It’s that time of year again, a time where we can finally let our hair down and prepare for Mariah marathons and Love Actually reruns. After a whirlwind 2020, we can all agree that a chance to let loose, shake off some of that stress, and spend time with loved ones is sorely needed.

Restaurants near The Star Sydney, Sydney on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews and candid photos of dining near The Star Sydney in Sydney, New South Wales.

1. Gather your co-workers and loved ones as we celebrate our favourite time of the year at The Star Gold Coast. From festive Corporate Christmas Packages and indulgent Christmas Day Lunches, to the Not So Silent Night Christmas Celebration and a very special Christmas performance by Human Nature! It's all happening at The Star!
2. Inspired by the cliff-top restaurants of the Amalfi Coast, Cucina Vivo features an outdoor terrace overlooking the beautiful pool. This Christmas, the Chefs at Cucina Vivo have created an inspired menu that draws on all the best flavours Italian culture has to offer.

No matter how you celebrate December 25th—whether you’re after a full-blown, coma-inducing feast, or you want to keep it low-key with a few wines, a good view and some delicious seafood—we’ve got a lineup of venues staying open on Christmas Day that’ll take care of the planning, organising, and feasting stress for you.

Here’s what's open on Christmas Day in Sydney this year so you don't have to cook.

Fratelli Fresh

Manly, Crows Nest, Darling Harbour, and the Entertainment Quarter

The kings of friendly Italian fare have your back this Christmas Day. Four Fratelli venues will be plating up a special shared menu for Christmas lunch between 12 and 3pm for a super-reasonable $89 per person and $29 for kids. As well as a limoncello on arrival (because, how else do you start Christmas lunch?), you'll be treated to antipasti and fresh prawns, a 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder, honey glazed ham, a fresh fruit platter for dessert, and more. Thirsty? Throw in bottomless Aperol Spritz, Espresso Martini, Fratelli Fresh wine, prosecco, or craft beer for just $39pp. Bookings are available here.

Summertime spritz fiends will also love Fratelli's crazy new ' 25 Flavours of Spritzmas' spritz menu. Try mandarin and thyme, peach and rosemary, green apple, and refreshingly tropical lychee for $14 a glass or $29 for a jug.

Feast At Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park

CBD

If you’re looking to splurge and ring-in the end of this weird and wild year with a well-deserved bang, look no further than the Sheraton Grand’s five-star celebrations. Expect all your classic seafood offerings at Feast (the hotel's famous buffet), with fresh Sydney rock oysters and blue swimmer crabs galore, as well as a selection of antipasti, charcuterie, Australian cheeses, and everyone’s favourite honey glazed ham and roast turkey being carved at live cooking stations throughout the hotel’s first floor. Mince pies, yule logs, and the ever-present pavlova all make an appearance, and we hear Santa might just pop his jelly-belly ‘round the corner, too, bearing gifts for kids under 12.

A Christmas Eve lunch starts at $129 for adults with dinner at $169, while a Christmas Day indulgence will set you back $289 per adult for lunch (including a three-hour beverage package of sparkling, white, and red wine, beer, soft drinks, and juice) or $229 per adult for dinner. For more info including children’s, Boxing Day, and New Years’ prices, head over here.

El Camino Cantina

Manly

Sipping fresh fruit slushie margaritas in sunny Manly sounds like a picture perfect Chrissie day to us. Good thing El Camino in Manly will be open for Christmas Day so this dream can be your reality. They're taking bookings from 12pm to 5pm, and you can dine a la carte or get a Deluxe Tex-Mex fiesta package ($89 per person). On the menu is spicy buffalo wings with blue-cheese mayo, adobo chicken fajitas, and crisp churros served deliciously warm with chocolate and caramel sauce for dipping. And yes, you can lock in two hours of slushie margaritas in a rainbow of seven fruity flavours. Book here.

The Winery

Surry Hills

Everyone's favourite leafy wine garden will be keeping their doors wide open this Christmas—and if the sun is out and your nearest and dearest are all around, we couldn't think of a nicer spot to be. The Winery's Christmas lunch is available to book from 12 - 4pm, and involves a delicious, festive three-course lunch for $110 per person. Start with fresh oysters, tiger prawns, or chicken parfait, and move on to roast chicken or pink snapper with truffle butter.

For dessert, it's the most iconic of all Aussie Christmas desserts—pavlova with Frangelico ice cream and fresh fruit. Step things up a notch with bottomless drinks for $49 per person, or get the fancier drinks for $89 per person. More info and bookings are available here.

Ormeggio At The Spit

Mosman

If sparkly water views and some of Sydney's very best Italian-inspired fare sounds like the Chrissie prezzie you totally deserve—treat yourself to a luxurious lunch at Ormeggio. You'll be treated to an Aperol Spritz on arrival, as well as three freshly shucked oysters. Then, you'll move into an incredible four-course lunch, including a cheese course. The restaurant is taking bookings between 11.45am and 3pm, and prices start at $285 per adult or $99 for kids. Jump over here for more info and to book your table.

Continental Deli

Newtown

Meanwhile, over in the Inner West, one of our favourite spots for a martini and a little charcuterie (and some of Sydney's best sandwiches) is planning a special Christmas roast for Christmas Day this year. They'll be open from 12pm through to 5pm with just a 10% surcharge in play. Book here.

Pilu

Freshwater

Pilu is one of Sydney's most unique restaurants—set in a charming beach cottage on Freshwater Beach. It also happens to be one of our best restaurants, with head chef Giovanni Pilu's Sardinian flair and love of beautiful, seasonal ingredients earning him two chef's hats. If that sounds like the sort of Christmas Day you'd like to have, book yourself a table at their extra-special set menu Christmas lunch. For $290 per person or $90 for kids, the menu features a particularly amazing saffron maccheroncini with lobster and confit tomato. More details and bookings are available here.

Glass Brasserie

CBD

Luke Mangan's mainstay Glass Brasserie does not skimp on the Christmas Day feasting. Housed within the shiny Hilton Hotel, you can totally escape the summer heat and indulge in a super-special Christmas brunch ($95 per person), at either 9.30am or 10am. If it's lunch you're looking for, Glass Brasserie has a four-course set menu lunch available from 1pm finishing at 4pm ($195), but if the evening is you're preferred feasting time, book a table from 6pm with either two-course ($110) or three-course ($120) options available. More info and bookings are here.

Manta

Woolloomooloo

Sydney really is the spot for great restaurants with water views. Manta is also staying open this Christmas Day with a luxurious four-course, seafood-filled lunch complete with a complimentary flute of champagne on arrival. For $325 per person and $125 for children, you'll be treated to things like Port Stephens king prawns, a lobster cocktail slider, freshly shucked Sydney Rock oysters served with oscietra caviar, salt-baked Queensland jumbo prawns with bottarga butter—and that's just the appetisers and entrees. More details and bookings are available here.

What are you waiting for? Get into the Christmas spirit now with Sydney's best Christmas lights.

Image credit: Glass Brasserie, Fratelli Fresh, Feast

Whether a traditional roast or fresh seafood is your idea of a Christmas feast, there’s no doubt one of the best things about the festive season is the food. If slaving away in the kitchen doesn’t sound like your idea of a fun Christmas day, you’re not alone. Let’s change it up this year and leave the cooking (and washing up) to the experts.

We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best Christmas Day lunch spots for you, where you can eat, drink and be merry—stress-free! Sound like a Christmas wish come true? Here are 10 restaurants open on Christmas Day so you don’t have to cook.

QT Gold Coast

SURFERS PARADISE

‘Tis the season to spoil yourself and the team at QT Gold Coast know how to throw an awesome bash at the best of times, so it’s safe to hand over the reins on Christmas Day. The hardest choice you’ll have to make is choosing between their three lunch offerings - at Yamagen, QT Ballroom or Bazaar. Yamagen’s indulgent 7-course degustation menu features a range of Japanese seafood dishes with a Christmas twist, while QT and Bazaar will be dishing up all your traditional favourites, from fresh trawler-caught seafood to vibrant salads and decadent desserts (plus a free-flowing three-hour beverage package). The festive fun doesn’t stop there - expect live entertainment, a visit from Santa and a gingerbread making competition.

Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Cost: Bazaar lunch: Adults $275 (includes three-hour drinks package), teenagers $169 (13-17 years) or children $75; QT ballroom lunch: Adults $245 (includes three-hour drinks package), teenagers $155 (13-17 years) or children $75; Yamagen lunch: Adults $280 or $180 under 18’s
For more information, click here.

The Island

SURFERS PARADISE

Eat, drink and be merry while soaking up the stunning views at The Island this Christmas. Selling out every year, you’ll have to get in quick to buy tickets for a memorable Christmas lunch at the picturesque Island Pool Deck and Lounge. Go all out with the next-level festive buffet featuring warm and cold fresh seafood, traditional roast meats with the trimmings and wholesome salads. Make sure to save room for dessert and fill your belly with pavlova, panettone and traditional Christmas pudding.

Where: The Island Gold Coast, 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Cost: Adults $159, teenagers $99 (13-17 years) or children $69 (4-13 years)
For more information, click here.

Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove

HOPE ISLAND

If you haven’t got your Christmas plans sorted yet, the swanky Intercontinental has got to be on your list. Experience five-star cuisine in the luxurious Macarthur’s Ballroom where you can drool over seafood share plates and three exquisite courses. Think chicken, pistachio and quail terrine, turkey with sage stuffing and chargrilled beef fillet, sweetened with a deliciously naughty dessert stand. Christmas lunch traditions don’t get much better than this.

Where: Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circuit, Sanctuary Cove
Cost: Adults $269 (includes premium beverage package), teenagers $145 (12-17 years) or children $95 (5-11 years)
For more information, click here.

Little Truffle

MERMAID BEACH

Mermaid Beach’s Little Truffle will be dishing up a gourmet Christmas banquet to remember, with their refined flavours and intimate venue. Indulge in a range of culinary delights from prawn and lobster cocktail to confit duck leg, seared veal backstrap or a 7+ wagyu tenderloin. It’s tempting to fill up on the mains but make sure to leave room for the Christmas pudding flavoured dessert offerings. Christmas pud with a twist, what’s not to love?

Where: Little Truffle, 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Cost: $155 per person (food only)
For more information, click here.

Sheraton Grand Mirage

MAIN BEACH

Forget about that novelty kitchen apron this festive season, because Sheraton Grand Mirage at Main Beach is putting on your Christmas spread—and you won’t want to miss out. You will be spoilt with a sophisticated seven-course degustation menu boasting modern Christmas delights like wagyu beef, seared scallops, crispy turkey breast and peach and champagne sorbet. Bring the family and enjoy the wondrous ocean views in Horizons or keep things intimate in the Oyster Bar and Grill, ideal for tables of 4 and under.

Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage, 71 SeaWorld Drive, Main Beach
Cost: Oyster Bar: Adults $349 (matching wines); Horizons: Adults and teens $349 (matching wines)
For more information, click here.

Imperial at the Star Gold Coast

BROADBEACH

Looking for something not-so-traditional this Christmas? Experience a feast of authentic Asian flavours, ingredients and cooking styles, producing delicious interpretations of Asian classics at Imperial at the Star. The banquet lunch, which is paired with a 2.5-hour beverage package, and features delights like dim sim platters, baked toothfish, special sweet and spicy chicken and mango pudding already has us drooling.

Where: Imperial at The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Cost: Adults $164, children $77 (5-12 years) or $41 (3-4 years)
For more information, click here.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

CANUNGRA

Star City Casino Christmas Day Lunch Menus

Escape the hustle and bustle of the festive season and spend your Christmas day relaxing in the stunning Lamington National Park. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is surrounded by pristine rainforest and is the perfect place to unwind and descend into a post-feast food coma - plus you can walk off your Christmas lunch on one of the stunning bushwalks. Expect mouthwatering fresh seafood, traditional roasts and a fresh cold selection - Thai cucumber and raw mango salad, anyone? Top it off with a tempting range of traditional Christmas desserts and you may have to roll home.

Where: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, 3582 Lamington National Park Road, Canungra
Cost: Adults $160 (including beverage package), teenagers $99 (13-17 years) or children $60 (4-12 years)
For more information, click here.

Hilton Surfers Paradise

SURFERS PARADISE

Hang up your apron, get out of the kitchen and celebrate Christmas with your loved ones at Hilton Surfers Paradise. Relax in style at the glamorous hotel and let their talented chefs treat you to an extravagant feast - no washing up required! Tuck into their sumptuous seafood buffet which showcases fresh oysters, prawns, traditional meats and a range of tempting desserts. Spaces fill up fast so get onto it quickly and book your spot to avoid missing out on the Christmas cheer.

Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Cost: Adults $225 (includes beverage package), teenagers $195 (13-17 years) or children $60 (5-12 years)
For more information, click here.

Star City Casino Christmas Day Lunch Specials

Novotel Surfers Paradise

SURFERS PARADISE

Indulge in a delicious display of Christmas fare at Novotel where they will be letting the elves loose on lunch and whipping up a decadent meal for the whole family. Feast on a succulent seafood and carvery buffet and seasonal sweet treats at Hanlan’s Restaurant - make sure to come with an empty stomach. Perfect for getting the whole family in the Christmas spirit, all children under 12 will receive a gift from Santa himself and the roaming entertainment will keep the adults happy.

Where: Novotel Surfers Paradise, 3105 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Cost: Adults $185 (includes three-hour beverage package), teenagers $135 (12-17 years) or children $95 (4-11 years)
For more information, click here.

Star City Casino Christmas Day Lunch Ideas

Robina Pavilion

ROBINA

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Robina Pavilion. Let the kids loose in the Christmas wonderland while you sit back and indulge in their generous traditional-with-a-twist buffet. You’ll struggle choosing from their mouthwatering selection - think freshly shucked oysters, crispy pork belly, seasonal salads, tropical pavlova and their famous sticky bread and butter pudding. A feast fit for Santa himself.

Where: Robina Pavilion, 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
Cost: Jolly Feast: Adults $199 (including 3-hour beverage package), Festive Feast: Adults $139, teenagers $79 (12-18 years) or children $45 (5-12 years)
For more information, click here.
Want to whip up some deliciously naughty Christmas goodies at home? Stock up on seasonal treats with Bam Bam’s new bake-at-home range.

Image credit: Kaitlin Maree for Urban List