2020 has been a year to forget for many Melbournians, but as the light begins to shine again, why not cap it off in style. Christmas is only a few weeks away and the thought of celebrating in the home you’ve been stuck in for 7 months, might not be that attractive. If you’re looking to celebrate Christmas lunch or dinner somewhere else this year, then you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want dining or an additional accommodation option, or simply just want someone else to do the heavy lifting – this is your ultimate guide to Christmas Day lunch in Melbourne.
Dine & Stay Christmas Day lunch in Melbourne
Christmas is a wonderful time to experience all that Melbourne has to offer, including its many amazing hotels and accommodations found in hotspots all over the city. Many of Melbourne’s top hotels are offering Christmas packages for both locals and travellers. Big names like Hilton, The Windsor and The Langham are open for Christmas festivities for you and the family. Ideally located, these dine and stay options are perfect for couples, families and even friends. Right in the heart of the city, you can celebrate Christmas the right way by immersing yourself back in this beautiful city. Here are our top picks this year.
The Langham Melbourne
The Langham Melbourne is known for bringing drama to their dining with their imaginative pastry team and distinguished chefs adding that pink flourish we have all come to recognise. Located right on the water, The Langham Melbourne have a Christmas Day accommodation special which includes overnight accommodation, a Christmas welcome amenity, Christmas dinner for 2 at Melba Restaurant, a Christmas turn-down amenity, free WiFi and valet parking. Prefer to wake up in luxury on Christmas morning? Book the Christmas Day accommodation package and enjoy a Christmas lunch at Melba Restaurant instead.
Sofitel Melbourne
Send off the year in style with a Christmas celebration at Sofitel Melbourne, with French-inspired dining on level 35 of this CBD address. Book your group in for the ‘Joyeux Noël’ at restaurant No35 for a plated lunch of your festive favourites with a free-flowing beverage package from 12:30pm-3:00pm. If you are after something grander, book your family table in the Grand Ballroom and enjoy a plated lunch served in a family-style.
Riverside Christmas Day lunch in Melbourne
Riverside dining is always in style, and Christmas marks the perfect occasion to gather your friends and family for a celebration by the Yarra River. Given that the city is opening up at an enthusiastic rate, there are a number of riverside Christmas Day lunch in Melbourne. Here are some of our favourites, appealing to families, couples and a group of friends.
The Wharf Hotel
Christmas is a fantastic time to enjoy the beautiful weather and an even better atmosphere. If your family is looking for a relaxed Christmas lunch where you can enjoy each other’s company over some drinks and a delicious three-course menu, then the team at The Wharf Hotel have got you covered. Overlooking the beautiful Yarra, it doesn’t get much more Melbourne than this. Enjoy the view, the friendly faces and the cold drinks to celebrate your 2020 Christmas in Melbourne. Offering two sittings, The Wharf Hotel is located in the perfect spot to enjoy a few drinks before or after your Christmas lunch.
Bang Pop
If you’re missing your annual Christmas holiday or trip overseas because of the travel restrictions, then look no further than Bang Pop in South Wharf. This beautiful Thai oasis in Melbourne is the perfect way to enjoy a mock Christmas holiday right here in Melbourne. Serving up tasty Thai style Christmas cuisine, the chefs at Bang Pop will transport you to Thailand without even leaving the table. Open from 11am-4pm on Christmas Day, you can enjoy Christmas lunch at a time that suits everyone.
Arbory Afloat
Arbory Afloat needs no introduction and is usually one of Melbourne’s favourite spots at the end of the year for a Spritz and an afternoon session. This fantastic bar is an extension of Arbory, and is a man-made jetty that actually sits on the water with a decadent bar and nautical vibe beckoning commuters walking along the Yarra and tastemakers alike. On Christmas Day, you can book a Cabana or Day Bed package at Arbory Afloat at 12pm, 4pm or 8pm. In addition to the impressive cocktail menu, expect graze plates of fresh seafood, wood-fired pizza and snacks brought straight to your Cabana or Day Bed.
Fine Dining Christmas Day lunch in Melbourne
Aren’t we all deserving of some fine dining after getting through this never-ending year? Uber Eats and the same meal prep set the scene for most of 2020, so here are some suggestions to truly shake off that lockdown and look forward to next year and the many possibilities that exist.
State of Grace
This elegant CBD gem is offering a fantastic Christmas dining option to help you celebrate the end of 2020 in style. State of Grace is offering a Christmas lunch to remember, with two sittings available you can enjoy that Christmas sleep in and still make it to lunch on time. With a glass of bubbles on arrival, this lunch option is sure to have you celebrating the day the way it was meant to be. While you’re there enjoying the festivities, be sure to look up and experience the breathtaking chandelier as well, because it’s known to impress and wow any Christmas lunch in Melbourne.
Blakes Feast
Blakes Feast applies a creative twist to Modern Australian, and the Christmas Day Feast looks to be no different. The best part? You’ll be eating outside in the Royal Botanic Gardens in a central position to hit the next venue after lunch. For fine dining in the comfort of your own home – Blakes Feast has curated some stunning Christmas hampers that will leave you merry and well-fed.
It’s been a challenging year, so take the hassle out of planning and enjoy a Christmas Day lunch in Melbourne. We would love to hear where you are spending Christmas and don’t forget to read about our top regional NSW destinations in case you get itchy feet over the festive period.