Otago Corrections Facility acting prison manager Chris Gisler said people were often curious about how the festive season was spent in prison.
"Many people seem to have the impression that it could be an extravagant affair.
In reality it is Christmas, but without trimmings.
"For staff who work on Christmas Day, it is business as usual, and the same goes for prisoners," he said.
Corrections Inmate Employment manager Russell Baker said lunch on Christmas Day would be the main meal of the day and would consist of vegetables and chicken, with bread and watermelon on the side.
Dinner would be a cold meat and salads, with vegetarian options available.
Prisoners cook the 24,000 meals served on the day throughout New Zealand prisons and the menu is the same in each prison.
"The department budgets approximately $4.50 per day to feed a prisoner and the main difference on Christmas is that the main meal is served at lunch instead of at night," Mr Baker said.
