A curated guide to the best places to dine on Christmas Day in NYC, from classic institutions to neighborhood favorites and special-occasion tables.

It is that time of year again—when the city hums with twinkling lights. Storefronts drip in garlands, and the unmistakable buzz of the holiday season fills the air. Christmas Day is just around the corner, and the idea of a home-cooked feast might seem charming in theory. Sometimes the real holiday magic is letting someone else do the cooking.

Imagine stepping out into the crisp winter air, the city’s streets quieter than usual, and heading to a restaurant where the table is flawlessly set. The menu is impossibly enticing, and the only thing you have to do is savor every bite.

No dishes. No timers. Just you, your loved ones, and the luxury of being cared for. If that sounds like the kind of Christmas you could get behind, you are in the right place.

38 Top Places to Dine on Christmas Day

Where to Eat On Christmas Day in New York

Christmas Day in New York carries its own rhythm. Quieter streets, longer meals, and tables meant for staying awhile. For those choosing to celebrate outside the home, the city offers an exceptional range of restaurants open on Christmas Day, from refined multi-course dinners to intimate neighborhood rooms that feel especially inviting this time of year.

This guide brings together the most thoughtful places to dine across Manhattan and Brooklyn, whether you are planning a celebratory meal or a low-key gathering centered on good food and good company.

Looking for festive dining beyond December 25? Our guide to the top Christmas restaurants in NYC highlights beautifully decorated dining rooms and seasonal menus throughout the holiday season.

NEW FOR 2025

Westlight

📍Location: 111 North 12th Street — Williamsburg, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: Westlight | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Westlight will remain open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, offering its seasonal à la carte menu for guests dining in while showcasing the sweeping skyline views that define the Williamsburg rooftop. The in-house experience keeps things flexible, allowing diners to order freely from the regular menu rather than a fixed holiday prix fixe.

For those celebrating at home, Chef Andrew Carmellini’s Christmas Takeaway Feast brings a more structured holiday option. Priced at $125 per person, the takeaway menu centers on winter-forward comfort dishes, including red wine–braised short ribs finished with toasted garlic crumbs and a classic apple cider lattice pie to close the meal. It’s a polished, low-effort way to bring a Westlight-worthy Christmas dinner to the table without leaving home.

Explore Reservations | Order Christmas Takeaway Feast

The Ivy Room

📍 Location: 420 Park Avenue South — Flatiron, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: The Ivy Room | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $65 per person

The Ivy Room offers a composed, three-course Christmas menu that balances seasonal ingredients with confident, well-executed flavors. Guests select one dish per course, allowing the meal to unfold at an easy, unhurried pace suited to a holiday gathering.

The opening course spans both lighter and richer directions, with options such as roasted Brussels sprouts finished with pancetta, balsamic honey, and toasted hazelnuts; saffron pumpkin risotto; fall greens dressed in lemon vinaigrette; Treviso apple salad with blue cheese; or spiced lamb chops accented with pomegranate molasses and pistachio-mint pesto.

Entrées continue the mix of comfort and polish. Choices include black bass paired with roasted cauliflower and fennel-leek clam cream. A 10-ounce New York strip with pomme purée and chimichurri. Spiced seared chicken with maitake mushrooms, pork chop with grain-mustard demi-glace, squid ink fettuccine arrabbiata with lobster and shrimp. Or pan-seared scallops finished with brown butter and caper tapenade.

Dessert brings a relaxed finish, with selections like tres leches cake, warm bread pudding served with vanilla gelato, bombolini filled with vanilla cream and berry compote, or chocolate mousse layered with brandy-soaked cherries. Set just off Park Avenue South, The Ivy Room delivers a Christmas dinner that feels approachable, generous, and quietly celebratory.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Flatiron Room

📍 Location: 37 West 26th Street — Flatiron, Manhattan | 9 East 37th Street — Midtown East | 🌐 Website: The Flatiron Room | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $135 per person

The Flatiron Room marks Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a refined prix-fixe dinner that pairs classic holiday comfort with its signature sense of occasion. The experience begins with a choice of starters such as a crisp Winter Green Salad, delicate Hamachi Crudo, or a rich New England Clam Chowder that sets a warming tone for the evening.

For the main course, guests can select from a well-balanced lineup that includes a US Prime New York Strip, simply grilled Branzino, or a thoughtfully prepared Mushroom Risotto for a plant-forward option. The menu finishes on a sweet note with dessert choices ranging from Baked Alaska with vanilla ice cream and hazelnut sticky toffee pudding to raspberry chocolate cake or a lighter seasonal sorbet.

For those looking to elevate the meal, optional additions are available, including caviar [+$50], scallops [+$80], or a shareable US Prime Tomahawk [+$180]. With its leather-lined rooms, live jazz, and deep whiskey list, The Flatiron Room offers a holiday dinner that feels celebratory without tipping into excess, well-suited for an elegant Christmas night out in the city.

Explore Reservations: Flatiron | Midtown East

Berimbau Brazilian Table

📍 Location: 3 West 36th Street — Midtown West, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Berimbau Brazilian Table | Time: Christmas Day, 1 PM – 9 PM | Price Per Person: $75 adults | $45 children [three-course prix fixe]

New for the 2025 holiday season, Berimbau Brazilian Table brings a festive Brazilian lens to Christmas Day dining in Midtown. The experience centers on a thoughtfully priced three-course prix-fixe menu designed for both adults and children, making it one of the more approachable yet distinctive holiday options in the city.

The menu highlights Brazil’s comforting, celebratory flavors. Dishes include Bobó de Lagosta, featuring Maine lobster folded into a silky yuca purée with toasted yuca flour and rice, and Costela, a tender braised short rib served with corn couscous, cabbage, miso shallots, and tomato salad. Each course balances warmth and richness, well-suited to a long, leisurely holiday meal.

The dining room draws inspiration from Brazilian Midcentury Modern design, creating an atmosphere that feels polished yet inviting. Signature Caipirinhas anchor the cocktail list, while tropical mocktails like the Sol de Acerola ensure younger guests feel just as included in the celebration.

For families, mixed-age groups, or anyone looking to step outside the traditional European holiday menu without sacrificing elegance, Berimbau is a standout new addition for Christmas 2025.

Explore Reservations: Resy

House of Domes

📍 Location: 66 Charlton Street — South Village / SoHo, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: House of Domes | Time: Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve, 6 PM – 8:30 PM | Price Per Person: $24–$58 à la carte

New for the 2025 holiday season, House of Domes introduces a quietly elegant Tuscan-Italian option for Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve dining in the South Village. The restaurant’s intimate scale and refined approach make it especially appealing for smaller celebrations that favor atmosphere and detail over spectacle.

For the holidays, the kitchen adds a special pan-seared duck breast finished with blueberry-port sauce and roasted potatoes, offered alongside the restaurant’s expansive à la carte menu of Tuscan-Italian classics. The result is a menu that feels celebratory yet restrained, ideal for diners who want something seasonal without committing to a full prix fixe experience.

An extensive wine list spanning Italy, France, and California anchors the experience, with the option to toast the occasion with Champagne selections like Dom Pérignon or Louis Roederer Cristal. A thoughtful lineup of signature and classic cocktails rounds out the evening.

Polished but unpretentious, House of Domes is a strong new addition for holiday diners seeking a composed, wine-forward celebration in one of downtown Manhattan’s most charming corners.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Taquería Condesa

📍 Location: 824 9th Avenue — Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Taquería Condesa | Time: Lunch & Dinner | Price Per Person: Varies

A newer arrival in Hell’s Kitchen, Taquería Condesa brings color, energy, and a distinctly festive spirit to holiday dining for 2025. The space lends itself naturally to group gatherings, whether you are planning an office celebration, a casual family dinner, or a lively night out with friends.

The menu centers on thoughtfully executed tacos that balance comfort and bold flavor. Standouts include slow-roasted Birria served with Oaxaca cheese and classic consommé, alongside crispy Pescado topped with cabbage and jalapeño mayo. Everything is designed to be shared, making the experience feel relaxed and social rather than formal.

Cocktails play a key role in the celebration. Seasonal favorites like the pomegranate-hibiscus Beso Rojo and the frozen Sangrarita add a playful, holiday-forward note to the table, reinforcing the restaurant’s upbeat, welcoming atmosphere.

For groups seeking a Christmas-season gathering that feels vibrant, unfussy, and full of flavor, Taquería Condesa is a strong new addition to the 2025 lineup.

Le Jardinier [The Bastion Collection]

📍 Location: 610 Lexington Avenue — Midtown East, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Le Jardinier NYC | Time: Christmas Eve, 5 PM – 10 PM | Christmas Day, 12 PM – 8 PM | Price Per Person: $195–$245 depending on menu

Le Jardinier introduces a refined holiday dining experience for 2025 with a French-inspired Christmas offering that balances elegance, seasonality, and restraint. The restaurant presents two options: a six-course Réveillon de Noël tasting menu for those seeking a more immersive celebration, and a four-course prix fixe drawn from its signature à la carte selections.

The menu opens with delicate, layered starters, including Kushi oysters finished with vichyssoise foam and smoked roe, followed by cured hiramasa paired with avocado, grapefruit, and Royal Kaluga caviar. From there, Maine scallops arrive with celery root, Honeycrisp apple, and yuzu–Dijon vinaigrette, offering a clean, winter-bright contrast.

Mains lean classic yet expressive. Grilled red snapper is served in a fragrant bouillabaisse accented with smoked marble potatoes, while Hudson Valley duck is elevated with kumquats, blood orange, endive marmalade, and fennel pollen. Dessert closes the experience with The Ornament, a composed finale of pain d’épice mousse, cranberry coulis, and caramel sponge.

For diners seeking a quietly luxurious Christmas meal grounded in technique and seasonal finesse, Le Jardinier offers one of Midtown East’s most polished holiday tables.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable | Resy

Lolita

📍 Location: 45 West 45th Street — Midtown West, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Lolita NYC | Time: Dinner + Late Evening | Price Per Person: À la carte

Lolita, from the team behind Valerie and Madame George, has quietly become a holiday-season standout in Midtown. Just steps from Fifth Avenue, the space offers a lively, design-forward escape from the December rush, blending bold color, festive energy, and a warm, social atmosphere.

The menu leans Puebla-inspired, built for sharing and lingering. Expect vibrant dishes that pair easily with the bar’s deep agave and sugarcane focus. Lolita’s spirits list is a highlight, featuring more than 70 tequilas and mezcals alongside 50 artisan sugarcane distillates, making it one of Midtown’s more interesting cocktail-driven rooms.

Seasonal décor adds a subtle celebratory layer without overwhelming the space, while cocktails like the jalapeño-honey Bottle Rocket and the classic Bloody Maria keep things spirited and approachable. It works especially well for holiday happy hours, post-skating drinks, or a stylish pause between Midtown plans.

For those looking to escape traditional Christmas dining without leaving the center of the city, Lolita delivers energy, flavor, and a welcome change of pace.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Rezdôra

📍 Location: 27 East 20th Street — Flatiron, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Rezdôra NYC | Time: Dinner service | Price Per Person: À la carte

Rezdôra enters the 2025 holiday season as a quietly reliable choice for festive dining rooted in comfort, craft, and tradition. Chef Stefano Secchi’s menu draws from Emilia-Romagna, focusing on handmade pastas and deeply satisfying dishes that feel especially right during winter.

The dining room remains intimate and warmly lit, creating a setting that encourages long meals and unhurried conversation. Standout plates include Gnoccho Fritto, the celebrated Uovo Ravioli di Nino Bergese, and the rich, breadcrumb-topped Cotoletta Bolognese, dishes that lean generous without feeling heavy.

The experience is elevated further by a regionally focused Italian wine program, curated by Wine Director Michael Duffy, which complements the menu with restraint and depth rather than excess.

For holiday diners seeking a refined Italian table that prioritizes craftsmanship over spectacle, Rezdôra continues to hold its place as one of Flatiron’s most compelling winter dining rooms.

Explore Reservations: Resy

Classic New York Holiday Dining

If your Christmas plans include drinks before or after the meal, our guide to the top Christmas pop-up bars in New York City highlights festive spaces worth building into the day.

Tavern on the Green

📍 Location: 67th Street & Central Park West — Central Park, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Tavern on the Green | Date: Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $95 adults | $65 children [12 and under]

Few places feel as synonymous with Christmas in New York as Tavern on the Green. Set at the edge of Central Park, the iconic restaurant delivers a holiday dining experience that feels timeless, welcoming, and unmistakably festive.

For Christmas Day 2025, Tavern on the Green offers a thoughtfully composed three-course prix-fixe menu designed to suit both families and classicists. The meal begins with a generous selection of starters, allowing guests to tailor the experience to their mood. Options include roasted figs with goat cheese and cured beef, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, crisp potato pancakes, or a warm biscuit served with sausage gravy.

Main courses balance brunch comfort with elevated holiday fare. Guests can choose from beloved classics like eggs Benedict and French toast. Or opt for heartier selections such as salmon, steak and eggs, frittatas, or lighter seasonal salads. The menu is intentionally broad, making it an easy choice for multi-generational celebrations.

Dessert brings the experience to a celebratory close. Seasonal favorites include spiced eggnog crème brûlée, brioche bread pudding finished with bourbon-butterscotch sauce, and rich molten chocolate cakes.

With its Central Park setting, approachable pricing, and menu designed for variety, Tavern on the Green remains one of the most reliable and charming ways to celebrate Christmas Day in New York.

Explore Reservations: Tavern on the Green

The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges

📍 Location: The Mark Hotel, 25 East 77th Street — Upper East Side, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges | Date: Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $228 prix fixe

Christmas Day at The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges unfolds with quiet elegance and unmistakable New York polish. Set inside The Mark Hotel, this Upper East Side institution offers a refined three-course prix-fixe menu that feels celebratory without excess.

The meal opens with indulgent starters that set the tone for the afternoon. Truffle-cheese fritters arrive as a rich amuse-bouche, followed by options such as seasonal soups or the restaurant’s signature tuna tartare, finished with chili crumbs and herb-forward sesame notes.

The mains stay rooted in classic preparations, elevated with a sense of quiet luxury. Guests can choose from porcini-crusted salmon, baked Maine lobster, or tender lamb chops, prepared with the precision and balance that define Jean-Georges’ cooking. Each dish feels intentional and comforting, made for an unhurried winter lunch or an early evening meal.

Dessert closes the experience on a festive note. A traditional Bûche de Noël appears alongside the ever-popular warm chocolate cake, served with vanilla ice cream and designed for lingering at the table just a little longer.

For those seeking a polished, timeless Christmas Day meal in Manhattan, The Mark delivers a dining experience that feels both celebratory and distinctly New York.

Explore Reservations: The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges

Jones Wood Foundry

📍 Location: 401 East 76th Street — Yorkville, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Jones Wood Foundry | Time: Three seatings: 12 PM | 3 PM | 6 PM | Price Per Person: $150 adults | $45 children under 12

Christmas at Jones Wood Foundry feels like stepping into a warmly lit English pub dressed for the holidays. For those craving tradition, comfort, and a sense of familiarity, this Yorkville favorite delivers a festive meal rooted in British holiday customs.

For Christmas Day 2025, the restaurant offers a generous prix-fixe feast served across three seatings. The meal begins with comforting starters such as celery root and parsnip soup finished with truffle, foie gras, and chicken liver parfait, Welsh rarebit arancini, or crisp fried calamari.

Main courses lean into classic pub-style indulgence. Guests can choose heritage New York turkey with sausage-sage stuffing and all the traditional trimmings, or roast NY striploin with Yorkshire pudding and red wine gravy. Or a hearty fish pie made with monkfish and haddie. A pub-style burger with Stilton or cheddar and a wild mushroom risotto ensures options for every appetite.

Dessert brings the holiday spirit full circle. Choices include sticky toffee pudding with rum sauce and vanilla ice cream, traditional Christmas pudding with vanilla rum sauce, banoffee pie, warm treacle tart, or a Fuji apple and cranberry crumble.

With its cozy interiors, generous portions, and deeply nostalgic menu, Jones Wood Foundry offers one of the city’s most comforting and family-friendly Christmas dining experiences.

Explore Reservations: Resy

One if by Land, Two if by Sea

📍 Location: 17 Barrow Street — West Village, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: One if by Land, Two if by Sea | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $195 per person [three-course prix fixe menu]

Few New York dining rooms feel as naturally suited to Christmas as One If by Land, Two If by Sea. Set inside a historic West Village carriage house, the restaurant’s candlelit rooms, fireplaces, and old-world charm create a quietly romantic backdrop for a holiday celebration.

For 2025, the restaurant presents an elegant three-course prix fixe menu for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, designed for lingering dinners and special occasions. The experience opens with a delicate amuse-bouche, followed by refined starters such as lobster bisque, chanterelle mushroom torchon, duck confit raviolo, or classic escargot.

Main courses continue the sense of occasion. Guests may choose from seared sea scallops paired with trumpet mushroom risotto and caviar, miso-glazed king salmon, pan-seared duck breast, or signature holiday classics such as Beef Wellington and a 28-day dry-aged New York strip steak.

Dessert is presented as a tasting to close the evening on a celebratory note, with selections including a festive Bûche de Noël, pear tarte tatin, or a warmly spiced cinnamon–nutmeg mousse served with orange–sage sorbet.

Refined, intimate, and unmistakably New York, One If by Land, Two If by Sea remains a timeless choice for couples or anyone seeking a quietly luxurious Christmas dining experience.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

The Sea Fire Grill

📍 Location: 158 East 48th Street — Midtown East, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: The Sea Fire Grill | Time: 11:30 AM – 10 PM | Price Per Person: $119 adults [four-course Christmas Day]

The Sea Fire Grill offers a refined yet inviting setting for Christmas Day dining, blending polished Midtown energy with a menu that celebrates both seafood and steak. For 2025, the restaurant presents a thoughtfully structured four-course prix-fixe menu designed for a leisurely, celebratory meal.

The experience begins with a choice of elegant starters. Guests may opt for a crisp Bibb lettuce salad, imported burrata, a classic jumbo lump crab cake, colossal shrimp cocktail, or a rich lobster bisque that sets a luxurious tone from the start.

Entrées highlight the restaurant’s strengths across land and sea. Options include roasted Nova Scotia halibut, Mediterranean branzino, squid-ink spaghetti with fresh Maine lobster, a USDA Prime bone-in ribeye, or a tender rack of lamb. Each main course is paired with a choice of side, such as truffle mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, or creamy spinach.

Dessert brings the meal to a satisfying close. Choices include New York cheesecake, chocolate mousse cake, or tiramisu, served alongside freshly brewed coffee or tea.

Elegant without feeling formal, The Sea Fire Grill is a strong choice for those seeking a classic Midtown Christmas meal with exceptional seafood, well-executed steaks, and a quietly festive atmosphere.

Explore Reservations: The Sea Fire Grill

Delmonico’s

📍 Location: 56 Beaver Street — Financial District, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Delmonico’s | Time: Christmas Eve, 3 PM – 10 PM | Christmas Day, 12 PM – 10 PM | Price Per Person: $150 [three-course menu]

Christmas at Delmonico’s is a study in tradition, indulgence, and classic New York elegance. As one of the city’s most storied dining rooms, Delmonico’s delivers a holiday experience rooted in history yet polished for the present moment.

For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025, Executive Chef Eddie Hong presents a refined three-course prix-fixe menu designed to honor the restaurant’s legacy. Guests may begin with raw-bar selections such as Kumamoto oysters or a seafood platter. Or opt for composed starters like the Oscar’s Wedge or a Maine crab cake.

Main courses celebrate Delmonico’s steakhouse heritage while offering thoughtful alternatives. Choices include the restaurant’s signature Delmonico rib-eye, filet mignon, Faroe Island salmon, or delicate black cod. Family-style sides arrive at the table to share, with classics like creamed spinach, Brussels sprouts, and pommes purée rounding out the meal.

Dessert is where the restaurant leans fully into nostalgia. Guests can choose from timeless finales such as the legendary Baked Alaska, classic cheesecake, cherry pie, or the rich Chocolate Symphony.

With its grand setting, impeccable service, and menu steeped in culinary history, Delmonico’s remains one of the most iconic ways to celebrate Christmas in New York City.

Explore Reservations: SevenRooms

Russian Tea Room

📍 Location: 150 West 57th Street — Midtown West, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Russian Tea Room | Date: Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $145 per adult | $95 per child

Few dining rooms feel as inherently festive as the Russian Tea Room, where old-world glamour and holiday tradition have long gone hand in hand. On Christmas Day, the landmark restaurant presents a celebratory menu rooted in classic Russian flavors, served within its iconic red-and-gold interiors just steps from Carnegie Hall.

The meal begins with comforting starters such as red borscht, pelmeni dumplings, or the house “RTR Salad,” alongside richer options like the cherry-braised duck blinchik filled with foie gras. Main courses span both hearty and refined, including classic beef stroganoff, wild mushroom stroganoff, chicken Kiev, roasted red snapper, apricot-glazed duck, and the signature Kulebyaka. A salmon wrapped in pastry and baked until golden.

Dessert continues the sense of indulgence, with traditional sweets such as apple tart, Russian chocolate cream, cranberry-orange crème brûlée, or the beloved layered honey cake, Medovik.

For those seeking a Christmas Day experience steeped in history, ceremony, and unmistakable New York grandeur, the Russian Tea Room remains a timeless choice.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Perry St

📍 Location: 176 Perry Street — West Village, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Perry St | Time: Christmas Day, from 12 PM | Price Per Person: À la carte

Perry St offers a quietly elegant way to spend Christmas Day in the West Village, with a seasonal à la carte menu crafted by Chef Jean-Georges. The dining room’s understated sophistication sets the tone for a holiday meal that feels intimate, calm, and thoughtfully composed.

For Christmas Day 2025, the menu highlights refined, ingredient-driven dishes that lean celebratory without excess. Starters include Egg Toast topped with Petrossian caviar and fresh herbs, as well as housemade creamy burrata finished with black truffle, olive oil, and grilled sourdough.

Main dishes continue the seasonal focus. Guests can choose seared shrimp served with honeynut squash–ginger purée and fresh basil, or braised beef short ribs paired with roasted sweet potatoes and finished with a rosemary-chili vinaigrette. The offerings strike a balance between light elegance and winter comfort.

With its serene atmosphere, polished service, and Jean-Georges–driven cuisine, Perry St is a refined option for those seeking a Christmas Day meal that feels relaxed, elevated, and distinctly New York.

Explore Reservations: Resy

Marea

📍 Location: 240 Central Park South — Midtown Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Marea | Time: Christmas Day, 1 PM – 8:45 PM | Price Per Person: $225 per person [four-course prix fixe menu]

Marea’s Christmas Day offering remains one of the city’s most accomplished Italian holiday meals, pairing technical precision with a sense of occasion just steps from Central Park. The four-course Giorno di Natale prix fixe is designed for diners who want a composed, generous meal built around standout ingredients and confident execution.

Christmas Day Menu Highlights

The experience begins with an expansive antipasti selection. Guests may opt for caviar service with gougères, brioche, crème fraîche, and chives, or choose from a range of raw and composed starters. Options include oysters from Kusshi Bay, Merasheen Bay, Kumamoto, and Peconic Gold. Seabass tartare with pistachio and Calabrian chile; Nova Scotia lobster with burrata and basil; or a chef’s tasting of assorted crudi. Seasonal white truffles from Alba are also available.

asta remains the heart of the menu. Choices include ricotta-filled marubini with butternut squash, pappardelle with king crab, mafaldine with duck confit and Luxardo cherry, gnocchetti with shrimp and cannellini beans, or fusilli finished with red wine–braised octopus and bone marrow.

Main courses continue the measured progression. Diners can select pan-seared halibut with farrotto and shiitake, sea scallops with celery root and black truffle, pan-roasted duck breast with butternut squash and mustard greens, or grilled Creekstone Farms dry-aged sirloin. A5 Wagyu is available as an upgrade for those marking the day with something exceptional.

Dessert closes the meal with options such as brown butter apple tart with hazelnut, tiramisu with mascarpone mousse and espresso sabayon, mascarpone cream with chocolate and blood orange sorbet, or a layered chocolate dessert with banana, pecan, coconut caramel, and chocolate-marshmallow gelato.

or Christmas dining that feels distinctly New York and meticulously executed, Marea delivers a holiday table built on clarity, confidence, and depth.

Explore Reservations

Le Rivage

📍 Location: 340 West 46th Street — Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Le Rivage | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $95 [three-course prix fixe]

Le Rivage delivers a classic French holiday experience in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, offering a refined three-course prix fixe menu for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The setting feels timeless and warmly theatrical, fitting for a celebratory meal steps from Broadway district.

The holiday menu opens with a rich foie gras appetizer, paired with plum compote, brioche, walnut butter, and a sherry reduction, a luxurious start that sets a distinctly festive tone.

For the main course, guests are served roasted ham alongside herb-flecked ricotta, béchamel, roasted Brussels sprouts, and roasted garlic mashed potatoes. The dish leans comforting and indulgent, echoing traditional holiday flavors through a French lens.

Dessert closes the experience on a bright note with mini key lime pies, finished with a blueberry compote that adds balance and freshness.

With its approachable elegance, classic French technique, and consistent holiday programming, Le Rivage remains a dependable choice for a Christmas dinner that feels celebratory, polished, and rooted in tradition.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

David Burke Tavern

📍 Location: 135 East 62nd Street — Upper East Side, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: David Burke Tavern | Time: Christmas Day 12 PM – 8:30 PM | Price Per Person: $105 adults [three-course prix fixe] | $45 children [two-course menu]

David Burke Tavern offers a polished yet welcoming setting for Christmas Day dining on the Upper East Side. Chef David Burke’s three-course prix fixe menu balances seasonal indulgence and comfort, making it a strong choice for families, couples, and multi-generational gatherings.

The holiday menu highlights the chef’s signature approach, classic flavors elevated with thoughtful technique. Guests can expect refined starters that showcase winter ingredients, followed by hearty mains that span both land and sea. The offerings lean festive without feeling heavy, striking a balance that suits a leisurely holiday meal.

Families are especially well accommodated here. A dedicated two-course children’s menu ensures younger diners feel included, while the warm, tavern-style atmosphere keeps the experience relaxed rather than formal.

Comfortable, dependable, and quietly celebratory, David Burke Tavern delivers a Christmas Day meal that feels traditional, elevated, and easy to enjoy.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

The Standard Grill

📍 Location: 848 Washington Street — Meatpacking District, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: The Standard Grill | Time: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, 5 PM – 10:30 PM | Price Per Person: À la carte

The Standard Grill brings its signature downtown polish to Christmas dining with a festive dinner service on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Set just steps from the High Line, the restaurant’s buzzy yet warmly lit dining room offers a celebratory atmosphere that feels distinctly New York.

For the holidays, the kitchen introduces a lineup of seasonal specials alongside its regular à la carte menu. Standout starters include baked clams finished with fennel-pollen breadcrumbs, prosecco, lemon, and pecorino Romano, as well as a generous Salad of Seven Fishes layered with shrimp, scallops, squid, mussels, octopus, clams, and crab, brightened with fennel and lemon-olive oil vinaigrette.

The mains offer a thoughtful mix of comfort with refinement, from Arctic char paired with braised green lentils, mustard crème fraîche, pomegranate, and Castelvetrano olives. Or opt for heartier plates like Christmas roast pork with cherry-pineapple gastrique and jicama salad. A shepherd’s pie made with grass-fed lamb, garam masala, mashed potatoes, and peas offers a cozy, nostalgic option.

Dessert arrives in true holiday form with a warm gingerbread house topped with boozy eggnog crème anglaise, a playful yet indulgent finish to the meal.

Lively without feeling overwhelming, The Standard Grill is a strong choice for those who want a festive Christmas dinner with seasonal flair and familiar favorites.

Explore Reservations: Resy

The Terrace at The Times Square EDITION

📍 Location: 701 7th Avenue — Theater District, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: The Terrace at The Times Square EDITION | Time: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, 11 AM – 8 PM | Price Per Person: $115 per person

The Terrace at The Times Square EDITION offers a holiday escape in the heart of Midtown, where Chef John Fraser’s modern brasserie approach meets festive, seasonal dining. Set above the bustle of Times Square, the dining room feels calm and verdant, with lush greenery and warm lighting creating a welcome contrast to the energy below.

For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the restaurant presents a multi-course holiday menu designed to feel celebratory without being heavy. The meal begins with French onion focaccia served for the table, followed by a choice of seasonal starters that reflect the kitchen’s ingredient-driven approach. Guests may also opt to add a black truffle tagliatelle mid-course for an extra layer of indulgence.

Entrées pair elegance with satisfying depth, with options such as snapper en papillote, a classic prime rib, or a thoughtfully prepared vegetarian “Christmas Yam” that feels just as considered as the meat-forward dishes. Dessert brings the experience to a warm close, with a rich chocolate almond torte or a cranberry croissant bread pudding rooted in holiday nostalgia.

Polished yet approachable, The Terrace is an excellent choice for those seeking a festive Christmas meal in a serene setting. Best for both theatergoers and locals looking to celebrate the season steps from Times Square.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Benjamin Restaurant Group: A Classic New York Christmas

Few dining rooms feel as synonymous with a traditional New York holiday as those under the Benjamin Restaurant Group umbrella. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, both Benjamin Prime and Benjamin Steakhouse focus on what it does best. Polished service, prime cuts, and a celebratory atmosphere designed for long meals and multi-generational tables.

This is Christmas dining rooted in ritual, white tablecloths, martinis at the bar, and a sense that nothing needs reinventing to feel special.

Benjamin Prime

📍 Location: 23 East 40th Street — Midtown East, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Benjamin Prime | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $119 per person [3-course prix fixe]

Benjamin Prime offers a confident take on the classic steakhouse holiday meal, pairing indulgence with intention. The three-course prix fixe begins with elevated starters such as lobster bisque, The Prime Salad topped with jumbo lump crab, or burrata paired with caramelized tomatoes.

Entrées center on the restaurant’s hallmark proteins, including USDA Prime dry-aged bone-in ribeye, filet mignon, grilled Scottish salmon finished with soy and lemon, or rack of lamb served with au jus. Classic sides, mashed potatoes, steak fries, broccoli, creamless creamed spinach, or creamy corn with smoked Gouda and pancetta, round out the table.

Dessert closes the meal with New York cheesecake, chocolate mousse cake, or carrot cake, served alongside coffee or tea, with optional holiday eggnog available for a festive finish.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Benjamin Steakhouse

📍 Location: 52 East 41st Street — Murray Hill, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Benjamin Steakhouse | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $119 per person

At Benjamin Steakhouse, the Christmas menu mirrors the grandeur of the room itself. Formal, generous, and unmistakably New York. The holiday meal starts with classic starters, jumbo lump crab cake, lobster bisque with brandy and oyster crackers, shrimp cocktail, or a winter salad of organic greens, roasted beets, and warm goat cheese.

Main courses feature the steakhouse’s signature offerings: dry-aged USDA Prime bone-in ribeye, filet mignon, grilled Scottish salmon, or rack of lamb au jus, paired with traditional sides including mashed potatoes, steak fries, home fries, sautéed broccoli, or creamless creamed spinach.

Dessert selections include New York cheesecake, chocolate mousse cake, or carrot cake, accompanied by coffee or tea, with holiday eggnog—alcoholic or non-alcoholic—available to complete the celebration.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Special-Occasion Christmas Dinners

Restaurant YUU

📍 Location: 55 Nassau Ave 1A — Greenpoint, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: Restaurant YUU | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $360 per person

Restaurant YUU approaches Christmas with the same quiet precision that has earned it Michelin recognition and international acclaim. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Chef Yuu Shimano presents an elevated multi-course tasting menu designed as a complete culinary journey. One that blends French technique with Japanese restraint and seasonality.

The experience begins gently, with a clear, warming consommé followed by a trio of refined amuse-bouches featuring salmon roe, foie gras, and a chef’s seasonal bite. From there, the menu unfolds through meticulously composed seafood courses. Including caviar toast, chilled hairy crab paired with pear, and Japanese Ise Ebi spiny lobster accompanied by a rich sea urchin gratin.

The heart of the meal centers on two signature main courses. Fish and abalone arrive en croûte with abalone liver sauce, with the option to elevate the dish further with white truffle for an additional $85. This is followed by Wagyu Rossini, layered with foie gras, truffle, and Périgueux sauce, deeply luxurious without feeling heavy.

Dessert closes the evening with the same sense of intention. A satsuma mandarin and peanut parfait, accented with Japanese kiku chrysanthemum flower and ginger soup, leads into a delicate strawberry sugar craft that feels celebratory yet restrained.

Every element of the experience is paced, deliberate, and immersive. Optional wine or tea pairings are available to complement the tasting, offering guests a fully considered holiday evening.

For those seeking one of the most elevated and memorable Christmas dining experiences in New York, Restaurant YUU delivers a celebration defined by craft, calm, and culinary depth.

Explore Reservations: Tock

Leuca

📍 Location: 111 North 12th Street — Williamsburg, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: Leuca | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $125 [Feast of the Seven Fishes]

Set inside the William Vale, Leuca brings a quietly elegant warmth to the holiday season, one that feels rooted in tradition but softened by modern restraint. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025, the restaurant presents a refined Feast of the Seven Fishes, offering a seafood-forward, multi-course dinner that unfolds at an easy, celebratory pace.

The evening begins with antipasti that balance salinity and texture, including anchovy-crumb-topped bread, tuna crudo layered with olives and crispy farro, or a roasted garlic baccalà dip meant for sharing. From there, the primi course invites diners to choose between wood-fire baked clams or lemon tagliolini finished with caviar and mascarpone, a dish that leans into richness without heaviness.

For the main course, the focus remains coastal and seasonal. Options include grilled branzino paired with Sicilian citrus and olives, or a spiced lobster served over Riso Venere with preserved lemon gremolata. Dessert closes the experience with either a warm chocolate bread pudding finished with toasted almonds or a bright lemon panna-gelato that refreshes after a seafood-driven meal.

With its low lighting, wood accents, and calm energy, Leuca feels especially well-suited to couples or small groups looking for a holiday dinner that is intimate, unhurried, and grounded in Italian tradition, without feeling overly formal.

Explore Reservations: Resy

LaRina Pastificio & Vino

📍 Location: 387 Myrtle Avenue — Fort Greene, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: LaRina Pastificio & Vino | Date: Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $140 per person [four-course Pranzo di Natale]

LaRina Pastificio & Vino offers a quietly confident Christmas Day experience rooted in serious Italian craftsmanship. For the holidays, the Fort Greene favorite presents a customizable four-course Pranzo di Natale that unfolds at a measured, celebratory pace, the kind of meal designed for lingering, conversation, and comfort without excess.

The menu opens with antipasti that set the tone for the afternoon. Guests can begin with refined raw and seafood options like scallop crudo with capers and tangelo or oysters served simply, alongside richer starters such as Wagyu beef tartare with endive and pumpkin seeds or crisp shrimp kataifi finished with onion and peppers agrodolce.

Pasta is where LaRina shines. Choices include saffron risotto layered with black truffle, cappelletti served in chicken broth, or manfrigoli ai frutti di mare with lobster sauce, octopus, clams, and mussels. Housemade lasagna with spinach pasta, béchamel, and ragù bolognese offers a deeply comforting counterpoint, while buckwheat cappellacci with savoy cabbage and sage brings a seasonal edge.

Second courses lean hearty and composed. Options range from monkfish roasted over live coals with bisque, smoked carrots, and crispy leeks to lamb saddle with mushroom duxelle, maitake, dandelion greens, and green peppercorn jus. Dishes that feel firmly rooted in winter cooking.

LaRina’s Christmas Day offering is ideal for those who want Italian holiday dining that prioritizes technique and warmth over spectacle. It is celebratory without feeling performative. A Fort Greene table worth planning the day around.

Explore Reservations: Resy

Temple Court

📍 Location: The Beekman Hotel, 5 Beekman Street — Financial District, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Temple Court | Time: Christmas Eve, 4 PM – 9 PM | Christmas Day, 1 PM – 9 PM | Price Per Person: $195

Set inside the landmark Beekman Hotel, Temple Court offers a composed, elegant setting for a true Christmas occasion. Chef Tom Colicchio’s refined American menu anchors the experience, pairing seasonal restraint with quietly luxurious ingredients.

The holiday prix fixe begins with dishes like chilled Maine lobster with artichokes, orange, and salsify, or chestnut agnolotti finished with black truffle and Brussels sprouts. For the main course, guests can choose between diver scallops, halibut, roasted Rohan duck breast, or American wagyu Denver steak, each prepared with clarity and balance rather than excess.

Dessert continues the classic holiday note with options such as sticky toffee pudding, eggnog custard, chocolate bûche de Noël, or a lighter sorbet. The pacing, the room, and the menu all encourage a slower, more intentional celebration, one designed for diners who want Christmas to feel elevated without feeling overworked.

Explore Reservations: Resy

Ai Fiori

📍 Location: 400 5th Avenue, 2nd Level — Midtown West, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Ai Fiori | 🕒 Time: Christmas Eve, 5 PM – 9:00 PM | Christmas Day, 7:30 AM – 7:45 PM | Price Per Person: $245 [Christmas Eve, seven-course] | $165 [Christmas Day, four-course] | $55 children’s menu

Ai Fiori approaches the holidays with quiet grandeur, offering two distinct Christmas experiences that lean into Riviera elegance and meticulous technique.

On Christmas Eve, the restaurant presents a seven-course Feast of the Seven Fishes, a refined interpretation of the Italian tradition. The menu unfolds through impeccably executed seafood dishes, including oysters with sea urchin, caviar-topped pasta, truffle-accented scallops, squid-ink crustacean ragù, and butter-poached lobster. The evening concludes with a chocolate-espresso tiramisu that brings richness without excess. At $245 per person, it is a celebratory, immersive meal designed for those marking the night with intention.

On Christmas Day, the tone softens slightly with a luxurious yet approachable four-course prix fixe. Guests begin with starters such as truffle-infused lobster bisque or caviar-topped Atlantic fluke, followed by a pasta course featuring options like squid-ink Trofie Nero with crustacean ragù or veal-breast and reblochon ravioli. Main courses include pan-seared halibut with chanterelles, butter-poached lobster tail, or a beautifully grilled New York strip steak. Desserts lean elegant and restrained, with citrus-forward tarts and seasonal finishes. An optional wine pairing [$120] is available to complement each course.

With its serene dining room, polished service, and menu built for lingering, Ai Fiori remains one of the city’s most assured choices for a truly special Christmas celebration.

Explore Reservations: SevenRooms

COTE Korean Steakhouse

📍 Location: 16 West 22nd Street — Flatiron, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: COTE Korean Steakhouse | Date: Christmas Eve | Price Per Person: $225 [Feast of the Seven Steaks] | Optional Wine Pairing: $150 per person

At COTE Korean Steakhouse, Christmas Eve is marked by structure rather than excess. The Feast of the Seven Steaks unfolds as a deliberate progression of premium cuts, shaped by Korean barbecue tradition and executed with clarity in COTE’s Flatiron dining room.

Feast of the Seven Steaks Experience

The evening opens with Gogi Cha, a warming USDA Prime beef bone consommé, served alongside ban-chan, COTE’s rotating selection of pickled seasonal vegetables. Guests then move into the restaurant’s signature Steak & Eggs™, featuring hand-cut filet mignon tartare topped with Imperial Daurenki caviar and paired with milk toast. A crisp scallion salad dressed with gochugaru follows, offering a bright counterpoint before the main event.

At the center of the experience is the Feast itself: a curated progression of exceptional meats prepared tableside and designed for sharing. The lineup includes USDA Prime Filet Mignon, USDA Prime Skirt Steak, a 45+ day dry-aged ribeye, lamb chop, American Wagyu COTE Steak, Japanese A5 ribeye from Miyazaki Prefecture, and COTE’s signature marinated galbi. The pacing encourages a steady, celebratory rhythm rather than a single centerpiece moment.

Seasonal accompaniments complete the table, including red leaf lettuce with ssam-jang, roasted sweet potatoes finished with truffle butter, a savory egg soufflé made with organic egg and kelp yooksoo, and Jan-chi Somyun, delicate Korean angel hair noodles served in a clear anchovy consommé. Winter truffle supplements, including white truffles from Alba and black truffles from Périgord, are available by the gram for those marking the occasion at full scale.

Dessert closes the evening with vanilla soft serve drizzled in soy sauce caramel and paired with fresh seasonal fruit. A restrained, nostalgic finish after a richly layered meal.

Dessert brings a gentle, nostalgic close with vanilla soft serve drizzled in soy sauce caramel, paired with a selection of fresh seasonal fruit.

Bold, immersive, and unmistakably celebratory, COTE’s Christmas Eve Feast is designed for diners who want their holiday dinner to feel theatrical, luxurious, and unforgettable.

Explore Reservations

Electric Lemon

📍 Location: 33 Hudson Yards, 24th Floor — Midtown West, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Electric Lemon | Time: Christmas Day, Breakfast: 7 AM – 10:30 AM | Lunch: 11 AM – 3:30 PM | Dinner: 5 PM – 9 PM | Price Per Person: À la carte

High above Hudson Yards on the 24th floor of the Equinox Hotel, Electric Lemon offers a Christmas dining experience defined by expansive skyline views and a quietly confident seasonal menu. The setting feels celebratory without excess. Modern, light-filled, and especially striking after sunset, when the city stretches endlessly below.

For Christmas Day 2025, Electric Lemon will offer its full à la carte menu across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, allowing guests to shape their own holiday meal at their own pace. The kitchen leans into bright, vegetable-forward cooking balanced with thoughtful proteins and refined technique.

The Menu

Starters range from clean, bracing crudo selections, such as beef tartare with egg yolk jam and grilled spelt toast, tuna tabbouleh with tomato and bulgur, hamachi with aguachile and cucumber, and chilled oysters with shallot mignonette to richer plates like the New Fashioned Deviled Crab with ginger dressing and celery. Garden-driven dishes, including little gem lettuces with yogurt dressing, castelfranco radicchio with pear and pine nut butter, and tofu with winter squash and black sesame, anchor the menu in seasonality.

Warm dishes follow with comforting depth: lemon spaghetti finished with bottarga, roasted Japanese eggplant with garlic yogurt, potato flatbread with chanterelles and corn cream, octopus with hummus and Aleppo, kabocha squash soup, and grilled barbecue carrots with yogurt, pecans, mint, and dill.

Entrées span both land and sea. Options include the Electric Lemon cheeseburger with horseradish aioli, sirloin with potatoes and sauce vert, pork with pear and kimchee jus, black garlic short rib with koji and sweet potato, pasture-raised chicken with sumac and market vegetables, branzino with pikliz and corn, trofie pasta with tomato and ricotta salata, and dry-aged steelhead trout finished with yuzu-miso, shiso, and green apple.

Sides such as delicata squash with spicy maple, grilled beans with mint and yogurt, charred onions with muhammara, and polenta fries with romesco encourage sharing. Desserts close the meal on a seasonal note, from citrus with olive oil cake and lemon curd to fig with hazelnut and maple, chocolate devil’s food cake with mousse, mulled wine pear with crème fraîche and cardamom, and rotating house-made ice creams and sorbets.

For those seeking a Christmas meal that feels elevated yet unfussy—paired with one of the city’s most dramatic dining views—Electric Lemon delivers a modern holiday experience rooted in balance, freshness, and atmosphere.

Explore Reservations: Resy

Loulou

📍 Location: 176 8th Avenue — Chelsea, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Loulou | Time: Christmas Eve, 5 PM – 11 PM | Price Per Person: $75 per person [three-course French prix fixe]

Loulou offers a distinctly Parisian take on Christmas Eve in Chelsea, pairing classic French comfort with an atmosphere that feels quietly transportive. Tucked behind its café façade and anchored by a hidden speakeasy, the restaurant delivers a holiday dinner that leans intimate, indulgent, and warmly lit.

The evening begins with a choice of rich, winter-ready starters. Guests can opt for lobster bisque layered with crab and crisp croutons, or lean into decadence with a Française fondue featuring mozzarella, Gruyère, Parmesan, blue cheese, black truffle carpaccio, and a roasted baguette for dipping.

Main courses shift toward hearty, satisfying flavors. Options include slow-braised short rib finished with red wine sauce, pommes purée, and haricots verts, or paccheri pasta tossed with fried eggplant, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, and ricotta salata — a comforting nod to rustic French-Italian crossover cooking.

Dessert arrives as a truffle chocolate mousse paired with brandy-laced strawberry sauce, closing the meal on a deep, elegant note. Paired with Loulou’s cocktail program or a glass from the wine list, the experience feels thoughtfully paced and celebratory without excess.

Loulou is well-suited for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a Christmas Eve dinner that favors mood and flavor. A polished Chelsea escape with just enough holiday indulgence.

Explore Reservations: Resy

Le Coin

📍 Location: 18 9th Avenue — Meatpacking District, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Le Coin | Time: December 24 & 25, 2025, starting at 12 PM | Price Per Person: $75 per person [three-course prix fixe menu]

Le Coin offers a relaxed yet celebratory Christmas dining experience in the heart of the Meatpacking District, blending French-leaning comfort with seasonal polish. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025, the restaurant presents a thoughtfully paced three-course prix fixe menu that feels festive without being overdone.

The meal begins with a choice of starters that lean fresh and winter-forward. Options include La Illusion Salade with bibb lettuce, shaved ninja radish and beets, chicory castelfranco, red endive, and toasted sesame vinaigrette, alongside heartier choices like bacon with legumes and winter vegetables. Tuna tartare with kohlrabi, sungold tomato, and a crisp baguette tuile adds a refined seafood option to the opening course.

For the main course, guests can choose from several crowd-pleasing entrées. The house burger arrives with NY-aged cheddar, brioche bun, special sauce, onion, and pickles. Those looking for something more seasonal can opt for roasted chicken with winter squash, potato, and jus, or halibut served with Swiss chard, saffron beurre blanc, and lentil stew. The holiday roast rounds out the offerings, featuring tenderloin paired with barley and carrots.

Dessert closes the meal on a festive note with Bûche de Noël, reimagined here as a banana bread cake layered with candied pecan and cream cheese frosting. For guests who want to linger, additional sides such as haricot verts, market mushrooms, and French fries are available à la carte.

With its approachable price point, central location, and balanced menu, Le Coin is a strong choice for a low-stress, celebratory Christmas meal that still feels special.

Explore Reservations: Dec. 24 | Dec. 25

Altair

📍 Location: 351 West 38th Street—Midtown West, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Altair | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $95 per person [four-course prix-fixe Elemental Dinner] | Optional pairings: Wine $75 | Cocktails $75

Altair’s Elemental Dinner returns for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a four-course holiday menu that feels both grounded and imaginative. Set inside Arlo Midtown, the experience leans into seasonality without becoming heavy, offering a thoughtful balance of comfort, craft, and modern restraint.

The evening opens with warm Parker House rolls, followed by starters that highlight winter produce and layered textures. Guests may begin with honey-roasted squash paired with tomato chutney, or ricotta gnocchi that brings a soft, warming richness to the table. These early courses set a steady, unhurried pace for what follows.

Main selections range from savory to celebratory. Options include hanger steak finished with pistachio romesco, wild mushroom ravioli with earthy depth, or the holiday-only prime rib, served as a richer centerpiece for those looking to mark the occasion with something classic. Each plate is carefully balanced, offering bold flavor without excess.

Dessert completes the meal on a refined note, rounding out the four-course progression with a sense of cohesion rather than spectacle. Optional wine and cocktail pairings are available for those who wish to extend the experience further.

Altair’s Christmas menu is well-suited to diners who want a composed, contemporary holiday dinner, stylish but approachable, festive without feeling forced.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

PB Brasserie

📍 Location: 60 West 125th Street — Harlem, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: PB Brasserie | Date: Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $95 per person [three-course prix fixe menu]

PB Brasserie brings a refined yet welcoming holiday celebration to Harlem, offering a Christmas Day dining experience rooted in classic French bistro tradition with a seasonal touch. Located just steps from the Apollo Theater, the restaurant provides an elegant setting for marking the holiday with intention, warmth, and well-executed comfort.

The three-course prix fixe menu begins with a selection of familiar, crowd-pleasing starters. Guests can choose from rich lobster bisque, a crab cake served with aioli and tomato basil, a crisp Caesar salad, or lightly fried calamari. A balanced opening that caters to both indulgent and lighter appetites.

For the main course, the menu offers a range of satisfying options. Steak lovers can opt for a 16-ounce New York sirloin or a prime hanger steak, each served with a choice of pomme frites, mashed potatoes, or sautéed spinach. Other entrées include rotisserie half chicken with pomme purée and natural jus, mushroom truffle tagliatelle finished with parmesan and shaved black truffle, or salmon béarnaise paired with fingerling potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

Dessert brings the meal to a classic close with a choice of creamy cheesecake or airy chocolate mousse. Simple, familiar, and fitting for the occasion.

Led by Harlem-bred, Senegalese-born Chef Elhadji Cisse, PB Brasserie offers a Christmas Day experience that feels polished without being formal. It is an excellent option for those looking to celebrate in Harlem with thoughtful cooking, a strong sense of place, and a menu designed to please a wide table.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

The Alderman

📍 Location: 150A West 48th Street — Midtown West, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: The Alderman | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $75–$140 per person

The Alderman brings a spirited yet grounded approach to Christmas dining, offering a holiday prix-fixe menu that feels generous, approachable, and distinctly celebratory, right in the heart of Midtown.

The evening opens with house-made rolls and Italian pickles, setting a relaxed, convivial tone. From there, guests move into a lineup of seasonal starters that balance freshness and richness. Options include an apple and endive salad with green goddess dressing, creamy burrata paired with figs, balsamic, and hazelnuts, or other chef-driven plates that lean into winter flavors without feeling heavy.

Main courses span comforting classics and more elevated selections. Choices range from skirt steak served with melted leeks to half chicken finished with lemon and thyme, or Chatham cod paired with butternut squash and sunflower sprouts. For those looking to mark the occasion with something more indulgent, the holiday-only Beef Wellington anchors the menu as a celebratory centerpiece.

Dessert brings the meal to a warm close with house-made sweets that nod to the season’s familiar comforts. An optional wine pairing is available for guests who want a more guided progression through the courses.

Lively without being overwhelming, The Alderman offers a Christmas dinner that suits friends, families, and small groups seeking a festive meal near Times Square. Polished, welcoming, and easy to enjoy.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Lindens

📍 Location: 2 Renwick Street — TriBeCa, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Lindens | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $85 per person [four-course tasting menu]

Lindens offers a quietly luxurious Christmas celebration in the heart of SoHo, centered around a seasonal Holiday Harvest tasting menu that feels thoughtful, generous, and grounded in winter comfort. The experience balances refined technique with familiar holiday flavors, making it a strong choice for an elevated yet approachable Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner.

The evening begins with warm Parker House rolls infused with thyme and served alongside grilled scallion butter, setting a welcoming tone. Shared starters highlight the kitchen’s seasonal focus, with dishes like delicata and artichoke tempura paired with cilantro yogurt, grilled acorn squash finished with stracciatella and concord grape vinaigrette, and a savory chestnut tart layered with béchamel, pearl onion, and thyme.

For the main courses, guests can expect Lindens’ most celebrated holiday dishes. The Beef Wellington arrives wrapped in golden pastry and cooked with precision, while the pecan-crusted duck breast is paired with cherry jus and caramelized sunchokes for a rich, wintry balance. Vegetarian-leaning options emphasize squash, legumes, and herbs, showcasing the same depth and care as the meat-forward plates.

Dessert brings the meal to a comforting close with bourbon pecan pie topped with whipped mascarpone and a hint of maple. It is rich without feeling heavy and deeply fitting for the season.

Handcrafted holiday cocktails, including options like a Cranberry Toddy or Fruit Cake Daiquiri, are available as enhancements to the experience. Set within Lindens’ cozy, candlelit dining room, the Holiday Harvest menu feels celebratory without excess. An elegant choice for marking Christmas with intention, warmth, and excellent food.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Dirty French

📍 Location: 180 Ludlow Street — Lower East Side, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Dirty French | Time: December 25, 2025, 2 PM – 8 PM | Price Per Person: $125 per person

Dirty French approaches Christmas with its signature mix of indulgence and irreverence, offering a festive prix-fixe dinner that feels celebratory without losing its edge. The meal opens with a spread of hors d’oeuvres for the table, including tuna tartare brightened with bird’s eye chili, oysters bourguignon layered with garlic and parsley, and a chèvre salad that adds a fresh counterpoint.

Entrées follow with a range of refined, globally influenced options. Choices include roasted salmon paired with ratatouille, chicken persillade finished with a rich garlic pan sauce, and steamed black bass served in an aromatic pho broth. Steak lovers can opt for filet mignon au poivre, while the côte de bœuf—served with classic sauces—offers a more indulgent upgrade for the table.

Dessert arrives family-style, with a chocolate gâteau and a lemon tarte shared across the table, bringing balance and contrast to the meal. It’s a holiday dinner that feels lively, confident, and unmistakably Dirty French.

Explore Reservations: Resy

COZY & ROMANTIC NEIGHBORHOOD FAVORITES

Le Crocodile

📍 Location: Wythe Hotel, 80 Wythe Avenue — Williamsburg, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: Le Crocodile | Time: Christmas Day, from 1 PM | Price Per Person: $163 [three-course prix fixe; beverages, tax, and gratuity not included]

Le Crocodile offers a quietly elegant Christmas Day experience inside the Wythe Hotel, where French technique and seasonal restraint set the tone. The dining room feels calm and composed, making it a natural choice for a holiday meal that favors intimacy over excess.

The meal opens with a selection of refined canapés, including mushroom pâté tarts, Gruyère cheese puffs, and crisp barbajuans. For the first course, guests choose between warming beef consommé with root vegetables and black truffle, roasted sunchokes layered with chestnuts and raclette, or a bright citrus, date, and beet salad that brings balance to the table.

The main course is served family-style, encouraging a slower, shared pace.Platters of roast beef with jus and baked Atlantic halibut arrive for the table, accompanied by mashed potatoes, maple-glazed carrots, and Brussels sprouts finished with pancetta. The sides feel familiar and seasonal, handled with a light touch that lets the ingredients speak for themselves.

Dessert offers a gentle close to the meal, with options such as Mont Blanc with Biscoff and cranberry, maple-butterscotch pear paired with honeycomb ice cream, or a ruby grapefruit sorbet accented with pomegranate. Each choice feels thoughtful rather than heavy, leaving the evening light on its feet.

For those spending the holiday weekend in Brooklyn, Le Crocodile’s setting makes it especially appealing. Polished yet relaxed, and well suited to couples or small groups looking for a Christmas meal that feels composed, comforting, and quietly celebratory.

Explore Reservations: Resy

Antica Pesa Brooklyn

📍 Location: 115 Berry Street — Williamsburg, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: Antica Pesa Brooklyn | Date: Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $140 set menu [all guests, including children]

Antica Pesa Brooklyn brings a sense of old-world Roman warmth to Christmas Day in Williamsburg, offering a three-course holiday menu that feels celebratory without losing its neighborhood intimacy. The dining room glows softly in December, creating a setting that invites lingering conversations and unhurried meals.

The evening begins with a selection of festive antipasti. Options range from crisp buffalo mozzarella wrapped in delicate filo dough to Roman-style fish and chips or octopus simmered in a rich tomato sauce. From there, guests move into the heart of the menu, choosing between handmade pastas and robust secondi. Freshly prepared dishes include beef cheek ravioli, classic cacio e pepe, and rigatoni all’Amatriciana, alongside heartier plates such as sliced Fassona beef, pork filet with roasted potatoes, branzino accented with fennel and orange, or a comforting eggplant parmigiana.

Dessert closes the meal on a familiar, seasonal note. Choices include a Christmas panettone parfait, traditional tiramisù, or ricotta-filled cannoli, all designed to echo the warmth of an Italian holiday table.

For couples, families, or small groups who value atmosphere as much as the food, Antica Pesa delivers a Christmas experience that feels personal, grounded, and quietly festive.

Explore Reservations: Resy

Bar Blondeau

📍 Location: 80 Wythe Avenue — Williamsburg, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: Bar Blondeau | Date: Holiday Tea select dates | Price Per Person: $55 [Holiday Tea]

High above Williamsburg at the Wythe Hotel, Bar Blondeau offers one of the neighborhood’s most atmospheric ways to mark the holiday season. With sweeping skyline views, low lighting, and a softly glamorous dining room, it feels especially inviting in December, quietly celebratory without tipping into spectacle.

For 2025, Bar Blondeau’s Holiday Tea returns on December 7, 14, and 21, served from 1 PM to 3:45 PM, offering a refined afternoon ritual that feels both festive and unhurried. The experience centers on a thoughtful progression of savory bites and sweets, designed to be enjoyed slowly.

Savory selections include elegant toasts topped with egg salad and anchovy, mushroom pâté, smoked salmon with cucumber, and coronation chicken. The sweet course follows with a curated assortment of seasonal treats, such as vanilla chouquettes, strawberry sabayon tartelettes, passionfruit pâte de fruit, petite carrot cake, and honey-butter scones served warm.

For couples, close friends, or anyone looking to step away from louder holiday dining rooms, Bar Blondeau provides a gentler kind of celebration. One defined by views, conversation, and a sense of calm above the city.

Explore Reservations: Resy

Shalom Japan

📍 Location: 310 Street 4th Street — Williamsburg, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: Shalom Japan | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $80

Shalom Japan’s annual holiday hot pot has become a quiet December ritual in Williamsburg. One that blends warmth, comfort, and cultural crossover in a way that feels personal rather than performative. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025, the restaurant returns with its Hot Pot Holiday Feast, a family-style prix fixe designed for lingering at the table.

The meal opens with a selection of starters that reflect the restaurant’s Japanese–Jewish point of view. Guests might begin with cured hamachi styled like lox with beets and citrus, roasted honeynut squash paired with tofu ricotta and mushrooms, or the much-loved okonomi-latke topped with crème fraîche and pickled Fuji apples.

The centerpiece of the evening is the hot pot itself. Diners choose between Wagyu beef, seafood, or a vegetarian preparation, each served bubbling with Japanese vegetables and ponzu for dipping. For those craving something playful and deeply comforting, matzoh ball ramen remains on the menu, a dish that has become synonymous with Shalom Japan’s holiday season.

Dessert continues the theme of familiarity with a twist. Options include chocolate-banana challah bread pudding finished with whiskey caramel, a house-made seasonal sorbet, or a hojicha ice-cream doughnut sandwich that lands somewhere between nostalgic and unexpected.

Intimate in scale and welcoming by nature, Shalom Japan is especially well-suited to couples or small groups looking for a Christmas meal that feels communal, relaxed, and quietly joyful without relying on the usual holiday tropes.

Explore Reservations: Resy

Mile End Delicatessen

📍 Location: 97A Hoyt Street — Boerum Hill, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: Mile End Delicatessen | Time: December 24, 2025, starts at 5 PM | December 25, 2025, starts at 12 PM | Price Per Person: $65 per adult | $45 kids 12 and under [Traditional Mile End Jewish Christmas — a Chinese Feast]

Mile End’s annual Chrismukkah celebration has become a neighborhood ritual, offering a playful and deeply comforting way to spend December 24 and 25. It’s festive without being fussy, and it lands right where holiday dining should: warm, communal, and genuinely fun.

The meal opens with a generous spread of starters meant for sharing, including smashed cucumbers, whitefish Rangoon, challah sesame shrimp toast, mushroom potstickers, a latke flight with special toppings, and hot and sour soup. After that, the mains arrive family-style, featuring five-spice duck confit, ginger beef, and General Tso chicken, alongside Chinese greens with oyster sauce, chow fun noodles, white rice, and pickled mustard greens with assorted pickles.

Dessert keeps things nostalgic, closing the meal with maple egg custard and a classic fortune cookie. It’s the kind of dinner that feels easy to settle into — full of comfort, great pacing, and plenty to pass around the table.

Explore Reservations: Dec. 24 | Dec. 25

Zoi Mediterranean

📍 Location: 1480 2nd Avenue — Upper East Side, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Zoi Mediterranean | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $95 per person [three-course menu] [Note: Blue Mezze will officially transition to Zoi Mediterranean on December 11.]

Zoi Mediterranean brings a sun-washed Mediterranean sensibility to Christmas on the Upper East Side, offering a meal that feels convivial, unfussy, and rooted in shared plates and generous flavors. The setting is relaxed yet spirited, well-suited to neighborhood regulars, families, and small groups who want something festive without formality.

The holiday menu opens with a choice of soup or salad, ranging from broccoli soup or Mediterranean breeze soup to a classic Greek salad layered with bright acidity and herbs. From there, the mezze course highlights a mix of crisp and savory bites, including zucchini chips, Zoi falafel, or Antep kibbeh—warm, spiced, and meant to be enjoyed at an easy pace.

For the main course, diners choose between pesto-marinated chicken skewers, butcher kofta rich with Middle Eastern spices, or herb-grilled salmon, each dish straightforward and satisfying rather than showy. The meal closes on a sweet note with cold baklava, layered filo filled with milk, chocolate, and pistachio, bringing a nod to tradition without excess.

Zoi Mediterranean’s Christmas offering favors warmth over spectacle and flavor over flourish, making it a comfortable choice for those who want a neighborhood dinner that feels celebratory, familiar, and quietly generous.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Marcellino

📍 Location: 178 Mulberry Street — Nolita, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Marcellino | Time: Christmas Day, 10 AM – 11:30 PM | Price Per Person: $55

Tucked along Mulberry Street, Marcellino offers a Christmas Day meal that feels warm, familiar, and deeply rooted in Italian tradition. For 2025, the restaurant presents a $55 holiday menu designed for relaxed dining—one that invites guests to linger rather than rush through the celebration.

The meal begins with classic antipasti, with choices ranging from beef carpaccio and calamari fritti to burrata with tomatoes or a simple Caesar salad. From there, the menu opens up into a generous selection of Italian staples. Pasta lovers can opt for lobster ravioli, spaghetti alle vongole, or tagliatelle ragù Napoletano, while heartier mains include branzino al forno, chicken parmigiana, salmon, or the ever-popular tagliata di manzo.

Dessert brings the experience full circle with Marcellino’s house-made tiramisù, a comforting, coffee-laced finish that feels especially fitting for the holiday.

Unpretentious and warmly lit, Marcellino works well for couples, families, and small groups looking for a Christmas meal that feels relaxed and welcoming. The focus stays on tradition, good food, and an easygoing Nolita atmosphere rather than theatrical flair.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Urban Cove Society & Kitchen

📍 Location: 33 Peck Slip — Financial District, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Urban Cove Society & Kitchen | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $75 [three-course prix fixe]

Tucked into the historic Seaport inside the 33 Hotel, Urban Cove Society & Kitchen offers a quieter, more intimate Christmas dining option for those who prefer something polished but unfussy. The room is compact and softly styled, making it a natural fit for couples or small groups who want a relaxed holiday meal away from Midtown crowds.

The Christmas menu unfolds over three courses, beginning with a choice of winter-forward starters like citrus and frisée with roasted beets, pomegranate, and champagne vinaigrette, or a comforting butternut squash bisque accented with maple, apple, and candied pecans. Each option sets a gentle seasonal tone without tipping into excess.

Entrées move confidently between comfort and refinement. Guests can opt for braised beef short rib with brown-butter whipped potatoes and carrots, cider-brined pork tenderloin paired with cranberry-bacon jam and butternut squash farro, or pan-seared halibut served with truffle-leek purée, roasted mushrooms, and crisp carrot. The meal closes with a classic Yule log finished in chocolate ganache, and includes a choice of beer or wine.

Urban Cove Society & Kitchen works well for those looking to celebrate Christmas in a setting that feels neighborhood-scaled and thoughtfully put together. Festive, but calm, and easy to linger over.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Sungold

📍 Location: 96 Wythe Avenue — Williamsburg, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: Sungold | Date: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Sungold approaches the holidays with the same thoughtful, ingredient-driven sensibility that defines the restaurant year-round. Set inside Arlo Williamsburg, the dining room feels warm and quietly atmospheric. Exposed brick, soft greenery, and an easy intimacy that suits lingering winter dinners and shared plates.

For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the kitchen introduces a short run of seasonal specials layered into the regular menu rather than replacing it outright. The evening opens with an Oyster Bisque enriched with smoked potatoes and black truffle, a starter that feels both indulgent and grounded. From there, the standout option is a 24-ounce grass-fed ribeye designed for the table, served with a potato and leek tart, red wine butter, and bone marrow jus—generous, deeply flavored, and meant to be shared. Dessert keeps things focused and elegant with a chocolate mousse tart finished with raspberry cream and a touch of sea salt.

Cocktails remain an important part of the experience here, especially in winter, when warming spices, fruit, and spirit-forward builds complement the food without overshadowing it. Whether you arrive for a full holiday meal or settle in for drinks afterward, Sungold offers a Christmas setting that feels relaxed, personal, and distinctly Williamsburg. Festive without feeling staged, and quietly memorable.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Global Holiday Tables

Kru

📍 Location: 190 North 14th Street — Williamsburg, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: Kru | Time: December 24, 2025, 5:30 PM | Price Per Person: $75 per person [seven-dish, family-style Thai seafood feast]

Kru approaches Christmas Eve through a distinctly Thai lens, offering a one-night, seafood-forward menu built for sharing and slow appreciation. This is not a remix of the regular menu, but a standalone celebration. Designed exclusively for the holiday and served family-style to encourage a communal table.

The evening unfolds as a progression of ocean-driven dishes layered with Thai aromatics and seasonal depth. Early courses introduce refined bites like salmon roe chawanmushi enriched with sake kasu, escargot glossed in southern curry barbecue sauce, and a rich lobster dip finished with shrimp paste and coconut cream. Squid arrives bathed in dried shrimp broth, paired with fresh greens that cut through the richness.

As the table settles in, the focus shifts to heartier dishes meant to be shared. Grilled red snapper is finished with a sharp wasabi-lime sauce, while coconut crab curry, fragrant with makrut lime leaf and sea beans, anchors the meal with warmth and complexity. The experience closes with a dessert created solely for Christmas Eve, underscoring the sense that this is a singular night rather than a recurring offering.

Thoughtful beverage pairings, including wine and saké, are available to complement the menu’s layers of spice and salinity. For diners drawn to global flavors and a holiday meal that feels immersive rather than conventional, Kru offers one of Williamsburg’s most transportive Christmas Eve tables.

Explore Reservations: Resy

POPULAR

📍 Location: 215 Chrystie Street — Lower East Side, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: POPULAR | Time: December 25, 2025, 6 PM | Price Per Person: $75 per person [four-course prix fixe menu]

At Popular, Christmas Day unfolds through a globally minded, four-course prix-fixe dinner that reflects the restaurant’s Latin-inflected point of view and downtown energy. The evening opens with an arugula salad layered with caramelized apple and dried cranberries, dressed in a sherry vinaigrette that balances brightness and warmth.

The menu then moves into seafood with seared tuna, paired with chili dashi ponzu and a citrus-fennel salad that brings heat, acidity, and freshness into play. For the main course, porchetta takes the lead—slow-roasted and served with aji panca, pearl onions, and a smooth celeriac purée that grounds the dish in comfort without weighing it down.

Dessert closes things out with a brûléed cheesecake accompanied by cranberry compote, offering a clean, lightly festive finish rather than excess. Priced at $75 per person, this Christmas Day dinner is served on December 25 at 6 PM, making Popular a strong choice for diners drawn to bold flavors, polished plates, and a holiday meal that feels distinctly international.

Explore Reservations: Resy

Nobu Downtown

📍 Location: 195 Broadway — Financial District, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Nobu Downtown | Date: Christmas Day | Price Per Person: $85 per person [Christmas Brunch Prix Fixe]

Nobu Downtown brings an international lens to Christmas Day with a brunch that feels celebratory without drifting into excess. Set inside the historic AT&T Building, the downtown outpost offers a polished yet approachable way to mark the holiday—especially for diners drawn to Japanese flavors with a distinctly global edge.

The prix fixe brunch opens with a generous spread of Nobu signatures, from yellowtail jalapeño and tuna tataki to lobster futomaki, crispy rice with spicy crab, and a fish-tempura taco that balances crunch with brightness. The lineup is varied and playful, encouraging a bit of mixing and sharing rather than a rigid start-to-finish progression.

Main course options continue that flexibility. Guests can opt for the chef’s sushi selection, Nobu-style fish and chips, a chicken katsu sando, steak-and-eggs donburi, crispy Inaniwa noodles with shrimp, or parmesan rice finished with artichokes and black truffle. Each choice reflects the restaurant’s signature blend of Japanese technique and international comfort.

Dessert arrives in the form of a matcha mousse, clean, lightly sweet, and a fitting close to a meal that favors balance over indulgence. For those looking to celebrate Christmas with something beyond the traditional roast-and-pudding formula, Nobu Downtown delivers a global holiday table that feels modern, assured, and unmistakably Nobu.

Explore Reservations: Nobu Downtown

Vallarta Tropical

📍 Location: 106 Norfolk Street — Lower East Side, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Vallarta Tropical | Date: Open December 24 & 25, 2025 | Serving the regular à la carte menu

Vallarta Tropical brings a playful, transportive energy to the Lower East Side, blending coastal Mexican cooking with a retro Tiki-bar sensibility inspired by Puerto Vallarta. Open throughout the holidays, the restaurant skips a formal Christmas menu in favor of its full à la carte offerings, making it a relaxed, spirited option for diners who want something lively rather than traditional.

The kitchen leans heavily into seafood-forward dishes and bold, citrus-driven flavors. Standouts from the regular menu include aguachiles layered with heat and acidity, crab-forward enchiladas enriched with Oaxaca cheese and smoky sauces, and carefully prepared fish dishes that balance freshness with richness. Plates are designed for sharing, encouraging a casual, social pace that works well for groups or late-night holiday plans.

The cocktail program is a major part of the experience. Drawing from Mayan and Aztec influences, the bar features drinks built around fermented fruits like pineapple and papaya, served in custom ceramic Tiki vessels that feel equal parts theatrical and nostalgic. Margaritas, mezcal-forward cocktails, and tropical riffs anchor the menu, making it as much a destination for drinks as for dinner.

Vallarta Tropical suits diners looking to trade formality for atmosphere, festive without being precious, and energetic without tipping into chaos.

Explore Reservations: Resy

Lulla

📍 Location: 113 West 24th Street — Chelsea, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Lulla | Date: December 24 & 25, 2025 | Price Per Person: $85 per person

For the holidays, Lulla offers a festive Italian dinner designed for sharing, comfort, and lingering at the table. The experience begins with house-made focaccia and giardiniera, setting a relaxed, convivial pace before moving into a communal course of seasonal favorites like spicy Calabrian pizza and eggplant Parmesan.

From there, diners choose from a lineup of holiday-forward mains that balance tradition with heartiness. Options include braised osso buco paired with creamy polenta, agnolotti bolognese, and roasted branzino, alongside other Lulla classics prepared with winter in mind. Each dish feels generous and familiar, built for cold nights and long conversations.

Dessert closes the evening with a holiday-themed tiramisu, offering a soft, celebratory finish without excess. Warmly lit and welcoming, Lulla remains a dependable choice for those looking to celebrate Christmas over Italian comfort food in the heart of Chelsea.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Marseille

📍 Location: 630 9th Avenue — Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Marseille | Time: Christmas Eve Dinner, 4 PM – 10 PM | Christmas Day Dinner, 12 PM – 10 PM | Price Per Person: $90 [three-course prix fixe menu]

Marseille brings its signature French-Mediterranean warmth to the holiday table with a festive three-course prix fixe dinner offered on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The experience feels classic yet unfussy, making it a reliable choice for those who want tradition without stiffness.

The menu leans into comforting bistro favorites and Provençal flavors. Starters include staples like Soupe à l’Oignon, escargots, oysters, or seasonal vegetable dishes, setting an indulgent but familiar tone. For the main course, diners can expect hearty, well-executed options such as steak-frites, bouillabaisse, and seafood-forward plates that reflect Marseille’s coastal roots.

Warm, welcoming, and consistently polished, Marseille is well-suited for relaxed holiday meals with family or friends, especially for those seeking a classic Christmas dinner in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen.

Explore Reservations: Marseille

Family-Friendly & Elevated Casual Christmas Dining

Santa’s Brunch at Benjamin Steakhouse Westchester

📍 Location: 610 Hartsdale Road — Westchester, NY | 🌐 Website: Benjamin Steakhouse | Time: December 21, 1 PM – 5 PM | Price Per Person: $75.95 per person

A holiday tradition with just the right balance of warmth and polish, Santa’s Brunch at Benjamin Steakhouse Westchester transforms the classic steakhouse setting into a festive, family-friendly gathering place for one afternoon each December. The experience centers on a three-course brunch menu that blends familiar brunch favorites with Benjamin’s signature steakhouse sensibility, ensuring both adults and younger guests feel thoughtfully catered to.

Festive without excess, animated without feeling crowded, and paced for a relaxed holiday meal. Children are welcomed with approachable, kid-friendly options, while adults enjoy the comfort of a well-executed meal in a setting that still feels refined.

What truly sets the brunch apart is the experience beyond the plate. Guests receive a complimentary keepsake photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a small but meaningful touch that turns the afternoon into a memory rather than just a meal. It’s the kind of seasonal outing that works equally well for families, multigenerational gatherings, and those looking to mark the holidays without committing to a full Christmas Day dinner.

Reservations are strongly recommended, as this limited-time event tends to fill quickly.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Malibu Farm

📍 Location: 89 South Street — South Street Seaport, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Malibu Farm | Date: Christmas Day | Price Per Person: 3-course prix fixe [pricing varies by selection]

Malibu Farm offers a relaxed yet polished Christmas Day meal that works especially well for families and mixed-age groups, set right along the waterfront at the Seaport. The experience is centered around a shared, table-forward approach that feels celebratory without becoming formal.

The meal opens with Malibu Farm’s grazing table, a generous spread designed for sharing. Expect marinated goat cheese, whipped beet hummus, house-made ricotta finished with pomegranate, seasonal crudité, and warm bread. Easygoing starters that encourage guests to slow down and enjoy the moment.

For the main course, tables choose from crowd-pleasing options like roasted pork shoulder with ancho chili sauce, Faroe Island salmon with bright aji verde, or New York strip loin paired with chimichurri. A collection of family-style sides rounds things out, including roasted honeynut squash with mushroom and parmesan cream, mashed potatoes with broccoli, and a hearty harvest salad built around heirloom carrots, kale, ginger, and winter squash.

Dessert arrives as a classic apple tart served with vanilla ice cream. Familiar, comforting, and well-suited to a Christmas afternoon that’s meant to feel unrushed. Malibu Farm’s sunlit space and unfussy menu make it a strong choice for groups looking for something elevated but approachable, especially for those dining with children or extended family.

Explore Reservations: SevenRooms

AperiBar

📍 Location: 120 West 41st Street — Midtown West, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: AperiBar | Time: Christmas Eve, 1 PM – 11 PM | Christmas Day, 1 PM – 9 PM | Price Per Person: $98 per person [three-course dinner]

AperiBar offers a polished yet welcoming Italian Christmas dinner that balances comfort with refinement, making it especially well-suited for families celebrating together in Midtown. The experience begins with a complimentary glass of Prosecco, setting an easy, celebratory tone from the start.

For the first course, guests choose between elegant antipasti such as Bresaola Carpaccio or Rucola dressed with truffle vinaigrette, both light yet flavorful ways to open the meal. Mains bring heartier winter dishes to the table, including slow-roasted duck Scorpacciata or Spaghetti allo Scoglio, layered with saffron and a generous mix of seafood.

Dessert closes the evening with a classic Panettone, served simply and traditionally. A dedicated bambini menu ensures younger diners are equally considered, making AperiBar a dependable choice for a relaxed holiday dinner that still feels thoughtfully put together.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Conmigo

📍 Location: 98th Street & Madison Avenue and 87th Street and 1st Avenue — Upper East Side, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Conmigo | Date: December 24 & 25, 2025 | Serving the regular à la carte menu

Conmigo offers a lively, modern take on Mexican cooking, making it a relaxed yet flavorful option for Christmas dining on the Upper East Side. Rather than a fixed holiday menu, the restaurant keeps things flexible, serving its full à la carte lineup across both locations, well-suited for casual celebrations, families, or groups who prefer to order and share.

The menu spans crowd-pleasing starters like guacamole, ceviche, and nachos, alongside a wide selection of tacos, burritos, and plates built around grilled meats, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. Signature tacos range from al pastor and adobo chicken to brisket, fish, and vegetarian options, while heartier dishes like fajitas, steak plates, and composed bowls allow diners to build a more substantial meal. A full cocktail program anchored by tequila and mezcal rounds out the experience, with margaritas and house cocktails that feel right for a holiday toast without being overly formal.

Conmigo’s energetic atmosphere and approachable menu make it an easy choice for those looking to keep Christmas dining unfussy, social, and flavor-forward.

Explore Reservations: Resy

Blu on the Hudson

📍 Location: 1200 Harbor Boulevard — Weehawken, New Jersey | 🌐 Website: Blu on the Hudson | Time: Christmas Eve, 3 PM – 9 PM | Christmas Day, 12 PM – 9 PM | Price Per Person: $84 [Christmas Eve] | $89 [Christmas Day]

Blu on the Hudson offers a relaxed yet elevated holiday dining experience just across the river, pairing skyline views with a polished, family-friendly Christmas menu. Executive Chef Juan Carlos “JC” Ortega presents a three-course prix fixe that highlights his seafood-forward American-Mediterranean style, layered with thoughtful seasonal touches.

The meal opens with festive starters such as Seven Fish Nigiri or Short Rib Raviolo, setting a celebratory tone without feeling heavy. Entrées follow with options like King Salmon or 8 oz Wagyu Beef Cheeks, dishes that balance richness with clean, confident flavors. Dessert brings a nod to the season with choices including Bûche de Noël, Tiramisu, and Eggnog Panna Cotta, offering a familiar finish with a refined edge.

Guests who prefer flexibility may also order from Blu’s expansive à la carte menu, which spans sushi rolls, handmade pastas, and large-format steaks, making it easy to accommodate mixed groups and varying appetites. The experience is further elevated by Sommelier Adam Greer’s well-edited wine program, alongside a cocktail list designed to suit both celebratory dinners and longer, unhurried meals.

Just a six-minute ferry ride from Manhattan, Blu on the Hudson feels like a brief holiday escape. Scenic, welcoming, and well-suited for families looking to celebrate without the rush of the city.

Explore Reservations: OpenTable

Takeout & At-Home Holiday Feasts

Prospect Butcher Co.

📍 Location: 113a Nassau Avenue — Greenpoint, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: Prospect Butcher Co.

For hosts who prefer to build their holiday table from the ground up, Prospect Butcher Co. offers one of the most trusted protein selections in the city. The Greenpoint butcher is known for its meticulous sourcing, deep relationships with regional farms, and a thoughtful approach to aging and preparation, making it a go-to for cooks who care as much about origin as execution.

The 2025 Christmas pre-order menu centers on premium, holiday-ready cuts designed to anchor everything from intimate dinners to larger gatherings. Poultry options include pastured turkeys and turkey crowns, along with capons, ducks, Cornish hens, and geese. For those looking to elevate the spread further, cooked offerings like duck leg confit and foie gras additions bring richness without requiring extra kitchen labor.

Beef selections span classic centerpiece roasts, including standing rib roasts aged to varying depths, tenderloin, and boneless top sirloin. Pork offerings, such as bone-in shoulders and boneless loins, round out the menu for hosts planning more traditional preparations or slow-roasted mains.

Rather than prescribing a set feast, Prospect Butcher Co. allows customers to assemble their own holiday lineup, choosing cuts that match their cooking style and guest list. It is an approach that rewards confidence in the kitchen while still offering guidance through quality and sourcing.

Best for: confident home cooks, custom holiday menus, and protein-forward Christmas tables built around exceptional ingredients.

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Heritage Grand Bakery & Restaurant

📍 Location: 8 West 40th Street — Midtown West, Manhattan | 🌐 Website: Heritage Grand Bakery & Restaurant | Date: Open December 24 & 25, 2025 | Price Per Item: Varies

While Heritage Grand Bakery does not offer a Christmas dining menu this year, it remains a reliable stop for holiday desserts, take-home treats, and last-minute hosting essentials, especially for those spending the holidays in Midtown.

The bakery’s seasonal offerings focus on classic holiday pies and festive yule logs, available for pre-order and pickup. Pie selections include Apple Crumble, Pecan, and Pumpkin, each baked with a flaky, golden crust and generously spiced fillings that feel familiar without being heavy-handed.

For a more celebratory finish, Heritage Grand also offers a trio of Bûche de Noël options. Choices range from a Dark Chocolate Ganache yule log finished with a glossy glaze and gold leaf, to a lighter Vanilla Raspberry version with bright fruit notes, and a Cherry Pistachio variation that leans nutty and rich.

Its location across from Bryant Park’s Winter Village makes it an easy stop for travelers, locals, or hosts who want to avoid crowds while picking up something polished for the table. Inside, the café offers a warm place to pause with coffee or hot chocolate and a chance to grab pastries like apple crumble danish or seasonal muffins baked fresh daily.

Best for: holiday takeout, dessert pre-orders, and elevating at-home Christmas meals without extra planning.

Orders

BKLYN Larder

📍 Location: 228 Flatbush Avenue — Prospect Heights, Brooklyn | 🌐 Website: BKLYN Larder

For hosts who want a holiday table that feels generous, unfussy, and deeply well-sourced, BKLYN Larder’s Christmas catering delivers exactly that. Known for its thoughtful approach to ingredients and quietly excellent prepared foods, the Prospect Heights staple makes entertaining feel manageable without sacrificing quality.

The 2025 holiday menu centers on chef-crafted mains and sides designed for sharing, including glazed ham and tea-brined roast duck, alongside comforting accompaniments like mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, and a seasonal squash salad. Starters skew classic but elevated, with a Christmas cheese platter that reflects BKLYN Larder’s longstanding reputation for standout dairy and careful curation.

Desserts and festive extras round out the offering, from panettone and cookies to holiday eggnog and other sweet finishes that travel well from counter to table. Everything is offered à la carte, allowing hosts to build a spread that suits anything from an intimate dinner to a larger family gathering.

BKLYN Larder is especially well-suited for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day entertaining, when ease matters just as much as flavor. It is the kind of holiday help that feels considered rather than catered. Familiar, generous, and quietly dependable.

Best for: at-home Christmas dinners, low-stress hosting, and ingredient-forward holiday spreads.

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Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in NYC

Christmas Day dining in New York works best when it is planned like a real outing—confirm the service style [à la carte vs. prix fixe], book early seatings if you want a slower afternoon, and don’t underestimate how quickly neighborhoods go quiet once the sun drops.

This list was built for different versions of the day: classic Midtown ritual, downtown energy, Brooklyn warmth, and a few tables that feel like a true occasion. If you’re deciding between two spots, choose based on the room as much as the menu—the right atmosphere is half the experience on December 25.

If you try one this year, tell me where you went and what you ordered. I’m always updating this guide with the places that genuinely deliver.