Christmas in Queenstown is a truly special time of year. The long summer evenings and stunning lake and mountain backdrop make it a memorable place to celebrate with family and friends. While many restaurants close their doors on Christmas Day, there are a handful of venues offering festive feasts and experiences.
As luxury holiday experts, we know that pairing your stay in one of our beautiful villas with a Christmas lunch or dinner out makes for a stress-free holiday.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best options for Christmas Day dining in 2025.
Just moments from the centre of town, ROKI Collection invites you to celebrate Christmas Day with two dining experiences, Essence and The Terrace, both open for lunch and dinner, each curated by Director of Culinary, Paul Froggatt.
Essence offers an intimate setting for a culinary journey through modern New Zealand fine dining, with a festive menu priced at $450 per person. For a more relaxed celebration, The Terrace offers seafood-inspired lunch and dinner menus, accompanied by panoramic views of The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Inspired by Paul’s love of fishing and nature, the menu is $400 per person, or $200 for children aged 12 and under.
Located on Queenstown’s lakefront, The Grille is offering a three-course family-style feast with a complimentary welcome drink. Two sittings are available at 12pm and 4pm and you can expect refined yet relaxed dining in a setting that captures the buzz of central Queenstown while still feeling special for the occasion.
On the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the Wakatipu Grill offers a decadent Christmas buffet for both lunch and dinner. It’s located in Kelvin Heights, perfect if you’d like to spend the day relaxing by the lake or exploring the walking or biking trails.
If you’d like to add an element of fun to your Christmas, Stratosfare Restaurant is offering something a little different. Their Christmas Dinner experience includes a gondola ride, a festive buffet meal, three rides on the luge track and some of the best views in Queenstown. Santa himself even makes an appearance, making this an especially memorable choice for families!
Overlooking the lakefront in the heart of Queenstown, ThreeSixty is hosting a Christmas buffet with a two-hour beverage package. Lunch sittings are available at 12pm and 3pm, with dinner beginning at 6pm.
Peaks Restaurant is serving a Christmas dinner of share-style platters created by Executive Chef Sandro Lobão. With service between 6pm and 8pm and a complimentary glass of bubbles or juice on arrival, it’s a warm and inviting option close to the heart of town.
If you’d like something a little more casual, Pier at Steamer Wharf is open on Christmas Day for walk-ins only. Set right on the waterfront, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy relaxed alfresco dining or more intimate seating inside. With sweeping views across Lake Wakatipu, Pier offers a relaxed alternative for those who want to celebrate the day with good food and great scenery without the need for a formal booking.
Located on the Frankton Marina, Fino Wine Bar offers a curated menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes designed for sharing, complemented by an exceptional wine list. It’s an ideal choice for couples or small groups who want to enjoy a wine-focused Christmas meal in a beautiful lakeside location.
At MajorDomo, we take care of every detail of your Queenstown holiday. Our expert sales and reservations team will match you with a luxury villa that’s perfectly suited to hosting your family and friends, and can arrange everything from private wine tours to a chef-prepared dinner in the comfort of your home away from home.
Pairing your villa stay with a Christmas Day feast at one of these exceptional restaurants allows you to enjoy the very best of both worlds: a private retreat to call home, and a festive celebration without the stress of cooking.
Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or simply looking to escape for a few days, we’ll help you find the perfect combination of luxury accommodation, fine dining, and unforgettable activities.
Queenstown has endless activities to make your stay memorable. From lake adventures and scenic experiences to private in-villa indulgences, there are countless ways to make your stay unforgettable. Our team can help design the perfect itinerary to match your group, whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, or a little of both.
Explore more activities and start planning your holiday here.
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