The question: What’s open on Christmas Day in Melbourne? – pops up every December. But it’s not like everyone is a total Christmas genius; usually it’s when someone suddenly realises the esky is empty, the in-laws have turned up early, or the poor turkey is still frozen! In the years i’ve spent trawling from St Kilda Beach to Queen Victoria Gardens to see which cafés and hotel restaurants were still serving up a decent feed, there’s been a few places that have cut – you know, the ones that actually stayed open – like The Royce, From Here by Mike, and even the Elevate Club Lounge at the Savoy on Little Collins. So, this is it – my totally no-nonsense guide to what’s open and what’s not on the big day.
Where To Find Places Still Serving Food
There’s nothing quite like the festive mood being ground down by discovering that every café within a 5-kilometre radius has shut up shop for the day. But lucky for us, Melburnians love their food – even on Christmas Day. As it turns out, many of the CBD hotel restaurants – like Langlands Restaurant & Bar, One Queen Restaurant, Miss Mi, and Le Méridien Melbourne – stay open thanks to the hardy souls who are travelling through. You’ll find some hatted restaurants, a few rooftop bars, and even a couple of yum cha spots that decide to give Christmas Day a go. And if you’re after a proper seaside Christmas feast, The Brighton Savoy Christmas Lunch has been a long-running, reliable option for years – think classic Christmas roasts, seafood, and a beachfront stroll after you’ve had a crack at the buffet.
You’ll also find a few random places still serving up a meal or snack in Chinatown, the Docklands, and the smaller arcades scattered through the CBD – and a lot of these arcades are lifesavers on public holidays for hungry travellers.
Cafés & Coffee Spots That Save the Morning
A few of the city’s stalwarts fire up the espresso machine early because let’s face it – Melbourne still runs on caffeine even on Christmas morning. Places that are part of a big hotel or just a stone’s throw from one of the big parks – like the ones around the Royal Botanic Gardens – usually stay open.
What’s Open On The Day
If you need to get out of the house, stretch your legs, or entertain kids who’ve already managed to smash up their new toys, some attractions open for the day, while others are shut tighter than a Boxing Day sale at 6 pm. If you’re stuck with nowhere to go, fortunately, your best bet is Parks Victoria-managed outdoor spaces – they’re open all year round, and just begging to be strolled around.
Some of the more popular spots – like the Museum of Desire at NGV – will be closed up, but that doesn’t mean the surrounding open public areas aren’t worth a wander around.
Outdoor Spots Worth a Wander
Think gardens, trails, coastal paths & street art hotspots. You can wander around:
- The Royal Botanic Gardens
- The Queen Victoria Gardens
- Birrarung Marr
- the St Kilda Foreshore
- Hosier Lane is home to some of Melbourne’s best street art.
Attractions That Are Usually Closed
Most indoor galleries and museums will be closed (even Melbourne Zoo, which is usually open all year round) – do check ahead of time to make sure.
Beaches, Bush Tracks & Places to Cool Off
The weather in Melbourne at Xmas is always a bit of a gamble, but if it’s warm, the beaches from St Kilda to Half Moon Bay will be packed from early on. And of course, public spaces remain open – and many public barbecue spots are ready for anyone who turns up with snags and some good timing.
Best Bets for a Christmas Swim
- St Kilda – proper old-school Melbourne chaos
- Brighton Beach – good swimming and some pretty cool bathing boxes
- Williamstown – worth a visit, if you ask us
- Half Moon Bay
If you’re after something a bit fancier, places like Peninsula Hot Springs sometimes run special festive sessions – but be warned, you will need to book ahead of time.
Getting Around Without Losing Your Cool
Christmas transport in Melbourne works – most of the time. Just be aware that trams and trains are on public holiday hours, and the ridesharing prices will be all over the shop.
Transport Tips to Keep You Sane
- Plan a return trip early – just in case
- Expect some delays on the holiday-prone lines
- And don’t forget to carry some water – the Myki machines will be on holiday too!
Pubs, Bars & Bottle-O Options That Are Open
On the upside, the city’s hospitality scene doesn’t entirely shut down for Xmas. You’ll typically be able to find at least one or two open pubs or cocktail spots – like Gin Palace, or some of the riverside bars at Yarra Botanica -. Of course, the old institutions like Hickens Hotel will be welcoming Christmas wanderers.
Open Pubs & Bars (Typical Patterns)
- CBD hotel bars
- Southbank and Docklands venues
- Occasional Fitzroy and St Kilda locations
- Call ahead unless you like walking in circles.
Last-Minute Essentials: Chemists, Servos & Supermarkets
Most supermarkets pack up for the day, but a handful of city IGA shops tend to stay open – often near transport hubs or hotels, like The Royce area is a good bet. And then there are servos – they’re always open, but don’t expect a gourmet feast, the snack selection can be pretty basic – unless you’re in a real bind.
Food Experiences You Can Still Snag
Melbourne’s diversity really shows off on public holidays, when you get to see certain cultural precincts that are actually buzzing.
Feasts You Can Actually Get on Christmas Day
- Some Chinatown Yum Cha spots like Golden Dragon Palace or Shunde Cuisine are open, but only if they’re not having a quiet one for some reason.
- There’s always the Hofbräuhaus in the CBD – they go all out for a German Christmas feast.
- Some Cantonese banquet places still do special family deals on Christmas Day.
- If you’re lucky, Omakase restaurant Warabi might squeeze in some special sessions.
- Some modern places, like Matilda 159 Domain (best check ahead, though), might have spots left.
- If you’re into Asian fusion, then Antara 128 is worth a look.
- For a more low-key Bistro vibe, Bistro X has you covered.
- And then there are the hotels like Le Méridien Melbourne or Savoy on Little Collins that usually put on a special Christmas menu in their in-house restaurant – no need to venture out.
Quick Reference Table: Open Venues At A Glance
| Category | Typically Open | Typically Closed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cafés | Some CBD cafés, hotel cafés | Suburban favourites | Surcharges apply |
| Restaurants | Chinatown, yum cha, hatted hotels, rooftop bars | Many neighbourhood venues | Book ahead |
| Attractions | Parks Victoria sites, beaches, street art, laneways | NGV, Museum spaces | Outdoor wins |
| Pubs/Bars | Gin Palace, Yarra Botanica, hotel bars | Most suburban pubs | Limited menus |
| Transport | Trams & trains (public holiday) | — | Reduced frequency |
| Supermarkets | Select IGAs | Coles, Woolworths, Aldi | Hours vary |
| Servos | Open | — | Snacks only |
| Hot Springs | Some Peninsula Hot Springs sessions | — | Pre-book required |
A Quick Stat for Perspective
On Christmas Day, according to the City of Melbourne’s pedestrian data, the CBD still sees a whopping 85,000 people out and about – strolling between Chinatown, Southbank, & the gardens. It’s not empty, nor is it crazy – just another day in Melbourne.
Low-Key Plans For A Stress-Free Day
Pick a vibe that matches your energy, because let’s face it – Christmas Day isn’t a competition, it’s just about getting by with snacks.
Wander Along, No Rush
- Pop into a cafe near the gardens for a coffee
- Take a stroll through Melbourne’s arcades and check out Hosier Lane
- Grab a dumpling or have a Cantonese banquet
- Head to Yarra Botanica for a drink as the sun sets
Family Fun Guaranteed
- Check out the Royal Botanic Gardens
- Have a picnic in Queen Victoria Gardens
- Grab an ice cream at St Kilda Beach
Get Your Beach On
- Take an early swim
- Lunch at a spot right on the beach
- Take a stroll along the Bay Trail
Escape the Chaos
- Take a wander through Chinatown
- Check out the street art in the laneways
- Grab a drink somewhere that’s still open
Checklist: What to Prep the Day Before
- Make sure your phone & Myki are charged
- Stock up the esky with goodies
- Check the opening hours for Boxing Day, too
- Book restaurants like Matilda 159 Domain, From Here by Mike, and Bistro X if you can
- Bring sunscreen & hats for the family
- Double-check the public transport timetables
FAQ
Are any restaurants actually open?
Yes, there are a few places open, especially yum cha venues, German places like Hofbrauhaus, and hotel restaurants such as Miss Mi or One Queen Restaurant.
Do attractions open?
Outdoor attractions managed by Parks Victoria are open, but indoor museums are closed.
Where can I get a drink somewhere?
Most CBD bars, like Gin Palace and Yarra Botanica, and a few hotel bars keep their festive hours.
Are the beaches & barbecue spots open?
Yes, but public barbecue spots fill up early, so try to snag one before lunchtime.
Can I go to Peninsula Hot Springs on Christmas Day?
Some years, yes! But it tends to book out pretty early, so check well ahead of time.
