Where to eat, drink and be merry on Christmas Day

If your idea of Christmas lunch involves Michelin-Guide worthy beef, Wagyu Steakhouse has something rather special planned. The adults-only Christmas Long Lunch is an extravagant four-hour affair, beginning with oysters, caviar, prawn cocktail, foie gras and Scottish smoked salmon before Wagyu takes centre stage. Expect beautifully marbled cuts, beef tartare, truffle and decadent sauces, alongside a few traditional Christmas favourites. Mature cheeses and indulgent chocolate desserts round things off, making this a particularly appealing option for a grown-up celebration.

Wagyu Steakhouse, Twinpalms Surin Beach Phuket. Christmas Day, December 25, noon-4pm. B5,900 net per adult. Includes one bottle of wine per couple.

If Christmas Day calls for good food, music and a little less formality, Sea Fire Salt has the right idea. Set beside the beach in the quieter northern reaches of Phuket, the restaurant is hosting a four-hour festive brunch, with a DJ and live saxophonist keeping things upbeat throughout the afternoon. At THB 2,500++ per person, it is also one of the more affordable luxury resort celebrations on the island, leaving a little extra in the budget for the rest of the holidays.

Sea Fire Salt, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, Mai Khao. Christmas Day, December 25, noon-4pm. B2,500++ per adult; B1,250++ per child aged 6-12. Children under six dine complimentary.

For Christmas lunch with a view, Cosmo Restaurant has a great southern Phuket outlook. Perched above Nai Harn Beach, the restaurant is serving a three-course festive menu featuring the usual favourites like roast turkey and honey-glazed ham, complete with the expected trimmings. There are three choices per course, offering a little flexibility for those who might not fancy the full turkey treatment. At THB 2,750 net per person, it is another comparatively affordable way to enjoy Christmas lunch.

Cosmo Restaurant, The Nai Harn, Nai Harn Beach. Christmas Day, December 25, noon-3pm. B2,750 net per adult, food only.

There is plenty happening here this Christmas, where the festive brunch comes with a choice of three settings. Fancy the restaurant, or perhaps pool terrace or beachfront; the choice is yours. A sharing-style menu takes care of lunch, while a DJ, live performances and children's entertainment keep things jolly throughout the afternoon. Whether you prefer a table overlooking Kamala Beach or somewhere a little more traditional, this is a good option for families who want more than just a Christmas lunch.

InterContinental Phuket Resort, Kamala. Christmas Day, December 25, noon-3pm. B5,450++ per adult in the restaurant, B4,520++ on the pool terrace or B6,450++ beachfront. Children aged 4-11 B2,950++. All prices are for food only.

If you fancy a short road trip off the island this Christmas, JW Marriott Khao Lak has plenty planned for the whole family. The Family by JW Club is hosting an afternoon Christmas party, complete with a magician, gingerbread decorating, carol singing and a visit from Santa himself bearing the all so important gifts. Festive dining follows in the evening, with live music at Olive Restaurant or a five-course surf-and-turf menu at Drift Beach Bar & Grill.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Khao Lak, Phang Nga. Christmas Day, December 25, Children's Christmas party 2pm-4pm. Christmas dinners 6.30pm–10pm. Olive from B3,390++ per adult; Drift B4,290++ per adult.

Christmas Day with a view of the Andaman Sea? Catch Beach Club is making a strong case for celebrating by the beach. Its festive brunch goes all out, with Boston lobster, freshly shucked French oysters, tiger prawns, sashimi and sushi, alongside foie gras and Scottish smoked salmon. Traditionalists are well catered for, too, with spit-roasted lamb, premium grilled beef and Christmas turkey with all the trimmings. And if Christmas Day doesn't suit, there are plenty more festive brunches to enjoy throughout the holiday season, running into early January.

Catch Beach Club, Bangtao Beach. Christmas Day, December 25, noon-3pm. B4,900 net per adult; B2,450 net per child. Includes one bottle of house wine per couple. Additional festive brunches during December 2026 and January 2027.

Bill Bensley's industrial-inspired interiors provide a rather unusual backdrop to Christmas lunch at The Slate, where the festive celebrations are anything but low-key. Expect an impressive spread of international favourites, including fresh seafood on ice, lobster, imported meats, live cooking stations and a generous selection of cheeses. This is a lively, bustling affair, with tables packed in and a good chance of bumping into a familiar face or two. There are several drinks packages available, including free-flow Champagne, making it a fun choice for those who enjoy a big, sociable Christmas celebration.

The Slate, Nai Yang. Christmas Day, December 25, noon-3pm. From B3,900++ per adult, food only; B1,700++ per child aged 7-12.

Can't wait until the big day to start celebrating? Chef Tammasak is getting Christmas off to an early start with a special five-course dinner on Christmas Eve. Forget the usual festive buffet; this is a proper sit-down affair, with dishes including salmon and tuna mosaic crudo, a choice of beef or monkfish Wellington and a rather indulgent chocolate finale. The restaurant's whimsical garden adds another touch of magic, with twinkling lights, decorations and plenty of festive charm. Who says Christmas has to wait until the 25th?

SUAY Cherngtalay, Cherngtalay. Christmas Eve, December 24, 4-10pm. Five-course set menu B3,000++ per person.