Opening Gifts Will Make You Hungry: Christmas Day Eats

Photo: Hert Niks

The gifts are unwrapped, bows and paper are everywhere, and let’s face it—no one’s lining up to clean. So, what’s next? EAT.Whether you’re planning brunch, lunch, or dinner, there’s something for everyone this Christmas Day. From casual, cozy spots perfect for rolling out of bed, to places where you can get all dressed up and make it an elegant affair, the DMV has you covered. Feeling festive? Indulge in holiday classics like Christmas goose or prime rib. Want to keep it low-key? There’s always the dim sum and a movie tradition for the win. Don’t wait—make your plans now and let the feasting begin. Cleanup can wait! Ho Ho Ho!  ** Reminder: Know before you go. Always check the website and confirm your reservation **

Dine-In:

Ada’s On The River: Ada’s will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Christmas Day, offering a 3-course prix fixe menu for $79 per person. The menu features dishes like Preserved Root Vegetable Tartare, Shrimp-Stuffed Halibut, Coal-Roasted Rack of Lamb, and more. For $29, kids can enjoy options such as White Cheddar Mac & Cheese and Petite Filet Mignon; 703.638.1400; 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA; reserve your table here.

Arrels: On Christmas Day, Arrels offers 2 festive ways to celebrate. Join a special 5-course pre-fixe Christmas dinner from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m., or enjoy a delightful Pim Pam Pum Christmas Brunch from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., featuring unlimited plates of holiday-inspired favorites for $48 per person. Pair your brunch with bottomless mimosas for $17 or a pitcher of sangria for $18; 202.713.9988; 333 G Street NW; make your reservation here.

BARCA Pier & Wine Bar: Situated on the Potomac, BARCA Pier is inviting guests to enjoy 2 festive specials in addition to their regular menu on Christmas Day. Featured specials include the Catalan Lamb Kebab for $26 or the Crab Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp for $27. BARCA Pier will open on Christmas Day from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m.; 2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA; reserve your table here.

Bistro Du Jour: Bistro Du Jour offers a charming Parisian holiday experience at both Capitol Hill and The Wharf locations. Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, both locations will serve their regular menus with special holiday additions starting after 4:00 p.m. each evening. Capitol Hill’s bar will also feature Happy Hour from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.  both days. Dine on Soupe Aux Châtaigne (Chestnut Soup) or Pâté de Canard to start, followed by Tournedos Rossini (Prime Filet with Foie Gras) or Feuilleté Au Poulet Roti. End with Capitol Hill’s Eggnog Soufflé or The Wharf’s decadent 5-Layer Chocolate Cake. Pair your holiday meal with a Rhum Et D’Épices cocktail for a perfect festive touch; For more information, click here.

Blue Duck Tavern: Enjoy an unforgettable Christmas at the award-winning Blue Duck Tavern in Washington, D.C. On Christmas Day, December 25, savor a three-course prix fixe holiday feast from 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., priced at $165 per adult and $65 for children 6–12 (kids under 6 dine free). Menu highlights include Mushroom Soup, Slow-Roasted Prime Rib, and Mont Blanc for dessert. Reservations with pre-payment are required. 202.419.6755; 1201 24th St NW; click here for more information and click here to make a reservation.

Bourbon Steak: Celebrate the holidays in style at Bourbon Steak with a luxurious prix-fixe dinner on Christmas Day, priced at $190 per adult and $90 for children 12 and under. Menu highlights include a Caviar Twinkie with Ossetra Caviar, Yuzu Crème Fraîche, a 14 oz Boneless Ribeye or Phyllo-Crusted Dover Sole, and a 24K Black Forest Molten Sundae; 202.342.0444; 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; click here for more info.

Brasserie Liberté: On Christmas Day, Brasserie Liberté will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., offering a festive dining experience for all. Guests can start the celebration with brunch until 2:00 p.m., featuring seasonal favorites, or join later for dinner service from 2:15 - 10:00 p.m.; 202.878.8404; 3251 Prospect Street NW; click here for more info.

Fairmont DC: Fairmont DC is offering its annual Christmas Day brunch in the renowned Colonnade. The first seating beings at 11:00 a.m. and the second seating begins at 2:00 p.m. The brunch is priced at $169 per adult and $39 per child; To make a reservation, call 202.457.5020.

Mia’s Italian Kitchen: Mia’s Italian Kitchen is offering a 3-course Christmas feast for $49 per person. The menu includes dishes like Shrimp Fra Diavolo Bruschetta, Lobster Ravioli, Braised Lamb Shank, and more. The restaurant will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; 703.997.5300; 100 King Street, Alexandria, VA; click here for more info.

Mi Vida: Mi Vida is ready to host your Christmas festivities at all three locations on Christmas Day. On Christmas Day, brunch is available until 4:00 p.m., with festive dinner service beginning after. Guests can enjoy Happy Hour at the bar throughout the day at all locations. Menu highlights include Callos Adobados (Ancho-Seared Scallops), Costillas Con Mole (Braised Short Rib with Poblano Mole), and Pastel de Chocolate with Peppermint Chantilly. Don’t miss their signature Cinco Especias cocktail for a festive toast; For more information, click here.

Royal Restaurant: Royal will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., offering its regular menu, along with a new breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, plus 2 Christmas specials. Guests can choose between Prime Rib with garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, horseradish cream, and au jus for $35, or Spiral Ham with mashed sweet potatoes, candied pecans, garlic green beans, and pineapple glaze for $25; 703.548.1616; 730 North Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA; reserve your table here.

STK Steakhouse: Celebrate the holidays at STK Steakhouse with a special plated meal available from December 24th - December 25th. Enjoy a Roasted Free Range Turkey Dinner ($64 for a single serving; $124 for a package for two) or Roasted Prime Rib ($69 for a single serving; $134 for a package for two), both served with cornbread, herbs & cranberry stuffing, shallot & thyme confit thighs, maple baked sweet potato, Yukon gold mashed potatoes with parmesan crust, classic gravy, and cranberry orange chutney. For those who prefer to celebrate at home, special to-go versions of these festive meals are available for preorder (starting 12/9) with pickup slots on Christmas Eve and Day. 202.301.3791; 901 Massachusetts Ave NW; for more information, click here.

Succotash Prime: On Christmas Day, indulge in regular brunch service until 4:00 p.m., with regular dinner and holiday additions beginning at 4:00 p.m.. Succotash Prime will also offer Happy Hour at the bar; For more information, click here.

Teddy & the Bully Bar: Join Teddy & The Bully Bar on Christmas Day from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for their 12th annual Christmas Dinner. Enjoy festive decorations, unlimited buffet delights, and a visit from Santa from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feast on turkey, Virginia ham, cedar plank salmon, Colorado lamb chops, sides like Teddy Mac & Cheese, and desserts like Apple Tres Leches Cake and an Ice Cream Sundae Bar with optional bourbon sauce. Places cost $75 for adults and $35 for children twelve and under. A portion of sales benefits the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation. 202.872.8700; 1200 19th St NW; reserve a table here.

The Inn at Little Washington: Celebrate the season in luxury at The Inn at Little Washington, where Chef Patrick O'Connell has crafted an exquisite holiday menu to make your celebrations unforgettable. The Christmas menu features a specially curated feast, blending festive flavors with culinary artistry for a truly enchanting experience; 540.675.3800; 309 Middle Street, Washington, VA; reserve your table here.

Theismann’s: Celebrate the joy of Christmas with a feast at Theismann's Restaurant. Indulge in a sumptuous Christmas Day Buffet, available from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The buffet features a Carving Station, a Salad Table, a Bread and Dessert Table, and a Hot Table. Priced at $59 per person and $19 for kids, this festive buffet promises a delectable spread to satisfy every palate with dishes like Praline-Sweet Potato Casserole, Spiral Ham, Brioche Stuffing, and more; 1800A Diagonal Road, Alexandria, VA; reserve your table here.

The Majestic: On Christmas Day from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Majestic will offer a Christmas dinner for $79 per person, featuring a 4-course prix fixe menu with a variety of delicious options. Dishes include Crab Croquettes, Roasted Turkey, Truffle mashed potatoes, and more. The Majestic will also offer a Thanksgiving Bar Menu with an array of starters, main dishes, sides, and desserts. Children ages 12 and under can enjoy the Kids Menu, which includes 3 delicious courses; 703.837.9117; 911 King Street, Alexandria, VA; reserve your table here.

STK Steakhouse: Celebrate the holidays at STK Steakhouse with a special plated meal available from December 24th to December 25th. Enjoy a Roasted Free Range Turkey Dinner ($64 for a single serving; $124 for a package for two) or Roasted Prime Rib ($69 for a single serving; $134 for a package for two), both served with cornbread, herbs & cranberry stuffing, shallot & thyme confit thighs, maple baked sweet potato, Yukon gold mashed potatoes with parmesan crust, classic gravy, and cranberry orange chutney. For those who prefer to celebrate at home, special to-go versions of these festive meals are available for preorder (starting 12/9) with pickup slots on Christmas Eve and Day. 202.301.3791; 901 Massachusetts Ave NW; for more information, click here.

Vola's Dockside Grill: Spend Christmas Day at Vola's Dockside Grill and enjoy a special 3-course prix fixe menu for $49 per person. The menu includes dishes like Charred Octopus, Pork Shank Osso Buco, Lobster & Spinach Ravioli, and more. Vola's will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., offering plenty of time for friends and family to gather and savor a festive holiday meal with a beautiful waterfront view; 703.935.8890; 101 North Union Street Old Town Waterfront, Alexandria, VA; reserve your table here.

To-Go:

Alfreda: This Christmas, let Alfreda handle the holiday hustle with their take-away meal for two. For just $245, you and your special someone can enjoy a prime rib festive feast. Skip the kitchen chaos and spend more time relaxing with your loved ones. Their Christmas Prime Rib Packages include everything below and are available for pickup ONLY between 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24th. Reheating instructions will be provided if enjoying Christmas Day; To place an order, click here.

Blue Duck Tavern: Prefer a cozy at-home celebration with unforgettable food? Order Blue Duck’s Christmas To-Go Feast for $245, featuring a fully cooked Rohan Duck, sides, and a Yule Log (feeds 2–4). Orders must be placed by December 20th at 5 p.m., with pick-up on December 24th to 25th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 202.419.6755; 1201 24th St NW; click here to order now. 

Nobu DC: The popular sushi destination is offering an array of Nobu family-style platters for at-home holiday gatherings. Options include the “Signature for Two” ($280) and the “Premium for Two” ($360). Pickup is available on December 24th and December 25th. To place an order, click here.

Paraiso: This Christmas, let Paraíso take the stress out of holiday cooking with their festive Christmas To-Go packages. Choose from the Fiesta Package ($220) or the Fiesta Especial Package ($270), each serving four and brimming with vibrant Mexican flavors and ingredients. Elevate your meal with a selection of à la carte sides, proteins, sauces, desserts, or margaritas, and order by December 21st for pickup by December 23rd. To place an order, click here.

Teddy & the Bully Bar: Enjoy Teddy & The Bully Bar’s Christmas Dinner To-Go! Our festive holiday menu is available for takeout at $75 per person. Feast on holiday favorites, including turkey, Virginia ham, cedar plank salmon, Colorado lamb chops, sides like Teddy Mac & Cheese, and desserts like Apple Tres Leches Cake and a selection of festive treats. Celebrate at home with a delicious, hassle-free holiday meal. 202.419.6755; 1201 24th St NW; click on this link to start an order.

Unconventional Diner: Celebrate the season with a 3-course holiday dinner to-go from Unconventional Diner, available for pickup December 22nd through December 31st (excluding Christmas Day). This elegant meal features Crab Bisque, Beef Wellington with Bordelaise, green beans, and mashed potatoes, and a slice of Chocolate-Hazelnut Bûche de Noël. Pickups can be scheduled from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., and meals must be reserved at least 4 days in advance. The cost is $78.00 per person; 202.847.0122; 1207 9th Street NW; click here to order.