This article was updated November 2023.
As Christmas 2023 draws closer, so does the debate over who will be hosting the family gatherings this year. If the idea of skipping the washing up completely appeals to you, why not book in to one of the Illawarra’s fabulous establishments that are offering a Christmas Day menu.
There are a number of restaurants opening on Christmas Day in the Illawarra with dedicated teams of staff that are forgoing their own family celebrations in order to make yours memorable. Forget the food prep, the washing up and the seating arrangements – by booking a table at one of these cracking local restaurants open on Christmas Day, you get to enjoy lunch with the people you love with none of the stress!
Here are a few of the local legends who are putting on a spread this year:
Harbourfront Wollongong Restaurant
2 Endeavour Dr, Wollongong
Enjoy a 3 course lunch with a view across Belmore Basin this Christmas. The package includes a selection of premium alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks over a 3 hour sitting. Adults $260 each with discounts for younger family members.
You can view Harbourfront’s set Christmas lunch menu here.
Balgownie Hotel
141 Balgownie Rd, Balgownie
Enjoy the relaxed vibe at Bally Pub with their Christmas lunch event. Affordably priced at $115 for adults and $65 for kids, you’ll be treated to traditional Christmas staples such as roast turkey and baked ham as well as lashings of seafood for that Aussie flair. I must admit the Bourbon glazed pineapple baked ham sounds amazing! Book online.
Steamers Bar and Grill
1 Marine Dr, Wollongong
Overlooking beautiful City Beach and Flagstaff Hill, Steamers Bar and Grill are passionate about using seasonal, locally sourced produce. A great deal of the ingredients they use are cultivated at their own organic farm located in Jamberoo giving a real “farm to fork” experience for diners.
Christmas lunch this year will set you back $250 per head for adults, but this includes a beverage package, and just $65 for kids who get a bonus Christmas present with their meal.
Get in early to express your interest by contacting: Steamers bookings.
Lucia’s By The Sea
16 Cliff Rd, North Wollongong
Spending the day with the team at Lucia’s will feel like one big extended family if you book their Christmas Day lunch package. Enjoy 4 hours of indulgence – a 3 course meal with a fusion of festive flavours and Meditteranean flair using the highest quality produce available for $225 per head or the option of a seafood platter for $275 or a meat platter for $245. Drinks included with all meals and the kids can eat from just $125.
Lagoon Restaurant
George Hanley Dr, North Wollongong
Treat yourself to a delicious seafood loaded lunch with a premium drinks package.
Lagoon’s Christmas Day menu includes a top notch seafood medley for entree (non seafood options on request) and your choice of mains and dessert.
Having had a sneak peek at the menu for this Christmas, I don’t think you’re going to get anything like Lagoon’s Pulled Lamb Shoulder & Moreton Bay Bug with chimichurri compound butter, Paris mash, seasonal vegetables & fig jus at your Aunty June’s place. Just saying.
Finish off your day by letting the kids run around at Stuart Park afterwards or enjoy a stroll along the beach at North Wollongong.
2 Sittings are available for booking (11am till 1:30pm or 2:00 pm till 4:30pm).
Panorama House
Princes Hwy, Bulli Tops
Spend Christmas day with your loved ones but with none of the stress. Enjoy the breathtaking views from Panorama House and indulge in their seafood buffet.
Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included. There will be entertainment as well so it’s always a great family day.
From just $140 per adult this great venue books out fast. Make sure to secure your spot nice and early if this is your plan of attack on Christmas Day 2023. Bookings are essential.
Headlands Hotel, Austinmer
Headland Ave, Austinmer
A perfect meeting spot for family travelling down to the Illawarra from Sydney on Christmas Day. Headlands Hotel are planning something pretty special for you as you get together with people you love. Lunch available from 11am-2:30pm on December 25th. This picturesque location is about as good as it gets.
Adults $180, Kids $90 pp. Book your tickets here.
The Builders Club
61 Church St, Wollongong
Option #1: Stonegrill Steakhouse
Book now for a 4 course Christmas Feast, including a glass of champagne on arrival. Lunch will be served over 2 different 2 hour seatings.
Adults – $135 per head
Kids – $35 per head
Option #2: Platform 61
An affordable, easy option for a fuss free Christmas Day! Book your 3 course Christmas Feast, including a Dessert buffet.
Adults – $110 per head, Kids – $35 per head
3 seating times available at 11am, 1pm or 2:15pm. 2 hour sessions only.
Waterfront Tavern
9 Marina Dr, Shell Cove
There’s no better location than Waterfront Tavern this Christmas. Sit back and relax from 12pm – 4pm with their Christmas Day lunch event. How to choose between the amazing seafood on offer and the hot carvery options available? Well, in all honesty, I’m not sure I could. Food coma here I come!
Tickets cost $159 per adult
$79 for kids 2-12 yrs
A great venue to enjoy a stroll after lunch.
Novotel Northbeach
2-14 Cliff Rd, North Wollongong
The team at Novotel Northbeach have you covered for both lunch and dinner for Christmas 2023. The Palisade Kitchen and Bar are offering both a lunchtime and an evening event, both of which include their legendary seafood buffet.
Lunch for Adults only 12:30-3:30pm
$299 Adults and $270 for Accor Plus Members
Dinner 6-9pm
$209 Adults $190 Accor Plus Members
The Novatel North Beach also have a Christmas Day Spectacular on offer at The Deck & Illawarra Room and The Norfolk & Pacific Room.
Catering to please the whole family plus children’s activities and even a visit from Santa! A lavish seafood buffet lunch with all the traditional Christmas trimmings, and 3 hours of bottomless beverages. Adults from $255 with discounts for Accor Members, teens and children.
The Anchorage
3-9 Wilson St, Wollongong
The Christmas Day spread on offer from The Anchorage Restaurant is a 4 course all inclusive menu and beverage package. 2 sittings available at 11am-1:30pm and 2-4:30pm at $220 for and adult. Cheaper rates for teens and children.