Christmas is that time of year to get out and catch up with friends and family. We’ve rounded up the best Chrissy themed venues and offers.
Christmas Eve
MANLY WHARF HOTEL, MANLY
Manly Wharf Hotel brings back its ‘Orphan’s Christmas’ dinner for those away from home. Expect the traditional Christmas meal with glazed ham, Yorkshire pudding and more, paired perfectly with a beer or glass of house wine. Soak up Australia’s holiday spirit with a feast set right on the jetty wharf before kicking on into the evening with DJs Nick Carlton and James Jensen spinning tunes till late.
When: Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24 December
Time: from 6.30pm
Price: $25 with a beer and house wine.
Address: East Esplanade, Manly Wharf
Bookings: 02 9977 1266, manlywharfhotel.com.au
Note: Manly Wharf Hotel will be closed Christmas Day
BEL AND BRIO
Break bread (and so much more) with friends and strangers alike at a family style Christmas Eve dinner at Bel & Brio. Enjoy a lavish spread of dishes paired with a great line up of wine. Enjoy bruschetta, spaghetti alle vongole and smoked lamb leg just like Nona makes it before finishing up with torrone semifreddo. Buon Appetito!
When: Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24 December
Time: from 6:00 pm
Price: adults $149.00 and kids $20.00
Address: 300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Bookings: 02 9299 9107, https://belandbrio.com.au/events/italian-christmas-feast/
Christmas offers
MANLY WHARF HOTEL, MANLY
Santa by the Surf returns to Manly Wharf Hotel to fulfil all your Christmas card goals. Round up the entire family (including the doggos) and have your photos taken with Aussie Santa with Sydney harbour views in the background. Skip the shopping centre lines and enjoy a fuss free Christmas experience with the whole family.
When: 14 December – 15 December
Time: 8am – 12pm
Price: packages start from $38
Bookings: santabythesurf.com/
Website: manlywharfhotel.com.au/
THE GLENMORE, THE ROCKS
Festivus for the rest of us
For all you Seinfeld lovers out there, The Glenmore hosts Festivus for the rest of us. Festivus for the rest of us is a day where grievances can be aired and is an alternative to the pressures and commercialism of the Christmas season. Whether you’re a Kramer, Elaine, George or Jerry dress up for the occasion and get around the Festivus traditions. The celebrations bring with it awards for the best and worst dressed; an air your grievance wall; salted caramel espresso martinis – these pretzels are making me thirsty; $12 Aperol Spritz’ all day long and live music on the rooftop (from 3pm).
When: Monday 23 December
Time: 11am – close, music from 3pm.
Website: https://theglenmore.com.au/
Price: Free event
Address 96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Note: The Glenmore is closed Christmas Day.
THE ROYAL LEICHHARDT, LEICHHARDT
Christmas Neighbourhood Party and Ham Raffle
The Royal Leichhardt’s Christmas neighbourhood party is set to impress. Drinks and nibbles from 2.00pm, Santa Claus pops in at 3.00pm and a Christmas ham raffle at 4.00pm.
Don’t feel like basting your own ham? The Royal Leichhardt gives guests the option to win one. The Christmas ham raffle has a large selection of hams and a cheeky couple of wines and beers up for grabs, in The Royal’s charity raffle. Tickets are purchased from the main bar from 5.00pm, with the winners announced at 6.30pm.
When: Sunday 15 December (Christmas party), Friday 20 December (ham raffle)
Time: Christmas Party 2.00pm – 7.00pm, ham raffle 5.00pm – late. Raffle is drawn at 6.30pm.
Website: https://theroyalleichhardt.com.au/whats-on/
Address: 156 Norton St, Leichhardt NSW
Note: The Royal is closed Christmas Day
FLOWERS FOR EVERYONE- WREATH MAKING
Get crafty this Christmas with a bespoke DIY Christmas wreath. Working with senior floral designers, you will get to design, style and create your very own wreath, perfect for hanging on your door, wall or as a beautiful centre piece at the dining table. You’ll also get to enjoy a glass or two of champagne as your creative skills are put to work.
When: 7 December, 14 December, 21 December
Tickets: available here
Price: $99 per person
Address: Flowers for Everyone, Shop 6, Scotch Row, 3 Sussex St, Barangaroo
Note: Spaces are limited, so book now!
DARLING SQUARE
Christmas Bells are coming to Darling Square! An interactive and playful installation features the swings inspired by the shape of Christmas bells with the public invited to swing on the 3 oversized bells. When people swing on the bells they will illuminate and will make the sound of different Christmas tunes!
When: 9-27 December
BUCKETS BOYS
Beer geek advent calendar- 12 beers of Christmas
After a thoroughly grown-up way to countdown to Christmas? Beer lovers unite for the Bucket Boys, beer-filled advent calendars, where bottles of booze replace chunks of chocolate. They’re a great way to discover a range on local and international craft beers. We’ll say cheers to that.
When: available for order now
Order: online or instore
Price: $99
Address: inside, The Exchange Building, 1 Little Pier St, Haymarket
Non alcoholic advent calendar- 12 drinks of Christmas.
Just because you aren’t drinking doesn’t mean you should miss out on the fun. Whether you’re off the booze or just taking a break this box is perfect for you. With a range of non-alcoholic beers, ciders, ginger beers and kombuchas, you’ll still be feeling merry and bright this festive season.
When: available for order now
Order: online or instore
Price: $55
Address: inside, The Exchange Building, 1 Little Pier St, Haymarket
The trifle your Christmas tables can’t live without. Channelling a good ‘ol Aussie Christmas in the sunshine, Messina has gone tropical with their flavours this year. Expect layers of passionfruit, gauva, mango, macadamia and coconut. Talk about a very, merry Christmas.
When: available for order now
Order: order online here.
Price: $170/ serves 20-30 people
Pick up address: Messina, 3 Little Hay St, Haymarket
Take the hassle out of Christmas with one of Andy Bowdy’s famous Christmas trifles. With four delicious, over the top flavours to choose from, Pasan, Eliza, Tiramisu and Philly are loaded with fresh fruits, boozy jellies, caramelised almonds and salted coconut cream. Talk about a Christmas dessert done right!
When: Available for order now
Order: order online here.
Price: $195/ serves 18-22 people
Buying for the chef of the house? Grab a gourmet gift hamper from Boque by Tapavino. With goodies including house made dulce de leche sauce, spiced almonds, sherry vinegar and freshly sliced charcuterie you’ll be ready to cook up a Spanish storm this festive season. Want to make it personal? Head instore and create your own bespoke hamper on the spot.
When: available for order now
Order: order instore
Price: $120
Address: order and pick up from The Exchange, Shop 3/1 Little Pier St, Haymarket
Trying to find the perfect present for that picky person? Bathers’ Pavilion has you covered with their range of Christmas hampers. Available in four different sizes, the hampers include everything from a Bathers Pavilion gift voucher, Christmas puddings, mince tarts, Royal Doulton Decorations, bespoke napkins and a bottle of Champagne. Perfect for the foodie of the family.
When: Available for order now
Order: (02) 9969 5050
Price: available in four offerings: $90 / $140 / $190 / $250
Address: pick up from Bathers’ Pavilion,4 The Esplanade, Mosman
Note: all hampers must be picked up from Bathers’ Pavilion. Delivery is not available.