Where to Eat Christmas Dinner in NYC (From $50 to $500)
Where to Eat Christmas Dinner in NYC (From $50 to $500)
The Survival Guide: From Michelin-Star Feasts to the “Jewish Christmas” Tradition in Chinatown
Cooking a massive roast in a tiny Manhattan apartment kitchen is a nightmare. That is why eating out on Christmas Day is a time-honored New York tradition. But be warned: many restaurants close, and the ones that stay open switch to expensive “Prix-Fixe” (fixed price) menus.
Whether you want to spend your entire holiday bonus on truffles or just want a really good pastrami sandwich, we have curated the best options that are actually open on December 25th.
“The Golden Rule: Do not assume you can walk in anywhere on Christmas Day. Even the diners are packed. Reservations are mandatory for 90% of these places.”
🍽️ The Pricing Tiers
- The Splurge ($150+ pp): Multi-course tasting menus, white tablecloths, caviar upgrades.
- The Classic ($80 – $120 pp): Traditional steakhouses or American taverns with a 3-course holiday menu.
- The Casual / Tradition ($30 – $60 pp): Delis, Chinese Dim Sum, and historic pubs.
🦆 The “Jewish Christmas” Tradition
For Jewish New Yorkers (and many locals), Christmas Day means one thing: **Chinese Food and a Movie**. Chinatown is fully open and bustling on Dec 25. It is the liveliest place in the city besides Rockefeller Center.
| Dining & Drinking | Visuals & Lights |
|---|---|
| Christmas Dinner Guide (You are here) | Romantic Date Spots |
| Best Hot Chocolate NYC | What is Open on Dec 25? |
| High Tea at The Plaza | Saks Light Show Guide |
Ranking: Where to Book for Dec 25
1. The Splurge: The Grill (Midtown)
Price: ~$200++ per person.
The Vibe: 1950s Power Lunch.
Why It Wins: Located in the Seagram Building, this is arguably the most glamorous room in New York. On Christmas, they serve a decadent Prime Rib cart service. It feels like eating inside a tuxedo.
Book: The Grill Website
2. The Classic: Keens Steakhouse (Midtown)
Price: A la carte (expect $100 pp).
The Vibe: Dickensian History.
Why It Wins: With its clay pipes on the ceiling and roaring fireplaces, Keens feels like stepping into “A Christmas Carol.” The Mutton Chop is legendary. It is open 365 days a year.
Book: Resy
3. The Tradition: Katz’s Delicatessen (Lower East Side)
Price: $30 (Sandwich).
The Vibe: Iconic Chaos.
Why It Wins: No reservation needed (usually). It’s loud, it’s famous, and the pastrami is perfect. It is a favorite for locals avoiding the “fancy” holiday scene.
Info: Katz’s Site
4. The Feast: Jing Fong (Chinatown)
Price: $40 – $60 pp.
The Vibe: Dim Sum Palace.
Why It Wins: While the original massive hall closed, the new location still offers the classic Dim Sum carts experience. It is packed, loud, and incredibly fun on Christmas Day.
Book: Resy/Yelp
5. The Scene: Balthazar (SoHo)
Price: A la carte (expect $80-$100 pp).
The Vibe: Parisian Brasserie.
Why It Wins: It is always open, and it is always a scene. The seafood tower and steak frites are reliable luxuries. The warm, golden lighting makes everyone look beautiful.
Book: Resy
Comparison: Menu Styles
What are you craving?
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keens | Steakhouse | A la carte | Meat Lovers / History |
| Jing Fong | Chinese | Shared Plates | Large Groups / Fun |
| The Grill | Continental | Prix-Fixe (Likely) | Luxury / Couples |
| Tavern on the Green | American | Prix-Fixe (~$135) | Tourists / Scenery |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do prices go up on Christmas Day?
Yes. Restaurants that usually offer a la carte menus often switch to a “Holiday Prix-Fixe” (e.g., 3 courses for $125). This simplifies service for the kitchen but limits your choices. Always check the “Holiday Menu” on their website before booking.
Is public transport running?
Yes, the MTA Subways run 24/7, 365 days a year. However, on Christmas Day, they run on a Sunday Schedule (less frequent). Ubers will be available but may have surge pricing.
Can I get delivery?
Yes! Chinese restaurants and many pizzerias do booming delivery business on Christmas Day. If you want to stay in your hotel room in a robe, UberEats/DoorDash will be active in Chinatown and Midtown.
Keywords for your next internet searches
Restaurants open Christmas Day NYC 2025, Keens Steakhouse Christmas Reservations, Jing Fong Chinatown Dim Sum, Best Chinese Food NYC Christmas, The Grill NYC Holiday Menu, Katz’s Deli Holiday Hours, Tavern on the Green Christmas Menu.
🇧🇷 Christmas Dinner in São Paulo?
Planning your “Ceia de Natal” in Brazil? São Paulo has incredible gourmet emporiums and restaurants offering holiday feasts. Visit our partners at Comércio São Paulo:
🔗 Explore the Full Christmas Special
We’ve organized all our itineraries below for easy navigation:
Christmas Special (Index):
Dining & Drinking Itinerary:
The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in NYC 2025
