"All I want for Christmas is to spend the day slaving over a hot oven and washing dishes," said nobody ever. Most of us would prefer a delicious meal cooked and cleaned up afterwards by someone else. Which brings us to one of the festive season's greatest blessings—restaurants that kindly open their doors on the 25th of December, especially for our wining and dining pleasure.
Here are the best restaurants open on Christmas Day in Christchurch for 2024, so you can sit back, relax, and do what many of us do best on Chrissy Day—eating!
Fable Christchurch
166 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City
There are few places more beautiful to spend Chrissy Day than Fable Christchurch. And this gorgeous hotel in the city centre is inviting you to enjoy a stunning three-course dinner menu, with welcome bubbles and snacks on arrival.
Graze over seared scallops, burrata, or beef tartare before making your way through roasted turkey thigh, beef fillet or market fish with all the sides, followed by a pre-dessert (yes, you get doubs dessert here!) of a choux bun filled with brandy cream, then dessert proper (think deconstructed pav, chocolate pudding, or strawberry tart). You're welcome.
The Acheron Restuarant & Bar
Sudima Christchurch Airport, 550 Memorial Avenue, Christchurch
When was the last time you had a classic shrimp cocktail? Far too long ago, right? Which is one of the many reasons why we're keen to book a spot at The Acheron Restaurant & Bar's generous Christmas Day buffet dinner (sorry folks, lunch has already sold out).
Other reasons to visit include their grilled Canterbury lamb loin and Moroccan spiced lamb ribs with dukkah and tzatiki, black forest gateaux, cold smoked Akaroa king salmon with dill and caper crème fraiche, and lemon curd white chocolate cheesecake. Ooh, and the obligatory festive fizz on arrival.
The Square Restaurant & Bar
Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square, 52 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City
Christmas lunch at one of Christchurch's best hotels doesn't sound half bad... so with that in mind, pack up the family sleigh and head along to The Square Restaurant & Bar on December 25th. Their premium central-city spot is serving up a generous buffet for both lunch and dinner this year, with sackloads of food to feed you and yours.
Stuff your face with bread and antipasto, down oysters and bloody mary shots, gorge yourself on pork belly and Yorkshire pud, pack in some nutrition with a salad or two, and appease your sweet tooth with sticky date pudding and a living, breathing chocolate fondue station. Calm. The. Farm.
Don't forget the free glass of bubbles, and tea and coffee to wash it all down.
Fig Restaurant & Bar
Hotel Elms, 456 Papanui Road, Papanui Christchurch
You'll be as stuffed as a turkey after Christmas Day lunch at Fig Restaurant & Bar. This spot is pulling out all the stops on December 25th with a buffet that practically screams Santa belly. From a loaded seafood selection (side note: it looks like they've also got the classic shrimp cocktail on lock) to a carvery and 'butcher's block' station, along with a tonne of tasty sides to balance things out, this is festive feasting at its absolute finest.
Not to overlook our favourite part of the whole shebang of course aka dessert, which is a perfect round-up of classic Chrissy treats like brandy snaps, pav, trifle, and mince pies.
Wanna know where to eat in the 03, on a normal day? Here are the best restaurants in Christchurch to tick off your list.
Main image credit: Fable Christchurch / Supplied