We are well and truly in the midst of the silly season, and that means Christmas parties, regular after-work drinks, catching up with friends before the year is out and thinking about where you’ll be celebrating NYE. Some of our favourite restaurants in Canberra are hosting special soirees to mark the occasion, and they want to see you there!

Braddon Merchant

Sharing good company, fine food and exceptional wines, Braddon Merchant in the Midnight Hotel is ensuring your Christmas Day lunch is truly memorable. Think festive share-style courses with that Braddon Merchant charm, beverage packages, kids’ menus and a complimentary Christmas cocktail on arrival. The restaurant is hosting just one seating at 12pm at $165 per person and $50 for kids under 10, bookings can be made via their website. Have a large group? Private dining rooms are also available, enquire now!

The Inn

Scrambling to secure a last-minute Christmas party location? Or organising a Friendsmas get-together before the year is out? Take a looong lunch in The Inn or book their private dining room and kick off the festive season. Available throughout December, long lunches will be running on Fridays from 12-4pm, with an elevated modern Australian menu. Or go one step further and seat up to 20 people in the private room and enjoy the versatility of the space which can be fully customised to suit all your Xmas wishes! Book online or email the team.

QT Canberra

QT Canberra is celebrating New Year’s sky-high in the Lounge with a glamorous soiree. Ensuring your last hours of the year are no short of perfection, enjoy champagne on arrival, a four-hour beverage selection and delicious canapés with floor-to-ceiling views of the capital. Savour crab rolls, scallop crudo and wagyu beef while the live DJ sets the soundtrack to see off 2023. Book now.

Agostinis

If anyone knows how to throw a Christmas lunch, it’s Agostinis. And whether you want to celebrate in their restaurant, the bar, amongst the vines at Lark Hill Winery or at home, they’ve got you covered. Open every day this summer, share a delicious Italian feast amongst family and friends at Agostinis restaurant, followed by festive aperitivos in the lounge area of Joe’s Bar. Or snatch up one of the remaining tables available at Lark Hill Winery and elevate your Agostinis experience with paired wines and killer views. However, if the past month of festivities and ending of 2023 has got you exhausted, let Agostinis help you with a Christmas spread (including a 12-hour slow-cooked porchetta) to be enjoyed comfortably at home! Visit their website to book a table or place an order.

BentSpoke Brewing Co.

Give 2023 the send-off it deserves at BentSpoke, who will be celebrating 10 years of New Year’s at the BrewPub. From 7pm to late, enjoy 10 carefully crafted canapes that celebrate BentSpoke’s history and their unique menu, along with plenty of their famous brews and a local DJ setting the vibe. Tickets include food and drink, get yours via their website.

Walt & Burley

Ring in the new year at your favourite lakeside pub, Walt & Burley. Catering for young families and those who want to party into 2024, Walt is offering two packages. Choose the Family Fiesta package and enjoy the pub’s feed me menu and front-row seats for the 9pm fireworks or opt for the Lakeside Party package and enjoy canapes and grazing platters, with an optional 2-hour drinks package from 8:30pm. Get your tickets online.

Underground Spirits

Get ready to spoil your friends and family these holidays with a bespoke limited-edition Star of the Season Christmas collection gin from Underground Spirits. Designed to sparkle under your tree, on your table and in your glass, gifting a bottle is sure to get yourself added to Santa’s “nice list”. Locally made and multi-award winning, the festive specials are available in both Underground’s Signature Gin and Caramel Vodka. Order now.

Can’t get enough of the festivities? Check out what Westfield Belconnen and Woden are doing for Christmas.