Christmas Day in Bondi

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … The mercury’s notching well into the 30-degree bracket, the last few weeks at work are absolutely manic and you’ve got to mountain of presents to buy.

If you’re visiting us from north of the equator, December in Bondi probably doesn’t feel all too Christmassy. Whilst a BBQ on the knoll isn’t quite the same as a big roast dinner in a cozy cottage, and getting the fam on the sand, cracking a few beers and playing some beach cricket can feel a world away from building snowmen on the lawn or huddling around a fireplace drinking mulled wine … It’s how we do Chrissy down here in the Bubble and we wouldn’t want it any other way.

At QT Bondi, we like to get festive in boardies and bikinis instead of being rugged up in jackets and beanies. We’ve got a sneaking suspicion that the fat man prefers it down this side of the globe as well because, come Christmas Day, Surfing Santa ditches the sleigh for a short board and you’ll spot him carving up a few Bondi slabs on his way to shore.

Bondi Beach plays host to one of the biggest Christmas parties in Sydney with thousands of festive families, locals and sunburnt backpackers coming together to celebrate Chrissy under the blazing sun.

Whilst the shoreline is jam-packed and a piece of sand is prime real estate, December 25 is traditionally one of the quietest days for the bars, restaurants and shops in Bondi. Luckily though, there are a few of the reliable favourites that continue to dish out the joy on Christmas Day.

Around the corner from us, Vida Surf Store and Swell will be holding it down for the café scene on Curlewis St with no chance of a reservation. Expect a line though, because nothing says Christmas brekky like an Acai bowl and an almond croissant.

If you’re looking for a fancier affair and you’ve got a crew that’s willing to splurge, the iconic Bondi Icebergs will sort you out with your own roped off area and a choice of canapé, buffet and bevvie packages to enjoy while you soak up the best view in Bondi.

If you want to spice it up with a few tasty cocktails to go along with your festive feed, Vue Bar are taking bookings for Christmas Lunch at their unbeatable rooftop spot. The same goes for the all-time legends at The Bucket List who will also be turning it on for Chrissy – they’ve still got some room for lunch and will be kicking on well into the evening with the tunes supplied by Bondi Radio. Lush on Bondi will be the closest you get to a drink on the beach with their bar and kitchen open from 10.30am and no reservations required.

From everyone here at QT Bondi, we hope you have a very merry Christmas down by the beach!

words by james phillips