Five unusual Christmas feasts

Why go? For a flying seafood feast
How much? $49-$140

There are more than 55 gourmet dishes to try at this all-you-can eat feast with 360-degree views of the city. You can book a seat at the table on Christmas Eve, or be part of the party on the big day itself for dinner or lunch. There'll be fresh seafood in the Christmas spread, as well as special festive treats the whole family can enjoy. Think freshly shucked oysters, golden crab claws, roast turkey roulade, cauliflower mornay, and Christmas pudding with brandy custard.

Why go? For freshly carved Christmas cuts with a view
How much? $50-$165

You’ll get to spend Christmas Day sipping sparkling wine in the clouds at this relaxed long lunch at Studio Sydney Tower. Along with canapés and bubbly on arrival, you’ll get to enjoy three courses of fantastic Christmas fare, while you look out across panoramic Sydney views. The carving station will be a delicious centrepiece for the party, where you can choose the top cuts of Christmas turkey, ham and more.

Why go? For an authentic Italian celebration
How much? $150-$175

Sydney’s culinary scene owes its outstanding reputation to the city's diverse cultures. So be part of a five-course Italian feast at the Pavilion for Christmas Day lunch. You’ll get started on a gourmet antipasto plate, move onto entrées like a casarecce pasta with spicy spanner crab, and then mains like the wild barramundi, clams and cherry tomatoes, followed by sorbet and puddings for dessert. Enjoy two-and-a-half-hour drink packages of wine and beer, plus soft drinks for kids and drivers.

Why go? For a feast among carnivorous plants
How much? $145

The Calyx is currently home a huge collection of intriguing carnivorous plants, and on Christmas Day, you’ll get to know the characters from the Plants with Bite exhibition while you enjoy lunch. The green walls aren’t on the menu (luckily, neither are you) but a spectacular spread of fresh seafood and Christmas classics will be. Enjoy a generous seafood platter before starting the artisan grazing board, then Christmas roasts with pork crackle and apple sauce, and finishing with mince pies, tarts and fruits for dessert.

Why go? For a salty, festive beachside bash
How much? $40-$120

If you like your oysters freshly shucked, your prawns blazing red and your slamon plucked from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, then you’ll adore this seaside Christmas feast. The Christmas Day event overlooks the sparkling Avalon Beach, while diners enjoy three courses of fantastically fresh seafood, antipasto platters and classic Australian desserts like pavlova and freshly whipped chocolate tart. Both sittings of lunch include a glass of bubbly for grown ups and a dedicated kids’ menu.