If you’re planning on spending Christmas in Bondi this holiday season, you should keep a few things in mind to get the most out of your holiday.
Sydney offers numerous festive activities during this time, including Christmas lunches, boat parties, and community celebrations that showcase the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Bondi is one of the best places to hang over summer in Australia, but it goes without saying that you won’t be the only one with this idea, so some preparation and local tips will help you navigate the silly season like a pro.
1. Book Your Accommodation Early
People typically start to make plans for Christmas a long way out and to avoid being left with severely overpriced options, you should get in early too. The best and most popular accommodation options in Bondi are those within 5-10 minutes walking distance to the beach. Darling Harbour is also a nearby attraction with various events and cruises.
Searching online will yield lots of accommodation choices in Bondi Junction, but the Junction is a busy place that’s not close to the beach, and ultimately, it’s not an ideal base for your Christmas holidays.
If you can’t find any accommodation options in Bondi Beach, consider neighbouring Tamarama or alternatively, Clovelly, Bronte or Coogee Beach.
Tip*: Booking direct can save you money.*
Third-party booking sites make money by charging a commission on top of your reservation fee, so going directly to the accommodation provider can deliver 10-15% savings.
2. Last-minute Shopping
One thing you can be assured of when staying in Bondi is that there is no shortage of shopping options. Boutique stores litter the streets near Bondi Beach and Westfield in Bondi Junction has a huge array of department stores to choose from…though be warned, it will be full of last minute shoppers until closing in the week before Christmas.
Additionally, The Rocks Christmas Market offers a variety of offerings from local vendors, supporting local businesses and providing a unique shopping experience. Food shopping will always be hectic, but you have several options in Coles, Woolworths or Harris Farm stores to choose from in and around Bondi.
Consider ordering your groceries online this year for hand-delivered shopping to your door without even getting off the couch or battling in the traffic.
Shopping at local Christmas markets provides an unforgettable experience, with the festive atmosphere, lights, and decorations creating a memorable outing.
3. Christmas Day Bondi BBQ Locations
No matter where you choose for a BBQ on Christmas day, any public space will be full of revellers. Bondi Beach has some of its busiest beach days of the year on Christmas and Boxing day and so do the surrounding beaches.
New South Wales boasts the tallest Christmas Tree at Martin Place, adding to the festive spirit. You may be able to find a spot on the large grass area above Bondi Beach. However, you’ll be surrounded by predominantly young tourists and backpackers enjoying a drink, so it’s not always the best option for families. You can try your luck at the small grassy area in North Bondi or grab a spot somewhere next to the Bondi Pavilion.
Bronte Beach has a spectacular park that is very popular for picnics and BBQs, but if you arrive early enough you should be able to mark your territory and get setup for the day. It’s a 10-15 minute drive from Bondi and probably best to grab an Uber down there as parking will be a nightmare.
New South Wales offers various winter festivals like Snow Time in the Garden, Bathurst Winter Festival, and the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival, enhancing the seasonal experience.
Warning: Don’t rely on the public BBQ’s, these will be snapped up quicker than free beers on an after work bar tab.
4. Places to Eat in Bondi
The great thing about enjoying the nightlife in Bondi is that there’s something for everyone. There are so many tasty and affordable must-visit options in Bondi.
Grab the famous and enormous spare ribs at Hurricanes, stop for some Thai at Bangkok Bites or Rice Pot on Hall St, grab a pub meal at the Beach Road Hotel, or for something more stylish try some tasty tapas from Mamasan across the road. Making a reservation makes a lot of sense with any restaurant in Bondi as lines will form after 7 pm at the popular spots.
For Christmas Lunch you might want to check out the Bucket List or Bavarian Bier Café in Bondi for something a little different.
5. Best Christmas Season Bars
There’s a huge variety of things to do in Bondi, but passing away the time over some summer ales is a staple for any Australian and anyone visiting Bondi in summer. Christmas events in Bondi are significant for fostering traditions and creating lasting memories.
The hot spots are the Bucket List, located next to the Bondi Pavillion, where people go to be seen and soak up the evening views. Ravesis for an upmarket pub vibe on Campbell Parade / Hall St with beach views from the second-floor balcony. Teetotalers can enjoy a cup of tea from Icebergs Cafe with a slice of cake and one of the best views in the world. Locals enjoy the North Bondi RSL, which has great views, pub quizzes and meat raffles that anyone can get involved in.
Any of the pubs in Bondi will be guaranteed to be showing the Boxing Day cricket match, but be warned if you don’t like cricket, as Australians will be engrossed in it from December 26th to 31st every year. Certain bars and events transform into a winter wonderland, offering magical and festive experiences.
A little planning and local knowledge go a long way to helping you enjoy your Christmas in Bondi, but it’s all worth it, as Bondi Beach is one of the most iconic and travelled to locations over Christmas for tourists and Australians alike.
