Restaurants to celebrate Christmas Day in New York
Christmas in New York always comes with a lot of doubts when it comes to the famous Christmas Eve dinner! But for those who don’t know, here on the 24th it’s not celebrated in great style like we do in Brazil. So you won’t find many restaurants serving the famous Christmas dinner or even offering a very special menu. But they usually operate normally or close a little earlier. On the 25th, the competition to find a nice place to eat is even greater since most restaurants and shops are closed on that day. I’ll suggest some restaurants below but to find out more options of what’s open and make a reservation, I recommend using Open Table!
Things you need to know about Christmas in New York restaurants:
- It’s common for restaurants to charge a deposit to reserve, the date is in high demand so if you don’t show up, they lose money.
- Don’t expect the best service of the year on this day. Because it’s a busy date, they also end up with fewer employees or a shorter agenda, and even though they honor and are strict with the schedule to avoid delays, something can always happen. So it may be excellent as always but it may be a bit more rushed.
- Don’t be late so you don’t lose your reservation and to not disrupt the restaurant’s flow.
- Some restaurants serve a fixed price menu and usually alcoholic beverages, tips, or taxes are not included.
Remember that demand tends to be high at this time, so don’t forget to make your reservation in advance. This is always my recommendation!
Oh! This post is from 2021, keep an eye out for updates for the next years!
Oh, before I forget…To see more of my day to day life in NYC and get the hottest tips, join my NYC tips Facebook group HERE, follow me on Instagram (@marthasachser or @blognyandabout) and subscribe to my YouTube channel! And click HERE for my NYC complete guide with step-to-step itineraries!
La Grande Boucherie
This is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city and at Christmas it gets special decoration. I’ve been to this and other locations and it’s always been a very pleasant experience – even though there aren’t many vegan options for me. They will be open on Christmas Eve and it’s a nice environment for those who are with family, as it has open and closed spaces (it’s not cold, don’t worry), which brings an extra informality.
Click HERE to reserve!
Bar Boulud
If you like French food and wine, Bar Boulud might be a great option to enjoy Christmas in New York.
From 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, the restaurant will serve an à la carte lunch. From 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm, a fixed-price Christmas dinner will be offered.
To learn more about the menu options and reservations, visit Bar Boulud’s official website.
Carbone
Carbone is an Italian restaurant located in Greenwich Village. It offers a variety of salads, pasta, and seafood dishes.
Yes, the restaurant will also be open on Christmas Day, with two fixed lunch menus for $195 + taxes and fees.
As it is a popular restaurant, reservations may have sold out by the time you read this. However, it is always possible to wait in case there are any cancellations.
Reservations can be made here. Learn more about the restaurant here.
The Flatiron Room
Fine & Rare is one of the restaurants that has already appeared on the blog and my Instagram, and it is one of my favorites when it comes to live jazz, elegance, and tasty food. Fine & Rare is located in midtown and is a beautiful, pleasant restaurant with a sophisticated and elegant yet casual atmosphere, which is quite common in New York restaurants.
On Christmas, they will be open on December 24th and 25th, offering live music, a fixed 3-course menu with a duration of 2 and a half hours. You can choose the time, either 4:00 pm, 6:30 pm, or 9:00 pm. It costs $125 per person + tax and tip.
Address: 9 East 37th Street, New York, NY.
Learn more and see the menu HERE!
Bryant Park Grill
This restaurant is located in a classic spot when it comes to Christmas in New York: Bryant Park! Both for Christmas and Thanksgiving, this restaurant always makes the list. Although it is in a super touristy area, it is still possible to have a local experience there, as it is a city classic, just like the Tavern on The Green. It is a nice option to enjoy the Christmas vibe after visiting the Winter Village, a winter fair near the ice-skating rink at Bryant Park.
On the Christmas menu, you are entitled to an appetizer, main course, and dessert for $95 per adult and $48 per child. Everything else (tip, tax, drinks) is extra.
Learn more HERE!
The Fulton
The Fulton is a restaurant recommended for those who appreciate seafood. Located at Pier 17, it has a beautiful view of the Brooklyn Bridge.
On Christmas Day, the restaurant will offer a fixed-price menu of three courses from noon to 9 pm. The price is $168 per person. Reservations are necessary.
Visit the official website to check out the full menu.
Tavern on the Green
Tavern on the Green is one of the most traditional restaurants in New York. And no wonder! It is located inside Central Park.
As usual, it will be open for both Christmas Eve and Day, offering a fixed menu for $135 per adult + taxes, drinks, and tip.
More information here.
Kochi
If you want to enjoy a Christmas meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, try Kochi’s fixed menu, which is totally inspired by Korean cuisine. It costs $185 per person. The menu is exclusive and will only be available on Christmas Eve and Day. Reservations can be made here.
Located at 652 10th Ave.
Olio e Piu
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the West Village along with Palma! Both can be on this list, but since this one is larger, I think it will be easier to get a reservation!
The menu is not fixed, but the dishes are special for the occasion.
Address: 3 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY.
Book HERE!
Palma
If you follow the blog or have my New York guide, you may have seen this restaurant here before! Palma is located in the West Village and is a super charming and cozy Italian restaurant, especially if you choose a table in the back where the “winter garden” is located. They will be open for Christmas, but as always, make a reservation. Apparently, there is no fixed menu, but check their website or Instagram for updates.
Address: 28 Cornelia Street, New York, NY.
Learn more HERE!
Gramercy Tavern
Gramercy Tavern is a restaurant specializing in contemporary American cuisine. It also has a super cozy atmosphere for a special meal.
Unlike the restaurants mentioned throughout the post, Gramercy Tavern will not be open for Christmas, but you can order a festive fixed price menu for $95 for takeout.
Visit the official website to learn more.
Pete’s Tavern – Historic Bar in New York
Open since 1864, Pete’s Tavern is considered one of the oldest bars in New York.
Right at the entrance, you can see a little bit of its history through old photos and records that are displayed on the walls of the place.
Besides the experience of being in a historic place, Pete’s Tavern offers a menu full of options for all tastes: appetizers, salads, burgers, pasta, and much more!
And to celebrate the arrival of the holiday season, Pete’s Tavern gets a wonderful decoration every year, full of lights up to the ceiling. The bar is the main highlight, with ornaments and lights spread throughout its extension.
This scenery will surely give you many, many photos!
Visit the official website to make your reservation and check out the full menu.
Quality Bistro
This elegant and beautiful French restaurant is a great choice for any occasion, but it certainly becomes even more beautiful for a Christmas dinner! You need to make a reservation as it’s in high demand (it has already been featured on TV in the continuation of Sex and the City on HBO)! It will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Click HERE to visit the official website!
Magic Hour
The Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, located at the top of the Moxy Times Square, will also be open on Christmas Day. If you’re looking for a place outside the traditional for lunch or dinner, you’ll definitely enjoy the experience at Magic Hour. They have a very Instagrammable Christmas pop-up.
Click here to check out the menu. Reservations here.
PHD Terrace
The PHD Terrace is another rooftop we’ve talked about on the blog before! In addition to having a festive menu for you to enjoy on any day during the holiday season, it will also be open for Christmas dinners.
To find out more information about the rooftop, visit the official website. For reservations, click here.
230 Fifth
The 230 Fifth is a rooftop known for its heated Christmas igloos and spectacular view of the Empire State Building. It’s a great option for taking good photos. For Christmas Day, it will be open from 11:00 am to 4 am.
Visit the official website for more information and reservations.
Budget friendly and casual options:
Walking through Little Italy and Chinatown, you will find several restaurants open and with a more abundant menu, which goes beyond fixed menus. The cool thing about Little Italy’s restaurants is that they are usually more decorated, so there’s that stronger Christmas vibe. Only a few places require reservations there, and the waiting time usually isn’t too long, but avoid the most obvious times if you can.
Grand Salon & Bar at the Baccarat Hotel New York
For those who want something more sophisticated, I saw that TimeOut also recommended the Grand Salon & Bar at the Baccarat Hotel. It’s difficult to get a reservation, but it’s a tip for those who want to prepare for next year. Prices start at $160. Learn more about the Grand Salon HERE!
Address: 28 West 53rd Street, New York, 10019.
Del Frisco’s Grille
Del Frisco’s Grille is a steakhouse located in the Rockefeller Center area, and can be a great choice for those who enjoy meat.
For Christmas, they will be offering a special holiday menu, in addition to some items from the regular menu, in limited quantities.
If you don’t want to dine in the restaurant, you can order a meal package that, according to the official website, can serve 10 to 12 people. This package must be ordered by December 24th.
Find out more details here.
What do you think of these options?
Before planning your visit, I recommend contacting the restaurant to learn more about reservations and the menu, to ensure that the dishes and prices are to your liking.
Please note that this list was created based on my experiences and recommendations from others, so I cannot guarantee an excellent experience with 100% certainty. It’s important that you choose your favorites, research more reviews, and consult the menu before confirming your reservation.
Anyway, I hope you have a great time celebrating Christmas in the Big Apple! Count on me for more tips!
To see more of my day to day life in NYC and get the hottest tips, join my NYC tips Facebook group HERE, follow me on Instagram (@marthasachser or @blognyandabout) and subscribe to my YouTube channel! And click HERE for my NYC complete guide with step-to-step itineraries!
Discounts in NYC:
Attractions, tours and experiences:
You can book all of the above with a 10% off discount and free cancellation by using my coupon code NYABOUT10OFF HERE!
Where to buy your discount passes for New York attractions:
If you wanna save money on tickets and have plans to visit some of the best attractions, I recommend checking out some of the passes below:
CityPASS at the normal price on the official website HERE!
CityPASS with a 10% discount HERE! (code NYABOUT10OFF)
The Sightseeing DAY PASS at the normal price on the official website HERE! (one of my favorites)
The Sightseeing DAY PASS with a 10% discount HERE(code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)
The Sightseeing FLEX Pass at the normal price on the official website HERE! (one of my favorites)
The Sightseeing Flex PASS with a 10% discount HERE (code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)
Go City New York Explorer Pass: with a 10% discount HERE! (code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)
Go City: The New York Pass with a 10% discount HERE! (code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)
How to save money in New York:
Accommodation:
Hotels: Click HERE to check out my post with the best hotels in Queens (super close to Manhattan) and HERE for hotels in NYC in general.
Airport/Hotel Transfer:
Brazilian driver – special discount for my readers: Alex is the blog’s official driver and he offers a special discount on his services when you mention you follow me! You can reach him via text and Whatsapp: (917)6567299 or on instagram HERE
Travel eSims:
I never travel without an international sim card, I ran way too many times into issues with local mobile companies, plus, they are more expensive most of the time. I love that now we can buy digital sim cards, and they are super easy to activate. The two major companies I recommend are:
Airalo: With the code NYANDABOUT10, you receive 10% off HERE!
HolaFly: With the code MARTHASACHSER, you get a discount HERE!
