Christmas Day Lunch Cruises In Sydney – Compare Buffet & Banquet Packages

Christmas Day cruises in Sydney are three-hour festive lunch cruises that run only on 25 December from King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour. Each package includes a Christmas buffet or banquet lunch, harbour sightseeing past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, reserved seating and waiter service on an air-conditioned boat. Packages start from $155 per person. Choose a package with unlimited drinks included, or a lunch-only package and buy drinks from the bar on board.

Why Book A Christmas Day Cruise?
Christmas lunch cruises in Sydney let you enjoy the celebration without spending the day in the kitchen. Instead of preparing lunch, serving guests and cleaning afterwards, everything is taken care of while you relax on Sydney Harbour. With festive food, iconic harbour views and your table reserved for the duration of the cruise, it's become a popular Christmas tradition for families, couples and visitors looking for a memorable way to celebrate.

Since 1983, more than 8 million guests have cruised with Australian Cruise Group. Compare trusted Christmas Day cruise options in one place and book with confidence. 

Which Christmas Day Cruise Is Right for You?
Christmas Day lunch cruises differ by vessel, menus and drinks packages, so the best choice depends on the kind of Christmas experience you want on Sydney Harbour. Book early, since capacity is limited on 25 December

• Clearview Cruises – the premium choice:  Choose Clearview for floor-to-ceiling glass, beautifully presented Christmas dining and uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour from every table. A specially curated Christmas banquet and unlimited drinks add to the premium experience, making it one of the standout Christmas Day cruises.
  Best For: Couples, small groups and those who love scenic dining
• Sydney Showboats – the classic choice: Choose Showboat II for its grand paddlewheeler setting, theatre-style dining saloon and a Christmas banquet served with drinks as you cruise past Sydney’s harbour icons. It offers a $155 banquet-only package option too, with drinks available for purchase.
  Best For: Groups that would like a grand celebration with package flexibility
• Magistic Cruises – the relaxed buffet choice : Choose Magistic Two if you want a more laid-back Christmas, with a spacious modern catamaran, a generous buffet, and plenty of room to move around between courses. With drinks available for purchase at the bar, it’s an easygoing way to celebrate Christmas.
  Best For: Families with kids and larger parties with varied food interests

What's Included in a Christmas Day Cruise in Sydney?
Every Christmas Day harbour cruise is planned so you can enjoy the holiday without the cooking, cleaning or hosting. Depending on the package you choose, your cruise may include:

• Christmas buffet or banquet lunch featuring traditional festive favourites, fresh seafood, salads and desserts
• Three-hour Sydney Harbour cruise with views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline
• Air-conditioned boat for comfortable cruising
• Reserved seating for your booking
• Drinks package (selected cruises) with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks
• Licensed onboard bar on cruises without an included drinks package
• Waiter service for drinks and table service

*Inclusions vary between vessels, so check each package before booking.

Compare Christmas Day Lunch Cruise Packages 
This table helps you compare the vessel, menu, drinks and pricing before booking your Christmas lunch on Sydney Harbour. 
 
 

There's only one Christmas Day, and the best seats on the harbour go first. Compare the vessels, dining and drinks above, and book your Christmas Day lunch cruise early to secure the package you want.


Here are some Frequently Asked Questions from our guests:

When do Christmas Day lunch cruises operate?
Christmas Day lunch cruises operate only on 25 December, with limited departures throughout the day. As there is only one Christmas Day each year, popular cruises and packages can sell out well in advance.

What is the difference between a Christmas buffet and a banquet?
A buffet lunch allows you to choose from a selection of festive dishes and return for more throughout the meal service. A banquet menu is a more structured dining experience, with dishes served to the table for your group to enjoy.

Which Christmas Day cruise has the best views?
A Christmas Day lunch cruise in Sydney offers views of the city’s major landmarks, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Clearview’s floor-to-ceiling glass offers an immersive view, while all vessels let you enjoy the scenery from air-conditioned comfort, with outdoor deck areas also available. 

Are drinks included with Christmas Day lunch?
Some packages include unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks, while others are lunch-only and allow you to purchase beverages from the licensed onboard bar. Check the drinks inclusions for your selected package before booking, as they can affect the overall price and experience.

What food is served on Christmas Day cruises?
Christmas Day menus vary between vessels and packages. Depending on your cruise, you may enjoy a Christmas buffet or banquet menu featuring festive favourites, seafood, salads, sides and desserts. The exact menu and dining format should be checked against your selected cruise before booking.

Can our group sit together?
Yes. Your booking includes reserved seating, so groups booked together are seated together. For larger groups, it is best to book early because Christmas Day cruises have limited capacity.

Where do Christmas Day cruises depart from?
These Christmas Day Sydney Harbour lunch cruises depart from King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour, a central Sydney departure point accessible by public transport, ferry, light rail and car.

What should I wear on a Christmas Day cruise?
Smart casual attire is recommended, and festive clothing is welcome. Beachwear, singlets and thongs are not permitted.

Why should I book my Christmas Day cruise early?
Christmas Day cruises have limited capacity and only operate on 25 December. Booking early gives you a better choice of vessel, dining style, drinks package and price point, particularly if you’re travelling as a family or larger group.

Are there child prices for Christmas Day cruises?
No. Christmas Day cruises are priced per person, with no separate child fares. For families, the Magistic buffet is a popular choice, since everyone can pick the dishes they enjoy.

Are the boats air-conditioned?
Yes. All Christmas Day cruise boats are air-conditioned, so you can stay cool on a summer Christmas Day while enjoying views of Sydney Harbour.

Is there table service on buffet cruises?
Yes. Waiter service is available on every Christmas Day cruise for drinks and table service, including the Magistic buffet cruise.