Six ways to have a cracking Christmas Day in Freo
Have yourself a very Freo Christmas with salty swims, seafood barbies, sunshine and a generous dose of Christmas spirit.
1. Beach brunch and ocean swim
Kick off your shoes and get the sand between your toes as you do Christmas Day ‘Freo-style’ at local favourite, South Beach. Set yourself up for the day with a refreshing morning dip in the sparkling Indian Ocean, followed by a festive picnic brunch on the lawns overlooking the water with family and friends.
If you need more than a swim to get you going, The South Beach Kiosk and Bistro 21 can cater to all your caffeine needs.
Image: South Beach
2. Antipasto picnic or gourmet barbie in the park
Settle in for sunshine and relaxation in one of the beautiful parks around the port city. Many have barbecue facilities, playgrounds or are a short walk from the beach.
Create your own celebratory picnic spread. Pick up some mouth-watering cheeses, cured meats, olives, fresh bread and salads for a relaxed Christmas antipasto lunch from some of Freo’s best grocery stores and provedores like Little Sister Delicatessen, Peaches Fresh Food or The Black Truffle. Otherwise, relax and let them prepare a platter for you to pick up on Christmas Eve.
Jazz up your Christmas barbecue with some unique sausages from Frank’s Gourmet Meats. With over 16 styles to choose from, try some festive flavour combinations like Pork & Fig, Lamb, Mint & Rosemary or Beef Berry.
Image: Little Sister Delicatessen platter via Facebook
3. Stylin’ seafood celebration
Fremantle is renowned for its fresh seafood and the festive season provides the perfect excuse to indulge in locally caught crayfish, Fremantle sardines, grilled dhufish, and juicy prawns. Pre-order a seafood platter from Kailis Fish Market or choose your own fishy delights from the fabulous selection at Sealanes Seafood Market for a seafood barbecue at the beach. You can also collect freshest of fresh Christmas lobsters straight off the boat in Fishing Boat Harbour, but be sure to pre-order.
Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of bubbles to accompany your barbecued squid and freshly shucked oysters. Liquor retailers are closed on Christmas Day so purchase in the lead up and have your chilled bottle ready to go for the big day. The Freo Doctor Liquor Store has an extensive range of local and international tipples to complement your festive feast.
Image: Kailis Fish Market via Facebook
4. Hunt and gather at Fremantle Markets
Nothing beats tangy tropical fruit as a palate cleanser. Grab your calico shopping bags and head down to the Fremantle Markets to hunt and gather seasonal sweet mangoes, pineapples and strawberries for a pre or post lunch fruit platter. While you’re there, call past Moorish Nuts for some Christmas nibblies. If you’re feeling adventurous, spice things up with the hot & spicy, abalone or wasabi flavoured macadamias.
If you’re not keen on the traditional plum pudding, pick up some delicious Honeycake for a sweet way to finish of your Christmas feast. The legendary Honeycake is small batch made right here in Fremantle.
Image: Fremantle Markets
5. Let Freo locals spoil YOU this Christmas
Didn’t prepare? There’s still hope! The good folks at Esplanade Hotel by Rydges and Calamity’s Rod Bar and Brewery at The Hougoumont are welcoming walk-ins on Christmas Day. Check their socials for opening times.
Image: Calamity's Rod via Facebook
6. Embrace the spirit of Christmas
Have you always wanted to go to the midnight mass but never been? What better way to get a sense of the real meaning of Christmas than staying up until midnight to attend midnight mass. Beautiful services in Fremantle at St Johns Church and St Patrick’s Basilica are spectacular visions of religious celebration.
Big iconic gothic buildings in the heart of Fremantle, with stained glass windows, candles and magnificent acoustics make for an authentic Christmas experience.
St Patrick’s Basilica is offering traditional mass services over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Join them on Christmas Eve for carols at 5.30 pm prior to the 6 pm children’s mass, followed by carols at 8 pm prior to the 8.30 pm mass and carols at 11 pm prior to the midnight mass. For St Patrick’s and St John’s full Christmas schedule, visit their websites or socials.
