Christmas at Bondi Beach is a very Sydney kind of Christmas: Santa hats in the surf, prawns on the barbie and the whole of the eastern suburbs on the sand. If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Bondi this year, this guide covers what to expect on the day, where to BBQ, where to eat and drink, and how to make the most of the festive season.
Christmas Day on Bondi Beach: what to expect
Christmas Day is one of the busiest days of the year at Bondi Beach. Locals, backpackers and families all head for the sand, so plan ahead.
- Arrive early. By late morning, the best spots on the sand and the grass are gone.
- Leave the car at home. Parking around Campbell Parade fills fast. Walk, catch a bus from Bondi Junction, or take a rideshare.
- No alcohol on the beach. Bondi Beach is an alcohol-free zone, and it’s enforced. Save the bubbles for lunch or your balcony.
- Swim between the flags. The beach gets crowded and the surf can be strong, so stick to the patrolled area.
- Pack for the sun. Late December in Sydney is hot. Bring sunscreen, a hat, water and some shade.
Book your Christmas accommodation early
If you want to wake up a short walk from the sand on Christmas morning, book early. The closer to the beach you stay, the faster it fills over the holidays, and prices rise as the date gets closer.
Bondi Junction is handy for shopping and transport, but it’s a bus ride from the beach. For an easy Christmas, stay right on the beachfront so you can walk everywhere.
Bondi 38 Serviced Apartments is on Campbell Parade, overlooking the southern end of Bondi Beach. Every apartment has a full kitchen and laundry, so you can cook your own Christmas lunch, chill the drinks and still be on the sand in minutes. Our family accommodation suits groups, and if you’re still weighing up areas, our guide to where to stay in Bondi Beach compares North and South Bondi.
Check availability and book direct for the best rate.
Christmas events in Bondi
- Carols by the Sea: Waverley Council’s free carols night in Bondi Park, with local musicians, sing-alongs, food and face painting for the kids. It’s usually held on an evening in early to mid December, so check the Waverley Council website for this year’s date.
- Bondi Markets: the Sunday markets at Bondi Beach Public School are a good place for last-minute gifts from local makers and designers.
- New Year’s Eve: staying through to the new year? Our guide to Bondi Beach New Year’s Eve covers the beach festival, the 9pm fireworks and getting around.
Last-minute Christmas shopping in Bondi
The streets around the beach are full of boutiques and surf shops, so you’ll find gifts without going far. For department stores, Westfield Bondi Junction has everything, but expect big crowds in the week before Christmas, right up until closing.
For your Christmas lunch, Coles, Woolworths and Harris Farm are all close by. Order your groceries online for delivery and you’ll skip the queues completely.
Best Christmas Day BBQ and picnic spots near Bondi
Public spaces fill up fast on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and the public BBQs are claimed early. Get there in the morning if you want one.
- The grass above Bondi Beach: the classic spot, with views over the whole beach. It’s lively and very social.
- North Bondi: the smaller grassy area at the northern end is a little calmer.
- Beside Bondi Pavilion: central, close to toilets and food if you forget something.
- Bronte Park: a short walk along the coast and popular with families for picnics and BBQs. Parking is tight, so walk or take a rideshare.
Where to eat in Bondi over Christmas
Bondi has plenty of good restaurants, and most are packed over the holidays. Book ahead, especially for dinner after 7pm.
- Hurricane’s Grill: a Bondi favourite, best known for its ribs.
- Hall Street: a strip of casual cafes and Thai restaurants, good for an easy dinner.
- Beach Road Hotel: a big, relaxed pub with classic pub meals.
- Icebergs: for a special Christmas meal with one of the best views in Sydney. Book well ahead.
If you’d rather not cook on the day, many venues run set Christmas lunch menus. Book these early, as they sell out.
Best bars in Bondi for the Christmas season
- Ravesis: upscale pub vibes and a second-floor balcony.
- North Bondi RSL: a local favourite for its views, pub quizzes and meat raffles.
- Bondi Icebergs: drinks above the famous ocean pool.
For more ideas, see our guides to Bondi nightlife and the best pubs and bars in Bondi.
Boxing Day in Bondi
Boxing Day is the start of the Boxing Day Test, and from 26 December most pubs in Bondi have the cricket on. It’s also the big day for the post-Christmas sales at Westfield Bondi Junction. Or do what a lot of locals do: a slow morning swim, then brunch.
Christmas at Bondi Beach FAQs
Can you drink alcohol on Bondi Beach on Christmas Day?
No. Bondi Beach is an alcohol-free zone, and it’s enforced by police and council rangers. Enjoy a drink at a venue or back at your accommodation instead.
Is Bondi Beach busy on Christmas Day?
Yes, it’s one of the busiest days of the year. Arrive early, leave the car at home, and expect crowds on the sand and the grass.
Are there BBQs at Bondi Beach?
Yes, there are public BBQs in the parks around Bondi and Bronte. They’re first in, first served, and on Christmas Day they’re taken early.
Is Bondi Beach good for families at Christmas?
Yes, but the main beach gets very crowded. Families often prefer Bronte Park or the calmer North Bondi end, and the free Carols by the Sea night is great for kids.
Where should I stay for Christmas in Bondi?
As close to the beach as you can, so you can walk everywhere and skip the parking. Bondi 38 has beachfront serviced apartments with full kitchens, right on Campbell Parade.
