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The Best of New York · Seasonal · Christmas

The best restaurants open on Christmas Day

Updated September 2026. 14 places.

Note from Antonina about 2024 Christmas Itineraries. Some of you have asked if I’ll be offering the custom 4-day itineraries that sold out last year. Sadly, I won’t have the time to make those this year (pregnancy, I tell you), so instead I’m offering the personalized 4 Day Itinerary I created for my own family and friends.

It’s hefty (30 pages to be exact) but it includes non-negotiable Christmas activities and a handful of iconic NYC landmarks you can’t afford to miss if you’re visiting NYC for four days (in addition to personalized restaurant recommendations).

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best restaurants open on Christmas Day, 2026

  1. 4 Charles Prime RibRestaurant · West Village4 Charles Prime Rib is a classy and intimate West Village steakhouse featuring crystal chandeliers, wood-lined walls, and leather seating.
  2. Frosty'sBar · MidtownFrosty’s stands out as one of NYC’s most festive restaurants, featuring four bars across three floors.
  3. La Grande BoucherieRestaurant · MidtownLa Grande Boucherie is a French restaurant that feels more like an elegant museum.
  4. Nom Wah Tea ParlorRestaurant · ChinatownAs the oldest continuously running restaurant in Chinatown, visiting Nom Wah Tea Parlor for Christmas dinner has become a tradition for many New Yorkers.
  5. NYY SteakRestaurant · MidtownNYY Steak is the New York Yankees Steakhouse and one of the best restaurants open on Christmas in New York City.
  6. Tavern on the GreenRestaurant · Upper West SideTavern on the Green is particularly enchanting during the holidays when it gets decked out with legendary decor.
  7. Blue FinRestaurant · MidtownThat’s where Blue Fin comes in, serving some of the most memorable seafood in the city with quality service to match.
  8. Le RivageRestaurant · MidtownLocated in New York City’s historic Restaurant Row, Le Rivage has been a local favorite for nearly 40 years.
  9. MarseilleRestaurant · MidtownThe French sure know how to cook, which is why I can confidently say Marseille is one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City.
  10. Sushi YasakaRestaurant · Upper West SideSushi Yasaka is my neighborhood sushi joint and, luckily, one of the restaurants open on Christmas in New York City.
  11. The Blue Mezze BarRestaurant · Upper East SideThe restaurant is running an $89 per person prix fixe menu.
  12. The FultonRestaurant · Financial DistrictIf you’re looking for one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City and a stunning view, you need a reservation at The Fulton.
  13. The Pineapple ClubRestaurant · East VillageThe Pineapple Club is a colorful and tropical-themed restaurant in the East Village and also one of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City.
  14. The Sea Fire GrillRestaurant · MidtownOne of the best restaurants open on Christmas day in New York City, The Sea Fire Grill has a fireplace (talk about charming), and each prix fixe diner will get a cup of eggnog.

On the map

Where they are

7 neighborhoods, Midtown and Upper West Side most of all.

Midtown

Upper West Side

Chinatown

East Village

Financial District

Upper East Side

West Village

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 15 Best Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in New York City.