Even though it’s just barely November, there are signs of Christmas appearing in New York City. It’s truly one of the most exciting places to spend the holiday season. The trees, lights, decorations, and activities all give the city such festive cheer but the fun doesn’t stop for Christmas.
You might expect things to be very closed on Christmas day, there’s a surprising amount of restaurants that stay open to ring in the holiday. Whether you’re looking for a classy place to dress up or for a place to grab some casual Chinese food, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover 15 restaurants open on Christmas in New York City.
1. Bubby’s
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A New York classic! Bubby’s is that tried and true, go-to place that serves consistently good, heartwarming food. They’re open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day until 4pm and serve their full menu as well as some holiday specials like roasted duck cranberry hash, steak Benedict, Swedish pancakes with lingonberries, and eggnog pie.
2. Le Crocodile
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This modern French restaurant is located in the charming Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg. Le Crocodile has several options, depending on what type of meal you want. They’ve created a special prix fixe Christmas menu for $165/person or you can opt for Christmas ham and potato gratin. If you’re feeling the French vibes, you can order from their regular menu.
3. Wallsé
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Visit Chef Kurt Gutenbrunner’s cozy West Village restaurant, Wallsé and enjoy a four-course tasting menu for $160/person. The Austrian restaurant celebrates the tastes of Vienna with offerings like chestnut and black truffle soup, wiener schnitzel, and roasted Christmas goose.
4. Balthazar
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Balthazar is one of the most iconic New York restaurants. This old-school French brasserie is sophisticated and elegant and quite the cheery place to enjoy a Christmas meal. For $72/person, you can enjoy their special menu which includes roasted prime rib, winter vegetables, and mashed potatoes with black truffles.
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5. Fogo De Chao
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Gather around with the people you love and create a fun memory at the Fogo De Chao Brazilian steakhouse. If you’ve never been, be prepared for an experience. The large dining room has a sea of servers carrying freshly prepared steaks and meat around offering to cut them straight into your plate. It’s a unique all-you-can-eat experience and is a fun way to try a bit of everything. While the meat is the star of the show, there are salads and holiday sides as well.
6. Joe’s Shanghai
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There’s something about Chinese food on Christmas day that just feels so right. Joe’s Shanghai is one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in Chinatown (and New York City) and is open for service on Christmas. Of course, they’re known for their famous soup dumplings (listed as steamed buns on the menu) which are filled with pork or a mix of pork and crab combo. Everything on the menu is delicious and extremely affordable so treat yourself to a Christmas feast.
7. Quality Eats
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This American steakhouse feels like a cozy homemade holiday meal. On the Quality Eats menu you’ll find lots of options for steak, fish, and ham. Sides include salads, potatoes, and roasted vegetables. Save some room for their dessert menu which includes ice cream, cakes, and pies. If you go to the Uptown location, head to Central Park right nearby to walk off the tasty meal.
8. JoJo
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Visit New York famous chef and restaurateur Chef Jean-Georges’s delightful French restaurant, JoJo. Set in an Upper East Side townhouse-turned-restaurant, it’s warm, inviting, and cozy. The menu is farm-to-table and sources all of their ingredients locally. Their special three-course Christmas menu has tasty options like roasted duck breast, seared beef tenderloin, lobster, and cauliflower steak.
9. As You Are
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Nestled in the Ace Hotel in Brooklyn, As You Are is a bakery, restaurant, and bar. On their three-course holiday menu, you’ll find prime rib, baked lobster, pineapple upside-down cake, and more. This is a great option for people traveling to New York for Christmas. Book your stay at the Ace and ensure you get your post-Christmas dinner nap.
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10. 230 Fifth
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Celebrate Christmas on 230 Fifth’s enclosed rooftop with a panoramic view of New York City. The Christmas dinner is served buffet style and costs $60 for adults and $30 for children. On the menu, you’ll find turkey, prime rib, chicken parm, a pasta station, and an assortment of sides and desserts.
11. Polo Bar
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Ring in the holiday in style at the iconic Polo Bar. While they don’t serve a special Chirstmas menu, the buzzing atmosphere always makes it feel like an occasion. Enjoy the festive decor and a classic burger. Dare we say a perfect Christmas meal?
12. Mr. Chow
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If you’re looking for upscale Chinese food, Mr. Chow is your place! Originally opened in Beijing, this wildly popular restaurant has several locations worldwide including New York City. All of the dishes are served family style and some popular choices are the Mr. Chow noodles, chicken satay, and Peking duck.
13. Zou Zou’s
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Zou Zou’s is the place to get the best Mediterranean food! The diverse menu combines flavors from Lebanon, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. Eat your way through the tasty menu and be sure to try something off the wood-fired hearth!
14. Leuca
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Located in Brooklyn, Leuca is an Italian restaurant normally dishing pizzas and pastas but for Christmas, they offer an incredible feast to-go that will wow your guests. Choices include smoked beet salad, pork with fennel and plum mustard, braised beans and broccoli, vanilla bean cheesecake, and pistachio cake. They are also open for service in the restaurant and offer a spectacular Feast of Seven Fishes!
As you can see, there are many restaurants open on Christmas in New York City that will fill you up and make you feel wow-ed. So save yourself the hassle of cooking or hosting and go ahead and make your reservation!
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