Where to go for Christmas Day lunch

Christmas is now well and truly on its way, and as much as we all enjoy eating the leftovers, sometimes it’s nice to let someone else do the cooking and cleaning. We’re here to let you in on all the best spots for Christmas Day lunch this holiday season.

We’ve got all sorts of options for lunch with family and friends or business functions at a range of locations and prices. There’s something here to suit everyone …

Rydges Hotel lunch buffet

Location: 17 Canberra Avenue, Forrest
Time: Christmas Day from 12 pm to 3 pm
Cost: Adults $259, teenagers (11-17 years) $159, children (3-10 years) $79.

Rydges Canberra returns to the Christmas lunch list for good reason. Celebrate the season with some Australian classic Christmas fare – seafood, seasonal sides, as well as a three-hour beverage package, along with the classic English-style roasts. Parents and carers are also encouraged to bring the young ones.

The team at Rydges’ George Bar and Grill never lets it get boring, so among the staples are Christmas specials, including roasted turkey breast and Australian tiger prawns. There will also be some exciting options, such as New Zealand mussels, slow-cooked Tasmanian salmon, slow-roasted lamb leg and roasted five-spice ham.

Bookings are essential, so book today and don’t miss out on this famous Canberra Christmas feast.

Christmas Day at the Club

Locations: Woden – 92-96 Corinna St, Phillip. Tuggeranong – corner Pitman and Holwell streets, Greenway. Jamison – corner Catchpole and Bowman streets, Macquarie.
Times: Woden 11:30 am & 1:30 pm, Tuggeranong 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, Jamison 12 pm & 1 pm
Cost: Adults $130, children under 12 $65.

Southern Cross clubs across Canberra are putting on a Christmas feast for you and your family, so escape the hassle and come to your nearest club for a proper kick-off to the holidays.

The club in Woden is offering a Christmas lunch buffet in the Corinna Ballroom with a seafood, salad and hot food station with plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan options. But if you prefer a three-course meal, the club has you covered. Enjoy a classic Australian celebration of the season with ham and turkey, Balmain bugs and a dessert buffet with pastries and Australian cheeses. Book today for 11:30 am and 1:30 pm on Christmas Day.

The Tuggeranong Southern Cross Club is putting on a three-course meal this Christmas – seafood, roasts and a dessert buffet. Cut the work out of the holidays and come with friends and family to Tuggeranong. Book today for Christmas Day at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm.

The Southern Cross Club in Jamison is ready to host you this Christmas, offering a seafood entree, a roast and dessert buffet. Book now for sittings at 12 pm or 1 pm on Christmas Day.

Gala Christmas Feast

Location: Mariner Place, Yarralumla
Time: 12 pm to 3 pm
Cost: Adults $275, children 12 years and under $120.

The Canberra Yacht Club Christmas lunch is one of the best-catered events in the whole year. The views of Lake Burley Griffin from the balcony are perfect for Christmas Day. Celebrate the holidays at this premier dining location.

The five-course lunch consists of a Greek salad with dips, then moves onto a seafood platter with oysters, prawns and crab salad, followed by lobster, then a glazed ham and turkey, finishing off with sponge roulade. The lunch comes with bottomless beer, wine, and drinks from a curated list.

UPDATE: Sold out.

Hotel Kurrajong

Location: 8 National Circuit, Barton
Time: From 12 pm
Cost: Adults $299, teenagers (11 to 17 years) $209, children under 11 $99.

Treat yourself and the family this Christmas to a luxurious dining experience at the Hotel Kurrajong. The famous Kurrajong Christmas lunch returns this year with the quality and attentiveness that you expect.

Lamb, ham, turkey and seafood are on the menu, along with Italian antipasti. For drinks, there is a curated selection of white, red and sparkling wines, along with beer and non-alcoholic options.

Have a Christmas you’ll remember at the Hotel Kurrajong. Book now for Christmas Day from 12 pm.

Ainslie Football Club and Gungahlin Lakes Club

Locations: Ainslie Football Club – 52 Wakefield Ave, Ainslie. Gungahlin Lakes Club – 110 Gundaroo Dr, Nicholls.
Times: Sittings at 11:30 am, 12 pm, 12:30 pm or 1 pm
Cost: Members $95, guests $110, children $25.

Ainslie Group is hosting Christmas this year at the Ainslie Football Club and Gungahlin Lakes Club, and you’re invited to enjoy a three-course event at your closest club. They’re serving Middle Eastern stuffed pumpkin flowers, a nut roast and berry cheesecake.

Book your sitting time on Christmas Day from 11:30 am.

The Boathouse

Location: Grevillea Park, Menindee Dr, Barton
Time: Arrival at 12 pm. Dining starts at 12:30 pm
Cost: Adults $240 without drinks, children $110.

The Boathouse Christmas lunch is a real treat and has been delivering quality boutique dining for Canberrans to enjoy for 30 years. So let the Boathouse take care of Christmas and toast the year to come. Its six-course dinner menu offers a seafood roulade, egg yolk ravioli, glazed pork loin, aged duck and wagyu sirloin finished off with a lemon pavlova. Each course has a drinks pairing option for its own vintage red, white wine and champagne valued at $85.

Book now for a fantastic meal by the water on Christmas Day.

Pavilion on Northbourne

Location: 242 Northbourne Ave, Dickson
Time: 12 pm to 2 pm
Cost: Adults $195, teenagers (13-17 years) $95, children (6-12 years) $50, (3-5 years) $20.

The Pavilion’s tropical garden atrium provides an exceptional setting for your Christmas lunch. Enjoy the Pavilion’s extensive menu selection of antipasto and seafood, as well as the hot buffet (and a dessert buffet). The options are mind-boggling; the dessert buffet alone offers pudding, pavlova, tarts, truffle, cheeses and fresh fruit. Book now.