There’s something magic about Christmas in Australia.
The sun’s out, the esky’s full, and the smell of prawns and sunscreen seems to drift through every backyard in the country. And while the lead-up can feel like a sprint, Christmas Day lunch doesn’t have to be, not when you keep things simple, fresh and fuss-free.
Whether you’re hosting the whole clan or just your closest mates, here’s how to serve up an effortless Christmas lunch 2025 that’s relaxed, delicious and perfectly summery, all without breaking a sweat.
Start with Simple, Seasonal Food
The best Christmas lunch ideas aren’t complicated; they make the most of warm weather, fresh produce and easy prep.
Aussie Christmas Mains
Pick one or two, keep them simple, and let the flavours shine:
- Glazed ham with honey, pineapple or peach glaze
- BBQ prawns with garlic, chilli and lime
- Cold roasted chicken or rotisserie chook (effortless!)
- Fresh seafood platter - oysters, bugs, prawns
- BBQ salmon with herbs and citrus
- Slow-cooked lamb shoulder (prep the night before, forget about it)
Summery Sides That Practically Make Themselves
- Crisp green salad with mango and avocado
- Cherry tomato, bocconcini and basil “Christmas Caprese”
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Pear and rocket salad with walnuts
- Zesty slaw with herbs and lime
- A simple breadboard with butter, chutney and olives
Sweet Treats for a Hot Christmas Day
Leave the heavy puddings for winter, go fresh, fruity and cold:
- Pavlova with seasonal fruit
- Trifle (make it boozy or kid-friendly)
- Fruit salad with mint and passionfruit
- Ice-cream sandwiches made with store-bought cookies
- Frozen cheesecake slices
- Chocolate-dipped cherries (easy, festive, delicious)
Nothing heavy, nothing stressful, just easy eating for long summer lunches.
Quick Christmas Lunch Ideas (For When You're Short on Time)
Need a few lifesavers? Try these:
- Prawn rolls with lettuce, lemon mayo and herbs
- BBQ corn brushed with garlic butter and paprika
- Watermelon, feta and mint salad
- Sausage sizzle bar with gourmet snags and toppings
- Pre-marinated meats (no one needs to know!)
- Charcuterie platter heroed by summer stone fruit
You can prep nearly all of these in under 20 minutes, leaving you more time to slip into the shade with a cold Pacific or Pale Ale.
Prep the Night Before
Future you will be very grateful. Do all the chopping, mixing and marinating on Christmas Eve:
- Prep salad bases
- Marinate meats
- Slice fruit
- Make desserts
- Chill drinks early
- Lay out the table or picnic setup
That way Christmas Day is all about breezy cooking and easy hosting.
Keep the Drinks Light and Refreshing
A great Christmas Day lunch deserves drinks that can handle the heat, cold, crisp and refreshing enough to keep the afternoon rolling. And with a whole range brewed for Aussie summers, there’s a Stone & Wood beer for every palate around the table.
Fill it with a mix of our favourites so everyone can find their perfect Christmas sip:
- Pacific Ale - our classic Byron brew bursting with tropical Galaxy hop aromas. Soft, fruity and made for long, sunny lunches.
- Hazy Pale Ale - cloudy, juicy and full of bright hop flavour. A crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves a softer, fuller-bodied pale.
- Big Pale Ale - bold, punchy and packed with flavour. Ideal for the mate who likes their beer with a bit more muscle.
- Easy Pale Ale - light, crisp and endlessly drinkable. Perfect for pacing yourself through a warm Christmas Day.
- Cloudy Pale Ale - fresh, aromatic and lightly hazy with a smooth finish - great with salads, seafood and anything off the BBQ.
- Jasper Ale - rich, malty and a little roasty - a lovely contrast for those who enjoy something deeper with their Christmas feast.
- Citrus Radler - zesty, bright and ultra-refreshing, with citrus pops made for Aussie summer heat.
- Peach Radler - bright, spritzy and bursting with peach and apricot notes. Perfect with seafood, salads and hot summer afternoons.
A mix like this keeps everyone happy, from the seasoned beer fan to the “I’ll just have whatever’s cold” uncle, and even the spritz crowd who secretly love a fruity, refreshing sip.
Load the esky with ice, pack in your favourites, and let everyone help themselves.
Because there’s nothing more Aussie than a cold beer, good food and plenty of laughs on a hot Christmas afternoon.
Serve Lunch Buffet-Style
Buffets keep things casual and let everyone pick what they like.
Lay everything out in this order:
- Cold dishes
- Warm dishes
- Sauces & condiments
- Breadboard
- Drinks on ice
It’s relaxed, communal and pure Aussie Christmas energy.
Make Space for Backyard Fun
Christmas doesn’t need a big agenda, just a couple of easy activities to keep the day flowing:
- A round of beach cricket
- A Christmas scavenger hunt
- Dad-joke showdown
- The Christmas Hat Challenge
- Ring toss with empty Stone & Wood cans
These little moments are the ones everyone talks about next year.
Relax Into the Afternoon
Once everyone’s had a feed and found a comfy spot, the day naturally slows down into that perfect Christmas haze, good tunes, long chats, full bellies, and a few more beers gently clinking in the esky.
Grab another Pacific or Pale Ale, settle into the shade and enjoy the shift from lunch to long arvo hang.
Your Best Christmas Lunch Yet
So if you’re planning your Christmas lunch 2025, keep it light, summery and stress-free.
Fresh food. Cold drinks. Plenty of shade. And the people who make Christmas feel like Christmas.
Here’s to long lunches, sunny afternoons and the easy joy of sharing food and beer with the people you love most.
Merry Christmas, mates, let the good times roll. 🎄🍻
