Guyala Cafe's best breakfast in Cairns at the end of the Esplanade.

Where to Dine This Festive Season

Planning your dining experiences during the holidays can be tricky, especially when schedules vary from restaurant to restaurant. We’ve compiled a detailed list of holiday hours for restaurants to help you decide where to go. Whether you’re looking for Christmas dinner restaurants, Christmas lunch, or just places open on Christmas Day, this guide has you covered!

 

 

Important Information: Alcohol Regulations on Christmas Day

Due to Queensland Liquor Licensing laws, alcoholic beverages can only be purchased and consumed on Christmas Day while eating a meal. Liquor can be sold and supplied between 10 AM and midnight, but only under the following conditions:

  • Alcohol must be consumed with a meal in a designated dining area.

  • The meal must be prepared, served, and eaten on the premises.

What qualifies as a meal?

  • A proper meal includes dishes like roast beef with vegetables, lasagne, a stir-fry, or a curry with rice—essentially, food that requires cutlery and is eaten while seated.

  • This excludes light takeaway items such as snacks, hot chips, entrees, or kid’s meals.

All Days Open As Usual

If you’re looking for reliability this festive season, these restaurants are open every day with their usual hours, however, there may be an additional public holiday surcharge:

Regular Hours, Closed on Christmas

These restaurants are open on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day but will be taking a break on Christmas Day. Perfect for those planning meals around the holiday rush:

A guy in a plaid shirt picking up two slices of pizza with extra stringy cheese at La Pizza's Restaurant in Cairns.

Open Christmas Eve & Closed Christmas and Boxing Day

  • Bang & Grind

  • Crave Cairns

  • Coral Sea Brewing

  • Lemoncello’s Italian

  • Narrow Tracks Distillery

  • Piccolo Cucina: Closed December 22-26. Reopens December 27 at 5 PM for dinner service. 

  • Roccos

  • Splash Seafood: Open Christmas Eve for lunch only.
  • Tha Fish: Open Christmas Eve for lunch only.

  • Wawawa Izakaya

  • Wharf ONE Cafe: Closing early at midday on Christmas Eve. 

Closed from December 24th to 26th

Bookings Required

  • Coco’s Kitchen and Bar: Buffet only on Christmas Day. Book via their website.

  • Dundee’s Aquarium: Special Christmas Day menu between 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Normal a la carte menu for dinner service. Pre-booking required for Christmas Day lunch and dinner.

  • Dundee’s Waterfront: Special Christmas Day menu between 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Normal a la carte menu for dinner service. Pre-booking required for Christmas Day lunch and dinner.

  • Oak & Vine: Open Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Christmas Day fully booked.

  • Waterbar Grill & Steakhouse: Limited bookings available for Christmas Eve and Boxing Day from 5:30 PM onwards. Booking early is advised.

Extended Closures

  • Calaveras Street Fusion: Closed from December 22 for about two weeks.

  • Envy Cafe: Closed December 20 at 2 PM. Reopens January 2.

  • Goose Specialty Cafe: Closed December 20 at 2 PM. Reopens January 2.

  • La Fettuccina: Closed December 22. Reopens January 7.

  • Yum Sing: Closed December 23 to January 13.

Plan Ahead

Whether you’re looking for restaurants open Christmas Day near you, a relaxing Christmas lunch, or a festive Christmas dinner restaurant, many venues have limited capacity during the holidays. Early reservations are encouraged. Check directly with your chosen venue for availability and updates to their schedule. Enjoy a memorable dining experience this festive season!

Know a restaurant with missing hours? We’d love to include them! Please email us at bestrestaurantscairns@gmail.com. 😊