By Hayley Dean, Serina Hajje & Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist

Wondering what’s open on Christmas day this year? We’ve got you covered.

Let’s start with the horrible moment you realise you’ve missed someone off the gift list…..better head to the airport! No, not to run away (as tempting as that might be) but there you will find many of the brands you love in fashion, electronics and accessories and best of all no one will ever know your mistake.

Need batteries for those toys Santa kindly delivered? Find your closest 7/11 here

 

Now let’s start eating with Amazing Hotels Spreads:

Sheraton on the Park – Some say this is the best buffet in Sydney (I LOVE a good buffet). You can enjoy this iconic feast on Christmas Eve or for either lunch of dinner on Christmas Day. Refer to the website for more details.
The Intercontinental – Enjoy all your Christmas favourites at The Stockroom, Intercontinental Double Bay buffet. Seafood, turkey, ham, there all there. Prices start at $150 per person and bookings are essential.

The Park Royal -  Free cocktails and your choice of a 4 course lunch or delicious buffet. Prices start from $140. Kids under 4 eat free. Books essential.

Sir Stamford Circular Quay – Although lunch is now sold out, the mouth-watering Christmas Dinner still has seats available. Check out the buffet menu on their website. Prices start $105 per person and kids under 6 eat free.

 

In the City:

Gowings Bar & Grill – A decadent three-course lunch including foie gras and truffle puffs, seafood, champagne, stuffed free range turkey and wood-roasted suckling pork belly. Don’t worry, there is also a special children’s menu on offer. Prices start from $190 per person. Bookings essential and be quick.

Sydney Tower – 55 + dishes on offer at the buffet for lunch or dinner. And wow, what a view?! $140 per adult includes unlimited buffet and kids entertainment. Drinks extra.

360 Bar & Dining – Celebrate Christmas in style with an exceptional fine dining culinary experience crafted by Head Chef, Elton Inglis. Two course Christmas dinner start from $99. See website for details.  

O Bar & Dining – Reading the menu, I’m instantly starving. “Rolled Thirlmere Farm turkey breast, confit garlic and macadamia stuffing, herbed wheatberries, seasonal heirloom vegetables” and “Hand crafted burrata, fennel & gin cured ocean trout, smoked cherry tomatoes”. Yes please. There is also a kids menu equally as impressive. Adults $205, Children 12 & under, $105.

 

Northern Beaches:

Manly - You can also catch a ferry to Manly where a few shops will be open. But without a doubt, the beach will still be there to entertain your little ones. Bring some food and lay out on the toasty sand, or have a scrumptious Christmas lunch or dinner. For lunch dine at Bluewater Cafe, but Pilu at Freshwater has received raving reviews that you just have to test for yourself. Novotel Manly has an excellent buffet set out for dinner with live entertainment and a visit from Santa, and under 4s go FREE.

The Q Station is also hosting a 6 course degustation Chrissy lunch this year! Visit their website for more details.

 

Eastern Suburbs:

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel - Celebrate Christmas Day at the picturesque harbour beach suburb of Watson’s Bay.  This $299 package includes a 4 hour beverage package over 5 delicious courses.

Sittings currently for 12, 12:30 and 1pm.

 

Western Sydney:

The Park Royal Parramatta – Buffet lunch complete with seafood, traditional roasts and more. Kids under 4 eat free and all children receive a present from Santa. Price start from $160. Bookings essential.

The Novotel Parramatta -  A Christmas Day buffet lunch from 12pm-3:00pm. Mmmmmm.... imagine the seafood, carvery, and delicious Christmas desserts. For kids there is a separate buffet, plus a gift from Santa! The Christmas lunch buffet is $145 per adult, $99 for seniors, $90 for teens (aged 13-17) and $50 for children (aged 5-12). These prices are inclusive of drinks (for adults and seniors this includes house wine, beer and soft drinks). Children under 5 are free. Car parking at the hotel is free.

 

North Sydney:

Taronga Zoo – For something a little left of field, why not visit the magnificent animals at Taronga Zoo on Christmas Day. See all the amazing talks and special holiday events, there’s also plenty of lawn space for a decent picnic in front of some incredible panoramic views. You might even catch the animals feasting on a special Christmas lunch!
 

Ripples Chowder Bay – This Mosman dream is celebrating the day with a seafood menu to die food. Dessert is a classic seasonal favourite. $195 per adult and $95 per child. Bookings a must.  

 

Darling Harbour / Pyrmont

Flying Fish – If its seafood you want then head straight for the best! Awarded the 2017 Seafood restaurant of the year, Flying Fish on Jones Bay Wharf.

Black Bar & Grill – Self-proclaimed as the words best Steak, this belly filling seafood Christmas menu is “a delicious nod to the festive season”. Five courses start from $175 per person. Bookings required. $220 for adults and $80 for kids.

 

Continue with the underwater theme of the day by visiting….

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium - Visiting the aquarium gives any child that thrilling feeling of being an underwater explorer. If you’ve visited before, then you may want to come again to see their new Penguin Expedition where you can get face-to-flipper with magnificent penguins in an artic-style exhibit. 

Beach Swimming – Personally I’d avoid the huge crowds at Bondi and head to some of our other fantastic kids friendly beaches.

Or

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo - Buy a combo ticket with SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and receive a discount! WILD LIFE is a great kid-friendly place with interactive elements dotted throughout the zoo.

Movies - You can always rely on the big screen to keep the kids entertained on Christmas Day. 

 

Whatever it is you end up doing, we hop you have a wonderful Christmas filled with loads of love and laughter.