Christmas in Cairns is all about sunshine, seafood, and sea breezes — not snowflakes. Imagine sipping sparkling wine by the marina, feasting on fresh prawns with a view, or enjoying a beachside buffet surrounded by family. Whether you’re a local or visiting the tropics for the holidays, Cairns offers a range of unforgettable festive experiences.
Here’s your guide to the best Christmas Day dining and celebrations in Cairns for 2025, from island escapes to luxury hotel banquets. 🎄
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns – Christmas Day Lunch
Celebrate Christmas in tropical style at Shangri-La The Marina. The Trinity Room becomes a festive wonderland with waterfront views, perfect for families and friends.
Highlights:
- Signature Buffet with seafood, roasts, sides, and indulgent desserts
- 3-hour beverage package including beers, wines, and soft drinks
- Festive fun for kids: Santa, singing elves, and face painting
When: 25 Dec 2025, 12:00pm–3:00pm
Pricing: Adults $290 | Teenagers (13–17) $200 | Children (5–12) $120 | Children 4 & under Free
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort – Christmas Day at Moku Bar + Grill
Enjoy tropical vibes and festive cheer at Moku Bar + Grill. Perfect for families, this celebration combines delicious food with resort-style fun.
Highlights:
- Buffet featuring local seafood, roast turkey, tropical salads, and desserts
- 3-hour beverage package
- Santa visit with gifts
- VIK (Very Important Kids) activities
- Access to the resort pool and Beach Club
When: 25 Dec 2025, 12:00pm–3:00pm
Pricing: Members $238.60 | Public $264.96
Fitzroy Island Resort – Christmas Lunch at Zephyr Restaurant 🏖️
Escape to Fitzroy Island for a tropical Christmas feast at Zephyr Restaurant.
Highlights:
- Full Christmas lunch with all the trimmings
- Reserved, decorated table with festive bon bons
- Santa visit with gifts for children
- Transfers and accommodation not included
When: 25 Dec 2024, from 12:00pm
Pricing: Adults $175 | Teens (13–17) $150 | Children (5–12) $125 | Children 0–4 Free
Pullman Cairns International – Christmas Day Dinner
End your Christmas Day on a festive evening high with a bountiful buffet and drinks package.
Highlights:
- 3-hour premium beverage package
- Buffet with festive favourites
- Elegant setting with attentive service
When: 25 Dec 2025, 6:00pm–9:00pm (doors 5:45pm)
Pricing: Adults $225 | Accor Plus $202.50 | Children (5–12) $112.50 | Infants 0–3 Free
CC’s Bar & Grill at Crystalbrook Bailey – Christmas Day Lunch
Experience Cairns’ most refined festive dining with a curated four-course menu and premium beverages.
Highlights:
- Welcome amuse bouche, entrée, share-style mains, sides, and desserts
- 3-hour premium beverage package
- Luxurious ambience and attentive service
When: 25 Dec 2025, from 12:00pm
Pricing: $229 per person
Boardwalk Social at Crystalbrook Flynn – A Very Boardwalk Christmas
Relax with sun, space, and lagoon views at Boardwalk Social, perfect for families wanting a casual tropical Christmas.
Highlights:
- Buffet with seafood, charcuterie, salads, carvery, sides, and dessert bar
- Live music, festive photo zones, and Santa & elves appearances
- Kids’ activity corner with crafts and games
- Pre-assigned seating for smooth flow
When: 25 Dec 2025, sittings at 12:00pm or 1:00pm
Pricing: Adults $129 | Teens (12–17) $79 | Kids $49
Dundee’s on the Waterfront – Christmas Day Lunch
Enjoy a classic waterfront Christmas with premium local produce and festive set menu.
Highlights:
- Fresh local seafood, black Angus beef, succulent duck breast
- Desserts include Christmas Pudding Trifle and Summer Pavlova
- Bon bons included
When: 25 Dec 2025, lunch sittings
Pricing: $175 per person
Reef Hotel Casino – Christmas Day Luncheon
Celebrate in style with buffet dining, drinks, and family-friendly activities.
Highlights:
- Main buffet with seafood, roasts, and desserts
- 2.5-hour beverage package
- Kids’ buffet, activity room, and Santa visit
- Own family/friends tables
When: 25 Dec 2025, from 12:00pm
Pricing: Adults $239 | Teens (13–17) $139 | Children (4–12) $89 | Infants 0–3 Free
Spirit of Cairns – Christmas Day Lunch Cruise
Enjoy a laid-back Christmas on the water with scenic views and tropical breezes.
Highlights:
- Welcome mimosa, beer, or soft drink
- Three-course festive buffet with seafood, turkey, ham, and desserts
- Standard drinks package; fully licensed bar with cocktails available
- Luxurious air-conditioned vessel with outdoor decks
When: 25 Dec 2025, 11:30am departure
Duration: 2.5 hours
Pricing: Adults (15+) $270 | Children (4–14) $140 | Infants (0–3) Free
Beach Almond Restaurant - Christmas Day Lunch & Dinner
Celebrate Christmas beachfront at Palm Cove’s iconic Beach Almond, open for lunch and dinner, serving its full à la carte menu. Enjoy fresh local seafood, Asian-inspired flavours, and tropical ambience just metres from the sand.
Highlights:
- Full à la carte menu featuring fresh reef fish, prawns, lobster, and more
- Beachfront dining under the palms
- Relaxed, open-air tropical setting
- Perfect for couples, families, and groups
When: 25 Dec 2025 — Lunch & Dinner
Pricing: À la carte menu prices apply
A Tropical Christmas to Remember 🌺
From luxury hotel buffets to island escapes and lagoon-side lunches, Cairns offers a festive day for every taste and style. Book early, gather your loved ones, and make Christmas Day 2025 unforgettable — tropical style.
