20+ Best Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in NYC
When the city slows down for the holidays, New York still finds a way to shine — especially at the dinner table. Whether you’re skipping the home cooking, visiting from out of town, or just craving a festive meal out, plenty of amazing spots keep their doors open on December 25. From cozy classics to upscale feasts, here are the 20+ best restaurants open on Christmas Day in NYC this year — all serving up good food, great vibes, and a little extra holiday magic.
20+ Restaurants Open Christmas Day NYC (2025): Tavern, Rolf’s
Tavern on the Green
Nestled in Central Park, this iconic spot dresses up for the holiday with a festive four‑course feast, sparkling décor and an elevated American classic setting.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: Classic American fine dining
- Location: 67th Street & Central Park West, New YorkÂ
- Contact: tavernonthegreen.com |212-877-8684 | reservations@tavernonthegreen.comÂ
- Pro tip: Request a window seat to enjoy the park view while you dine.
The Mark Restaurant by Jean‑Georges
Located inside the luxurious Mark Hotel, this restaurant offers French‑American cuisine and a refined Christmas Day menu in a stylish atmosphere.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: French‑American fine dining
-  Location: 25 E 77th St, New YorkÂ
- Contact: https://www.themarkrestaurantnyc.com | (212) 606.3030
- Pro tip: Dress in smart‑casual or upscale—the setting leans special‑occasion.
Baccarat Hotel New York (Restaurant)
Situated in the swanky Baccarat Hotel, this restaurant delivers a luxe Christmas Day dining experience with festive menus and high‑end ambiance.
-  Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: French luxury dining
- Location: 28 W 53rd St, New York
- Contact: https://www.instagram.com/baccarathotelsÂ
- Pro tip: Think of it as a full holiday experience—ideal if you’re looking to indulge.
Musket Room – Nolita
This modern American restaurant in Nolita is known for its seasonal tasting menus—and on Christmas Day it offers a special menu inspired by family traditions and elevated flavours.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Modern AmericanÂ
- Location:265 Elizabeth Street, New York
- Contact: http://musketroom.com | 212-219-0764Â
- Pro tip: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, ask about modification options when you reserve.
Rolf’s German Restaurant
A beloved holiday institution, Rolf’s is famous for its over‑the‑top Christmas decorations, cheerful atmosphere and hearty German comfort food—a festive alternative on December 25.
- Price: $$‑$$$
- Cuisine: German comfort food
- Location: 281 3rd Ave, New York
- Contact: https://www.rolfsnyc.com | 212-477-4750 or 212-473-8718
- Pro tip: Go early—lines form for the décor and holiday buzz.
Papillon Bistro & Bar
Papillon transforms for the holidays with giant teddy bears, snow‑effect décor and abundant lights—an upbeat French bistro option for Christmas Day lunch or dinner.
- Price: $$‑$$$
- Cuisine: French bistro
- Location: 22 E 54th St, New York Â
- Contact: https://www.instagram.com/papillonbistronyc | +1 212-754-9006Â
- Pro tip: Consider going for lunch or early evening for a slightly more relaxed vibe.
Le Coucou
This elegant Paris‑style restaurant in SoHo brings fine French cooking to Christmas Day menus—ideal if you’re after a romantic, holiday‑special dinner.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: French fine dining
- Location: 138 Lafayette St, New York
- Contact: https://lecoucou.com | +1 212-271-4252Â
- Pro tip: Ask for a window‑table to take in the SoHo street scene while you dine.
Lillie’s Victorian Restaurant
With vintage holiday décor (moving teddy bears, thousands of lights), Lillie’s offers a warm and whimsical Christmas Day experience accompanied by comfort‑style British‑friendly fare.
- Price: $$‑$$$
- Cuisine: British / comfort fare (vegetarian‑friendly)
- Location: 249 W 49th St, New York
- Contact: https://www.instagram.com/lilliesvictorianÂ
- Pro tip: Family‑friendly and festive—perfect for a group outing.
Benoit
From chef Alain Ducasse, this French brasserie offers holiday dining on Christmas Day with a festive menu, balancing elegance and comfort.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: French brasserie
- Location: 60 West 55th Street, New YorkÂ
- Contact: https://www.benoitny.com | +1 646-943-7373 | bistrot@benoitny.comÂ
- Pro tip: Check the Christmas Day menu ahead of time—some dishes may be holiday‑only.
Socarrat
This lively Spanish‑tapas spot with paellas and shared plates is perfect for groups celebrating on Christmas Day when many others are closed.
- Price: $$‑$$$
- Cuisine: Spanish tapas & paella
- Location: 284 Mulberry St, New York (and other locations)Â
- Contact: https://socarratnyc.com | +1 (212) 219 0101 | info@socarratnyc.comÂ
- Pro tip: Share a large paella among 3‑4 people for a festive group experience.
Haven Rooftop & Restaurant
Set high above the bustle of Midtown, this rooftop venue pairs city views with contemporary American fare—perfect for a festive Christmas Day atmosphere.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Contemporary American
- Location: 132 West 47th Street, New YorkÂ
- Contact: havenrooftop.com | 212.466.9000Â
- Pro tip: Book early for a sunset slot to catch the skyline glow with your first course.
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
Celebrated for its soup‑dumplings, this Shanghainese favourite remains open on Christmas Day—ideal if you’re looking for something more casual and hearty.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Northern/Shanghainese Chinese (dumplings, dim sum)
- Location: 24 W 33rd St, New York (and other locations)Â
- Contact: https://nanxiangxiaolongbao.com | +1 718-321-3838| socialmedia@nanxiangusa.comÂ
- Pro tip: Go early or prepare for a short wait—walk‑in only at some locations.
Oscar Wilde
This Victorian‑themed restaurant and bar turns up the holiday charm with opulent décor and eats—making it a fun choice for a festive Christmas Day meal.
- Price: $$‑$$$
- Cuisine: Irish/modern European pub and brasserie
- Location: 45 W 27th St, New YorkÂ
- Contact: https://www.instagram.com/oscarwildenycÂ
- Pro tip: Great for groups—consider sitting in the bar area for a more relaxed feel.
Cafe Luxembourg
Comfortable brasserie vibes meet holiday dining here. According to sources, Cafe Luxembourg is open on Christmas Day with their dinner service.
- Price: $$‑$$$
- Cuisine: French/American brasserie
- Location: 200 W 70th St, New York
- Contact: https://www.cafeluxembourg.com | 212‑873‑7411
- Pro tip: A good pick if you’re staying on the Upper West Side and prefer a less touristy option.
Lure Fishbar
A seafood‑forward spot that appears in Christmas Day restaurant roundups, offering an à  la carte menu with festive touches.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Seafood, American brasserie
- Location: 142 Mercer St, SoHo, New York City
- Contact: https://www.lurefishbar.comÂ
- Pro tip: Ideal for seafood lovers—ask about any seasonal specials for Christmas Day.
Zaytinya
A Mediterranean option with plenty of flavour and vibrant ambiance. Listed among restaurants open for the holidays.
- Price: $$‑$$$
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Greek & Turkish influenced
- Location:1185 Broadway, New York
- Contact: https://www.zaytinya.com | +1 202-638-0800 | info@zaytinya.comÂ
- Pro tip: Share a few mezzes to maximize variety and value.
Koloman
Offering a prix‑fixe holiday menu on Christmas Day, Koloman brings elevated European cuisine to the festive table.
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: European upscale (Austrian/German influenced)
- Location: 16 West 29th Street , New YorkÂ
- Contact: https://www.instagram.com/kolomannyc | info@kolomanrestaurant.comÂ
- Pro tip: Be aware of the set menu pricing and seating times—book accordingly.
Café Gitane
A relaxed and stylish French-Moroccan café known for its brunch and all-day menu, Café Gitane stays open during the holidays. It’s a charming spot for a light meal or mid-day outing on Christmas Day.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: French‑Moroccan café style
- Location: 242 Mott Street, New York Â
- Contact: https://www.cafegitanenyc.com | (646) 870-0087Â
- Pro tip: If you’re after a lighter meal or mid‑day outing on Christmas Day, this works beautifully.
Fig & Olive
This chic Mediterranean restaurant, inspired by the French Riviera, often appears on NYC’s seasonal holiday dining lists. Expect elegant dishes, refreshing cocktails, and a lively yet cozy atmosphere.
- Price: $$‑$$$
- Cuisine: Mediterranean (French Riviera themed)
- Location: 10 East 52nd Street, New York (and other locations)Â
- Contact: https://www.instagram.com/figandoliveÂ
- Pro tip: Good spot if you prefer a lighter, stylish holiday meal with cocktails.
BLACKBARN
A farm‑to‑table New American restaurant offering holiday dining menus that include both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: New American / seasonal farm‑to‑table
- Location: 19 East 26th Street, New YorkÂ
- Contact: https://www.blackbarnrestaurant.com | +1 212-265-5959 | info@blackbarnrestaurant.comÂ
-  Pro tip: Ideal for diners who want a contemporary setting and seasonal fare rather than traditional holiday dishes.
Antica Pesa
For those willing to head over to Brooklyn, this Italian spot offers a three‑course holiday menu on Christmas Day in a warm and inviting setting.
- Price: $$‑$$$
- Cuisine: Italian (Roman‑style trattoria)
-  Location: 115 Berry St, Brooklyn, New York
-  Contact: https://www.anticapesa.com | +1 347-763-2635 | info@anticapesa.comÂ
-  Pro tip: Great for a holiday meal outside Manhattan—book early to ensure you snag a table.
Staying in the City for the Holidays?
Pair your Christmas Day dinner with a hotel that goes all out for the season—twinkling lights, festive lobbies, rooftop views, and all the cozy vibes. Whether you’re booking a staycation or coming from out of town, these spots make the experience extra memorable. Check out Best Christmas Hotels in NYC for a magical holiday stay.
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