Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday, which means a long weekend for most of Melbourne and one less reason to cook. If you’d rather leave the turkey to someone else this year, plenty of the city’s restaurants and hotels are already taking bookings for Christmas Day lunch, and a few sittings have sold out. Here’s where to book Christmas Day lunch in Melbourne, from six-course long lunches in the CBD to riverside feasts in Southbank.
Christmas Day lunch in Melbourne at a glance
- Date: Friday 25 December 2026
- Typical price: around $150 to $400 per adult for set menus and buffets, with lower prices for children
- Most lunches run: between about 11:30am and 5pm, often in two sittings
- Book: now, as Christmas Day menus have fixed numbers and many need payment up front
Where to book Christmas Day lunch in Melbourne
JUNI, Melbourne CBD
JUNI on Exhibition Street is running a six-course Christmas long lunch from 12pm to 4pm. It starts with a glass of Champagne on arrival and ends with a classic pavlova, and there’s a children’s menu for younger guests. Adults are $185 per person.
Chancery Lane, Melbourne CBD
On Little Collins Street, Chancery Lane is serving a European-inspired festive lunch across two sittings between 11:30am and 4pm. Adults are $220 and children $65, with a separate children’s menu.
Taxi Kitchen, Federation Square
Up on Level 1 at Federation Square, Taxi Kitchen pairs a five-course Christmas menu with views over the Yarra and the city. Lunch runs from 12pm to 5pm and opens with a cocktail on arrival, with Christmas cocktails available through the afternoon. Adults are $275 and children $150.
Sofitel Melbourne On Collins
For a big hotel Christmas, Sofitel has two lunch options. The Grand Ballroom buffet runs from 12pm to 2:30pm at $360 per adult, $95 for ages 6 to 11 and $65 for ages 3 to 5, with a classic beverage package, live entertainment and a visit from Santa. Up on level 35, No35 serves a festive set-menu lunch at $400 per person with a premium beverage package that includes Pommery Champagne. Prefer the evening? No35 also has Christmas dinner sittings from $330 per adult. Note that the Sofi’s Lounge buffet has already sold out.
Hophaus, Southbank
Right on the Southgate promenade, Hophaus is serving a three-course shared Christmas menu with bookings from 12:30pm, inside or out on the terrace overlooking the river. Adults are $150 and children $40.
Transport Public Bar, Federation Square
Want something more casual? Downstairs from Taxi Kitchen, Transport Public Bar is open on Christmas Day with a festive roast, Christmas cocktails and live music. It suits a relaxed catch-up rather than a long sit-down lunch.
Celebrating somewhere with a view after lunch? See our guide to the best rooftop bars in Melbourne.
Tips for booking Christmas Day lunch
- Book early. Christmas Day menus have set numbers, and popular sittings sell out well before December.
- Check for surcharges. Many venues add a public holiday surcharge on Christmas Day, so check whether it’s included in the price.
- Ask about kids and dietaries. Children’s prices and menus vary a lot, and most venues need dietary requirements in advance.
- Read the cancellation policy. Most Christmas bookings are prepaid and non-refundable close to the day.
- Plan your trip. Public transport runs a holiday timetable on Christmas Day, so check before you leave.
Christmas Day lunch Melbourne FAQs
What day is Christmas Day in 2026?
Friday 25 December 2026.
How much does Christmas Day lunch cost in Melbourne?
Set menus and buffets at the venues above range from about $150 to $400 per adult. Many include a drink on arrival or a beverage package.
Are restaurants open on Christmas Day in Melbourne?
Yes. Many restaurants, pubs and hotels open for Christmas Day lunch with special set menus, but bookings are usually essential.
When should I book Christmas lunch?
As soon as you can. Many venues open Christmas bookings months ahead, and the best sittings go first.