Ten Sydney bars confirmed open on December 25 — the rooms editors actually go to when the family lunch is over.
Christmas Day is the hardest reservation in the bar calendar. Most of Sydney closes; the rooms that stay open are the ones run by people who do not have anywhere else to be. Our editors spent three Decembers calling managers to confirm hours, double-checking on December 24, and crossing off every venue that uses 'open' loosely. These are the ten Sydney bars our editors trust to be pouring on Christmas Day.
Where the editors drink on Christmas Day in Sydney
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
Maybe Sammy (in The Rocks) the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the room turns down the lights and turns up the warmth on Christmas afternoon — quiet, cosy, no theatre. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
Shady Pines Saloon (in Darlinghurst) the old fashioned arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the December 25 hours are confirmed and the staff who work the day genuinely want to be there. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
The Lobo Plantation sits in CBD, and the lobo daiquiri is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the December 25 hours are confirmed and the staff who work the day genuinely want to be there. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Cantina OK! in CBD, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the kitchen runs a short Christmas Day menu and the cocktail list rotates a Christmas pour onto the menu from late November. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Bulletin Place sits in Circular Quay, and the daily specials arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the December 25 hours are confirmed and the staff who work the day genuinely want to be there. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Archie Rose Bar sits in Rosebery, and the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the December 25 hours are confirmed and the staff who work the day genuinely want to be there. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: Archie Rose Gin Sour
The full Sydney guideEvery bar category, every neighbourhood. Our complete Sydney guide covers cocktail bars, rooftops, hidden gems and more across the city.
These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
In CBD, The Baxter Inn the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the room turns down the lights and turns up the warmth on Christmas afternoon — quiet, cosy, no theatre. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Since I Left You in CBD, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the room turns down the lights and turns up the warmth on Christmas afternoon — quiet, cosy, no theatre. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Mr Wong Cocktail Lounge sits in CBD, and the wong sour arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the kitchen runs a short Christmas Day menu and the cocktail list rotates a Christmas pour onto the menu from late November. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
At PS40 in CBD, the ps soda highball is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the room turns down the lights and turns up the warmth on Christmas afternoon — quiet, cosy, no theatre. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Order: PS Soda Highball
Weekly editorial
The bars worth going to, weekly.
One email per week. The bars our editors are recommending right now, across 72 cities worldwide.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
More Cocktail Bars in SydneyThe full editor-curated list of Cocktail Bars in Sydney, with neighbourhood notes and signature-drink picks.
Three Christmas Day rules. Call the day before to reconfirm — even venues with published hours sometimes close last-minute. Tip cash, the staff are giving up their own day. And book the early slot, not the late one — the kitchen usually closes by 9pm even at venues that say they are open until midnight.
Other seasonal Sydney guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual Sydney occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
Sponsored placements on this article, on the Sydney city guide, and across the barsforKings network. Contact us to put your bar in front of the right audience.
