While Santa is busy making a list, you should be busy making a reservation: the best restaurants open on Christmas in NYC fill up quickly, and there’s still time to get your table!
With December officially here, that means holiday season is too…which means charming events like candlelit concerts, festive markets and more. Why not get a jump start before the festivities begin? You don’t want to risk getting closed out of your favorite spot, do you?
Here are a few of the best restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in NYC.
1. The Standard, East Village
The Standard, East Village is once again hosting a special pop-up dining experience this winter season, this year called Feste. The seasonal restaurant will turn into a holiday festive paradise, serving up classic Italian dishes inspired by Chef Angela Bazan’s upbringing. Plus, for Christmastime this year they are having two unique offerings: a Feast of Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve and a Christmas Day Brunch!
The four-course Feast of Fishes will include over seven seafood specialities like Baked Oysters, Red Wine Braised Octopus, and more…while the Christmas Day brunch is set to have a mix of hearty treats like Gingerbread Spiced Pancakes, Lioni Burrata Toast with a Blood Orange Marmalade and Pistachios, and more.
🍽️ Book your table & see the full menu at The Standard, East Village here!
📍25 Cooper Sq
2. Baccarat Hotel New York, Midtown
Baccarat Hotel New York is serving a festive three course prix-fix menu on both Christmas Eve and Day this year. The talk of the meal is always the dessert. The Christmas yule logs are the perfect sweet treat to finish your decadent meal. Both of this year’s “Christmas Eve Grandeur” and “Joyeux Noël” Christmas Day dining experiences will run you $275 per person, but it’s totally worth it, trust us.
🍽️ Book your table & see the full menus at Baccarat Hotel here!
📍 28 W 53rd St
3. The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges, Upper East Side
Reservations are currently available for a decadent three-course meal at The Mark Restaurant for Christmas Day 2024. This year’s tasty menu includes appetizers like Butternut Squash Soup and Grilled Head on Shrimp, entrees like Porcini Crusted Salmon and Roasted Colorado Lamb Chops, and dessert like Bûche De Noël and Butterscotch Pudding. The meal costs$228 per person and $114 for children under 10. You can make a reservation by calling 212-606-3030 or emailing them at restaurant@themarkhotel.com.
🍽️ Book your table & see the full menus at The Mark by Jean-Georges here!
📍 25 E 77th St
4. Musket Room, Nolita
What could be a better Christmas gift than indulging in a seven-course holiday tasting menu? Musket Room is known for its extensive offering of the finest omnivore and vegan tasting menus, all inspired by the staff’s family traditions. (Think Bison Tartare, “Death by Gumbo” Quail, and the Yule Log for dessert). It’s $125 per person and the limited-time holiday menu is being offered from December 24th – 31st.
🍽️ Book your table & see the full menus at The Musket Room here!
📍265 Elizabeth St
5. Stella 34 Trattoria, Herald Square
Macy’s Herald Square is an iconic spot to celebrate the holiday season (they even have a new Christmas market this year), and its restaurant inside is serving an awesome Breakfast With Santa at Stella 34 Trattoria. The jolly meal is open on Christmas Eve, and includes delightful bites, holiday activities, carolers, and photo opps with Santa and his crew. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal!
🍽️ Book your table & see the full Breakfast with Santa menu here!
📍 151 W 34th St
6. Daniel, Upper East Side
A Michelen-star Christmas dinner is one for the books. Though Daniel’s 2024 plans are still under wraps, keep an eye on the website for more details. The famed chef has prepared Upstate New York Foie Gras Terrine, Dover Sole, and Bûche De Noël for holidays past.
📍60 E 65th St
7. AperiBar, Midtown West
This chic Italian restaurant and cocktail bar is hosting a four-course dinner on both Christmas Eve and Day, which typically starts at $95 per person! The menu includes classic items like yellowfish tuna, t-bone steak, panettone, and more. Since it’s also a cocktail bar, we suggest grabbing one of their holiday specialties while you enjoy your meal.
🍽️ Book your table & see the full menu at AperiBar here!
📍120 W 41st St
8. Huda, Williamsburg
This new Middle Eastern restaurant in Brooklyn brings Levantine culture and cuisine to the next level! Inspired by owner Gehad Hadidi’s Syrian-American heritage, and his grandmother’s home cooking, Huda served a Christmas Eve pre-fixe dinner featuring Holiday Labneh, Tabbouleh, Warak Enab, Roasted Eggplant, Tamarind Braised Pumpkin, Stuffed Cornish Hen, and Meghleh in Phyllo last year. Keep an eye on the website for 2024 announcements.
Where: 312 Leonard St, Brooklyn
9. BLACKBARN Restaurant, NoMad
BLACKBARN is a farm-to-table, American restaurant in NoMad offering both a la carte and pre-fixe options to diners, including Olive Oil Braised Octopus, Herb Crusted Cod, Shrimp Mousseline, and the super-unique Eggnog Cheesecake. Learn more about the 2024 holiday season on the BLACKBARN website when the information becomes available.
📍19 E 26th St
10. Delmonico’s, FiDi
Legendary steakhouse Delmonico’s is serving dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for $145 per person. Dining options include menu favorites like Yellowtail Crudo (avocado, walnut, crispy pearls, seasoned shoyu, shiso), Eye of Delmonico steak (12oz Brandt Family Farms, CA), and of course Baked Alaska all bundled up into a three-course meal selected by Executive Chef Eddie Hong.
🍽️ Book your table & see the full menu at Delmonico’s here!
📍56 Beaver St
11. Quality Bistro, Midtown
This European-style brasserie in Midtown typically opens on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, serving bites from its French-inspired menu full of table-side prepared dishes, inventive twists on French cocktails, and an extensive wine list. Get more info on the restaurant’s website. The details for 2024 are still TBD.
🍽️ Book your table & see the full menu at Delmonico’s here!
📍120 W 55th St
12. Avra Rockefeller Center, Midtown
This Greek outpost in Rockefeller Center stays open for both Christmas Eve and Day, and is only steps away from the famous Rockefeller Center Tree! See the full menu and reserve a table at Avra Rockefeller Center. Keep in mind 2024 details are TBD.
📍 1271 6th Ave
13. Le Pavillon, Midtown
If you’re looking for a gorgeous restaurant with Christmas decor and decadent food, we recommend Le Pavillon on Christmas Eve. Although this 3 course prix fix is on the more expensive side ($225/person), it’s worth it for the mouthwatering French dishes you’re served.
🍽️ Book your table & see the full menu at Le Pavillon here!
Where: One Vanderbilt Ave
14. Tony’s Di Napoli, Midtown & UES
Tony’s offers delicious Italian dishes in really fun dining experience, and it’s especially perfect for a big group! The menu features classic Italian dishes, meant to be enjoyed family-style. You can make Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner reservations for 2024 on Open Table.
📍147 West 43rd St or 1081 3rd Ave
15. The Golden Swan, West Village
Stop by The Golden Swan on Christmas Eve to try out Chef Doug Brixton’s decadent three-course menu featuring options like Steak Tartare, Red Snapper, Buche De Noel, and more! At $165 per guest, it’s a great choice…especially with their festive interiors of deep green Moroccan tiles and in gold velvet curtains. It will be available from 4 – 9 pm on December 24th.
🍽️ Book your table & see the full menu at The Golden Swan here!
📍314 W 11th St
16. Benoit, Midtown
Let the sophisticated menu at Alain Ducasse’s Benoit tantalize your tastebuds during the holidays with a menu ranging from Oyster Platters to Filet Mignon aux Poivres with pommes boulangère and peppercorn sauce. For dessert, don’t forget to take-home their delicious Bûche de Nöel, a traditional French Christmas cake.
📍60 W 55th St
17. YingTao
One of NYC’s beloved Michelin star restaurants is rolling out an American Chinese-inspired menu curated specifically for the holidays, which will be available from December 24th to January 4th, 2025. A few items on the menu include spring rolls (langoustine, kung pao), fried rice (sea urchin, manila clams, squid ink), and beef & broccoli (prime rib, peppercorns, oyster sauce). We’re particularly excited to wrap things up with the Ube-infused fortune cookies for dessert.
Learn more about the holiday menu online.
📍805 9th Ave
So, where are you booking your holiday dinner? Cheers to a festive season in 2024!