: Quay Restaurant, Overseas Passenger Terminal 
Cost: $650 pp. Full payment required when booking, Cancellations must be in writing
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 61 2 9251 5600

Park Hyatt Hotel 

Celebrate Christmas Day in ultimate style at The Dining Room and The Living Room, where stunning Opera House views combine with an exquisite Australian feast.

The five-course menu showcases the best local produce, from fresh seasonal seafood to glazed Berkshire ham, finishing with a summer stone fruit pavlova.

When: Lunch 12.30pm- 2:30pm seatings still available and dinner from 6-10pm 
Cost: Adults $385
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9256 1661

Terrace On The Domain

Celebrate Christmas Day in the picturesque surrounds of The Domain with a sophisticated shared feast. This four-course celebration offers both traditional and vegan menus, making it perfect for mixed dining groups.

Traditional Shared Feast includes:

• Seafood starters featuring prawn and tuna crudo
• Premium mains including pepper berry crusted beef tenderloin
• Fresh barramundi with beurre blanc
• Gourmet sides including truffle mashed potato
• Italian-style zeppole for dessert

Vegan Feast includes:

• Plant-based starters with seasonal arancini
• Forest mushroom tortellini
• Lentil cotechino with spiced yoghurt
• Vanilla sponge with lychee raspberry rose compote

Note: Both menus served sharing style. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Each guest is welcomed with a glass of Mumm Champagne to start their festive experience.

Cost: $195pp Adults | $65 Kids (3-12 years)
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 300 278.

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.

Menu Highlights:

• Caviar with house-made waffle and labneh
• Abrolhos scallops with champagne hollandaise
• Stuffed quail with foie gras
• White Pyrenees lamb rump
• Berry roulee with Valrhona chocolate
• Vegan menu available and children’s menu available.

Cost: Adults $270, with guaranteed window seat $300, Kids $95
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 1300 391 808

Skyfeast at Sydney Tower Christmas Buffet

Experience a festive seafood feast in the sky at Sydney Tower’s casual dining venue. Perfect for families, Skyfeast offers an extensive buffet with a focus on fresh Australian seafood, all served with 360-degree rotating views of Sydney.

Seafood Buffet Highlights:

• Fresh Sydney rock oysters
• Tiger prawns and Blue Swimmer crab
• Snow crab clusters and Mud crab
• Kinkawooka black mussels
• Honey bugs
• Selection of sushi
• Variety of seafood sauces and accompaniments

Also includes:

• Antipasto and salad station
• Hot food selection
• Dessert buffet
• Rotating views of Sydney
• Family-friendly atmosphere

Available for lunch and dinner with seatings from 11am.

Cost: Adults $189 with guaranteed window seat, $169, Kids 3-12 years $75
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: 1300 391 808

ESQ 

Add a dash of old-world elegance to your Christmas at ESQ, nestled in the Queen Victoria Building. Step back in time with a glamorous 1920s-inspired celebration. This sophisticated four-course lunch combines classic festive flavors with contemporary flair in one of Sydney’s most elegant heritage settings.

Menu Highlights:

• Amuse: Roast chicken tart with foie gras
• Entrée: Salmon tartare with horseradish cream
• Main: Choice of stuffed turkey or pan-seared snapper
• Sides: Ratatouille and wagyu fat roasted potatoes
• Dessert: Mixed berry pavlova with stone fruit

A vegan menu is also available.

Cost: $170 per adult and $75 for children aged 3 to 12 years
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: 1300 391 808

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 2024, 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

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

Ripples Chowder Bay

Enjoy a stress-free Christmas Day on Sydney’s waterfront at Ripples Chowder Bay. This sophisticated three-course celebration offers stunning harbour views alongside a menu that showcases premium Australian produce. Perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet refined Christmas experience.

Your experience begins with a delicate Murray cod croquette, before moving to enticing entrée choices including fresh kingfish sashimi with passion fruit dressing and wagyu rump tataki. Main course offerings celebrate both land and sea, featuring Huon Tasmanian salmon and perfectly cooked wagyu tenderloin, while vegetarians can savor roasted pumpkin with oak barrel aged maple syrup.

The celebration concludes with classic Christmas desserts given a modern twist – think upside-down cheesecake and a fresh take on pavlova with coconut gelato.

Cost: Adults $295, Children under 12 years $95
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9960 3000

Otto Woolloomooloo

Celebrate Christmas Italian-style at one of Sydney’s most iconic waterfront locations. OTTO on Woolloomooloo Wharf is offering two distinct dining experiences for Christmas Day 2024, each providing stunning harbor views and their signature sophisticated Italian cuisine.

• The Main Restaurant Experience Dine in OTTO’s main waterfront restaurant where a glass of champagne welcomes you to a four-course celebration of Italian cuisine. This refined experience offers choice throughout the menu, allowing guests to curate their perfect Christmas feast.
• Upstairs Dining Experience For those who prefer a more relaxed, family-style celebration, OTTO’s upper level offers a three-course sharing menu. This convivial setting maintains the harbour views while encouraging a more casual dining experience.

Cost: Adults $545 per adult, Children $120 I Casual family style lunch $350 pp (min 6 guests). Optional four-hour beverage packages available $95 or $145
View the menu or Make a booking | Phone: 02 9368 7488

Ormeggio Mosman

Celebrate Christmas Day waterside at one of Sydney’s most acclaimed Italian restaurants. Ormeggio at The Spit offers a sophisticated yet relaxed setting where harbor views complement exceptional cuisine, creating the perfect backdrop for your festive celebration.

For Christmas 2024, Executive Chef Alessandro Pavoni has created a luxury four-course sharing menu that brings together Italian tradition and Australian summer.

The waterfront setting at D’Albora Marina provides a stunning backdrop for this special celebration, where food, family, and festive spirit come together.

Multiple seatings available (2 hours 45 minutes duration) are available.

Cost: Adults: $375 (four-course sharing menu) Children: $150 (three-course sharing menu)
View the menu & Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9969 4088

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.

Bather’s Pavilion Christmas Lunch

Celebrate Christmas Day at the iconic Bathers’ Pavilion, where stunning Balmoral Beach views complement multiple dining options. Whether you prefer a casual breakfast, elegant lunch, or family-style feast, this historic venue offers something for every celebration style.

The Restaurant Start your Christmas in style with a breakfast of fresh fruits and pastries followed by a main course, complete with coffee and juice ($160 adults, $95 children). For lunch, indulge in an elegant three-course menu with all the trimmings, including fresh bread and side salads ($375 adults, $160 children).

The Bistro A more casual yet equally delightful setting, the Bistro offers a festive breakfast spread ($110 adults, $70 children) or a three-course lunch menu ($250 adults, $130 children). Perfect for those seeking a relaxed beachside Christmas.

Upstairs at Bathers’ The Balmoral Room provides a convivial family-style celebration, with a three-course shared menu perfect for bringing people together ($230 adults, $120 children).

Breakfast and lunch seatings available 

Where: 4 The Esplanade, Balmoral Beach
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9969 5050

Pilu at Freshwater 

Experience an Italian Christmas by the beach as Giovanni Pilu presents a festive four-course celebration combining Italian tradition with Australian summer flavors. The stunning ocean views at Freshwater provide a magnificent backdrop for this sophisticated yet relaxed festive feast.

The menu showcases premium ingredients like coral trout, Queensland spanner crab, and Black Angus beef, all prepared with Pilu’s signature Italian flair. Young diners are well catered for with their own specially crafted three-course menu featuring kid-friendly Italian favorites..

Cost: Adults: $345 (four courses plus snacks) Children: $155 (three courses)
When: Seatings at 11:30am, 12pm, 2:45pm and 3:15pm 
Where: Moore Road, Freshwater 
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9938 3331

Christmas at Q Station

Celebrate Christmas Day in the historic Boilerhouse at Q Station, where heritage architecture meets harbor views. This shared-style celebration offers a contemporary Australian feast in one of Sydney’s most unique dining locations. Your festive experience begins with a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a four-course shared menu that showcases fresh seafood and premium meats, all accompanied by a premium beverage package.

The stunning waterfront setting and historic atmosphere provide a magical backdrop for your Christmas celebration, with two seating times available to suit your preferred schedule. Children are well catered for with a special menu and soft drinks package, making this an ideal venue for family celebrations.

Two-hour seatings at 12pm, 12:30pm, 3pm or 3:30pm. This is selling fast with the 12:30pm seating sold out. Get in quick or you will miss out.

Cost: Adults $279, Teens (11-16 yrs) $170 Children (5-10 yrs): Under 4 years: Free
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9466 1500

ST SIANDRA 

Transport yourself to the Italian Riviera this Christmas at St Siandra, where Mediterranean vibes meet Middle Harbour views. Head Chef Sam McCallum has created a four-course festive banquet that captures the essence of a Positano Christmas while overlooking one of Sydney’s most beautiful waterways.

Your celebration begins with Laurent Perrier champagne and fresh Sydney rock oysters, before moving through an impressive sharing menu featuring baked scallops, Murray Cod Pastilla, and traditional porchetta. The festive atmosphere is enhanced with Christmas crackers, stunning water views, and even private beach access for a post-lunch paddle.

Cost: Adults $260 – Special Laurent Perrier champagne package available ($130)
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 61 2 8251 2444

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.

Choose from a Christmas buffet in the taproom or a rooftop seafood buffet. Both options include oysters and prawns with the rooftop buffet including crabs, lobster, Morton Bay Bugs and salmon

Cost: Adults $125, Seniors $109, Seafood buffet $175
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9977 3305

Christmas lunch in Sydney’s West and Hills District

Novotel Parramatta Christmas Buffet

Create magical Christmas memories in the heart of Parramatta at Novotel’s traditional festive celebration. This generous buffet brings together all the elements of a classic Australian Christmas – from fresh seafood to traditional carvery stations, topped off with an array of festive desserts.

The three-hour celebration caters beautifully to multi-generational gatherings, with special touches for younger guests including Christmas presents for children. Adding to the convenience of your celebration, complimentary parking is included, making it easy for family members traveling from across Sydney to join the festivities.

Your celebration includes a three-hour beverage package featuring house wines, beers and soft drinks, ensuring a relaxed and festive atmosphere for all ages.

Cost: Adults $249 per adult, seniors $195, Teens $160 Children (5-12yrs) $75, 0-4 years free
View the menu | Make a booking | 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 flavors.

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 Optional beverage package $34
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

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 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: 2024 not yet available.
View the menu | 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 2023. 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

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
• 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

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.