Special Report

The Best Restaurants For Christmas in Every State

Courtesy of The Albert via Yelp

December 24th and 25th mark a time when many who celebrate Christmas look forward to gathering their family together for festive dining. Sometimes however, tradition must be abandoned for work, travel, or just plain overwhelm. Luckily, there are always restaurants open on Christmas.

To assemble a list of recommended restaurants open Christmas Eve and (usually) Christmas Day, 24/7 Tempo reviewed listings on the reservation sites Open Table, Resy, and Tock, as well as numerous restaurant sites and sites with local and regional listings.

The majority of these restaurants serve on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but a few (indicated as such) are only open on the Eve (and one closes on the 24th but is open on Christmas itself).

In addition to many American restaurants, both modern and traditional, eateries serving Japanese, Mexican, Italian, German, and Chinese food are represented here. Some of these will be serving their regular menu, rather than a Christmas-themed meal. Others plan special prix-fixe menus or offer abundant holiday brunches. (For Christmas and otherwise, these are the 25 best cities for brunch lovers.)

Many of the establishments open on Christmas are hotel restaurants catering to those who will be traveling for the holiday, but they will also serve locals who aren’t staying at the hotel.

Note that some restaurants on the list have limited hours for the holidays, serving only during daylight hours. Most require reservations, and they’re always recommended to avoid disappointment.

Click here to see the best restaurants for Christmas in every state

Aside from the places on this list, many chain restaurants, including Applebee’s, Benihana, Del Frisco’s, Morton’s, and most Brazilian steakhouses, commonly remain open on both the Eve and the Day. (For those whose tradition is Chinese food on this holiday, check out the best Chinese restaurant in every state.)

Courtesy of Mary T. via Yelp

Alabama: Bellini’s Ristorante & Bar (Xmas Eve only)
> Location: Birmingham

This stylish Italian steakhouse offers its regular menu of homemade pastas and Tuscan fare, along with pizzas, burgers, and seafood on Dec. 24.

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Courtesy of Cyndi G. via Yelp

Alaska: Simon & Seafort’s
> Location: Anchorage

A classic American grill, Simon & Seafort’s offers an array of aged steaks and seafood in a stunning dining room with panoramic views.

Courtesy of Mora Italian via Yelp

Arizona: Mora Italian (Xmas Eve only)
> Location: Phoenix

The Christmas Eve dinner at this Italian osteria is a prix-fixe, three-course menu for $95 with many dishes to choose from, including braised lamb shank, wagyu tagliatelle, black campanelle with crab, and roast chicken with polenta.

Courtesy of SO Restaurant-Bar via Yelp

Arkansas: SO Restaurant
> Location: Little Rock

This elegant modern bistro serves French and Italian inspired cuisine with warm Southern charm.

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Courtesy of Skye S. via Yelp

California: Mélisse (Xmas Eve only)
> Location: Los Angeles

An intimate French and New American restaurant known for its prix-fixe menus, Mélisse will offer a high-end six-course Christmas Eve dinner for $195. Reservations are a must.

Courtesy of Narrative via Yelp

Colorado: Narrative
> Location: Denver

This New American restaurant serves an eclectic mix of globally inspired small and large plates along with craft cocktails and wine.

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Courtesy of Kelsey M. via Yelp

Connecticut: The Shipwright’s Daughter (Xmas Eve only)
> Location: Mystic

The Shipwright’s Daughter serves a seasonal menu of New England fare, including oysters on the half-shell, smoked fish, chowders, and hearty mains.

Courtesy of Len S. via Yelp

Delaware: Harry’s Savoy Grill (Xmas Eve only)
> Location: Wilmington

On Christmas Eve, this classic steakhouse known for its prime rib, is offering à la carte dining and an elaborate buffet. Reservations are highly encouraged.

Courtesy of Mafe D. via Yelp

Florida: Fiola
> Location: Coral Gables

This upscale modern Italian place from noted chef Fabio Trabocchi, with sister restaurants in Washington, D.C., and Venice (Italy), will be offering a Christmas Eve menu consisting of caviar service, an Amalfi Coast raw bar, decadent antipasti, housemade pastas, and entrées from the land and sea, as well as serving on Christmas afternoon and evening.

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moresidencesatl / Flickr

Georgia: Le Bilboquet (Xmas Eve only)
> Location: Atlanta

Christmas Eve dining at this fine French restaurant involves a sumptuous, four-course prix-fixe menu that features options like grilled octopus, foie gras terrine, roast lamb tenderloin, bûche de Noël, and more. The cost per adult is $135, while the children’s menu is $55.

Courtesy of Sherrie K. via Yelp

Hawaii: Merriman’s Honolulu
> Location: Honolulu (Oahu)

Merriman’s is known for their fresh, local seafood and other dishes redolent with Hawaiian flavors. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, they will be serving a three-course prix-fixe menu for $115 ($42 for children 12 and under).

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Courtesy of Chandlers via Yelp

Idaho: Chandlers
> Location: Boise

This fine-dining steakhouse will offer an à la carte menu as well as a prix-fixe dinner on Christmas Eve and Day, accompanied by live music. While the steak and seafood are the draw, the vegetarian options are well-executed, too.

Courtesy of The Albert via Yelp

Illinois: The Albert
> Location: Chicago

A popular New American restaurant, the Albert will be serving a Christmas morning brunch featuring prime rib, turkey, and ham for $49 – or $55 with a glass of champagne.

 

Courtesy of Alexandria H. via Yelp

Indiana: Meridian Restaurant & Bar (Xmas Eve only)
> Location: Indianapolis

This cozy New American restaurant with a fireplace is the ideal spot for a tasteful Christmas Eve lunch featuring warming soups and comforting entrées.

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Courtesy of Joe C. via Yelp

Iowa: Mulberry Street Tavern
> Location: Des Moines

Open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Day, this inviting dining space in the Surety Hotel will be serving its full dinner menu, with Christmas specials including roast lamb and a sugar Plum cocktail.

Courtesy of Lois M. via Yelp

Kansas: YaYa’s Euro Bistro (Xmas Eve only)
> Location: Overland Park

A Mediterranean restaurant and wood-fired pizza grill, YaYa’s is a popular gathering spot for groups, with shareable plates including baba ganoush with pita, beef carpaccio, and chicken piadini.

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Courtesy of The Lobby Bar via Yelp

Kentucky: Lobby Bar & Grill at the Brown Hotel
> Location: Louisville

This opulent hotel lounge offers comfort food with a Southern flair and is the home of Louisville’s famous open-faced sandwich, the Hot Brown, made with turkey, ham, bacon, and Mornay sauce.

Louisiana: Tujague’s
> Location: New Orleans

On Christmas Day, this historic Creole restaurant will feature a prix-fixe four-course menu with entrées including filet mignon, duck leg, pork tournedos, and Gulf fish amandine.

Maine: Natalie’s at Camden Harbour Inn
> Location: Camden

A Victorian Inn restaurant that specializes in fine New England dining, Natalie’s is offering a special five-course Christmas menu that includes duck liver mousse with cranberry honey, maple-glazed ham with potato confit, and sticky toffee pudding with orange and smoked vanilla.

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Courtesy of Maximón via Yelp

Maryland: Maximón
> Location: Baltimore

A stylish Latin restaurant offering Mexican and South American cuisine, Maximón specializes in steaks and seafood including ceviche, grilled prawns, and whole roast lobsters.

Courtesy of Mare Oyster Bar via Yelp

Massachusetts: Mare Oyster Bar
> Location: Boston

This modern Italian seafood restaurant hosts a sophisticated Christmas dinner with its sprawling menu of crudo, caviar, appetizers, pasta, land and sea entrées, salads, and desserts.

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Courtesy of Ann W. via Yelp

Michigan: The Apparatus Room
> Location: Detroit

At the Detroit Foundation Hotel, the Apparatus Room is known for its cool atmosphere, craft cocktails, and New American fare.

Courtesy of Luke G. via Yelp

Minnesota: Mara
> Location: Minneapolis

A Mediterranean restaurant at the Four Seasons in downtown Minneapolis, Mara will offer an à la carte holiday menu on Christmas Eve, and a prix-fixe menu on Christmas Day featuring cauliflower panna cotta with sturgeon caviar, za’atar crusted prime rib, and bacon-wrapped monkfish.

Courtesy of Chancellor's Grill & Lounge via Yelp

Mississippi: Chancellor’s Grill & Lounge
> Location: Oxford

A hidden gem inside the Chancellor’s House luxury hotel, this grill and lounge is known for its elegant takes on Southern and other American fare.

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Courtesy of David T. via Yelp

Missouri: Lidia’s (Xmas Eve only)
> Location: Kansas City

This Italian restaurant, under the direction of famed restaurateur and TV personality Lidia Bastianich, will be celebrating the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve with an exquisite four-course menu for $70 a person. Reservations are necessary.

Courtesy of FINN via Yelp

Montana: FINN
> Location: Missoula

A surf ‘n turf restaurant that also slings oysters and pizza, FINN will be serving Christmas Day brunch from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 3 to 7 p.m.

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Courtesy of Robert E. via Yelp

Nebraska: Timbers at Lied Lodge
> Location: Nebraska City

This popular restaurant at the Arbor Day Farm’s Lied Lodge will be hosting a grand Christmas Day Brunch Buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $47 a person ($20 for children ages 5 to 12).

Courtesy of Emily Z. via Yelp

Nevada: Eiffel Tower
> Location: Las Vegas

A French restaurant on the Strip, Eiffel Tower will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, serving both brunch and dinner. Reservations are encouraged.

Courtesy of SALT Kitchen & Bar via Yelp

New Hampshire: SALT Kitchen & Bar
> Location: New Castle

This New American hotel eatery will be serving an elaborate Christmas Day buffet from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well as a three-course Christmas Day dinner from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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Courtesy of Kaylee G. via Yelp

New Jersey: Blue Pig Tavern
> Location: Cape May

Set inside a charming 19th-century hotel, this tavern will be hosting a classic Christmas Day dinner buffet in the expansive ballroom featuring ham, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and dessert.

Courtesy of Monica V. via Yelp

New Mexico: Luminaria Restaurant & Patio
> Location: Santa Fe

Located at an inn and spa, this inventive Southwestern restaurant is planning a Christmas Eve prix-fixe dinner featuring options like pork pozole, seared duck breast, and port wine poached pears.

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Courtesy of Tavern on the Green via Yelp

New York: Tavern on the Green
> Location: New York City

This elegant Central Park icon is serving four-course Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners by reservation only, for $135 per adult and $65 for children 12 and under.

Courtesy of AJ Z. via Yelp

North Carolina: Tallulas
> Location: Chapel Hill

An authentic Turkish restaurant with an unbeatable vibe, Tallulas is open regular hours on Christmas Eve and Day, and will be serving a three-course menu for $45 a head.

Courtesy of Ja Bomb

North Dakota: Ja Bomb (Xmas Eve only)
> Location: Bismarck

Ja Bomb is a new, authentic Japanese restaurant known for serving hearty ramen bowls, sushi, and bubble tea.

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Courtesy of The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake via Facebook

Ohio: The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake
> Location: Geneva-on-the-Lake

Located in a wine country resort hotel, this restaurant will host candlelight dinners on Christmas Eve and Day with a small but enticing à la carte menu of soups, salads, appetizers, and entrees including prime rib, roast turkey, and rainbow trout.

Courtesy of Café Cuvée via Yelp

Oklahoma: Café Cuvée
> Location: Oklahoma City

This chic French bistro at the trendy Ambassador Hotel is open 365 days a year, and will be hosting a Christmas Day celebration. Advance-purchase tickets are $60.

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Photo by Tiffany B. via Yelp

Oregon: Urban Farmer
> Location: Portland

A modern steakhouse and popular brunch hangout, Urban Farmer is planning a multi-course prix-fixe Christmas Day spread that runs all day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Courtesy of Zoey M. via Yelp

Pennsylvania: Dim Sum House by Jane G’s
> Location: Philadelphia

Bring the whole family to this classic dim sum parlor for Christmas dinner and enjoy soup dumplings, shumai, bao buns, pumpkin tarts, scallion pancakes, and more.

Courtesy of Cat G. via Yelp

Rhode Island: Castle Hill Inn
> Location: Newport

This oceanfront hotel will serve four-course holiday dinners on Christmas Eve and Day for $125 per person to hotel guests as well as non-guests with reservations.

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Courtesy of Nicholas S. via Yelp

South Carolina: The Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro
> Location: Little River

Known for its lowcountry French cuisine, this fine dining establishment is offering a special holiday menu on Christmas Eve and Day for $59.99. Highlights include oysters Rockefeller, beef Wellington, and mocha yule log.

Courtesy of Deb G. via Yelp

South Dakota: The Latchstring Restaurant
> Location: Lead

Located at the Spearfish Canyon Lodge, the Latchstring Restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, serving a menu of made-from-scratch specialties on tables with Christmas-themed settings. Large groups can be accommodated by reservation.

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Courtesy of Ellington's via Yelp

Tennessee: Ellington’s
> Location: Nashville

This mid-century bar and grill has dreamed up an exciting three-course Christmas Day set menu featuring classic holiday flavors served with a modern flair. Dinner will be $75 per person.

Courtesy of Joey S. via Yelp

Texas: Georgie
> Location: Dallas

A butcher shop and fine dining restaurant by chef Curtis Stone, Georgie has three festive holiday prix-fixe menus planned including a Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day brunch, and Christmas Day dinner.

Courtesy of Maureen W. via Yelp

Utah: Kita
> Location: Salt Lake City

This elegant Japanese grill is switching it up to offer a New American-style holiday menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 5 to 10 p.m. Selections include squash bisque, roasted beet salad, pistachio-crusted rack of lamb, and eggnog Paris-Brest.

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Photo by The Copper Grouse via Yelp

Vermont: The Copper Grouse
> Location: Manchester

For high-end comfort food, elevated pub fare, and a large selection of whiskey, the Copper Grouse in the Kimpton Taconic Hotel is the place to be.

Courtesy of Michael P. via Yelp

Virginia: Peter Chang
> Location: Arlington

Specializing in Szechuan cuisine, Peter Chang is a great spot for a traditional Chinese feast when most other restaurants are closed for Christmas.

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Courtesy of Amy C. via Yelp

Washington: Ray’s Café
> Location: Seattle

Christmas Eve and Day dining reservations are available at this waterfront grill for a three-course dinner priced at $70. Entrée options include grilled salmon with sunchoke purée, prime rib, duck leg confit, and creamy mushroom polenta.

Courtesy of Retna S. via Yelp

West Virginia: Bavarian Inn Resort & Brewing Company
> Location: Shepherdstown

This European-inspired boutique resort restaurant is open Christmas Eve and Day with a four-course dinner for $70. The menu features classic American and European dishes including Jaegerschnitzel (breaded pork cutlets in mushroom gravy), roast goose, crab cakes, and spaetzle.

Wisconsin: Mader’s Restaurant
> Location: Milwaukee

Milwaukee’s oldest German restaurant is continuing its tradition of hosting a popular Christmas Day German brunch buffet featuring pork shank, sausages, warm potato salad, ham, and much more.

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Courtesy of Mel S. via Yelp

Wyoming: Calico (Xmas Day only)
> Location: Jackson Hole

This rustic Italian-American restaurant, one of the oldest dining establishments in Jackson Hole, will be open Christmas Day serving their regular menu.

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