Opening Gifts Makes You Hungry: Christmas Day Eats

Presents: opened. Wrapping: everywhere. Dishes? Absolutely not. Time to eat. Whether you’re after pajama-friendly brunch, a leisurely lunch, or a dressed-up dinner, the DMV has options! From prime rib dinner with figgy pudding and the classic dim sum + a movie combo, as long as you book early, someone else will do the cooking (and the cleaning). We’re updating listings as they come in—always check hours, menus, and availability before you go, and confirm your reservation. Merry munching!

Ada’s on the River: On Christmas Day, a 3-course holiday menu is available for $79 per person, with a Young Diners holiday menu for $29, perfect for family gatherings with spectacular river views. Seasonal cocktails like the Winter Nightcap and Mistletoe Mulled Wine add an extra touch of holiday cheer.

Barca Pier & Wine Bar: Celebrate Christmas on the waterfront at BARCA, where Mediterranean flavors and festive cheer set the scene for a cozy holiday meal by the river. On Christmas Day delight in featured seasonal specials including Crispy Pork Belly Porchetta with roasted sweet potato-ginger sauce and sherry gastrique, and Seared Duck Breast served with harissa Brussels sprouts, pomegranate molasses, and spiced pecans. Holiday cocktails such as the Gingerbread Toddy and Mistletoe Mulled Wine add a warm and spirited finish to the celebration.

CUT by Wolfgang Puck: CUT elevates the art of entertaining with an exceptional three-course prix-fixe menu. Available Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Chef Wolfgang showcases the season’s finest flavors from Maine lobster bisque and chestnut tortelloni to roasted prime ribeye and ora king salmon wellington. Elevate the experience with curated wine pairings and enjoy classic pastries like buche de noël for a festive finish.

Barbouzard: This holiday season, Barbouzard head Chef, Cedric Maupillier, is sharing a festive French favorite, with his made-to-order Buche de Noel. This holiday dessert features light hazelnut mousse with a soft pear center, layered on a delicate génoise biscuit, and finished with a rich dark chocolate glaze. Available in 6-inch ($56) and 12-inch ($98) sizes, it will be offered December 15th through Christmas Eve, perfect for holiday gatherings and seasonal menus.

The Duck & The Peach: The Duck & The Peach is bringing back its festive Christmas Dinner Feast To-Go, available for pickup on December 23 at its Capitol Hill location. The feast is $300 and serves 5-6 people, featuring Roasted Lavender Herb Prime Rib with red wine demi-glace, green beans with garlic and lemon, a frisée salad with Calvados pears and Blu di Bufala, goat butter mashed potatoes, and Parker House rolls. Guests can also add a la carte holiday treats, including a Bûche de Noël ($70), Cranberry Tart ($45), and Cinnamon Rolls (6 for $35.); Click here for more info.

Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown: Fairmont is hosting its beloved Christmas Day Buffet Brunch with Santa on December 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the iconic Colonnade. Now in its 40th year, this festive tradition features visits from Santa, live electric violin performances, and an abundant holiday spread. Executive Pastry Chef Lyndsey Barton will present a decadent dessert display with seasonal creations like gingerbread reindeer cake, holiday macarons, and ornament tartlets. Guests can also enjoy Fairmont’s massive walk-through gingerbread house in the lobby, plus complimentary valet, coat check, sodas, coffee, and tea, with festive cocktails available for purchase. The brunch is $169 per adult, $39 for children ages 5-12, and free for children under 5; Click here for more info.

Hell’s Kitchen: Chef Gordon Ramsay brings a touch of London to The Wharf for the holidays. The festive three-course feast features pan-seared scallops with celery root purée, bacon lardons, and pickled granny smith apples, grilled branzino served with crushed potatoes, baby spinach, and caviar sauce, and Chef’s signature beef wellington accompanied by potato purée, glazed root vegetables, and a rich red-wine demi-glace. Finish with a proper English sweet – warm sticky toffee pudding or apple butterscotch cheesecake with caramelized apples, candied pecans, and butterscotch sauce. 

Joe Theismann’s Restaurant: On Christmas Day, the celebrate with a buffet-style feast priced at $59 per personand $19 for young diners, complete with a carving station offering prime rib, spiral ham, and roasted turkey, alongside holiday sides and desserts. A dedicated Christmas Bar Menu featuring starters, sandwiches, and fan-favorite game-day plates will also be available throughout the day for those looking for a more casual celebration.

Lyle’s: Lyle’s sets the table for a celebration of the seasons with an elegant three-course dinner. Highlights include wild mushroom bisque with aged sherry and brown butter crouton, smoked duck breast with caramelized shallot and green apple, truffle gnocchi with mushroom and squash ragout. What’s Christmas dinner without dessert–end the evening with a decadent chocolate budino topped with espresso cream or a seasonal fruit tartlet with vanilla custard and pomegranate gelato. 

The Majestic: On Christmas Day, The Majestic will feature a 4-course prix fixe menu for $79 per person, including dishes such as Lobster Bisque, Roasted Lamb Shank with preserved lemon, and Prime Rib with peppercorn-horseradish cream, plus festive sides to share at the table. For dessert, choose from indulgent favorites like Majestic Coconut Cake or Cranberry Crumb Cake to complete the celebration.

Mia’s Italian Kitchen: On Christmas Day, Mia’s will offer both its regular menu and a 3-course holiday meal for $49 per person, featuring a selection of Italian favorites and decadent desserts like Cranberry Cheesecake and Vanilla & Pumpkin Panna Cotta. Mia’s is also offering a Take & Bake Lasagna Dinnerfor six, perfect for at-home celebrations with no preorder required.

Palette 22: On Christmas Day, Palette 22 will offer its popular holiday bottomless brunch from11:30 AM–4 PM featuring carving stations, bold seasonal sides, and sweet treats — followed by dinner service with the full dinner menu available into the evening.

The Royal: On Christmas Day, a 3-course holiday menu for $39 per person will be offered — featuring comforting favorites like Honeynut Squash Dip, Braised Lamb Shank, and Prime Rib with horseradish labneh — along with a regular menu for even more options. Young diners can enjoy a turkey plate priced at $15, making The Royal ideal for family gatherings that feel effortless and festive.

Salamander Middleburg: Salamander Middleburg is hosting a grand brunch on Christmas Day. Enjoy holiday favorites including an omelet and Belgian waffle action stations, carving stations, and an extravagant offering of sweet treats and much more. A children's buffet is also available.

Vola’s Dockside Grill: On Christmas Day, Vola’s will offer both its regular menu and a 3-course holiday menu for $49, featuring starters such as Baked Camembert or Clams Casino, entrées like Halibut Piccata or Prime Rib, and sweet finishes including Raspberry-Chocolate Mousse or Apple Tart.