Christmas Day on Kangaroo Island 2023

'Tis the season to be jolly, and like many of you we are stocking up the pantry with local goodies, finalising gifts, and preparing for that well-overdue getaway. If you're planning to spend Christmas Day on Kangaroo Island, then look no further!

From leaving the Christmas cooking to someone else, planning the ultimate seafood feast or wondering where watching the sun go down on Christmas Eve, we have you covered on what to do!

Tips for planning the ultimate Christmas break on KI:

- Lunch and dinner bookings are essential, remember to book ahead
- If visiting Flinders Chase National Park, also plan to book ahead as phone service can be limited
- Check out the spectacular lights at George's Castle
- Stock up on plenty of local produce to make entertaining a breeze

...and importantly, be kind to those that are working the festive season!

Let someone else wine and dine you

Christmas Day can be the ultimate gathering with loved ones, whether cooking for yourselves, or indulging in a stress-free celebration where you let someone else do the work for you!

Below are our top picks for celebrating Christmas Day on Kangaroo Island.

Christmas at the Zone Restaurant

Lunch (Three Courses)

Adults: $129pp
Children: 13-16 years inclusive: $79, 6-12 years inclusive: $49, 5 years and under: Free

Dinner (Buffet)

Adults: $69 per person
Children: 13-16 years inclusive: $49, 6-12 years inclusive: $29, 5 years and under: Free

Bookings are essential

Christmas at The Kiosk
Christmas at the Penneshaw Pub

A annual Penneshaw tradition, with the Pub opening from 9:00am to 11:00am for bar and bottle-shop purchases.

Christmas at Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

  • Zone Restaurant & Bar

    • Kingscote
    Bars, Restaurant and Cafe
    Enjoy the relaxed vibe of Zone Bar & Restaurant, located in the Chapman Building of the Ozone Hotel.
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  • The Kiosk Penneshaw

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Restaurant and Cafe
    Welcome to “The Kiosk” in Penneshaw - a white-washed, laidback, coastal-friendly take on informal dining with great coffee and…
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  • Penneshaw Pub

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Restaurant and Cafe
    The Penneshaw Hotel on Kangaroo Island has commanding and uninterrupted views over Backstairs Passage with absolute water…
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  • Reflections Restaurant

    • American River
    Restaurant and Cafe
    Reflections restaurant is the a la carte dining experience offered by Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge.

    The executive chef Andy…
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Imagine.... pulling up to one of the many beautiful beaches of Kangaroo Island with an esky of cold drinks and a local seafood platter.

Christmas Day is the only day of the year that the SeaLink Kangaroo Island ferry does not run, and is a day where many businesses close to enjoy the day with family and friends.

Be sure to plan ahead before the big day and shop locally for some great produce, including award-winning beverages, condiments, seafood, honey, olives and so much more.

Indulge in a seafood feast

Order your Christmas seafood from the Oyster Farm Shop, and enjoy delicacies such as Pacific Oysters, Native oysters, Wild Marron, Abalone, Abalini, King George Whiting and more. The Oyster Farm Shop are proud to sell fresh, sustainable seafood products from the pristine waters of Kangaroo Island.

Prepare to pop the bubbles

Nothing says Christmas cheer like a glass of Dudley Bubbly, a mouth-filling sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Gris blend made by family-run Dudley Wines. If bubbles aren't your thing, Dudley's award-winning portfolio includes 14 wines, all grown and produced on Kangaroo Island.

Stock up on fragrant gifts

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery will have you (and your loved ones) covered from head to toe with gorgeous body lotions, oils, sweet treats and so much more. Emu Ridge produce 100% pure Australian Eucalyptus Essential Oil from the Kangaroo Island Narrow Leaf Mallee, along with a range of natural products - perfect as Christmas stocking fillers.

Jazz up your platters with the sweet stuff

Honey is the perfect accompaniment for your epic Christmas platter, pairing well with almost any type of cheese! Select from a range of Island Beehive's single varietal honeys, discover the distinct influences of the local flora, or try one of their exclusive rare release honeys.

Discover more of Kangaroo Island's farm gates, cellar doors and producers here.

Enjoy your Christmas Day relaxing, unwinding and exploring

Discover hidden gems like the Vivonne Bay rock pools, pop the champagne at Remarkable Rocks at sunset or watch the seals play at Admirals Arch. Take the meandering paths of the Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail, or wander through the rock caves of Stokes Bay. There are so many exciting things to do, making for the perfect Christmas Day out.

Explore on Christmas Day

  • Flinders Chase National Park and Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area

    • West End
    Natural Attractions, National Parks and Reserves, Parks and Gardens
    This park is a rugged wilderness featuring iconic landmarks such as the world-famous Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.
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  • Remarkable Rocks, Flinders Chase National Park

    • West End
    Natural Attractions, National Parks and Reserves
    Perched above the sea in Flinders Chase National Park, the impressive Remarkable Rocks form what appear to be a cluster of…
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  • Admirals Arch

    • West End
    Natural Attractions, National Parks and Reserves, Parks and Gardens
    Admiral's Arch is a natural rock arch created by amazing forces of nature. You can often view seals and their pups from the…
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  • Stokes Bay Beach

    • North Coast
    Natural Attractions
    Voted Australia's Best Beach in 2023, Stokes Bay, located on Kangaroo Island's north coast, is protected from the pounding surf…
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  • Snelling Beach

    • North Coast
    Natural Attractions
    Snellings Beach is the most visible and most popular on the north coast.
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  • Vivonne Bay Beach

    • South Coast
    Natural Attractions
    Vivonne Bay was voted one of Australia's top beaches, this was because of its clear water, cleanliness and privacy. Its long,…
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  • Penneshaw Beach

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Natural Attractions
    Penneshaw Beach (Hog Bay) is 600 m long and faces the northeast. There is a reserve and low foredune running the length of the…
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  • Emu Bay Beach

    • North Coast
    Natural Attractions
    The beach ranks among the most popular due to its clear waters, long shoreline with direct vehicle access.
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  • Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail

    • Penneshaw & Dudley Peninsula
    Natural Attractions
    The newly developed Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail is now open and already welcoming and amazing visitors of all ages.
    Read more

Christmas Day with a difference

Remarkable Rocks Boy Walking Through Remarkable Rocks Boy Walking Through Remarkable Rocks Boy Walking Through
Get amongst nature
Visit Flinders Chase
  • Buck Kangaroo by Quentin Chester

    Iconic Wildlife

    As one of the world’s best nature-based destinations, learn about and get up close to the iconic Kangaroo Island Wildlife, including the Kangaroo Island Kangaroos.
  • Redbanks

    Kangaroo Island beaches to still discover

    Kangaroo Island has some of the most spectacular beaches in Australia. Beautiful white long spans of sand and sparkling blue waters, you're the only one there. Some of the beaches offer hidden secrets of beauty that the locals like to keep secret.