You’ve opened the presents, grazed your way through a rolling Christmas breakfast–brunch–lunch, and now you’re wondering what to do next, or what’s actually open on Christmas Day in Sydney. If you’re keen to get out of the house, stretch your legs, or keep the festive vibes flowing, we’ve got you sorted.

Our guide to Sydney's Christmas Day trading hours for 2026 covers everything you need to know about what’s open on 25 December. From family-friendly attractions and outdoor adventures to Christmas movies, animal encounters, beaches, parks, and festive events, there are still plenty of places welcoming visitors on the big day.

Whether you’re planning a low-key outing or looking for fun things to do in Sydney on Christmas Day, this list will help you make the most of 25 December.

Sydney Venues Open on Christmas Day 2026

1. Where to Grab a Coffee on Christmas Day 

San Valentino - This Italian Haberfield delight is open on Christmas Day serving all-day breakfast, specialty coffee, fresh juices and smoothies and mouth-watering pastries and cakes. Open 7 am to 8 pm. 

Coffee, Tea and Me - Typically open on Christmas Day serving pastries, matcha, tea, treats and coffee. With two outposts, the Redfern venue is open 6 am to 2 pm, whilst the Potts Point is 7 am to 2 pm. 

Bake Bar (open from 6 am - 1 pm at Randwick, other locations may be closed) – This award-winning artisan bakery is known for its amazing bread, pastries, delicious food and great coffee. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere on Christmas Day!

Shuk (open as normal) – These popular Israeli-inspired cafes have a mouth-watering menu, and delicious baked goods, including the best-ever jam doughnuts and amazing coffee. With locations in Bondi, Chatswood, Surry Hills, The Rocks and Elizabeth Bay, it's perfect for a Christmas Day pick-me-up. 

If you've got a hankering for a fresh and flakey pie to go with your morning coffee, Lode Pies in Surry Hills will be serving both from 7 am to 12 pm.

The Grumpy Baker – With eight locations across Sydney in Vaucluse, Bellevue Hill, Coogee, Maroubra, Neutral Bay, Waverton, Castle Cove and Marrickville, you can get your coffee fix from 7 am along with fresh loaves, pastries and pies, or dine-in for breakfast or lunch. 

For coffee in the heart of the CBD, stop in at the luxurious Parlour at QT Sydney until 11.30 am.

Head to Barrel One Coffee Roasters in Manly and Brookvale from 7 am - 10 am for your favourite cup. All other Barrel One locations will be closed on the 25th. 

Over on the north side of the bridge, The Author Cafe in Forestville is open seven days a week and that includes Christmas Day from 7 am - 11 am.

Sketch Manly will be brewing their delicious coffees from 7 am until 1 pm.

Another saviour on the Northern Beaches, Rollers Bakehouse in Manly will be serving fresh brews on Christmas Day from 7 am - 11 am.

If all else fails, you can drive past your local Shell Coles Express for a takeaway coffee - we love their Coles Express Urban Coffees!

2. Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Sydney 

El Jannah - Multiple Locations Throughout Sydney

If you’re skipping the traditional roast this year or simply want to avoid the stress of cooking, El Jannah has Christmas Day sorted. The cult-favourite Lebanese-Australian charcoal chicken brand will be open across Sydney on 25 December, serving its famous charcoal chicken, pillowy Lebanese bread, hot chips, and the iconic garlic sauce that Sydneysiders know and love.

It’s the perfect fuss-free Christmas lunch; plenty to feed the family, no kitchen prep required! 

To find your nearest location, visit El Jannah.

City Restaurants

There's no excuse not to enjoy a scrumptious meal on the 25th with plenty of Sydney restaurants cooking up amazing Christmas Day lunches. Here are some of our favourites:

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour – Their Festive Lunch Buffet serves up a spread of seasonal favourites: fresh seafood, roasts, decadent desserts and more. Lunch is $299 per adult, children (5–11 yrs) $99.

Novotel Sydney Parramatta – A family-friendly Christmas Buffet Lunch with traditional roasts, fresh seafood, salads and desserts (plus ice-cream station for the kids!). Adults $239, teens $169, kids $89, kids under 5 eat free.

Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney – Their Christmas Seafood Buffet Lunch includes king prawns, turkey roulade, chocolate croquembouche and more festive dishes. Adults $299, children (5–12 yrs) $155, kids under 5 eat free.

Botanic House – A contemporary Asian-inspired menu from Luke Nguyen. Includes a set menu, glass of Champagne and bon bons at every table. Adults $260, kids 4-12 $75.

Fratelli Fresh – Book this family favourite for a Christmas Day with authentic Italian flair! Get a limoncello on arrival and dig into a special lunch menu of antipasti, fresh prawns, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, honey-glazed ham, fresh fruit and more.

Eastern Suburbs 

Centennial Homestead - Set in the relaxing natural beauty of Centennial Park, a Homestead Christmas will make guests feel right at home with canapes on arrival, carving stations, plenty of fresh seafood and dessert stations for the little kids and big ones too. Adults $210, Kids (3-12) $75, under 3 dine free. 

The Winery - Another stunning setting, The Winery is opening its doors for a three-course shared style Christmas set menu with all the favourites and a glass of sparkling on arrival. A DJ will be playing from 11am so there's really no excuse not to get into the festive spirit early on! $199 per person. 

Inner West 

Brew Dog - For a no-fuss, frills-free option, visit Brew Dog in South Eveleigh which will remain open on Christmas Day 2026, serving its usual menu, alongside a Christmas roast, cold prawns, and even colder beers. Santa will pop in at 1pm. No cover charge here but bookings are still recommended. 

Western Sydney

Penrith Panthers – Let Panthers take care of the hard work this Christmas Day. Kelly's Bar + Kitchen is serving up a Christmas Day Buffet, with fresh seafood, slow-roasted cuts of meat, seasonal salads and indulgent desserts. Tickets start at $95 for members, $105 for non-members, and $55 for kids aged 4-12 (3 and under dine free).

North Sydney

Ripples Chowder Bay – This dreamy spot in Mosman is open on Christmas Day in Sydney 2026 and celebrating with a three-course set lunch menu plus snacks, bread, olives and sides for $295 per person. A children’s menu will be available for $95 per child under 12. Book now!

South Sydney 

Summer Salt - This Cronulla seafood favourite will undoubtedly deliver the goods this Christmas. With a set menu overlooking the waves, this is the perfect way to unwind on the big day. The set menu also comes with an option to upgrade to a seafood platter for those who like it salty. 

For more venues, check out the top Christmas Lunches in Sydney.

3. Are Supermarkets Open on Christmas Day in Sydney?

Make sure you stock up on all your grocery essentials ahead of the 25th of December as most supermarkets will be closed on Christmas Day in Sydney, including Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi. If you do get desperate, a handful of IGA stores in each state will be open on Christmas Day at reduced hours. It's best to call ahead to your local IGA to check. Some 7-Eleven stores can often be open on the 25th, but again, it's best to check your local one before visiting. 

4. Are Bottle Shops Open on Christmas Day?

While many may argue that liquor is particularly important on festive holidays such as Christmas, sadly, all liquor stores across Sydney will be closed on Christmas Day, including Liquorland, Dan Murphy's, and BWS. Best to stock up well ahead of the 25th!

5. Is McDonald's Open on Christmas Day?

Hallelujah! If you've got a hankering for a Big Mac or a cheeky drive-through coffee at Maccas on the 25th, you might be in luck. Most McDonald's and Hungy Jacks venues stay open all year round.

6. What About Kmart Christmas Opening Hours?

If you're hoping to steal a quick break from the Christmas mayhem with a trip to Kmart, don't bank on your closest one being open. Most Kmart stores will be closed on Christmas Day but will reopen on Boxing Day.

7. Fun Places to Visit On Christmas Day

Taronga Zoo

This year, Taronga remains open to visitors wanting to wish their furry friends a Merry Christmas but in addition, it will host a Wildly Wonderful Christmas Day with an unforgettable festive feast and views over the harbour. Guests will be treated to an abundant Christmas Day feast including oysters and prawns, an artisanal charcuterie, roast turkey with all the trimmings and plenty of sweet treats. Santa will also pop in for a quick hello before guests are welcome to have a roam around the zoo. Adults $300, Teens 12-17: $280, Kids 5-11: $150, 4 and under dine free. 

Sydney Zoo

The amazing Sydney Zoo will be open, so you can spend the big day among exotic and native animals. The expansive sanctuary also includes Australia's largest Reptile and Nocturnal house and an aquarium. Open 9am to 5pm. 

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium & WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Both SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium & WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo will be open this year!

Visiting SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium gives any child that thrilling feeling of being an underwater explorer. Open 9am to 5pm. 

Buy a combo ticket, and you can also visit WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo - a great kid-friendly place with interactive elements dotted throughout the zoo. Open 9.30am to 3pm. 

Please note: All of these great venues need to be booked in advance.

Cinemas and Movies 

Retreat from the Christmas mayhem in air-conditioned comfort. You can always rely on the big screen to keep the kids entertained on Christmas Day. Hoyts, Event and Palace Cinemas are usually open on the 25th. You can even watch a movie at one of these epic movie playgrounds!

The Beach

If the kids want to test out their new surfboards or snorkelling gear, then you've just got to hit the beach! 

If you've got tiny tots in tow and prefer avoiding the Christmas chaos and crowds, head to some of our other fantastic kid-friendly beaches, our beautiful rock pools or even discover Sydney's secret beaches.

Whatever you end up doing, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas filled with loads of love and laughter.

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About ellaslist

ellaslist is a trusted local guide for families across Sydney and NSW, written by parents and family lifestyle editors who understand what makes an outing with kids genuinely work. Our team researches and curates the best family-friendly events, attractions, playgrounds, restaurants and school holiday activities, with practical details on age suitability, accessibility, parking, public transport, facilities and family-friendly tips.

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