Christmas Restaurants & Holiday Bars in NYC 2026

Eating out is a big part of a New York Christmas, from Christmas Eve’s Feast of the Seven Fishes to Christmas Day dinners and pop-up bars covered in tinsel. Restaurant menus and hours change every year, so use this guide to plan, and always confirm 2026 hours and book ahead, especially for December 24 and 25.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

Plenty of New York restaurants open on December 25, though many book up weeks in advance. In 2025, places open on Christmas Day included Red Rooster Harlem (a family-style holiday feast), Kellogg’s Diner in Williamsburg (open 24 hours), Le Crocodile at the Wythe Hotel (a French brasserie prix fixe), Cathédrale in the East Village and Park Rose in Nomad. Expect many of them to open again in 2026, but check each restaurant’s reservations page.

Other reliable options on December 25:

• Chinatown, Flushing and Sunset Park — the classic Christmas Day dim sum and dumpling tradition.
• Hotel restaurants — usually open, often with set holiday menus.
• Steakhouses and Midtown classics near Rockefeller Center often run Christmas prix fixe menus.
• Diners and 24-hour spots for something casual.

Christmas Eve: Feast of the Seven Fishes

Italian-American restaurants across the city, from Little Italy to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, serve the traditional seafood feast on December 24. Reserve early; see Christmas Eve in NYC.

Festively Decorated Restaurants

• Rolf’s (Gramercy, 281 Third Ave) — the German restaurant famous for ceilings packed with ornaments and lights. Very popular in December; expect a wait.
• Many hotel lobbies and bars, such as those around Rockefeller Center and the Plaza, go all out on decor.

Christmas Pop-Up Bars

Themed holiday bars take over regular bars from mid-November to the end of December. The best-known is Miracle, a global Christmas pop-up franchise that has run at several New York bars in recent years, alongside its tiki-Christmas sibling Sippin’ Santa. Check miraclepopup.com for the 2026 New York locations. Rooftop bars also add heated igloos and winter decor for the season.

Booking Tips

• Book Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners by early December.
• Expect set menus and higher prices on the 24th and 25th.
• Pop-up bars often have long waits on weekends; go early on a weeknight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are restaurants open on Christmas Day in NYC?

Yes. Many restaurants are open on December 25, especially in Chinatown and Flushing, hotel restaurants and some neighborhood favorites, but reservations fill quickly.

What is the most Christmassy restaurant in NYC?

Rolf’s German restaurant in Gramercy is famous for its ceilings covered in ornaments and lights.