Dazzling decorations line prestigious Collins Street. Iconic city squares are transformed into festive wonderlands. Splendid light shows douse the city in shimmering joy. The most wonderful time of the year has officially arrived in Melbourne, and there’s no shortage of things to see and do throughout our sparkling city on December 25th.
If you’ve been thinking about where to spend Christmas Day lunch in Melbourne, we have the perfect place in mind. Gather your loved ones and step inside a festive wonderland filled with all of your Christmas favourites.
Christmas Day Lunch at InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto
Behind the heritage brickwork walls and gothic inspired architecture of InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto, a sumptuous Christmas Day Lunch Buffet awaits you.
With an extensive menu featuring some of the country’s finest regional produce intertwined with beloved traditional tidings, we’ve crafted an exquisite experience to treat your tastebuds to the joy of the festive season. When it comes to Christmas lunch ideas in Melbourne, our decadent yet relaxed buffet menu is sure to please every palate.
Menu Highlights
Step off Collins Street into our hotel and be greeted by a dazzling festive display in our foyer. Let your eyes wander up to the high glass ceiling and feel the warmth of the summer sun wash over the hotel atrium. Take a seat at your table (but not before a few photos in front of our iconic atrium entrance) and enjoy a complimentary glass of Mumm champagne or premium beverage of your choice* as you peruse the Lunch menu.
We of course begin with seafood, a staple of all the best festive meals in Australia. Choose from richly sweet Sydney rock oysters, fresh and juicy Crystal Bay prawns, succulent Harvey Bay scallops or delicious Kingfish sashimi with pink ginger and ponzu sauce.
No starter course would be complete without charcuterie to pick and share with your loved ones. Enjoy our mouthwatering Wagyu beef carpaccio with horseradish slaw or coarse ground Veneto salami for a soft tang to your palate.
Christmas in the summertime means plenty of fresh, cold salads to accompany every dish. Our prosciutto and rocket is simple perfection to accompany your main, just as the pumpkin with maple hemp dressing complements each of our dishes. If you’re looking for something a little more hearty, try the turkey caesar or feta and spinach with German potato, two delicious Christmas classics.
Moving on to the carvery, our carefully curated selection has all the trimmings for a perfect Christmas lunch. Enjoy sweet, sticky Hickory smoked honey glazed ham hock with cherry jus or indulge in honey Dijon roasted beef striploin with truffled olive tapenade. Prefer to stick to seafood? The salmon fillet with citrus beurre-blanc shines on this specialty menu.
Ensure you leave a little room for the best part of the buffet. Our sweets selection has something for every member of the family, and may have you coming back for seconds. Stick to tradition with our rich Christmas pudding; sink into the sweetness of our assorted eclairs; let a slice of house-made apple crumble warm you, or enjoy a hit of espresso with an individual tiramisu.
To tie the bow on this sumptuous Christmas Day lunch in Melbourne, we’ve set up a flowing chocolate fountain with brownies, marshmallows and summer fruits to graze at during dessert. The pancake station is equipped with all the most delicious extras for your little ones to enjoy, and for those who prefer a savoury bite, our cheese and artisanal crackers platter will perfectly complement that finishing glass of wine.
*Drinks are dependent on individual package selection. Alcoholic beverages are for guests 18 years and up. Mocktails, soft drinks and juices are also available.
Experience the Magic of Christmas in the Heart of Melbourne
Create an unforgettable Melbourne experience for you and your loved ones this Christmas Day. Throughout your lunch, our hotel staff will be more than happy to share their expert local knowledge of festive activities within walking distance of the Rialto.
Walk along trussed up Collins Street to enjoy stunning decorations and festive cheer. Venture further into the city for more vibrant festivities or unwind in relaxed summertime splendour with a stroll through one of the beautiful Melbourne parklands nearby.
Things To Do Before or After Lunch
Allow our Chief Concierge to inspire your festivities with a curated list of Melbourne Christmas activities for 2022.
- Treasury Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens
Arrive in the city a little early for lunch to enjoy the beautiful summertime gardens just minutes from our hotel. Begin your day at the stunning Treasury and Fitzroy Gardens, located in the prestigious eastern end of Collins Street. Wander through stunning native flora, picturesque walkways and sunlit greenery.
Fitzroy Gardens in particular is home to a number of iconic attractions, including the quaint Model Tudor Village, scenic Grey Street Fountain, charming Sinclair’s Cottage and the picturesque Plane Tree Walk, to name a few.
- Christmas Square in Federation Square
Experience Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square lit up in splendour, transformed into a dazzling wonderland to please the whole family. The crowning jewel of this must-see activity is the towering Christmas tree, the largest public tree on display in Melbourne.
Christmas Square ends on the night of 25th December. Just a fifteen minute stroll along the Yarra River, this is the perfect end to a sumptuous Christmas Lunch at our hotel.
- Melbourne Town Hall Christmas Projections
Witness one of our city’s most renowned light displays as Melbourne’s Town Hall alights with a sensory feast of glowing, sparkling and shimmering projections. Venture eleven minutes up to the ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street to catch this wondrous show.
The Melbourne Town Hall Christmas Projections run from 9-11pm during the festive season, with the final display on the night of December 25th.
- Myer Christmas Windows
One of Melbourne’s best-loved traditions, the Myer Christmas Windows promise to please every year. Located along vibrant Bourke Street, this enchanting and elaborate festive display is a must-see on any December trip to Melbourne.
The Myer Christmas Windows are switched on until December 25th at midnight. Be sure to bring the littles members of the family to this charming display for a quintessential Christmas in Melbourne.
Reserve Your Table for Christmas Lunch Now
Your seat at InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto awaits. Enjoy a decadent yet relaxed Christmas Day Lunch in Melbourne beneath our atrium’s sparkling glass ceiling and be immersed in the heritage luxury of one of our city’s most iconic buildings.
Christmas Day Lunch at InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto begins at 12:30pm and winds up at 4pm.
Browse our package options or make your reservations on our website. Alternatively, call 1800 593 932 or email [email protected] to speak to our friendly staff about any queries you may have.
We look forward to seeing you soon for an unforgettable Christmas Day Lunch!
