Depending on your belief system, Christmas is either a chance to celebrate one of the Western world’s most significant holidays, or it’s a Thursday when a lot of places are annoyingly closed. Whatever that particular day is for you, you might end up wanting to eat at a restaurant — either because it’s your tradition, you don’t want to produce a huge meal just a month after Thanksgiving, or you just want to eat. Here’s a list of notable restaurants open for sit-down service on December 24 and 25, including Chinese food spots, celebration prix fixe menus, and more. And since Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are absolutely not the times to chance it as a walk-in, we’ve included links to make reservations (where available).
Where to Dine Out on Christmas and Christmas Eve in Seattle
Whether you want a high-end prix fixe dinner or a Chinese feast, we have you covered
As usual, this map is not ranked but organized geographically, north to south. Know of a spot that should be on our radar? Send us a tip by emailing seattle@eater.com.
Where to Dine Out on Christmas and Christmas Eve in Seattle
Whether you want a high-end prix fixe dinner or a Chinese feast, we have you covered
Depending on your belief system, Christmas is either a chance to celebrate one of the Western world’s most significant holidays, or it’s a Thursday when a lot of places are annoyingly closed. Whatever that particular day is for you, you might end up wanting to eat at a restaurant — either because it’s your tradition, you don’t want to produce a huge meal just a month after Thanksgiving, or you just want to eat. Here’s a list of notable restaurants open for sit-down service on December 24 and 25, including Chinese food spots, celebration prix fixe menus, and more. And since Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are absolutely not the times to chance it as a walk-in, we’ve included links to make reservations (where available).
As usual, this map is not ranked but organized geographically, north to south. Know of a spot that should be on our radar? Send us a tip by emailing seattle@eater.com.
Cedar + Elm
Chef Luke Kolpin went from working nine years in the kitchen at Copenhagen’s legendary Noma to appearing on Top Chef; then, he landed in Kenmore in 2023 to helm the Lodge at Saint Edward State Park’s flagship restaurant. It was a huge get for Cedar + Elm, and if you’re looking to see what Kolpin has been doing over here, Christmas Eve is as good a time as any: Cedar + Elm is showcasing a $140 tasting menu with an optional wine pairing. (The menu isn’t online, but expect an exacting approach to seasonal PNW offerings.) To book, go here.
Cedar + Elm
Happy Crab
The new Ballard waterfront restaurant from Xi’an Noodles owner Lily Wu is open on all the holidays, including Christmas and Christmas Eve. While it isn’t offering particular specials, a Cajun-style seafood boil with Asian twists is pretty festive — as is the panoramic view of Shilshole Bay.
Carrello
Altura’s more casual but no less superlative sibling will be hosting a Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. Its take on the traditional Italian-American Christmas Eve dinner will be a prix fixe incorporating, yes, seven seafood components. The lavish feast is priced at $125 per person, and Carrello will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. (though note last seating will be at 8 p.m.). Snag a reservation here... if you still can.
Carrello
The Lakehouse
The chic Bellevue restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Jason Wilson is taking reservations for dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On both days, dinner will center around a prime rib special (though there are also vegetarian and vegan options). It’s priced at $105 ($35 for children under 10). For reservations, go here.
The Lakehouse
Marjorie
This Seattle institution (now located in the Central District) is serving up an extravagant five-course Christmas Eve dinner showcasing winter vegetables like winter roots, sunchokes, and mushrooms. There is also meat involved (the main course is tenderloin), but dietary restrictions can be accommodated with 48 hours’ notice. For details and to book, go here.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
The Fairmont Olympic has two flagship restaurants, and both are open from until 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Oyster bar Shuckers and stylish brasserie the George are both offering similar (though not identical) three-course pre-fixe meals at $95 for adults and $50, with wine pairings and holiday-themed cocktails available. Both restaurants have citrus-brined turkey, though at Shuckers you can upgrade to a prime rib while the premium entree at the George is steak Oscar. (Vegan and vegetarian options are available at both.)
Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge
The restaurant inside the Lotte Hotel is doing a four-course menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day that features items like a grilled elk chop and parsnip and truffle soup. It’s $130 for adults and $55 for kids ($50 more if you want a guaranteed window seat).
Tai Tung Restaurant
Tai Tung has been the go-to for Chinese food on Christmas Day for years. Tai Tung is Seattle’s oldest-remaining Chinese restaurant and still one of its best, serving all the hits: egg rolls, egg foo young, sweet and sour pork ribs, former regular Bruce Lee’s favorite beef in oyster sauce... The list (and the menu) goes on. It might seem like a savvy Christmas meal option for those in the know, but re-read that first sentence: people know. It gets very busy here on Christmas, so you’ve gotta have a strategy. According to the restaurant, if you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to show up is around 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. If you have a party of six or more, you can make a reservation over the phone. (Make a reservation!) Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the last seating around 6:45 p.m.
A table holds plates with multiple Chinese food entrees.
13 Coins
Late-night legend 13 Coins hosts Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners at all its locations, including Pioneer Square, SeaTac, and Bellevue. The holiday specials this year will include prawn pappardelle, a grilled steak with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and beignets with a white chocolate bourbon sauce. You’ll be able to order from the regular menu as well. Parties of six or more can make reservations by calling the preferred location.
