Christmas might be the most exciting time of the year, but sometimes all the effort required to make it a memorable celebration can put a dampener on the occasion. There’s presents to buy, parties to organise, and so much food to prepare.

What if someone else could cook all that delicious Christmas food for you, so you don’t have to worry about a thing? Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is doing just that with its Christmas Buffet Lunch. 

This year, Rydges is going all out – expect a huge feast of all your Christmas favourites, a three-hour beverage package, live music, and even a visit from Santa.

The food is the star of the show. Of course, it’s a buffet lunch, because the best part of Christmas lunch is coming back for seconds, right? A three-hour drinks package with alcohol, soft drinks, tea, and coffee on offer is also included in your reservation, so you certainly won't go thirsty.

Start off at the charcuterie and antipasto station, featuring moreish platter treats like Pink Peppercorn Patê, House Cherry Smoked Chicken, cheeses from Binnorie Dairy and Hunterbelle Cheese, house made dips and pickled vegetables, lavosh, and freshly-baked bread.

At the carvery and live cooking station, there’ll be classics like Mulled Whisky Glazed Ham and Herb Roasted Scotch Fillet on offer, as well as delicious dishes like Honey Gochujang Prawns and Fennel & Cider Mussels with Chorizo Crumbs. 

If you’re craving quintessential Aussie Christmas dishes, head straight for the fresh seafood, with Nelson Bay oysters, Australian prawns, and barbecued Moreton Bay bugs.

Keep piling your plate high with all the hot trimmings, like Pistachio & Cranberry Stuffed Turkey Roulade, Chicken Karaage, and Saltbush & Confit Garlic Roasted Potatoes. Don’t forget the salad either – think dishes like Quinoa, Pomegranate & Roasted Carrot Tabbouleh or Heirloom Tomato & Plum Salad, Ricotta & Basil. 

Vegetarians won’t have to miss out on all the goodness – plenty of the salads, sides, and antipasto are vego-friendly, plus Rydges have created a dedicated vegetarian menu. There’s Truffle Cauliflower & Hazelnut Soup, Pumpkin Hommus, Spiced Brassicas & Raisins, Persian Jewelled Rice, and more.

Don’t forget to save room for dessert – there’s plenty of options to choose from, like classic Christmas Pudding with Brandy Custard, Italian Cherry Trifle, and Summer Fruit Pavlova. 

If you and the family would like a break from doing are sick of doing all the Christmas planning, then gather your loved ones and book in for this festive feast on December 25.

Christmas Buffet Lunch

When: Monday 25th December, 2023
Where: Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale
Cost: $289 for adults | $149 for children aged 5-12
More information: visit the Rydges Resort Hunter Valley website.