Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday, and for plenty of families that means a long summer weekend down the Peninsula. Swap the hot kitchen for a long table among the vines, a bayside pub or a buffet with a view. Here’s where to book Christmas Day lunch on the Mornington Peninsula this year, from Red Hill to Sorrento.
Why the Mornington Peninsula is the go-to for Christmas
For generations of Melburnians, Christmas means the Peninsula. Holiday homes fill up, the population swells by tens of thousands over summer, and towns like Sorrento, Rye, Rosebud, Mornington and Mount Martha are at their busiest from December through January.
Beach life on two coasts. The Peninsula has calm, shallow bay beaches on Port Phillip that are made for families, and wild Bass Strait surf beaches on the ocean side. Over summer, lifesavers patrol bay beaches including Mills Beach in Mornington, South Beach in Mount Martha, Dromana and Rosebud-McCrae, plus surf beaches at Portsea, Sorrento, Gunnamatta and Point Leo. Swim between the red and yellow flags, as many ocean beaches aren’t safe for swimming.
A camping tradition. Foreshore camping at Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento has been a Peninsula summer ritual for more than 70 years. Families come back to the same spots year after year, and peak-season sites are allocated by ballot.
Carols and community. December brings carols nights right across the Peninsula, from Sorrento and Rosebud to Mornington Park, Mount Martha and Dromana. Check the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Christmas page for this year’s dates.
Wine country on the doorstep. With around 60 wineries and a cool maritime climate known for pinot noir, the Peninsula is perfect for a long Christmas lunch at a cellar door, a beachside cafe or a pub on the main street. Browse our Mornington Peninsula restaurants to plan the rest of your holiday eating.
Christmas Day lunch on the Mornington Peninsula at a glance
- Date: Friday 25 December 2026
- Typical price: around $195 to $250 per adult for set menus and buffets, with lower prices for children
- Most lunches run: from late morning to mid-afternoon, often in two sittings
- Book: early, as Peninsula venues fill quickly over the summer holidays
Where to book Christmas Day lunch on the Mornington Peninsula
Lancemore Lindenderry, Red Hill
Up in the Red Hill hinterland, Lancemore Lindenderry sets one long table in its Burton Room for a three-course shared Christmas feast: shared entrées, then mains and desserts passed down the table. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included for the length of your booking. Adults are $250 and children 12 and under $100.
Peppers Moonah Links Resort, Fingal
For a family buffet, Peppers Moonah Links is serving Christmas Day lunch in two sittings, 11:30am to 1:30pm and 2pm to 3:30pm. Expect fresh seafood, traditional Christmas dishes, spit-roasted pork, wood-fired pizza, salads with vegan and vegetarian options, and a dessert buffet. Adults are $195, children 5 to 14 are $90, and kids 4 and under eat free. Tables are allocated in booking order, so earlier bookings get the better spots.
The Continental Sorrento
In the heart of Sorrento, The Continental is hosting Christmas Day across two of its venues, CeeCee’s at The Conti and Ember, both set up for family celebrations. Menus and prices are available when you book, or call the team on 03 5935 1200.
The Grand Hotel, Mornington
On Main Street in Mornington, The Grand Hotel is taking bookings for Christmas Lunch 2026. Call (03) 5975 2001 for the menu and to secure a table.
Peninsula Hot Springs, Fingal
Not a lunch, but a great start to the day. Peninsula Hot Springs is open on Christmas Day, with a Christmas event at 12pm included in your bathing booking. Book a morning soak, then head to one of the lunches above, as Moonah Links is just down the road.
Making a weekend of it? Browse our guides to the best wineries on the Mornington Peninsula and the best restaurants in Red Hill.
Tips for booking Christmas Day lunch on the Peninsula
- Book early. The Peninsula is busy over Christmas, and the best sittings go well before December.
- Check for surcharges. Many venues add a public holiday surcharge on Christmas Day, so ask whether it’s included.
- Ask about kids and dietaries. Children’s prices vary, and most venues need dietary requirements in advance.
- Read the cancellation policy. Christmas bookings are usually prepaid and often non-refundable close to the day.
- Plan your drive. Roads around the Peninsula get busy over the holidays, so allow extra time and organise a designated driver if you’re enjoying the wine.
Christmas Day lunch Mornington Peninsula FAQs
What day is Christmas Day in 2026?
Friday 25 December 2026.
How much is Christmas Day lunch on the Mornington Peninsula?
At the venues above, set menus and buffets range from about $195 to $250 per adult, with children’s prices from free to $100.
Are wineries open on Christmas Day?
It varies from winery to winery, so check each one’s Christmas hours before you go and book ahead.
When should I book?
As soon as you can. Many venues open Christmas bookings months ahead, and popular sittings sell out.
Is the Mornington Peninsula busy at Christmas?
Yes. December and January are the Peninsula’s busiest months, especially between Christmas and New Year, so book lunches and accommodation early and allow extra travel time.
Are dogs allowed on Peninsula beaches over Christmas?
Many Peninsula beaches don’t allow dogs between 10am and 6pm over summer, so check the signs before you head down.