EatWell Christmas 2025

Welcome to Emma Dean’s Festive Floatin’ Christmas with Emma Dean, and this Christmas, we’re ditching the usual tinsel and traffic jams for something a little more … boaty. That’s right — we’ve set sail for Echuca Moama, right on the banks of the mighty Murray River. To mark the occasion, we’re going all out with a festive feast (yes, turkey is defi nitely on the table).

In true holiday spirit, we’ve set ourselves a little challenge: how do you create the ultimate Christmas spread that delights kids and grown-ups alike — all from the deck of a houseboat? Well, Emma Dean’s got a few tricks up her sleeve. She’ll be sharing how to plan ahead, prep smart and make every meal feel magical with minimal fuss (and no, it doesn’t all have to fall on you). We’re talking clever ways to stretch meals, turn leftovers into heroes and bring that “wow” factor to every bite.

And of course, Emma Dean won’t be feasting alone. This year, she’s joined by some of the incredible makers, growers and food lovers who call Echuca Moama home, each bringing their own magic to the table. From the banks of the Murray to the heart of town, this region is packed with stories, flavours and characters you’ll never forget.

No Christmas is complete without stuffing, and who better to deliver than the lads from Pacdon Park. From local beekeeper Bradley Jackson, My Dad’s Honey proves that Christmas is always sweeter with a little drizzle of golden goodness. Plus, my good friend Diana Chan shows us how one hero sauce can elevate any plate.

To toast the season, we’ll raise a glass (minus the fuzz the next day) with Aaron Milne, Edenvale’s head winemaker and a pioneer of the non-alcoholic wine movement. With his clever mocktails and perfect pairings, you can skip the alcohol and still feel festive. When it comes to indulging, Lindt Master Chocolatier Thomas Schnetzler’s Pistachio “Rum Ball” in Lindt Chocolate is luxuriously rich and makes for the most decadent thoughtful gift, too! So grab a glass (alc or not), hop aboard and let the river set the pace for a laugh-out-loud Christmas.

Merry Christmas!