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.)
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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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.
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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.
Arkansas: SO Restaurant
> Location: Little Rock
This elegant modern bistro serves French and Italian inspired cuisine with warm Southern charm.
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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.
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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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.
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.
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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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.
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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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.
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.
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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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.
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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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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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.
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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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.
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.
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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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.
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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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).
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.
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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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.
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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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.
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.
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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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.
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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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.
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.
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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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.
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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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.
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.
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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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.
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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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.
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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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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