The holiday season is upon us, and for many, cooking on Christmas Day 2024 may not be at the top of the to-do list. Thankfully, several restaurants are opening their doors to provide festive meals, allowing people to enjoy the holiday without the stress of cooking.
Whether you’re traveling or simply prefer to savor a professionally prepared meal, dining out can be the perfect solution. With numerous establishments—ranging from popular national chains to local gems—offering special menus, there's no need to stress if you're not feeling the urge to pull together your own feast.
According to sources, many restaurants are set to serve delicious holiday meals. Take, for example, New York City, where Michelin-starred spots like Restaurant Yuu will feature delectable tasting menus on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, enhanced with luxurious ingredients like Wagyu and caviar. Meanwhile, Danny Meyer’s Gramercy Tavern will offer classic American cuisine made from high-quality local ingredients, complemented by cozy winter vibes.
It’s important to note, though, availability can vary. For last-minute Christmas dinner reservations, consulting platforms like OpenTable is wise. OpenTable CEO, Debby Soo, stresses the importance of flexibility: "Consider dining at off-peak hours or booking a ticketed dining experience," she told GMA. For those hoping to dine at one of the highly sought-after restaurants, utilizing the Notify Me feature on OpenTable can be invaluable, notifying would-be guests if reservations become available.
Beyond NYC, significant cities like Chicago and Los Angeles boast their own unique offerings. Chicago's Miru, located at the St. Regis hotel, will serve up popular Kentucky Fried Chicken-inspired Christmas dining with their brunch buffet priced at $95. Alternatively, diners can find community favorites like MingHin Cuisine, known for its exceptional dim sum and commitment to being open 365 days, continuing the holiday spirit every day of the year.
Similarly, Los Angeles isn't to be outdone, featuring options such as Orla's Christmas Day beachfront brunch for $95, complete with festive photo ops with Santa. Terraza, located within Santa Monica's Hotel Casa Del Mar, will present lively dining experiences featuring high-quality dishes like grilled prawns for $125.
Of course, this isn't limited to just large cities. Restaurants across regions are preparing holiday feasts for guests. For the Omaha area, KETV has compiled some of the options available on December 25, showing multiple local establishments like Addy's Bar and Curry in a Hurry are set to welcome diners. It’s worth highlighting popular national chains like IHOP and Denny’s, with operating hours varying by location, allowing families to enjoy hearty meals regardless of where they are.
No matter where you are—whether it’s Portland, Seattle, or any major city—you have options. Portland brings Gracie’s at Hotel Deluxe, showcasing its luxurious buffet for $90, or Mayrose’s three-course Christmas dinner for $70—a true feast of rich flavors. Seattle offers Ethan Stowell's Goldfinch Tavern’s Christmas Feast with its Marcona almond-crusted beef tenderloin or the flagship Fairmont Olympic’s holiday prix fixe option.
While many of the noted establishments provide unique menus and ambiances for diners, it is also wise to check local dining options for prix fixe specials or other independent restaurants, which might also offer delightful alternatives.
Staying informed is key; checking with local restaurants will provide the most accurate information on opening hours and reservation requirements. For those who prefer takeout on Christmas Day, there are several chains opening their doors or offering delivery as well. Places like Benihana, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Morton's Steakhouse will cater to those needing last-minute meal options.
It’s also worth mentioning various coffee chains will remain open on Christmas. Starbucks and Dunkin' outlets will be offering standard hours, making them ideal for last-minute treats or coffee before the day's festivities kick off.
For anyone concerned about missing out on the festive spirit by not cooking at home, the myriad restaurant options provide comfort and convenience during the hustle of the holiday season. From upscale dining experiences to comforting takeout, the choices are abundant. Families and individuals alike can embrace the joy of the holiday with less stress by experiencing the culinary flair offered by so many establishments.
No matter how you choose to celebrate this Christmas, there’s no shortage of world-class dining options to help you kick back, relax, and create memories with your loved ones without the worry over preparing meals yourself.
