Santa's Nearly Here. But First! Christmas Eve Dinner

Here comes Santa Claus… for real this time.  Christmas Eve 2025 is on the doorstep, and the DMV’s chefs, restaurants, bars, and caterers are set to make your night easy and delicious. Whether you’re picking up a feast for home or sliding into a cozy table out on the town. Browse our running list for prix fixes, festive sips, sweet treats, and last-minute take-home menus.

We’ll keep adding new options as they roll in, so check back often. And friendly PSA: menus sell out, hours vary, and pickup windows are tight—call ahead to confirm details and availability - keep it merry and bright. 

Find Your Feast of Seven Fish Celebrations Here!

Acqua Bistecca: A special $125 per person holiday menu featuring festive Italian dishes, premium seafood, slow-roasted meats, and indulgent desserts. Guests can enjoy a curated series of appetizers, entrée selections, shareable sides, and an optional pasta course.

Ada’s on the River: Celebrate the magic of the holiday season on Alexandria’s waterfront at Ada’s on the River. On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy the full regular menu along with festive chef-crafted selections, including Spice-Crusted Chilean Sea Bass with citrus-caviar butter, Seared Duck Breast with cornbread-plum dressing, and a show-stopping 12oz Prime Rib with horseradish labneh.

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. Guests can enjoy the regular a la carte menu on Christmas Eve.

Bresca: Celebrate the magic of Christmas Eve with an intimate and indulgent four-course tasting menu ($150 per person) at Bresca. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated progression of winter-inspired dishes, luxurious seasonal vegetables, richly layered entrées, and decadent holiday desserts. Reserve here.

JINYA Ramen Bar: Celebrate Christmas Eve with a cozy bowl of ramen and festive cocktails like the Ringo Mule (Hennessy, dissaronno, cinnamon demerara, apple, lemon, ginger beer, angostura bitters)! All JINYA locations will be open for dine-in and takeout service of their regular menu on Christmas Eve until 10 PM.

Joe Theismann’s Restaurant: On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy the full a la carte menu, featuring crowd-pleasing signatures like wings, burgers, blackened salmon, and the 45-day aged filet mignon.

Karravaan: This Christmas Eve, Karravaan invites you to gather by the glow of candlelight and celebrate the season with a three-course dining experience crafted to delight the senses. Their chefs have created a menu that blends winter’s bounty with refined culinary artistry. Each plate is a moment of indulgence, and each flavor offers a subtle nod to the holidays with inspiration drawn from the Silk Road. Priced at $65 per person.

Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen and Bar: Matt & Tony’s will offer a festive Prix Fixe Christmas Eve Dinner for 2, available both in-house and for takeout. Pre-orders for the take-home option open in early December, and the final seating in the restaurant will be at 8:00 p.m.; Click here for more info.

Mia’s Italian Kitchen: On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy the full regular menu along with festive specials such as Lobster Ravioli, Short Rib Lasagna, and Grilled Stuffed Calamari, plus seasonal cocktails to toast the night.

Palette 22: Christmas meets creativity at Palette 22, where globally inspired dishes and vibrant energy make for a festive holiday celebration. On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy extended hours with the restaurant’s full regular menu.

Paraiso: Paraíso will be open for dine-in & take out on Christmas Eve until 9:30 p.m. Enjoy traditional Mexican dishes like the Enchiladas Verdes (chicken enchiladas, gratinated Mexican cheese, creamy salsa verde, crema, romaine lettuce, and queso cotija) and Chicken Mole (half-roasted chicken, cole slaw, plantains, and house made mole negro) before indulging in Tres Leches with merengue and dulce de leche. Celebrate the occasion with Paraíso’s Christmas Eve cocktail menu, including a toast with their Cheerful Margarita (tequila, lime, cranberry pomegranate syrup, maraschino cherry and rosemary).

Vola’s Dockside Grill: On Christmas Eve, enjoy the full regular menu plus holiday specials including Grilled Bronzino with roasted pattypan squash and salsa verde and Prime Rib with horseradish cream, paired with seasonal cocktails like the Gingerbread Toddy and Sleigh Bells.