What’s Open on Christmas Day in Sydney 2023?

So you've opened your Christmas presents and had a rolling breakfast/brunch/lunch, and now you're unsure what to do or whether anything is open on Christmas Day in Sydney... Don't worry, we’ve got you covered with exactly what's open on Christmas Day in Sydney 2023!

From fun places to visit to festive events, movies, animal encounters and more, there are still plenty of spots open on Christmas Day in Sydney 2023.

What's Open on Christmas Day in Sydney 2023?

1. Fun Places to Visit

Taronga Zoo

Spend Christmas Day surrounded by magnificent animals at Taronga Zoo. See all the amazing talks and enjoy a picnic with incredible panoramic views. You might even catch the animals feasting on a special Christmas lunch. Taronga is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day.

Sydney Zoo

The amazing Sydney Zoo will be open so you can spend the big day among exotic and native animals. The expansive sanctuary also includes Australia's largest Reptile and Nocturnal house and an aquarium, plus, their amazing Christmas Animal Kingdom will be in full swing!

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium & WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Both SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium & WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo will be closed on Christmas Day but will open again on Boxing Day.

Visiting SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium gives any child that thrilling feeling of being an underwater explorer. Buy a combo ticket, and you can also visit WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo - a great kid-friendly place with interactive elements dotted throughout the zoo.

BridgeClimb

Scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb and burn off that Christmas ham. 

Please note: All of these great venues need to be booked ahead.

2. Where to Grab a Coffee on Christmas Day in Sydney 2023

Bake Bar – This award-winning artisan bakery is known for its amazing bread, pastries, delicious food and great coffee. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere on Christmas Day at any of their four locations in Double Bay, Rose Bay, Randwick and Darlinghurst.

Shuk – These popular Israeli-inspired cafes have a mouth-watering menu, and delicious baked goods, including the best-ever jam doughnuts and amazing coffee. With locations in Bondi, Chatswood and Elizabeth Bay, it's perfect for a Christmas Day pick-me-up. 

Also in Bondi, Porch and Parlour will be open on Christmas Day in Sydney until noon. 

The Grumpy Baker – With eight locations across Sydney in Vaucluse, Bellevue Hill, Coogee, Maroubra, Neutral Bay, Waverton, Castle Cove and Marrickville, you can get your coffee fix from 7 am to 4 pm along with fresh loaves, pastries and pies, or dine-in for breakfast or lunch. 

For coffee in the heart of the CBD, stop in at the luxurious Parlour at QT Sydney from 6.30 to 11.30 am.

Over on the north side of the bridge, The Author Cafe in Forestville is open seven days a week and that includes Christmas Day!

Sketch Manly will be brewing their delicious coffees from 8 am until 1 pm, followed by craft beers and dinner from 5 to 9 pm.

Terrey Hills Coffee House will also be open from 6 to 11.30 am.

These locations are usually open on Christmas Day, but we recommend ringing ahead.

If all else fails, you can drive past your local Shell Coles Express for a takeaway coffee - we love their Coles Express Urban Coffees!

3. Supermarkets Open on Christmas Day in Sydney

Make sure you stock up on all your grocery essentials ahead of the 25th of December as most supermarkets will be closed on Christmas Day in Sydney, including Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi. If you do get desperate, a handful of IGA stores in each state will be open on Christmas Day at reduced hours. It's best to call ahead to your local IGA to check. Some 7-Eleven stores can often be open on the 25th, but again, it's best to check your local one before visiting. 

Also remember that all liquor stores across Sydney will be closed on Christmas Day, including Liquorland, Dan Murphy's, and BWS. 

4. Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Sydney 2023

City Restaurants

SkyFeast at Sydney Tower – This iconic restaurant soaring above the Sydney CBD will bring you the flavours of the world on Christmas Day with spectacular, 360-degree revolving views of the harbour and city below. They will be serving up an unlimited feast of over 30 dishes for lunch and dinner. The Signature Feast is $159pp, the Window Table Feast is $179pp, and the kids are $75.

Sheraton Grand Sydney – You can enjoy this iconic feast for lunch on Christmas buffet with an abundance of fresh seafood and live cooking stations, but brace yourself - it's $495 per adult for a three-hour package, including a huge festive menu, matching wines and beers, soft drinks and juice. 

Mode Kitchen & Bar – Wear forgiving pants and enjoy all of your Christmas favourites at the decadent Christmas Buffet at Mode Kitchen & Bar at The Four Seasons Sydney. Prices are $320 per adult.

Botanica House – For a delicious Christmas lunch complemented by beautiful views, book your table at Botanica House. You'll be in dining heaven with their nine-course menu designed for sharing, plus a glass of Mumm Champagne on arrival! Prices are $240 per adult, and kids are $75. Bookings essential.

O Bar & Dining – With an exotic five-course menu (three courses for kids!) and views over the glistening harbour, you'll relish this decadent fine dining Christmas Day experience. There is also an impressive kids' menu. Adults are $345pp, and Children (12 and under) are $130pp for lunch or dinner.

 

Fratelli Fresh – Book this family favourite for a Christmas Day with authentic Italian flair! Get a limoncello on arrival and dig into a special lunch menu of antipasti, fresh prawns, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, honey-glazed ham, fresh fruit and more. Lunch is $95 per adult and $19 per child. 

Eastern Suburbs

Promenade - An incredible seafood buffet overlooking the beach is on offer at Promenade at Bondi Beach. Their Dining Room will be decked out in Christmas splendour and smell amazing as their Christmas Day set menu will be making the rounds. 

Western Sydney

Penrith Panthers – Panthers will be a hive of activity this Christmas Day with two big events - a magical Christmas Day lunch is on from midday till 3 pm. The Christmas lunch package includes a delectable menu, grazing platters, a three-hour drinks package and a visit from Santa Claus. 

You can also enjoy food, music and fun at Kelly's Christmas Day Buffet Lunch with a delicious all-you-can-eat selection of mouth-watering Christmas dishes. Complimentary beer, wine or soft drink will be served on arrival. Tickets start at $79 for members and $35 for kids.

North Sydney

Ripples Chowder Bay – This dreamy spot in Mosman is open on Christmas Day in Sydney 2023 and celebrating with a three-course set lunch menu plus snacks, bread, olives and sides for $275 per person. A children’s menu will be available for $95 per child under 12. Book now!

For more venues, check out the top Christmas Lunches in Sydney.

5. Adventures With the Family

Head to the Beach

If the kids want to test out their new surfboards or snorkelling gear, then you've just got to hit the beach! 

If you've got tiny tots in tow and prefer avoiding the Christmas chaos and crowds, head to some of our other fantastic kid-friendly beaches, our beautiful rock pools or even discover Sydney's secret beaches.

Go to the Movies

Retreat from the Christmas mayhem in air-conditioned comfort.

You can always rely on the big screen to keep the kids entertained on Christmas Day. Hoyts, Event and Palace Cinemas will all be open on Christmas Day in Sydney 2023.

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

More Christmas Cheer

The Best Christmas Events in Sydney
Where to go for a Boxing Day Picnic
The Best Spots for Santa Photos in Sydney
 

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