Put the ‘feast’ into ‘festive’ and celebrate the season with loved ones over a marvellous Christmas lunch at an idyllic venue in Johannesburg. Bring along the whole family for a special treat and tuck into a range of food offerings, courses and dishes to tantalise your palate and take in the festive vibes, with great entertainment lined up for adults and kids.
Let’s drink a toast (or two) to the season while we take in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the merry atmosphere at these festive spots this Christmas. Bookmark this page as we will be updating the lunch venues throughout the festive season!
Christmas Eve Dinner + Christmas Day Lunch and Dinner at Lacuna Bistro
Make this Christmas truly memorable with an indulgent fine dining experience at The Maslow. Enjoy a generous Christmas Eve buffet designed to bring everyone together around the table, featuring classic salads, a Mezze station, festive favourites for the mains and a tempting dessert spread.
For Christmas Lunch, enjoy an abundant festive feast filled with seasonal favourites, indulgent treats and all the flavours that make Christmas special. The lunch features an assortment of freshly baked homemade breads, flavoured butters and dips, a Seafood Station, a Christmas Carvery, a hot buffet, and delightful desserts.
For Christmas dinner, the generous festive buffet features freshly baked homemade assorted breads, a colourful spread of seasonal salads, a Seafood Station, a Christmas Carvery, and dessert options like a gingerbread house, croquembouche, chocolate mousse log, and baked cheesecake with passion fruit coulis
Both occasions feature kids’ entertainment and live music, and the dress code is Smart Casual.
Cost: Christmas Eve Dinner – From R585 per adult; from R290 per kid aged 4 to 10. Stay the night for R 2170pp (x1 adult dinner + hotel room incl. breakfast) or R1555pp (x2 adult dinner + hotel room incl. breakfast). Book Christmas Eve dinner here | Lunch- From R895 per adult; from R450 per kid aged 4 to 10. Stay the night for R 2480pp (x1 adult lunch + hotel room incl. breakfast) or R1865pp (x2 adult lunch + hotel room incl. breakfast). Book Christmas Day lunch here | Christmas Day Dinner – From R895 per adult | From R450 per kid aged 4 to 10. Stay the night for R2480pp (x1 adult dinner + hotel room incl. breakfast) or R1865pp (x2 adult dinner + hotel room incl. breakfast). Book Christmas Day dinner here
When: Dinner – Thursday, 24 December 2026 from 6.30pm to 10pm | Lunch – Friday, 25 December 2026 from 1pm to 4pm | Dinner – Friday, 25 December 2026 from 6.30pm to 10pm
Where: The Maslow Hotel – Lacuna Bistro, 146 Rivonia Rd, Sandown, Sandton
More food and drink experiences at The Maslow
The Maslow Christmas Alfresco
On Christmas Day, The Maslow invites families and friends to settle in for an elegant, family-style alfresco feast beneath the summer sky in their lush garden oasis.
The day features a festive welcome drink, a family-style Christmas feast with two bottles of champagne per table, Christmas favours, live entertainment, and plenty of space for the little ones to enjoy festive activities, including face painting, balloon-making, and a special visit from Santa.
With guests dressed in smart, all-white outfits with a touch of red, green or gold, champagne flowing, festive flavours being savoured and the magic of Christmas all around, it’s the perfect setting to celebrate in style and create treasured memories with loved ones.
Cost: R1050pp (package for 10 pax), book via Quicket
When: Friday, 25 December 2026 from 3pm to 8pm
Where: The Maslow Hotel Lawns, 146 Rivonia Rd, Sandown, Sandton
Christmas at Indaba Hotel
Gather your loved ones and join Indaba Hotel for a joyful Christmas Day Family Buffet Lunch, a celebration filled with festive cheer, delicious food, and unforgettable moments.
Indulge in mouthwatering roasts, decadent desserts, and all your holiday favourites as you soak up the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Chief’s Boma, Epsom Restaurant, or Kgotla – each beautifully transformed into a festive wonderland for the season.
Enjoy live entertainment, delight in a visit from Father Christmas, and feast on a traditional holiday buffet.
Cost: From R725 per adult; From R395 per child aged 6 to 12 years; From R115 per child aged 3 to 5 years; children aged 2 and under eat for free. Book via [email protected]
When: Christmas Day – 25 December from 12pm
Where: Chiefs Boma Restaurant, Epsom Restaurant, and Kgotla at Indaba Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre, cnr. William Nicol & Pieter Wenning Road, Fourways, Johannesburg
Blueberry Hill Hotel
This festive season, the Blueberry Hill Hotel invites families to indulge in a 3-course Christmas lunch, alongside a welcome drink, served with style, joy, and breathtaking views.
The starters include crispy pork belly bites, spiced cauliflower popcorn, and bacon-wrapped prawn skewers, before moving onto mains like slow-roasted beef, honey-glazed gammon, and baked line fish. To finish off on a sweet note, guests can enjoy traditional Christmas truffles, toffee drizzle or white chocolate and cranberry cheesecake.
Guests are encouraged to bring their loved ones, savour every bite, and make this Christmas one to remember, all in the chic and intimate setting of the stunning Blueberry Hill boutique hotel.
Cost: R695 per adult | R235pp for u12 (set menu) | 4 to 12 (half price) | 0 to 3 eat free. Book via email at [email protected] or call 010 109 8789
When: Christmas Day – 25 December, seating from 11.30am
Where: Blueberry Hill Hotel, 3 Blueberry Street, Honeydew, Roodepoort
The Conservatory Christmas Lunch Buffet
This Christmas, the Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton is serving up a little Christmas magic and a lot of delicious mischief.
The hotel’s restaurant, The Conservatory, invites guests for a whimsical, Grinch-themed Christmas Day buffet filled with festive flavours, delicious surprises and plenty of holiday cheer.
From succulent roast lamb and traditional Christmas turkey to flame-grilled prawns, colourful summer salads and an enchanting selection of festive desserts, there’s something magical waiting for everyone.
Gather your loved ones, bring your Christmas spirit and let Protea Hotel take care of the cooking while you make unforgettable memories.
Cost: R950pp | R475pp (u12) | u6 free. Book via email at [email protected] or call 011 322 5000. Walk-ins accepted.
When: Christmas Day – 25 December, seating from 12.30pm to 5pm
Where: The Conservatory, Protea Hotel by Marriott® Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, 20 Maude Street, Sandown, Sandown
Carnivore Christmas Lunch
Make this Christmas one to remember with an extraordinary festive dining experience at Carnivore with their famous ‘Beast of a Feast’ Christmas lunch.
Friends and families are invited to indulge in an abundant feast featuring Carnivore’s legendary selection of flame-grilled meats, accompanied by delicious seasonal sides, fresh salads, festive accompaniments, and indulgent desserts that perfectly capture the spirit of Christmas. From the first bite to the last, every dish is prepared to create a celebration filled with exceptional flavours and warm hospitality.
Whether you’re continuing a cherished family tradition or starting a new one, the Carnivore’s Christmas Lunch promises a festive celebration surrounded by great food, good company, and the vibrant atmosphere that has made Carnivore one of Johannesburg’s most iconic dining destinations.
Cost: R625pp | R375pp (u12) | u6 free. Book via email at [email protected] or call 011 950 6000.
When: Christmas Day – 25 December, seating from 12pm
Where: 69 Drift Boulevard (R114), Muldersdrift
Dikeme Farms Christmas Buffet Lunch
Gather for a unique Christmas lunch experience where farm-to-table meets festive tradition in this stunning UNESCO Heritage setting.
The Christmas Long Table Lunch series transforms the venue with festive decorations and a warm atmosphere, featuring a specially curated menu showcasing the best of the farm’s seasonal produce with creative culinary techniques that celebrate the holiday season with South African flair.
Guests arrive to festive welcome drinks before the Christmas buffet lunch service begins. Enjoy live holiday music performances, festive activities and farm explorations.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Dikeme Farms, 2MMQ+FX Krugersdorp
Christmas Day Buffet Lunch at Equinox
Celebrate Christmas with a relaxed, festive buffet filled with seasonal classics and joyful flavours. Bring your favourite people and enjoy an unhurried afternoon of good food, warm company and holiday spirit.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Equinox Restaurant at Hotel Sky Sandton, 150 West St, Sandown, Sandton
The Collective
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank, where festive cheer meets family togetherness. Gather with loved ones for a joyful lunch filled with delicious dishes and feel right at home in our welcoming atmosphere.
Dig into a Christmas lunch buffet with salad starter options; main options including a live carvery station, grilled line fish, and rosemary-infused grilled lamb; multiple sides; and a selection of desserts that include croquembouche, Jan Ellis pudding, and a live ice cream station.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank – 28 Tottenham Ave, Melrose, Johannesburg
Sanctuary Mandela
Dine on elevated takes of the traditional dishes you know and love, crafted by the very chef who cooked for Madiba himself for over two decades. Celebrate the season in a place that feels like home yet resonates with history. Enjoy the warmth, laughter, and family memories in a setting where Madiba once celebrated with his own.
Cost: TBC
When: Christmas Day – 25 December
Where: Sanctuary Mandela Hotel, 4 13th Ave, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel
Gather your loved ones and celebrate the joy of the season with a lavish Christmas Day lunch at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, a feast designed to warm hearts and create sparkling memories.
The Hotel’s chefs invite you to indulge in a sumptuous festive spread featuring classic Christmas favourites, chef-inspired creations, and all the traditional trimmings elegantly served in true Fairlawns style.
Enjoy the relaxed luxury of our serene surroundings, the laughter of family and friends, and the spirit of togetherness that makes Christmas truly magical.
If you miss out on booking the Fairlawns Christmas Lunch, don’t fret as they also host a delightful Christmas Eve dinner for those who don’t manage to book a spot for the lunch.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, 1 Alma Rd, Morningside, Johannesburg
The Restaurant Cielo at Avianto
Embrace the world of exceptional experiences at Avianto this festive season, synonymous with the luxury and refinement befitting an elite hotel. Let the Christmas vibes sparkle at this idyllic venue and savour the holiday taste with their sumptuous Christmas Lunch.
Relish in a 7-course plated meal that will tantalise your taste buds, with meals tailored to adults, children, vegetarians and vegans alike. The main adult meal’s seven courses include an appetiser, soup, a starter, a palate cleanser, a fish course, a meat course and dessert. In the vegetarian menu, the meat course is replaced with an open butternut ravioli meal.
For the vegan menu, instead of a fish and meat course, there are two main courses featuring creamy mushroom and baby spinach risotto, and a sweet potato cannelloni. Finally, the kids’ meal is cut down to five courses, with one delicious main course.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: The Restaurant Cielo at Avianto, R114 Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift
Qunu
Qunu restaurant at The Saxon hotel always serves up a grand dining affair on Christmas Day. Patrons can dine in the stylish dining room under a canopy of stunning moulded ceilings, skylights and chandeliers.
Though tickets don’t come cheap, entry secures you access to a fine 4-course feast on Christmas Day or Night that captures the essence of festive dining, thoughtfully prepared by talented chefs with the finest ingredients, and beautifully complemented by our expert sommelier’s wine pairings.
The festive season is a time to reconnect, to celebrate together, and to savour the simple joys that make this time of year so special.
A discretionary gratuity of 12.5% will be added to your final bill.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: The Houghton Hotel, Lloys Ellis Ave, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
A royal and fun festive lunch at Emperors Palace
Come and enjoy a magical Christmas lunch at Emperors Palace, home to some of the most elegant settings in Joburg to celebrate the occasion with family, friends and the kids. Prepare for a festive-inspired menu that delivers a culinary adventure for all tastebuds. Guests can expect a full menu that will deck the table, along with Christmas-themed decor and an atmosphere lit by the Christmas cheer and spirit of the season.
Emperors Palace has three Christmas Lunch options, one at their Rosetta’s restaurant, another at their Reign restaurant, and the last in their Convention Centre. The Centre plays host to their traditional Christmas Buffet lunch, providing the perfect backdrop to celebrate the festive season.
Guests meet in the Assembly Room for a special buffet, with live entertainment and a complimentary welcome drink, for the whole family to enjoy.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: The Convention Centre at Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park Johannesburg
Christmas Lunch at Reign
Reign is the Emperor’s Palace’s full-service destination eatery that offers a sophisticated ambience to celebrate your Christmas Day. Enjoy a 5-course Christmas feast, served family style. The lunch includes complimentary bubbles on arrival and celebration crackers.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Reign Restaurant at Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park Johannesburg
Rosetta’s Christmas Buffet
Treat the family to an old-fashioned Christmas Buffet at Rosetta’s, sprinkled with some yuletide magic. The buffet includes a Soda Fountain and Wine Fountain (over 18s only), complimentary eggnog on arrival, crackers and gifts for all kids under 12.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Rosetta’s at Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park Johannesburg
Kashew Restaurant
Located inside The Catalyst in Sandton, this year Kashew Restaurant is showcasing a smorgasbord selection of much-loved festive dishes at their Christmas Day buffet lunch. Think roasted gammon and the works. If you’ve somehow still got room for more, a decadent selection of desserts are on offer.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: The Catalyst, 100 Weirda Road East Wierda Valley Sandton
The Blades Hotel Christmas Lunch Buffet
Celebrate the magic of the season at The Blades Hotel’s annual Christmas Lunch Buffet, a festive day filled with joy, music, and mouthwatering delights.
The lunch features a complimentary welcome drink to kick off the celebration, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, a small surprise gift for the little ones, music to set the festive mood, and a three-course feast to remember.
The feast includes starters such as a home-baked bread variety, Cape smoked snoek pâté, Biltong and cream-cheese spread, Garden salad with tomato, cucumber and avocado, and Watermelon and Feta Salad.
For the mains, guests can choose between honey and pineapple-glazed gammon with mustard sauce, rosemary and garlic roasted leg of lamb, Roast beef with red-wine jus, and lemon and herb roasted chicken, alongside Crispy roast potatoes with rosemary, samp and beans with caramelised onion, basmati rice, as well as roasted butternut with cinnamon and toasted pumpkin seeds, Traditional Green beans, creamed spinach, Stir-Fry Vegetables and so much more.
Also, what’s the festive season without some treats? The dessert options include traditional malva pudding & warm custard, Cape-style Christmas trifle with nuts on the side, mini milk tarts, a fresh summer fruit platter, and vanilla ice cream.
Cost: R695pp aged 13 and up; R295pp aged 2 to 12. Book via Quicket
When: Christmas Day – 25 December from 12pm to 5pm
Where: The Blades Hotel, Plot 75, Zeekoegat, Kameeldrift Rd, East, Pretoria
LeSi Restaurant
LeSi Restaurant is hosting a delightful three-course Christmas lunch.
The starter selection features a roast butternut & feta mousse tartlet with wild rocket & balsamic glaze. The main course buffet selection includes BBQ & rosemary roast roti̇sseri̇e chi̇cken pieces, panko & herb crusted beef si̇rloi̇n wi̇th a red wi̇ne jus, cranberry glazed gammon wi̇th a mustard sauce, beer battered hake goujons with tartare sauce and fresh lemon, and even ouma’s green beans with potato and onion creamed spinach.
There’s also a salad harvest table, and a festive bread and pate table, featuring a variety of wholesome, freshly baked bread, chicken liver pate, and hummus.
Finally, for dessert, guests can enjoy a plated peppermint crisp.
Cost: R580pp (adult) | R350pp (ages 9-13) | R200pp (ages 2-8) | U2 Free. Ticket excl 15% service fee on food. Book online
When: Christmas Day – 25 December from 11am
Where: Casa Toscana Lodge – Home of – Blou Hond Theater and LeSi Singing Waiter Restaurant, 5 Darlington Rd, Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria
Irene Country Hotel Christmas Lunch Buffet
The Irene Country Hotel invites families to celebrate Christmas Day with a welcome drink and a lavish festive buffet: seafood, carvery, live stations and decadent desserts.
Guests can look forward to a seafood extravaganza, a traditional carvery, a festive harvest table, live food stations and decadent desserts, alongside the welcome drink on arrival.
Cost: R1495pp (adult) | R10500pp (ages 12 to 18) | R745.50pp (ages 3 to 11) | U2 Free. Book online
When: Christmas Day – 25 December from 1pm
Where: The Lake House Restaurant, Irene Country Hotel, Nellmapius Drive, Irene, Centurion
