This year, ditch the planning, cooking and prep for the big event, and opt for a festive lunch out where everyone can relax and enjoy the day.

Unless you’re hampered by a serious lack of empathy, you’d know that a Christmas Day gathering takes considerable effort – even if everyone brings their allotted dish and helps with the clean up.

The planning is also likely to be trickier this year. Adelaide’s forecast is for tropical weather on Christmas Day. Very likely rain. Maybe thunderstorms. Definitely muggy.

This is not weather you want to be cooking in, so to make things easier for yourself and everyone else, just go out instead.

There are some excellent options available for Christmas lunch at Australian Venue Co pubs around the city. Check out a few below.

The Mile End

30 Henley Beach Road, Mile End 5031

If you’re looking for a venue that brings a sense of occasion to your gathering, The Mile End is the pick. Its beautiful dining room beckons with an Insta-worthy backdrop to any family photo.

It also has a fabulous feast planned for the big day. One part nostalgia, four parts festive – you know it’s going to be a good Christmas when prawn cocktails are on the menu.

Find out more and book at The Mile End website.

The Parkside

142 Glen Osmond Road, Parkside 5063

If the end of the year has you feeling worse for wear, and you just want to settle into a relaxed celebration with family and friends in gorgeous, contemporary surrounds, this pub is for you.

There’s a perfect three-course Christmas lunch on offer, with all the trimmings plus your choice of wines, non-alcoholic drinks and tap beers. And there’s also a mini-me menu for the kids.

Outside of the festive season, The Parkside has built a reputation for a mean cocktail. So, pair your lunch with a festive imbibe to get the jolly Christmas vibes happening.

Find out more and book at The Parkside website.

The Brighton Metro

466 Brighton Road, Brighton 5048

These considerate folks cater to those of us who wake up hangry and in need of brunch at 11am, as well as to those who prefer to amble in for a meal at 1:30pm. Either way, you can book for a buffet extravaganza that will leave everyone happy and loosen-that-belt-a-notch-or-two satisfied.

Traditional favourites like roast turkey and Yorkshire pudding feature together with salt and pepper tofu, baked salmon and a vegan gnocchi pomodoro. There’s a festive array of sides, fresh salads and scrumptious desserts to ensure no one leaves disappointed. For the littlies, there’s also a kids’ menu with special sundaes and decorated activity rooms.

Find out more and book at The Brighton Metro website.