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Christmas in San Diego 2021: Dinner, Turkey To Go, Brunch, Restaurants

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Looking for ways to celebrate Christmas in San Diego this year? This post covers Christmas San Diego 2021 including where to go for Christmas dinner in San Diego, where to get turkey to go as well as features for brunch, lunch and takeout by local restaurants and businesses.

Christmas in San Diego 2021: Dinner, Turkey To Go, Brunch, Restaurants

Christmas Eve this year is Friday, December 24, 2021. Christmas Day is Saturday, December 25, 2021.

Christmas celebrations can take on different forms from traditional, fusion to modern.

Please use this list as an inspiration for ideas on how to put together your own Christmas celebration.

Please reach out to me [email protected] or @foodgressing on social media if you are a restaurant that wants to be featured. Provide all the details of your holiday offering in your message. For faster processing, please provide a ready to copy and paste excerpt in paragraph form in a similar format to the restaurants featured below.

This list is not exhaustive. If your favorite restaurant is not on the list, contact them to see what they are offering.

Please double check with the restaurant as to what they are offering as plans/menus/hours might change.

Christmas in San Diego 2021

Fairmont Del Mar

Holiday Tea & Champagne Holiday Tea
Afternoon tea is back and infused with Holiday cheer! Featuring a scrumptious menu with your favorite festive scones, sandwiches and sweet treats, there’s no better place to enjoy the sights, scenes, and flavors this season.
$85 | $179 per person. Please make your reservation here.

Tea with Santa
Enjoy photos over festive beverages and bites. With only two seating’s daily, you won’t want to miss this appearance from Jolly Old Saint Nick! $85 per person. Please make your reservation here.

Christmas Eve Dinner
Enjoy a Grand Feast this Christmas Eve. For a special evening, Dinner in Amaya is available with seating’s available between 5 pm – 10 pm. This four-course menu with a festive flare is one you’re sure to remember. $185 per person. Please make your reservation here.

Christmas Day
Relish in Grand flavors with the ones you love at Amaya on Christmas Day. Enjoy festive favorites between 7 am – 11 am for brunch at $145 per person. Or delight in a decadent Christmas Dinner menu from 12 pm – 8 pm at $195 per person. Please make your reservation here.

Addison

Addison at Fairmont Del Mar is offering a Christmas Eve Tasting Menu priced at $395 per person.

Callie

Callie is offering a Christmas Eve Feast that is served family-style with 4 courses, priced at $85 per person with optional supplements. Reservations between 5 pm – 8 :30 pm.

Mister A’s

Mister A’s is offering a 3-course prix fixe menu on Christmas Eve for $95.50 per person and $89.50 per person on Christmas day.

Kettner Exchange

Kettner Exchange is offering a five course menu from award-winning Chef Brian Redzikowski and optional wine pairings from Beverage Director, Claire Sexton. $125 per person.

Reservations for Christmas Eve from 5 pm – 9:30 pm.

  • Petite “McMuffin” Scrambled Farm Egg, Fromage d’Affinois, Proscuitto, Caviar
  • Celery Root “Hummus” Pickled Cauliflower, Cilantro Salsa, SunnySide Up Egg,
    Sesame Crackers
  • Liberty Farms Duck Confit, Candied Walnuts, Pomegranate, Persimmons, Harissa
  • Roasted Alaskan Black Cod, Preserved Lemon, Bulgar, Crema
  • “SnowGlobe” Pine Needle Ice Cream, Almond Cake, Cider Donuts

Parc Bistro-Brasserie

Parc Bistro-Brasserie is offering Christmas specials on December 25.

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Rancho Bernardo Inn is hosting a New Year’s Eve Rock “N Roll Bash 2021.

Begin the night with a Moet & Chandon welcome toast, and enjoy an array of tray passed hors d’oeuvres, seafood and dessert stations, along with a full open bar.

Entertainment by The Ryan Hiller Band from 9:00 pm – 1:00 am in The Bernardo Ballroom.

Seating will be ample, but will be first come, first served. Pricing includes food, beverage, alcohol, tax and service charge.

C-Level

C-Level is offering a standard dinner menu on December 24 and a special 3-course menu at $69.95/person on December 25. Reservations are highly recommended and will have a 2 hour time limit.

Island Prime

Island Prime is offering a standard dinner menu on December 24 and a special 3-course menu at $69.95/person on December 25. Reservations are highly recommended and will have a 2 hour time limit.

Coasterra

Coasterra is offering a Christmas buffet at $64.95 per person on December 25. All reservations will have a 2-hour time limit and outdoor reservations have no weather back up.

Waverly

Waverly is offering a Christmas Eve Five Course Prix Fixe Menu from award-winning Chef Brian Redzikowski and optional wine pairings from Beverage Director, Leigh Lecap. $125 per person.

Reservations for Christmas Eve from 5 pm – 9:30 pm.

$125.00 five course menu

  • Crispy Potato “Pavé”/Black Truffle/Chive/Raclette Fondue
  • Tahitian Butternut Squash Soup/Crouton/Citrus Marshmallow/Brown Butter
  • Kong Thao Sweet Potato/Farro/Wild Mushroom/Pearl Onion/BLiS Maple Froth
  • Braised Short Rib/Potato Purée/Thumbelina Carrots
  • The Snow Globe/Pine Needle Ice Cream/Almond Cake/Cider Doughnut

Rockin Baja Lobster Old Town

Rockin Baja Lobster Old Town is offering a Rockin’ Xmas Bucket on December 24 and 25 featuring a whole Baja Style Lobster, Grilled Shrimp & Chicken, Skirt Steak, a Crab Cluster, Grilled Corn & tasty sides. Also includes a Guacamole Appetizer & Fried Ice Cream to share. It’s made for 2 guests & only $79.99 from 12/24-12/26/21.

Buon Appetito

Buon Appetito is taking reservations for December 24.

Davanti Enoteca (Little Italy, CA)

Davanti Enoteca (Little Italy, CA)  is taking reservations for December 24.

The Fish Market – San Diego

The Fish Market – San Diego is taking reservations for December 24.

Hash House a go go

Hash House a go go is taking reservations for December 24 and December 25.

Dunedin New Zealand Eats

Dunedin New Zealand Eats is taking reservations for December 24 and December 25.

George’s at the Cove

George’s at the Cove is taking reservations for December 24.

Trust Restaurant

Trust Restaurant is taking reservations for December 24.

Cardellino

Cardellino is taking reservations for December 24.

Fort Oak

Fort Oak is taking reservations for December 24.

Louisiana Purchase

Louisiana Purchase is taking reservations for December 24.

STK- San Diego

STK- San Diego is offering Christmas Specials on December 24 and 25. Full a la carte menu available for dine-in & takeout.

Osteria Panevino

Osteria Panevino is taking reservations for December 24 and 25.

Allegro

Allegro is taking reservations for December 25.

Nobu San Diego

Nobu San Diego is taking reservations for December 24 and 25.

Fogo de Chao – San Diego

Fogo de Chao – San Diego is offering Christmas Specials on December 24 and 25. Dinner price all day & seasonal menu items. To-Go package also available for pre-order.

Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego is offering a special 3-course menu featuring entrées such as Black Truffle Cauliflower Soup, 14 oz. Ribeye, Lobster Ravioli and Maple Basque Cake on December 24 and 25. 3pm-9pm.

Priced at $85 per person, kids $25 (ages 3-12) (plus tax and service charge) and wine pairings at $35. Table is reserved for 90 minutes.

The Prado at Balboa Park

The Prado at Balboa Park is serving a special 3-course Christmas Day menu at $64.95/person. All reservations will have a 2 hour time limit. For outdoor dining, in the event of bad weather please note there will be no seating indoors available.

Seréa

Seréa is offering a prix-fixe menu on December 24 and 25. There is a $25 per person cancellation fee. Specials include 24oz prime ribeye market mushrooms, potato pave, creamed green puree, black truffle bordelaise and cranberry mouse dome spiced apple compote, vanilla cremeux.

Herb & Wood

Herb & Wood is offering a traditional Christmas feast, complete with all the trimmings on December 24. Pried at $84.00 per adult and $34 kids 12 and under. Make reservations here.

Juniper & Ivy

Juniper & Ivy is offering a 4-course choice-of menu featuring top ingredients from SoCal’s best farmers & fishermen on December 24.

Priced at $125 per guest, with optional sommelier-crafted pairing. A la carte options available only at the bar.

Animae

Animae is offering a luxurious Christmas Eve prix-fixe menu.

The Med at La Valencia Hotel

The Med at La Valencia Hotel is taking reservations for December 24. They are also having a Holiday Tea.

Lionfish Restaurant at The Pendry Hotel

Lionfish Restaurant at The Pendry Hotel is offering Christmas Eve Specials including Wagyu Filet Steak and Lobster, the Chocolate Yule log and more. There is a $25 per person cancellation fee.

Bistro du Marché by Tapenade

Bistro du Marché by Tapenade is taking reservations on December 24 with a flavorful celebratory mini carte.

Herb & Sea

Herb & Sea is offering a Christmas Eve prix-fixe menu. Adults $84, Children $34.

Roy’s

Celebrate Christmas and the joy of the season with family and friends at Roy’s. Their elegant three-course holiday menu features classics like our Misoyaki “Butterfish” and Blackened Island Ahi along with our Grilled 8oz. Filet Mignon offered with our Crab Cake Oscar or Teppanyaki Shrimp Skewer. $79 per adult, $19 per child.

Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

Giardino Neighborhood Cucina (Lemon Grove) is taking reservations for December 25.

NINE-TEN

NINE-TEN is offering a 3-Course Prix-Fixe, Christmas Eve Dinner Menu: $95 per person / $140 with wine pairings. Friday, December 24th – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. NINE-TEN will serve regular breakfast and lunch on Christmas Eve day.

Rare Society – University Heights

Rare Society – University Heights is taking reservations for December 24.

Solare Ristorante Lounge

Solare Ristorante Lounge is offering a special 4-course Italian Christmas Eve dinner with lots of selections — a Holiday Feast with traditional dishes from Italy! Seating starting at 4:30pm. $65 for adults and Kid Friendly Menus available too.

Bleu Boheme

Bleu Boheme is celebrating Joyeux Noël with a festive three-course menu, prix fixe $68.95 per person, $24.95 for children 12 and under.

Verbena Kitchen

Verbena Kitchen is taking reservations for December 24.

BO-beau kitchen + garden

BO-beau kitchen + garden (La Mesa) is offering a 3 course menu on December 25 from 1 pm to 7 pm.

Buca di Beppo

Buca di Beppo is offering Christmas Family Meals. Available for online orders December 23 – 25. All meals are “Buca Large” and serve up to 5 people.

Regular Family Meal

  • Choice of Salad: Mixed Green or Caesar Salad
  • Choice of Pasta: Baked Ziti, Baked Rigatoni, Penne alla Vodka, or Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

Deluxe Family Meal

  • Choice of Salad: Caesar Salad, Chopped Antipasto Salad or Apple Gorgonzola Salad
  • Choice of Pasta: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Baked Ziti, Baked Rigatoni, Penne alla Vodka, or Spicy Chicken Rigatoni
  • Choice of Entrée: Chicken Parmigiana or Chicken Limone

Sally’s Fish House & Bar

Sally’s Fish House & Bar is offering Salt & Herb Crusted Prime Rib dinner on Christmas night from 5 pm – 9 pm. The Sally’s a la carte dinner menu will also be available.

Olive & Basil

Olive & Basil (La Jolla) is taking reservations for December 24 and 25.

Saltwater

Saltwater is taking reservations for December 24 and 25.

Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse

Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse is taking reservations for December 24 and 25.

Tidal

Tidal is open on December 24 and 25. On Christmas Day, they will be serving a holiday buffet priced at $68 per person, kids $25 (ages 3-12) (plus tax and service charge).

Avant

Avant is offering a 4 course prix fixe menu for $125++ on December 24 and 25. Reservations are limited. Menu available on ranchobernardoinn.com/stay/happenings.

Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood

Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood is taking reservations for December 24 and 25.

Hope 46 Classic American Cuisine

Hope 46 Classic American Cuisine is offering a festive dining experience on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Rockin Baja Lobster Gaslamp

Rockin Baja Lobster Gaslamp is offering a Rockin’ Xmas Bucket on December 24 and 25 featuring a whole Baja Style Lobster, Grilled Shrimp & Chicken, Skirt Steak, a Crab Cluster, Grilled Corn & tasty sides. Also includes a Guacamole Appetizer & Fried Ice Cream to share. It’s made for 2 guests & only $79.99 from 12/24-12/26/21.

Rockin Baja Lobster Oceanside

Rockin Baja Lobster Oceanside is offering Rockin’ Xmas Bucket on December 24 and 25 features a whole Baja Style Lobster, Grilled Shrimp & Chicken, Skirt Steak, a Crab Cluster, Grilled Corn & tasty sides. Also includes a Guacamole Appetizer & Fried Ice Cream to share. It’s made for 2 guests & only $79.99 from 12/24-12/26/21.

More San Diego Restaurants Open on December 24 and Taking Reservations

Hours may change so please confirm with the restaurant.

More San Diego Restaurants Open on December 25 and Taking Reservations

Hours may change so please confirm with the restaurant.

Online Holiday Dinner Delivery Services

Harry and David

Harry and David has a variety of main courses, appetizers/sides, desserts and more available to ship to you and prepare at home.

Some highlights include:

Create Your Own Gourmet Turkey Feast ($239): A roasted turkey serves as the mouthwatering main course, and you get to choose one accompanying appetizer assortment, two crowd-pleasing sides, one exceptional dessert, and one garnish of cranberry sauce and gravy. This heat-and-serve meal makes it easy to enjoy more quality time with company and less time in the kitchen. Serves 8 to 10.

Gourmet Ham Dinner ($224.99):

  • Spiral-sliced ham with honey glaze (7 lb 8 oz)
  • Creamy snap peas with bacon (1 lb 13 oz)
  • Three-cheese scalloped potatoes (1 lb 14 oz)
  • Artichoke, mushroom, and bacon frittata (1 lb 14 oz)
  • New York-style original cheesecake (2 lb)

Omaha Steaks

Omaha Steaks is offering a variety of holiday dinners available to ship to you and prepare at home.

Some highlights include:

Build Your Own Holiday Menu:

  • 6 (5 oz.) Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons or 1 (8 lbs.) Spiral Sliced Ham
  • 1 (32 oz. pkg.) Family-Size Smashed Red Potatoes or 1 (25 oz. pkg.) Harvest Rice Pilaf or 1 (32 oz. pkg.) Family-Size Whipped Sweet Potatoes
  • 4 (11 oz. pkgs.) Creamed Spinach or 2 (12 oz. pkgs.) Green Bean Casserole
  • 6 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets or 1 (2 lbs.) Premium New York Cheesecake or 1 (21 oz.) Chocolate Lover’s Cake
  • 8 (3 oz.) Mini Baguettes with Garlic Butter

Prime Rib Feast for 8:

  • 1 (4 lbs.) Boneless Heart of Prime Rib Roast
  • 2 (12 oz. pkgs.) Green Bean Casserole
  • 4 (5.5 oz.) Stuffed Baked Potatoes
  • 4 (3 oz.) Mini Baguettes with Garlic Butter
  • 1 (2 lbs.) Premium New York Cheesecake
  • 1 (3.1 oz. jar) Signature Seasoning

Holiday Surf & Turf + Tour de France:

  • 4 (5 oz.) Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons
  • 4 Split Lobster Tail Skewers (7 oz. pkg.)
  • 4 (5.5 oz.) Stuffed Baked Potatoes
  • 4 (3 oz.) Mini Baguettes with Garlic Butter
  • 4 (4.2 oz.) Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes
  • 1 (3.1 oz. jar) Signature Seasoning

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma is offering a variety of holiday dinners available to ship to you and prepare at home.

Some highlights include:

Ultimate Christmas Prime Rib Dinner, Serves 8 ($499.95):

  • Prime Rib
  • Sweet Yam Casserole
  • Traditional Green Bean Casserole
  • Creamed Spinach & Kale
  • Bacon Macaroni & Cheese
  • Parker House Rolls (12)
  • Pecan Pie

Complete Free Range Turkey Dinner, Christmas Delivery, Serves 8 ($259.95) or 12 ($379.95)

  • Free-Range Turkey
  • Green Bean Casserole
  • Sweet Yam Casserole
  • Pecan Pie

Complete Christmas Dinner, Ham, Serves 8 ($249.95)

  • 6–8 lb. Kurobuta Bone-In Half Ham
  • 3 lb. 8 oz. (two trays) Traditional Green Bean Casserole
  • 3 lb. 13 oz. (two trays) Sweet Yam Casserole
  • 9″ diam. Pecan Pie

Christmas Things to Do in San Diego

For a uniquely San Diego holiday tradition, visitors will want to head to the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park for its storied production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. Until Dec. 31, 2021, snow-covered Who-ville comes alive to usher holiday cheer for all the Whos, far and near. Through Dec. 26, 2021, The Old Globe will also host the family-friendly Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show, a fast, funny and highly theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told. All the traditional elements of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol are intact—including the iconic ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future—but with local twist.

San Diego’s attractions are certainly not sitting on the sidelines this holiday season. Families can get in the seasonal spirit at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration through Jan. 2, 2022, where they can sip on hot chocolate with candy toppings while visiting sea otters, flamingos, sea lions, turtles and bat rays. There are also plenty of opportunities to capture picture-perfect moments of good cheer amid the lavishly decorated 100-acre park, including a sea-themed Christmas tree and a holiday music-activated tunnel of lights. Families also can feel the excitement build every Saturday and Sunday until Jan. 8, 2022, at Holidays at LEGOLAND, which showcases holiday characters, a LEGO® Christmas tree with over 400 LEGO ornaments along with a life-size model of LEGO Santa on his sleigh that’s pulled by his trusted reindeer.

Through Jan. 2, 2022, visitors can glide on ice while watching the surf break at the Hotel del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea®. This spectacular beachfront ice rink features stunning views of the ocean and benefits Make-A-Wish® San Diego. Guests can also reserve their own rink side lounge at Frostbite – A Place to Chill, which features plush seating around a roaring fire pit with full food and beverage service.

The North Pole is just a train ride away. From Nov. 26 through Dec. 18, 2021, passengers can hop aboard the Santa Train North Pole Limited. Leaving from the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo and then chugging through San Diego’s backcountry, the Santa Train North Pole Limited includes Santa’s elves singing Christmas carols, reading popular Christmas stories and passing out cookies and hot chocolate. The North Pole Limited will also stop at Santa’s Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus so they can visit with passengers on the return trip to Campo Depot.

Foodies can make their way to Taste of December Nights in Balboa Park on Friday, Dec. 3 through Sunday, Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. to enjoy some tasty treats. The three-day event will feature fan-favorite food vendors, food trucks and entertainment in a festive drive-through setting.

Movie lovers are invited to cozy up and enjoy some of Hollywood’s holiday hits under the stars. Movies by the Bay at Hilton San Diego Bayfront will offer guests hot cocoa and delicious treats while they enjoy films like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Christmas Vacation,” and “A Christmas Story.” The Hotel Del Coronado will feature Holiday Movies on the Beach until Dec. 31, with cozy upgrades available that include a private bonfire with s’mores and a plush daybed. Standout movies include “Elf” and “Big.”

Nothing says seasons greetings in San Diego like boats adorned with colorful twinkling lights floating along the water. On Dec. 12 and Dec. 19, 2021, the iconic and always free 50th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights returns, with over 80 lavishly decorated boats in the spirit of this year’s theme “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The parade will proceed from Shelter Island to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before making the turn to Coronado, giving spectators more places to view the parade.

To be sure, San Diego’s vibrant cocktail scene offers more than spiked hot chocolate and eggnog. This year, annual holiday cocktail pop-ups Miracle and Sippin’ Santa are returning to town with inventive holiday-themed drinks and decorations until Dec. 31, 2021. Must-imbibe options include Miracle’s classic cocktails, “the gingerbread-y snowball old fashioned” and the “spiked jingle balls nog” as well as new concoctions like “elfing around,” which is made with prosecco, gin, mulled wine, grapefruit shrub and bitters. Miracle is setting up shop at Polite Provisions on Adams Avenue and popping up at the Roxy Encinitas while Sippin’ Santa will be transforming The Grass Skirt in Pacific Beach.

DIY Christmas Dinner San Diego 2021 Ideas

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