Kath Schrader (centre), who was in town with daughters Jill Olesen (left) and Maria Witteman. Photo: RNZ / Rachel Graham
Salmon, ham, barbecued Brazilian beef, oysters and ambrosia dessert are among the offerings being served up for Christmas meals on Wednesday.
RNZ popped out to talk to those in central Christchurch late on Tuesday to get a sense of what was on the Christmas menu.
Winter Hadfield will be having 'ota 'ika on Christmas day, a raw fish dish.
"It's made with coconut cream, cream, vegetables, and just raw fresh fish. And that is pretty much something we always make."
Followed by a household speciality - ambrosia.
Ambrosia is also on the menu for Larissa Tinnelly and her family.
But to start that will make their way through salmon, ham, lamb, and a selection of salads.
Stephanie Lilloux is visiting from Tahiti and said that they follow the French tradition and have their Christmas meal on Christmas Eve.
She said they normally go for caviar and foie gras as a special starter, but this year it was easier to get hold of salmon, oysters and lump eggs.
Kath Schrader was in town with her daughters, Jill Olesen and Maria Witteman.
Kath will be spending Christmas with her son and his family surrounded by grandchildren and grandchildren, with lamb and ham on the menu.
She said she does not have a favourite Christmas food - she just likes them all.
Helen and Phil Bolton are planning on a bbq, including Brazilian Picanha beef - a speciality being provided by some Brazilian family members.
Helen said there will be also be seafood, chocolate brittle and chocolate brownies, but what she is looking forward to the most is getting spending time with the family.
