Don’t feel like cooking on Christmas Day this year? Why not leave the food preparation and washing up to someone else and enjoy Christmas Day with family and friends?
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Christmas roast, a seafood buffet, a relaxed club lunch or a special waterfront dining experience, there are a range of places to enjoy Christmas Day lunch around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens.
We’ve rounded up restaurants, hotels, resorts and clubs advertising Christmas Day dining on Friday 25 December 2026, from festive buffets with all the trimmings to multi-course lunches and dinners and more affordable family meals.
Christmas Day dining is popular, and many venues require bookings and full payment in advance. Check individual websites for menus, children’s prices, availability and cancellation conditions.
We’ll continue updating this guide as more venues announce their Christmas Day dining options for 2026. Venues that haven’t yet confirmed their Christmas offerings are listed separately.
Christmas Day lunch in Newcastle
Rydges Newcastle
Enjoy Christmas lunch overlooking Newcastle Harbour at Rydges Newcastle. The hotel’s festive buffet features fresh local seafood, a traditional Christmas carvery, seasonal dishes and a delicious assortment of Christmas desserts.
A three-hour beverage package is included, with beer, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee. With its harbourfront location and festive atmosphere, this is an option for families looking to make Christmas lunch a special occasion.
Date: Friday 25 December 2026
Location: Wharf Road and Merewether Street, Newcastle
Cost: Adults $280; teens 13–17 $180; children 4–12 $85; children 3 and under free
Website
Novotel Newcastle Beach
Celebrate Christmas Day just a short walk from Newcastle Beach with a festive buffet lunch at Novotel Newcastle Beach.
The meal begins with seafood towers to share at your table, followed by a hot buffet featuring a carvery station, seasonal accompaniments and Christmas desserts. A three-hour beverage package is also included.
It’s a convenient option for families who want to enjoy a special Christmas lunch before heading down to the beach for an afternoon stroll or swim.
Date: Friday 25 December 2026
Time: 12pm–3pm
Location: 5 King Street, Newcastle East
Cost: Adults $269; children’s and teen pricing available
Website
Roundhouse at Crystalbrook Kingsley
For a Christmas lunch with a view, head to Roundhouse at Crystalbrook Kingsley. Located on the ninth floor of the hotel, the restaurant offers panoramic views across Newcastle and the harbour.
The festive menu features seafood, fresh salads, roast turkey, glazed ham, beef and traditional Christmas accompaniments. There are also plenty of sweet treats, including pavlova and other Christmas desserts.
With its elevated setting and city views, Roundhouse is suited to families looking for a special Christmas Day dining experience.
Date: Friday 25 December 2026
Location: Level 9, 282 King Street, Newcastle
Cost: Published pricing ranges from $99–$299 per person; check children’s rates
Website
Apollo International Hotel, Charlestown
Celebrate Christmas Day at Babbingtons Restaurant at Apollo International Hotel in Charlestown. Enjoy a special Christmas lunch in the restaurant’s relaxed setting overlooking the surrounding bushland and gardens.
The festive menu includes fresh Mooloolaba prawns, Christmas ham with mango chutney and honey macadamia crumb, twice-cooked duck with fondant potato and seasonal vegetables, followed by Christmas panna cotta with gingerbread crumble and strawberry coulis.
A drinks package is included, and bookings and prepayment are essential.
Date: Friday 25 December 2026
Time: Bookings from 11.30am
Location: 290 Pacific Highway, Charlestown
Cost: Adults $190; teens 12–17 $120; children under 12 $80
Website and Christmas Day menu
Christmas Day lunch in Lake Macquarie
Belmont 16s Sailing Club
If you’re looking for a Christmas Day lunch that won’t break the bank, Belmont 16s Sailing Club is worth considering. The club is offering two Christmas Day dining experiences overlooking beautiful Lake Macquarie.
For a traditional Christmas lunch, families can enjoy a two-course meal featuring roast beef, pork and turkey with vegetables and all the trimmings, followed by dessert. Children will receive a small Christmas gift, and Santa will also make an appearance.
For something more indulgent, there’s a Christmas banquet in the South East View dining area, complete with lake views and a two-hour beverage package. The banquet is available for groups of four or more.
With its waterfront location and children’s pricing, Belmont 16s is a particularly appealing option for families.
Date: Friday 25 December 2026
Location: The Parade, Belmont
Cost: Traditional lunch: adults $79, children 12 and under $45. Christmas banquet: adults $219, children 12 and under $74
Website
Christmas Day lunch in the Hunter Valley
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Celebrate Christmas Day surrounded by vineyards at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley in Lovedale. The resort is hosting a festive buffet featuring fresh seafood, a Christmas carvery, live cooking stations, charcuterie, seasonal salads and a selection of Christmas desserts.
There’s also live music and a special visit from Santa, making this a fun option for families with children. A three-hour beverage package is included for adults. With its resort setting and festive entertainment, this is a lovely way to enjoy Christmas Day in the Hunter Valley without having to cook.
Date: Friday 25 December 2026
Location: 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale
Cost: Adults $299; children 11–17 $159; children 5–10 $99; children under 4 free
Website
Château Élan at The Vintage
Enjoy Christmas Day in the beautiful Hunter Valley surroundings of Château Élan at The Vintage.
The resort is advertising a festive buffet lunch at Legends Restaurant, with a selection of Christmas dishes and a three-hour beverage package included.
Set among the vineyards and golf course at The Vintage, this is an option for families and groups looking for a relaxed Christmas celebration away from the city.
Date: Friday 25 December 2026
Time: From 12.30pm
Location: Vintage Drive, Pokolbin
Cost: Contact venue for 2026 pricing and children’s rates
Website
Christmas Day lunch in Port Stephens
Anchorage Hotel & Spa, Corlette
Celebrate Christmas Day overlooking the water at Anchorage Hotel & Spa in Corlette. There are several festive dining options available, including a Christmas buffet at The Galley Kitchen and a four-course Christmas lunch on the Sunset Deck.
The buffet features seafood, fresh seasonal salads, a traditional carvery and Christmas desserts. Families can choose between lunch and dinner, while those wanting a more formal Christmas celebration can enjoy the four-course waterfront lunch.
With its marina views and relaxed coastal atmosphere, Anchorage is a beautiful setting for Christmas Day in Port Stephens.
Date: Friday 25 December 2026
Time: Buffet lunch 12.30pm–3.30pm; buffet dinner 6pm–8.30pm; four-course lunch 12.30pm–3.30pm
Location: 26 Corlette Point Road, Corlette
Cost: Buffet adults $259; four-course lunch adults $229; children 4–12 $118.
Website
Shoal Bay Country Club
Spend Christmas Day overlooking the sparkling waters of Shoal Bay with a choice of three festive dining experiences at Shoal Bay Country Club.
Families can enjoy a three-course seafood banquet on The Patio, complete with ocean views and a three-hour beverage package. For something a little different, Atmos is offering a Greek-inspired Christmas feast featuring seafood, lamb shoulder, Greek salad and festive favourites. There’s also a Christmas banquet at East Pavilion, featuring premium seafood and Asian-inspired dishes designed for sharing.
All three experiences have special children’s pricing, making Shoal Bay Country Club an option for families who want to celebrate Christmas Day by the beach.
Date: Friday 25 December 2026
Location: 35–45 Shoal Bay Road, Shoal Bay
Cost: Adults $220; teens 13–17 $155; children 5–12 $85; children under 5 free. Booking fees apply.
Website
Other venues to check for Christmas Day lunch
The following venues have offered Christmas Day dining in previous years or have been recommended by local families, but their 2026 Christmas Day menus and availability haven’t yet been confirmed.
Noah’s on the Beach, Newcastle East
For a Christmas lunch with spectacular ocean views, Noah’s on the Beach is another venue worth checking. Located directly opposite Newcastle Beach, the hotel’s restaurant has been a popular choice for Christmas Day dining in previous years. Local families have recommended the food, beachfront setting and festive atmosphere, with past celebrations including visits from Santa.
It’s a lovely location for families wanting to combine Christmas lunch with a stroll along Newcastle Beach or a swim afterwards.
Noah’s has previously offered special Christmas Day dining packages, but its 2026 Christmas menu, prices and availability have not yet been confirmed.
Date: Friday 25 December 2026 — awaiting confirmation
Location: 29 Zaara Street, Newcastle East
Cost: 2026 pricing to be confirmed
Website
Honeysuckle Hotel, Newcastle
Located right on Newcastle Harbour, Honeysuckle Hotel is another venue worth checking for Christmas Day dining. With its waterfront views and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a popular choice for families and groups wanting to enjoy a meal overlooking the harbour. The hotel has been recommended by local families for Christmas dining in previous years, but its 2026 Christmas Day menu and availability have not yet been confirmed.
Date: Friday 25 December 2026 — awaiting confirmation
Location: Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle
Cost: 2026 pricing to be confirmed
Website
Wests New Lambton, Mayfield, Cardiff and City
Wests has offered Christmas Day dining at several of its Newcastle and Lake Macquarie clubs in previous years. Previous Christmas menus have featured traditional roast turkey, pork and ham, seafood, vegetarian dishes and festive desserts, with children’s meals also available.
Unlike many of the more expensive hotel Christmas buffets, Wests has previously offered individual meals and two- or three-course combinations, making it a potentially more affordable option for families. Check with individual clubs to find out which locations will be serving Christmas Day lunch in 2026.
Date: Friday 25 December 2026 — awaiting confirmation
Location: Various Wests clubs around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
Cost: 2026 pricing to be announced
Website
Wests Nelson Bay
For families spending Christmas in Port Stephens, Wests Nelson Bay is another venue worth checking.
In previous years, the club has offered Christmas Day meals featuring traditional roasts, seafood, children’s meals and festive desserts. Its relaxed bistro setting makes it an alternative to the more expensive resort and hotel Christmas lunches around Port Stephens. The 2026 Christmas Day menu and availability have not yet been confirmed.
Date: Friday 25 December 2026 — awaiting confirmation
Location: 88 Shoal Bay Road, Nelson Bay
Cost: 2026 pricing to be announced
Website
Christmas Day lunch on the Central Coast
Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi
If you’re happy to travel a little further south, Mingara Recreation Club is hosting a Christmas Day buffet in The Show Room. The festive spread includes fresh oysters, prawns, blue swimmer crab, traditional roast turkey, ham and pork, along with seasonal vegetables, salads and vegetarian options. For dessert, enjoy Christmas pudding, pavlova and other festive sweets. With children’s pricing and a relaxed club setting, Mingara is another option for families looking for a Christmas buffet.
Date: Friday 25 December 2026
Time: 11am–2.30pm
Location: 12–14 Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi
Cost: Adults $145 members / $165 non-members; children 3–12 $55 members / $65 non-members; children under 3 free
Website
Tips for booking Christmas Day lunch
If you’re planning to eat out on Christmas Day, it’s worth booking early. Many restaurants, hotels and clubs have limited sittings, and popular Christmas lunches can sell out well before December.
Here are a few things to consider before making your booking:
- Check children’s prices. Some venues offer discounted children’s meals, while others charge adult prices for teenagers.
- Find out what’s included. Christmas buffets may include drinks, entertainment and visits from Santa, while other venues charge separately.
- Consider the timing. Some venues offer one long lunch sitting, while others have separate lunch and dinner sessions.
- Check cancellation conditions. Many Christmas Day dining experiences require full payment when booking and have strict cancellation policies.
- Ask about dietary requirements. If anyone in your family has allergies or special dietary needs, contact the venue before booking.
- Book directly with the venue. Check the official website for the latest menus, prices and availability.
Whether you’re planning a big family gathering or a quieter Christmas celebration, eating out can be a lovely way to spend Christmas Day without the stress of preparing a festive feast.
And with so many beautiful beaches, waterfronts and scenic spots around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens, you can always finish your Christmas lunch with a family walk, a beach visit or some time enjoying the outdoors.
Merry Christmas from Newy with Kids!
Don’t miss any of the other festive fun happening across the region. Head to the Newy with Kids Guide to Christmas for the full list, including Christmas events and Christmas markets.