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.

Annabelle: At Annabelle, guests can celebrate Christmas Eve with a special 3-course prix fixe menu from Chef Michael Fusano, showcasing locally inspired dishes that highlight regional growers and producers. Priced at $95 per person and served on Wednesday, December 24 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., the menu features elegant starters, refined entrées such as black cod, lamb stew, chateaubriand, and wild mushroom risotto, and festive desserts like Bûche de Noël and panettone bread pudding

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.

Blue Duck Tavern: On Christmas Eve, Blue Duck Tavern at Park Hyatt. will offer its seasonal à la carte dinner menu from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m., featuring festive, wood-fired American dishes with a market-driven twist, including seafood crudos, roasted fish, and beautifully executed meats that highlight the restaurant’s farm-sourced philosophy.

The Bombay Club: The Bombay Club will offer a festive seasonal à la carte menu on Christmas Eve from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., featuring refined Indian holiday specials from Executive Chef Nilesh Singhvi such as Turbot Gassi with coconut and curry leaves, Nihari Ghost with braised lamb shank and warm spices, and a rich steamed Christmas pudding with vanilla custard and maple pecan gelato for dessert.

Brasero Atlantico: Brasero invites guests to experience a warm and celebratory Christmas Dinner on December 24th, inspired by Argentine holiday traditions. Featuring a family-style appetizer spread, choice of three exquisite entrées crafted by the culinary team behind Florería Atlántico, and seasonal desserts to share, this special evening will bring loved ones together around the table—just like home. Guests will enjoy dishes such as Vitel Toné, Lengua a la Vinagreta, Salpicón de Pavo, and Palmitos con Salsa Golf, followed by entrée selections including Lobster & Crab Creamy Rice, Argentine Tenderloin with Truffled Papas a la Crema, or Catch of the Day with brown butter and capers. A festive Copa Melba de Manzana, mini panettone, and turrón complete the holiday indulgence.  Priced at $125 per person

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.

Kayu: On December 24, Kayu presents “Noche Buena,” a seven-course tasting menu inspired by the warmth and traditions of Filipino holiday gatherings. Guests will savor dishes rooted in heritage yet elevated with Chef Paolo’s contemporary vision, creating a celebratory feast that embodies the spirit of family and community.

Kingbird: Make this Christmas truly magical at Kingbird with a festive feast the whole family will love. Gather around for a celebratory brunch and dinner service wrapped in sparkle and seasonal delights, featuring indulgent dishes like Bananas Foster French Toast, blueberry pancakes with gingerbread syrup, made-to-order omelets, a Prime Rib and ham carving station, tempting sides, and raw bar favorites. End on a sweet note with desserts guaranteed to make everyone smile. Priced at $115 per adult and $75 per child.

Little Blackbird: Little Blackbird will celebrate Christmas Eve with seasonal specials served alongside its full à la carte menu from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy dishes such as stuffed branzino with seafood mousse and beurre blanc, roasted Maple Leaf duck breast with cranberry–orange gastrique and sweet potato, and lamb chops with garlic scalloped potatoes and a candy cane lamb demi-glace.

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.

Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen: At Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, Chef David Guas celebrates the season with a 5-Course Southern Coastal Holiday Menu ($95 per person), blending modern American dishes with the cultural influences that shaped his upbringing. Available December 18 to 24 alongside the regular menu, the dinner captures the warmth and connection of true holiday tradition. Guests can elevate the evening with expert wine pairings from Chain Bridge Cellars (+$45) or toast with festive cocktails like the Campfire Espresso Martini.

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).

Perry’s: On Christmas Eve, Perry’s will serve a collection of specials in addition to their standard menu. Guests visiting the restaurant on Christmas Eve will be able to enjoy Chef Masako Morishita’s Waygu Roast Beef & Grilled Eel Donburi Platter ($55), served with house-made silken tofu, cured salmon caviar, chrysanthemum ohitashi (a dish of boiled edible chrysanthemums), iburigakko potato salad, and miso soup. 

SABABA: SABABA will lean into playful Jewish-and-Chinese-inspired flavors on Christmas Eve, offering a slate of specials from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. alongside its full à la carte menu for dine-in and carryout. Highlights include Wonton Matzo Ball Soup, Lamb Rangoon with sweet chili sauce, Moo Shu Brisket with shiitake and cabbage served with pancakes and hoisin, and a bright, crispy Kumquat “Orange Chicken” with rice.

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.