Christmas Day lunches in Sydney
Christmas has the potential to be a joyous occasion, but the combined pressure of extended family, opressive heat and group catering can really take the shine off your day, which is why you might want to consider just booking a table at one of these top Sydney establishments. They'll make you and yours a yuletide feast, pop the Champagne and there's no washing up required on your part. Too easy.
Don't do Christmas? Try these yum cha restaurants open on Christmas Day. Catering at home? You might need this handy guide to buying seafood from a top Sydney chef.
Recommended: The 50 best restaurants in Sydney
Christmas Day lunches in Sydney
Christmas lunch at Sailmaker, Hyatt Regency
If you like your Christmas spread with a side of harbour views then book your seats at the Hyatt Regency Christmas Day lunch. It's $220 per person and will include beverages, a live carvery, cooking stations and an appearance from Santa. Tickets for children aged six to 12 are $69. And if you prefer the European approach, they also host a Christmas Eve dinner.
Christmas Day at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Take the hassle out of prepping a big family meal with the Sofitel Christmas Day buffet lunch, which includes charcuterie, oysters, provencale lamb saddle, a French bakery station and pastries. It costs $269 per adult, $99 for children 7-11 and free for those under seven. They also host a French dinner with two courses for $69 or three for $79.
Christmas lunch Efendy
Why not try a Turkish style Christmas lunch this year? You'll enjoy five-courses, including a cheese plate; prawns and snapper baked in a claypot; sour cheery meatballs with pide; and a chicken, rice and almond pie. The feast will cost $95 per person; or $140 per person including matching Turkish wines.
Christmas lunch at Anason
This five course feast for Christmas lunch by the harbour will cost you $95 per person. Enjoy the sunshine and Barangaroo’s prime waterfront location, and fill up on Turkish snacks including mezes like slow-cooked octopus with peppers and heirloom tomatoes; and Ottoman donuts with pistachio ice cream. They will also open for dinner service if you prefer to save your celebrating until after the sun goes down.
Christmas Day at Park Royal Darling Harbour
Let the day cruise past with a three-hour beverage package included in your $220 price tag for Christmas Day lunch at Park Royal. In addition to plenty of food, there will be a free
Christmas photo booth, a visit from Santa and activities for kids including Christmas cookie decorating. For $120 you can make it a Christmas dinner instead.
The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay
This popular annual Christmas lunch books out early each year. They are famed for their five-course degustation menu that focusses on seafood, with a glass of Champagne on arrival, plus water views from every table. Tickets are $240 per adult and $50 per child.
Christmas Day at Glass Brasserie
In the glassed in dining room at the Hilton Sydney you can celebrate your Christmas Day with a four-course set menu for $195 per person, including bonbons and a take home Christmas pudding. They even have a vegan menu and a kids option that includes a gift.
Christmas lunch at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
This bayside hotel will be doing an extravagant lunch feast. Start with a seafood platter, followed by glazed ham. Along with the feast you'll also enjoy a four hour drinks package. There are seatings at noon, 12.30pm and 1pm and the lunch will cost $299 per person.
Christmas lunch at Gowings Bar and Grill
Christmas lunch at Fratelli Fresh
The Alexandria, Crows Nest, Entertainment Quarter, Darling Harbour and Walsh Bay Fratelli Fresh venues are all open for Christmas lunch on the 25th, and they're offering a very affordabel $70 set menu that begins with shared antipasti, then your choice of roast lamb or eggplant parmigiana, followed by Italian struffoli, which is a cake of tiny candied doughnuts, for dessert.
Christmas lunch at the Epping Club
The Epping Club's Grand Ballroom will host a big Christmas Day feast. There will be a cavery with classic roast meats, seafood, charcuterie, salads, Christmas pudding, mince pies and more. Bookings are essential, and the lunch costs $109.50 for club members and $115.50 non-members.
Christmas Day at Softiel Sydney
This luxe CBD hotel's Ballroom, will transform into an enchated wonderland for Christmas Day. There will be a traditional Christmas buffet feast with a seafood station, carvery, charcuterie and desserts for $195pp.
Christmas Lunch Q Dining
This Circular Quay restaurant (which also has some of the best views of the harbour in Sydney) will host a luxe three-course lunch, which also includes free-flowing Veuve Clicquot for $299.
Christmas lunch at the Sir Stamford at Circular Quay
Celebrate Christmas with a vast seafood buffet, a traditional carvery and desserts. You lunch ($229 per person; children $125; children under five dine free) includes an appearance by Santa Claus, who will be dropping in to hand out presents to all children attending.
Christmas buffet at the Swissotel Sydney
Share the joy of Christmas at an all-you-can-eat lunch or dinner provided by Swissôtel. The lunch buffet is features seafood, carving stations, salads and desserts along with a beverage package and family entertainment. Lunch is $249pp, and dinner is $199.
Christmas Day at 360 Bar and Dining
Eat a festive-themed Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas Day lunch while taking in 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour and beyond. Included is a Christmas-themed three course menu and a glass of sparkling on arrival
Need present ideas too?
Christmas markets in Sydney
From arts and design markets to food fares, these Christmas markets have the goods. Sort out a little something for the whole family in one trip and drag a friend along to drop some not-so-subtle Kris Kringle hints.
