Santa Claus is Coming…But First: Christmas Eve Dinner

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus ... no, seriously … Christmas Eve is upon us, folks! Before you snuggle up in your coziest blanket with visions of sugar plums dancing in your head, let’s make sure your plans for a deliciously memorable evening are set. Area chefs, restaurants, bars, and caterers are ready to help you celebrate the holiday, whether by setting your Christmas Eve table or inviting you to gather around theirs. And as always, keep checking back — we’ll highlight new info here as it comes in! **REMINDER - Please call ahead to confirm the status of events or offers**

Dine-In:

Ada’s On The River: Open from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Ada’s will be serving 2 delicious Christmas Eve specials, the Chilean Seabass made with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, fingerling potatoes, and herbs for $45.00 or the Prime Kansas City Strip 24oz for $89.00. The regular menu will also be available; 703.638.1400; 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA; reserve your table here.

Arrels: On Christmas Eve, enjoy a special 5-course pre-fixe dinner menu for $95 per person, featuring thoughtfully crafted dishes that reflect the season's joy. Elevate the experience with curated beverage pairings and wine specials. Dinner service is available from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.; 202.713.9988; 333 G Street NW; make your reservation here.

BARCA Pier & Wine Bar: Situated on the Potomac, BARCA Pier is inviting guests to enjoy 2 festive specials in addition to their regular menu on Christmas Eve. Featured specials include the Catalan Lamb Kebab for $26.00 or the Crab Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp for $27.00. BARCA Pier will open on Christmas Eve from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; 2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA; reserve your table here.

Blue Duck Tavern: Blue Duck Tavern will offer its seasonal a la carte dinner menu created by Chef de Cuisine Andrew Cleverdon. One will find festive holiday specials to tempt the palate, served from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24. To make a reservation, click here.

Brasserie Liberté: Celebrate the holiday at Brasserie Liberté! On Christmas Eve, enjoy a special 3-course menu for $74.95, featuring your choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Seasonal highlights include Chestnut Soup with Port Cream and Bacon (GF) and Seared Filet Mignon; 202.878.8404; 3251 Prospect Street NW; click here for more info.

Bresca: On Christmas Eve, from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m., join Bresca for a festive tasting menu filled with a delightful twist on holiday favorites. Chef Ryan Ratino and team have crafted a celebratory meal using the finest seasonal ingredients, all with Bresca’s signature flair. The meal costs $195 per person. Reserve via OpenTable, here.

Carmine’s Penn Quarter: Carmine’s in Penn Quarter will offer its traditional Italian-American Christmas Eve Feast of Seven Fishes on December 24th. This seven-course dinner is priced at $375 and serves 6-8 guests. The feast includes Fried Calamari, a choice of Baked Clams or Clams on the Half Shell, Shrimp Cocktail, Pasta with Clam Sauce, Mixed Seafood Pasta, Shrimp Scampi, and Salmon Oreganata; 202.737.7770; 425 7th Street NW; click here for more info.

Corso Italian: Celebrate Christmas Eve with festive additions to Corso's classic menu. They have added a Christmas cocktail, two opulent seafood pastas, and a seasonal chocolate mousse for dessert. Their Cioppino (Fish Stew) is the quintessential Italian Christmas Eve entrée; To make a reservation, click here. 

Cucina Morini: Make your holiday celebrations unforgettable at Cucina Morini with their first-ever Feast of the Seven Fishes-inspired à la carte specials on Christmas Eve, available from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Enjoy a non-traditional, choose-your-own Feast with options like Frutti Di Mare or Zuppa De Pesce; 202.697.6888; 901 4th Street NW; reservations available here.

Gravitas: Enjoy Christmas Eve dinner courtesy of Chef Matt Baker! The kitchen is offering two prix fixe menus, allowing guests a more customizable experience — a holiday four-course inspired by the flavors and traditions of Christmas; available 2:00 pm-9:00 pm, available for $140 per person & $35 per child (eight years old and younger, excluding tax & gratuity). Reserve here.

*Feast of Seven Fishes* Hank’s Oyster Bar: Celebrate the return of Hank’s-style Feast of the Seven Fishes from December 1st - 24th at Hank's Oyster Bar locations (Dupont Circle, The Wharf, and Old Town). This three-course holiday menu features oysters and caviar, octopus ceviche, and bouillabaisse for $68 per person, with an optional $24 wine pairing. Dishes are also available à la carte, exclusively for dine-in guests; click here for locations and hours.

*Feast of Seven Fishes* Iron Gate: Join Iron Gate on December 24th for a festive culinary tradition like no other! Chef Tony Chittum invites you to celebrate Christmas Eve with a 3-course family-style Feast of the Seven Fishes, showcasing the season's finest seafood dishes. The feast is available from 5:00 - 11:00 p.m., priced at $125 per person, with optional wine pairings for $75 or a deluxe wine pairing for $175; 202.524.5202; 1734 N Street NW; click here for more info.

Kinship: Celebrate Christmas Eve at Kinship on December 24th, from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with a five-course dinner for $150 per person. Highlights of the evening include Red Beet Chiboust, Warm Pavé of Smoked Atlantic Salmon, and Confit of Atlantic Merlu. For the main course, choose between Pan-Seared Sea Scallops or Grilled Beef Rib-Eye. The meal concludes with a Passionfruit Snowball dessert featuring almond cake, crème fraîche mousse, and whipped allspice ganache; 202.737.7700; 1015 7th Street NW; look at the exclusive menu here, and click here to make a reservation.

*Feast of Seven Fishes* L’Ardente: L’Ardente is offering a Feast of the Seven Fishes from December 17th - 24th during dinner service, priced at $250 for two. This decadent menu includes highlights like Salmon Cannelloni with roe and mascarpone paired with Laurent-Perrier Champagne; Alaskan King Crab with caviar and ginger praline, Hamachi Crudo paired with Sandro de Bruno, Garganega and Soave 2022; and Lobster Campanelle Nere with Calabrian chili and lemon confit paired with Osvaldo Soddu and Cannonau di Sardegna 2019. The feast concludes with Monte Bianco, a chestnut semifreddo with apple cider caramel. Enjoy a luxurious holiday dining experience with wine pairings expertly selected by L’Ardente’s knowledgeable sommelier team. 202.448.0450; 200 Massachusetts Ave NW; reserve a spot for this exclusive event here.

La Bise: La Bise will be offering modern, seasonal interpretations of classic French fare this Christmas Eve, prepared by Executive Chef Michael Fusano.  The three-course, prix fixe menu is priced at $95 per person, excluding gratuity and tax.  It will be served from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24. To make a reservation, click here.

Mia’s Italian Kitchen: On Christmas Eve, Mia's will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., offering 2 special dishes. Guests can enjoy Veal Chop Parmigiana, made with a pounded and breaded bone-in veal chop, spicy rigatoni pomodoro, melted mozzarella, and saba for $39.00, or Lobster Ravioli, featuring Maine lobster, pecorino, lobster sauce, ricotta, and sherry cream sauce for $29.00; 703.997.5300; 100 King Street, Alexandria, VA; reserve your table here.

Patty O’s Cafe: Celebrate Christmas Eve at Patty O’s Cafe with a 5-course old-fashioned country dinner, featuring Cast Iron Blackened Angus Tenderloin, Yorkshire Pudding with Truffled Madeira Jus, and Classic Béarnaise Sauce. Enjoy a selection from the Dessert Trolley and more for $195 per person; 540-675-3801; 389 Main Street, Washington, VA; reserve your table here.

*Feast of Seven Fishes* Officina: Join Officina for an Italian Christmas Eve tradition! Savor a four-course meal crafted by Chef Nicholas Stefanelli with an array of traditional fish dishes. Experience the flavors of the festive season in every dish. Don't miss this opportunity to indulge in a culinary journey that celebrates the essence of the holidays; 1120 Maine Avenue SW; For more information, click here.

Osteria Morini: Savor Osteria Morini’s special Christmas Eve menu featuring seasonal fish specials and holiday dishes. Available from December 20th - December 23rd, and all day on Christmas Eve, enjoy handmade pastas like Cappelletti with truffle ricotta ravioli and prosciutto, along with entrées like Stracotto Sangiovese-braised short rib; 202.484.0660; 301 Water Street SE; make your reservation here.

Rosedale: Rosedale will offer three specials in addition to its seasonal American farm-to-table menu on Christmas Eve.  Prepared by James Beard award-winning Executive Chef & Culinary Director Frank Ruta festive dishes for the occasion include a Fried Kabocha Squash with sage and horseradish, priced at $15; Roseda Farms New York Strip with chef’s choice of daily farm fresh vegetables, priced at $48, and a decadent Black Walnut Cake with orange, honey and yogurt, priced at $14. The restaurant will be open from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24. For more information, click here.

*Feast of Seven Fishes* RPM Italian: RPM Italian will host a Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m. The 5-course menu features indulgent dishes like King Crab Tortelli, Seafood Risotto, Maine Scallops, and Center-Cut Creekstone Filet Mignon. A wine pairing menu is also available, featuring selections from vineyards such as Le Macchiole and Emidio Pepe. The event is $125.00 per person, with the wine pairing offered at $65.00 per person; 202.204.4480; 650 K Street NW; click here to reserve your table.

Tiger Fork: For those who love Chinese food on Christmas Eve, Tiger Fork will be open for the eighth year in a row. The Hong-Kong inspired restaurant will offer its regular a la carte menu along with some holiday creations from Chef Simon Lam on Tuesday, December 24th; 202.733.1152; 922 N Street NW; To make a reservation, click here.

The Majestic: Open from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Majestic will offer 2 special additions to their regular menu on Christmas Eve. Guests can enjoy Pan Seared Duck Breast made with butternut squash purée, honey glazed parsnips, and orange sauce for $35.00 or Oven Roasted Rockfish made with zucchini, eggplant, red peppers, onions, tomato-caper sauce, and herb oil for $32.00; 703.837.9117; 911 King Street, Alexandria, VA; reserve your table here.

The Inn at Little Washington: Celebrate the season in luxury at The Inn at Little Washington, where Chef Patrick O'Connell has crafted an exquisite holiday menu to make your celebrations unforgettable. The Christmas Eve menu features a specially curated feast, blending festive flavors with culinary artistry for a truly enchanting experience; 540.675.3800; 309 Middle Street, Washington, VA; reserve your table here.

Vermilion: Celebrate Christmas Eve at Vermilion with a festive feast featuring a Prime Rib Dinner for $99 per person. Chef Tony Chittum and his team have crafted a family-style menu with elevated holiday favorites. Start with Mac & Cheese Fritters, Creamed White Stone Oysters, and Shaved Country Ham. The main course includes Slow Roasted Virginia Prime Rib with Whipped Potatoes, Wedge Salad, and Bettie’s Buns. For dessert, enjoy a Family-Style Apple Ginger Crisp with Candied Cranberries and Vanilla Custard; 703.684.9669; 1120 King Street, Alexandria, VA; click here for more info.

Vola’s Dockside Grill: On Christmas Eve, Vola's will be open during regular hours, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., ensuring a festive transition into the holiday spirit. For $35.00 per dish, guests can enjoy 2 special dishes: Lobster & Spinach Ravioli with asparagus, tomato cream sauce, pecorino romano, and fried sage, or King Salmon with quinoa, confit pearl onions, roasted butternut squash, watercress, and salsa verde. The regular menu will also be available; 703.935.8890; 101 North Union Street Old Town Waterfront, Alexandria, VA; reserve your table here.

To-Go:

All Set Restaurant & Bar, Money Muscle BBQ, and Fryer’s Roadside: All Set Restaurant & Bar, Money Muscle BBQ, and Fryer’s Roadside are offering a special Holiday Dinner To-Go for four, available for preorder until December 20th. Choose from a Honey Baked Ham ($190), Grilled Salmon with Dill Cream Sauce ($190), or Smoked Ribeye ($240) as the main dish, complemented by hearty sides like Mac & Cheese, Garlic String Beans, Brussels Sprouts, and more; and a special Holiday Dessert Plate from James Beard semifinalist pastry chef Mr. Bake. All meals are served cold with reheating instructions. Pick-up or delivery is available from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. on December 24th at All Set or Fryer’s Roadside. Preorders can be placed online until December 20th. All Set: 8630 Fenton Street, Plaza 5, Silver Spring, MD; Fryer’s Roadside: 12830 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD; for more details, visit All Set’s website. 

Kinship: Celebrate Christmas Eve at home with a festive To-Go meal from Kinship, available for pickup on December 24th, at 4:45 or 5:00 p.m. The meal is priced at $200.00 for two people and includes a selection of seasonal delights. 202.737.7700; 1015 7th St NW; reservations and the full menu are available here.

Unconventional Diner: Celebrate the season with a 3-course holiday dinner to-go from Unconventional Diner, available for pickup December 22nd - December 31st (excluding Christmas Day). This elegant meal features Crab Bisque, Beef Wellington with Bordelaise, green beans, and mashed potatoes, and a slice of Chocolate-Hazelnut Bûche de Noël. Pickups can be scheduled from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m., and meals must be reserved at least 4 days in advance. The cost is $78 per person; 202.847.0122; 1207 9th Street NW; click here to order.