What to Do in the Blue Mountains at Christmas?

If you’re stuck for ideas on what to do in the Blue Mountains over Christmas, you’re not alone – loads of people have the same thought every December. They’ll all be escaping the sweaty chaos of Sydney for the crisp mountain air, the streets all twinkly with fairy lights and the long, lazy lunches that finally feel like a proper Christmas. I’ve spent a fair few Christmases up here myself – chucking my thongs in the cupboard in favour of some sturdy hiking boots and swapping the view of Bondi for the mist rolling off the hills of Leura. And I gotta say, a mountain Christmas is not just a bit of a relief, it’s actually loads of fun.

A Holiday That Finally Feels Real

There’s something pretty special about getting that winter vibe going in the middle of an Aussie summer. The Blue Mountains are a good ten degrees cooler than the coast, so you can light the fire, pour some mulled wine and have a proper festive feast without dripping with sweat underneath your paper Santa hat. And the heritage hotels around here – places like the Carrington in Katoomba or the Hydro Majestic in Medlow – really go all out with the tinsel, carols and the sort of fancy buffet lunches that’ll make you feel all festive.

You’ll find tables loaded up with roast turkey, local ham and loads of other tasty bits and bobs like cherry relish and truffle oil drizzle. Add in a few drinks packages and you’ve got yourself a right old Christmas do.

Get in the Spirit with Local Festivities

December in the Blue Mountains is chock-full of community carol events, little markets and live shows that really bring the place to life. The streets in Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath are all lit up with fairy lights, and you’ll hear music drifting out of the pubs and village greens.

Must-See Festive Happenings

You’ll also find local art studios hosting creative classes in things like wreath-making & pottery – a really fun way to craft your own keepsake before you head home

Feast Like a Local: Festive Dining Experiences

For those who’d rather eat their way through Christmas, the mountains have loads of options to choose from. Whether you’re after a full-on gourmet buffet lunch, a rustic picnic or something casual and low-key, there’s something to suit every traveller – and every dietary need.

Top Places For A Festive Feed

• The Carrington Hotel (Katoomba) – This old heritage hotel really goes all out with the Christmas decorations. Think a fantastic buffet lunch, silverware, and staff who’ve perfected the art of pouring the perfect glass of bubbly.
• Hydro Majestic (Medlow Bath) – Their gourmet buffet lunch features the freshest seasonal ingredients, including truffle mash, cherry glaze, and a dessert table that’s almost too tempting to resist.
• Fairmont Resort (Leura) – Offers festive dining with optional drink packages, an indoor heated pool and a luxurious spa – just what you need after lunch.
• The Lookout at Echo Point – Perfect for travellers who want to experience the local flavour with a view of the Three Sisters.

Loads of venues now accept gift cards (including physical ones) for Christmas dining—a great idea if you’d rather give someone a mountain meal than another scented candle. Just make sure to check the small print – some places charge a fee if you cancel at the last minute.

Cool Off by Waterfalls

If you’d rather earn your pudding the old-fashioned way, the trails up here are world-class. On Christmas morning, while most people are still unwrapping their presents, you could be halfway down a canyon listening to lyrebirds & cicadas echoing through the valley.

My Favourite Walking Trails For The Day

• Govetts Leap to Evans Lookout (Blackheath) – One of the best walking trails in the state. Expect breathtaking views and a cool breeze off the cliffs.
• Grand Canyon Track (near Blackheath) – Lovely & shaded – perfect if you had a big night in Leura the night before.
• Wentworth Falls Circuit – A steep but totally worth it loop with some jaw-dropping waterfalls and a rock ledge lookout with a view that’ll make you forget all about your stairs count.

Some walking packages put together by Blue Mountains Tours even include early-morning walks with local food tastings & transport – a great way to beat the crowds & traffic chaos.

Chill Out, Recharge & Repeat

Christmas can get really hectic, so balance your hikes with some mountain calm. Many local stays – especially the bigger resorts around Leura & Medlow Bath – come with indoor heated pools, luxurious spas and quiet corners perfect for a stroll in the garden with your coffee.

If you’re staying in a self-contained cottage or lodge, you’ll often get access to a shared kitchen, which is great if you’d rather whip up your own Christmas lunch using local produce from the Blackheath Growers Market or the Leura Deli. Grab some cheese, olives and a bottle from Megalong Creek Estate, and you’ve got yourself a picnic that beats city catering hands down.

Stay Somewhere With Soul

Accommodation in the Blue Mountains over Christmas ranges from grand hotels to tiny cabins hidden among gum trees. Whether you want fireplaces or eco-retreats with fairy lights, the region’s got a place for every kind of traveller.

Top Places To Stay Over The Holidays

• Lilianfels Resort & Spa (Katoomba) – Old-school luxury meets comfort. If you want room service, a spa, and to be close to the Three Sisters.
• Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains (Leura) – Family favourite with an indoor heated pool, kids’ play areas and a Christmas buffet lunch.
• Old Leura Dairy – Eco-luxe cottages with a focus on sustainability. Great if you like a shared kitchen and rustic charm.
• Blue Mountains YHA (Katoomba) – Budget-friendly, social and close to live music pubs.

And here’s a tip — book early. According to Tourism Research Australia, the region gets over 4.7 million visitors a year, and December is one of the busiest months. Many places require prepayment and a cancellation fee, so read the fine print before you hit book.

Enjoy A Mountain Christmas Night Out

Evenings in the Blue Mountains are magic at Christmas time. Imagine fairy lights in the pine trees, the smell of roasted nuts down Katoomba Street, and live music spilling out of hotel verandas.

Local pubs like The Avalon or The Bootlegger have live music most weekends in December, while smaller wine bars in Leura offer acoustic sets and small-batch cocktails made with local gin.

If you’re feeling festive Blue Mountains Tour sometimes partners with local venues for Christmas Eve events — think Christmas dinner, trivia nights and carols sung by a jazz band.

Shop Local: Gifts and Goodies to Grab

Forget those big department stores – when you’re in the mountains, it’s all about supporting the local craftspeople and trying some of the region’s best food. Take a stroll down Leura Mall or the Katoomba Cultural Centre and you’ll find loads of unique jewellery, handmade candles, and pots made by local artisans right here. Many shops now offer gift cards (digital and tangible, one-on-one), so you can treat someone even if you’re not really sure what to get them.

And if you’re in town when they have the community carol singing, chuck in a gold coin – it usually goes to the local fire brigade and charities, which is just what this time of year’s all about round these parts.

Handy Travel Tips to Keep in Mind

Before you hit the road, just give yourself a good old-fashioned once-over to make sure you’re geared up for whatever the mountains throw at you. One minute it’s 30 degrees and sunshine, the next you’re wading through mist and drizzle.

Checklist:

• Layer it up and keep a rain jacket handy
• Don’t forget some decent insect repellent – those mozzies don’t care it’s Christmas time
• Get a reusable water bottle – we don’t want to be chucking plastic everywhere
• Bring a picnic rug or some gear if you’re planning on buying some fest food
• Cash is king for some of the market stalls
• Download some offline maps in case you lose phone signal between towns
• Slap on some sunscreen and grab a hat
• Reusable cutlery is a good idea if you do end up eating off a market stall

If you’re on a Blue Mountains tour, it usually includes your transport, entry fees, and some local tastings—which is a great way to avoid all the hassle of finding parking and dealing with the tourists.

Reflecting On A Real Aussie Christmas

There’s something seriously – and rather beautifully – ironic about spending Christmas in a place that’s about as opposite to our beach-loving clichés as you can get. Up here in the Blue Mountains, the surfboards get swapped out for walking trails, the BBQ smoke gets replaced by the scent of pine, and the car horns get drowned out by the sound of kookaburras calling.

For me, Christmas in the mountains isn’t about scrounging around for presents or stuffing my face with food (though I’ll never say no to a plate piled high with truffle oil and cherry relish). It’s all about that feeling of having space to breathe – standing on a cliff edge at sunset, with nothing but the wind rustling through the trees to keep me company.

So whether you’re joining a Blue Mountains tour, setting up camp in Leura, or checking into one of those heritage hotels with a gossamer gourmet buffet lunch, you’ll find something special up here – something calming, peaceful, and quietly joyful.

FAQ

Are restaurants actually open on Christmas Day?

Yes, they are – but you’d better believe that most of them require a booking, especially if they’re dishing out a festive buffet lunch or gourmet buffet lunch. Always check in ahead of time to confirm any dietary requirements and note any potential cancellation fees you might incur.

Is there public transport to the Blue Mountains on Christmas Day?

You bet there is. Sydney Trains and NSW buses will operate on a public holiday schedule. If you don’t feel like dealing with the logistics, just join a Blue Mountains tour from the city and let someone else handle it.

What’s the weather like in December?

Well, you can expect it to be pretty mild – highs of around 22-26°C, with some cool nights and a decent chance of an afternoon storm or two. It’s a fair bit cooler than it is in Sydney, which makes it perfect for getting out and about on foot or enjoying a spot of outdoor dining.

Can I swim anywhere in the area?

Yes – you’ve got places like Minnehaha Falls and Jellybean Pool in Glenbrook that are perfect for slipping in for a cool-off after lunch. Just be sure to check the local alerts first to make sure it’s safe to swim.

Do I really need to book accommodation well in advance?

Absolutely – yes, you do. Places to stay in Leura and Katoomba fill up months in advance, especially at those heritage hotels that offer festive dining packages.