Celebrate Christmas in San Diego with a variety of festive dining options across the city’s vibrant culinary scene. From refined afternoon teas to indulgent Christmas dinners, local restaurants have curated holiday menus that capture the warmth of the season. Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch, a celebratory dinner, or looking for a pre-cooked turkey to enjoy at home, San Diego offers plenty of ways to make your holiday meal special. Here’s a roundup of the best Christmas dining and takeaway options in the city.
Christmas Eve falls on Tuesday, December 24 this year, followed by Christmas Day on Wednesday, December 25.
Christmas San Diego 2024: Restaurant Offerings
This list is not exhaustive and I update the information becomes available. I try to feature as much as I can but certainly this is not all that is out there. If your favorite restaurant is not on the list, I would recommend contacting them to see what they are offering.
Bronze Bird
Bronze Bird in San Diego is offering a festive Christmas Day prix-fixe dinner showcasing seasonal So-Cal dishes with holiday-inspired flavours.
The 3-course menu includes:
- Smoked French Onion Soup
- Grilled Frenched Pork Chop with Cranberry and Squash Risotto and Buttered Haricots
- Orange Glazed Roasted Quail with Pumpkin Purée, Roasted Carrots, Dukkah, and Cipollini Onions
- Spiced Molasses Cake with Cinnamon Bavarian Cream and Candied Walnuts
Dinner will be served from 2 PM to 9 PM on December 25. A kids’ menu and limited à la carte options are available. Parking validation is offered at the Westin Gaslamp valet.
Solare Ristorante Lounge
Solare Ristorante Lounge invites guests to enjoy a festive Christmas Eve Dinner on December 24, 2024. This four-course Italian feast, featuring traditional dishes from Italy, begins with seatings starting at 4:30 PM. Pricing is $68 per adult, with kid-friendly menu options available.
20|TWENTY
20|TWENTY in Carlsbad is offering a selection of festive cocktails perfect for the holiday season. Highlights include:
- The Grinch: A vibrant mix of Nolet’s Gin, Lo-Fi Sweet Vermouth, Liquid Alchemist Ginger Syrup, Midori, Lime Juice, Fresh Cucumber, Basil, and Seltzer.
- Mistletoe Margarita: Crafted with CaliFino Tequila Blanco, Gran Gala Orange Liqueur, Lime Juice, House-Made Cranberry Syrup, and Fresh Cranberries.
- White Christmas: A tropical-inspired concoction featuring Kuleana Rum, Fresh Mint, Lime Juice, Coconut Cream, Seltzer, and Pomegranate Seeds.
AVANT
AVANT at the Rancho Bernardo Inn offers two festive dining experiences. On Christmas Eve, enjoy a four-course seasonal dinner prepared by Chef Sergio Jimenez. Dinner is priced at $125 per adult and $65 per child, plus tax and a 20% service charge distributed as gratuity. Seatings are available starting at 7:00 PM. The Christmas Day Dinner will also feature Chef Jimenez’s festive four-course menu, offered at the same pricing. Seatings begin at 5:00 PM.
Paradisaea
Paradisaea in La Jolla invites guests to celebrate Christmas Eve Dinner with an elegant four-course menu curated by Chef Jeff Armstrong. The festive gathering on December 24, 2024, begins with seatings available from 6:30 PM. Pricing is $125 per adult and $60 per child.
NINE-TEN
NINE-TEN offers a festive Christmas Eve dinner on December 24, 2024, featuring a thoughtfully prepared three-course menu. Guests can enjoy a selection of appetizers, entrées, and desserts showcasing seasonal ingredients. A curated wine list from the sommelier will also be available to complement the meal. Seatings begin at 5 PM, and pricing is $110 per person. The final menu will be released two weeks before the event.
Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers a series of festive dining experiences throughout the holiday season.
Brunch with Santa takes place on December 22, 2024, starting at 11 AM. Guests can enjoy a festive breakfast with seasonal favorites while Santa visits with the children, creating cherished holiday memories for the entire family.
Christmas Eve Dinner on December 24, 2024, features an elegant four-course menu priced at $210 per adult and $75 per child, with a $50 deposit per person required. Reservations can be canceled up to 72 hours in advance.
On Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, Amaya offers the same four-course festive menu for $210 per adult and $75 per child. The $50 per person deposit will be applied toward the final bill. Both dinners promise a luxurious experience surrounded by festive elegance and exceptional service.
Ambrogio by Acquerello
Ambrogio by Acquerello offers an elegant Christmas Eve dinner on December 24, 2024, featuring 8-course tasting menus crafted by Michelin Star Chef Salmoiraghi. Guests can indulge in the Chef’s Signature Tasting Menu for $199 per person or opt for the Vegetarian Tasting Menu at $179 per person.
Dockside 1953
Dockside 1953 in San Diego is offering a Christmas Eve prix-fixe menu starting at 5 PM. Guests can enjoy a three-course dinner featuring their choice of:
- Appetizer: Seasonal starter options
- Entrée: Select from holiday-inspired dishes
- Dessert: A sweet finish to the evening
Reservations are available online.
Solare Ristorante Lounge
Solare Ristorante Lounge in San Diego is offering a four-course Italian Christmas Eve prix-fixe menu starting at 4:30 PM. The meal includes:
- Appetizer: Italian-inspired starters
- Primi: Pasta or risotto selections
- Secondi: Entrée options featuring seafood or meats
- Dolci: Traditional Italian desserts
Kid-friendly menus are also available.
Le Coq
Le Coq in San Diego is offering a four-course Christmas Eve prix-fixe menu with bread service starting at 3 PM. Dishes include:
- Appetizer: French-inspired starters
- Entrée: Choices such as roasted meats or seafood
- Dessert: Festive sweet treats
The price is $95 per adult and $42 for children under 12.
Bleu Boheme
Bleu Boheme in San Diego is serving a three-course Christmas Eve prix-fixe menu from 4 PM to 8 PM. Guests can choose from:
- Appetizer: Seasonal French starters
- Entrée: Rotating selection of holiday-inspired dishes
- Dessert: Classic French desserts
The menu is priced at $85 per adult and $28.95 for children under 12.
Parc Bistro-Brasserie
Parc Bistro-Brasserie in San Diego is offering three-course prix-fixe menus for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Christmas Eve service begins at 3 PM, and Christmas Day service starts at 11 AM. Guests can enjoy French-inspired appetizers, entrées, and desserts for $90 per person.
Et Voilà! French Bistro
Et Voilà! French Bistro in San Diego is serving a three-course prix-fixe menu for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day starting at 4:30 PM. The price is $75 per person. The menu includes:
- Appetizer: Seasonal French starters
- Entrée: Holiday-inspired main courses
- Dessert: Festive sweet offerings
Captain’s Quarters
Captain’s Quarters in San Diego is hosting a “Holidays On The High Seas” event on Christmas Eve, featuring festive cocktails and themed holiday decor.
Nobu San Diego
Nobu San Diego in San Diego is offering a special holiday omakase prix-fixe menu from December 24 to December 31. The price is $215.50 per person. The seven-course meal includes:
- Tuna San Ten Mori Tasting
- King Salmon Tataki
- Nigiri Sushi
- Chilled Maine Lobster Salad
- Glacier 51 Chilean Seabass Nimono
- A5 Wagyu Ishiyaki
- Chef’s Choice Dessert
The Grass Skirt
The Grass Skirt in San Diego is hosting “Sippin Santa,” a festive holiday pop-up featuring tropical-inspired cocktails and playful retro Christmas decor.
CUCINA urbana
CUCINA urbana in San Diego is offering a four-course prix-fixe “Feast of the Seven Fishes” menu from December 18 through December 24. The menu includes:
- Starter: Salt cod fritters with tonnato sauce and chicory salad
- Second Course: Lobster tortellini with saffron cream and trout roe
- Entrée: Striped bass with borlotti bean, clam, and seafood brodo
- Dessert: Chocolate budino with coco nib tuile and salted caramel
The menu is priced at $75 per person.
Herb & Wood
Herb & Wood in San Diego is serving a traditional Christmas Eve prix-fixe feast starting at 3 PM. The cost is $103.10 per adult and $38 for children 12 and under.
Callie Restaurant
Callie Restaurant in San Diego is offering a five-course family-style prix-fixe Christmas Eve feast for $99 per person. Service begins at 5 PM, and only the holiday menu will be available.
The Prado at Balboa Park
The Prado at Balboa Park in San Diego is offering the following holiday options:
- Holiday Brunch with Santa (Dec. 22): Seasonal brunch menu with bottomless mimosas for $79.95 per adult and $19.95 per child. Service starts at 10 AM.
- Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): A three-course prix-fixe menu for $79.95 per adult and $19.95 per child, served from 4 PM to 8 PM.
- Christmas Day (Dec. 25): A three-course prix-fixe menu with seating from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Covewood – Mission Bay Resort
Covewood in San Diego is offering a waterside prix-fixe holiday dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Prices are $110 for adults and $40 for children under 12, with service from 2 PM to 8 PM.
Seasons – Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara
Seasons in Carlsbad is serving festive prix-fixe meals with the following options:
- Christmas Eve Dinner (Dec. 24): Three-course prix-fixe menu for $120 per person, with seating from 4:30 PM to 8 PM.
- Christmas Day Dinner (Dec. 25): Three-course prix-fixe menu for $120 per person, with seating from 4:30 PM to 8 PM.
- Christmas Day Brunch (Dec. 25): À la carte brunch menu with seasonal holiday specials starting at 10 AM.
Brickmans Restaurant & Bar (formerly The Grill)
Brickmans Restaurant & Bar in San Marcos is offering a Christmas Eve three-course prix-fixe dinner for $70.69 per person, including one glass of Orfila wine.
- First Course (Choose One):
- Lobster Bisque with crème fraîche and lobster meat
- Winter Mixed Green Salad with candied walnuts, golden raisins, apple, maple vinaigrette, and goat cheese
- Ricotta Gnocchi with tomato fennel sauce, burrata, pesto, and breadcrumbs
- Second Course (Choose One):
- Prime Rib (10 oz) with mashed potatoes, green beans, creamy horseradish, and au jus
- Risotto with mushroom ragout, English peas, thyme, Parmesan, and truffle
- Halibut with celery root purée, snap peas, pancetta, and yellow squash
- Airline Chicken (10 oz) with sweet potato purée, root vegetables, and chicken consommé
- Dessert (Choose One):
- Five-Layer Chocolate Cake
- Berry Fruit Tart
Ponto Lago – Park Hyatt Aviara
Ponto Lago in Carlsbad is hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feasts with seating from 5 PM to 8:30 PM. The prix-fixe menu is $125 per adult and $35 per child (ages 2-12), excluding tax and service charges.
Grand Social at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Grand Social in San Diego offers unique holiday experiences:
- Holiday Cabana: $300 rental with a $200 food and beverage minimum for up to 2 hours.
- Holiday Fire Pit: $100 rental with a $100 food and beverage minimum for up to 1.5 hours.
Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
Giardino Neighborhood Cucina in Lemon Grove offers Christmas Eve specials from a downsized menu and a Christmas Day brunch buffet from 10 AM to 2 PM. Prices are $49 for adults and $25 for children under 12. Dinner begins at 3 PM with a three-course prix-fixe menu priced at $65 for adults and $25 for children under 12.
Sea & Sky
Sea & Sky in San Diego is serving a curated à la carte menu on Christmas Eve, including Prime Rib Roast with au jus, whipped horseradish cream, and scallion Yorkshire pudding. On Christmas Day, brunch specials will be available from 7 AM to 3 PM, including fresh Kumiai Oysters Florentine and Green Shakshuka with raclette cheese and tomatillo salsa.
Jeune et Jolie
Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad offers a celebratory five-course prix-fixe Christmas Eve menu for $213.35 per person, including tax and gratuity.
Herb & Sea
Herb & Sea in Encinitas is offering a Christmas Eve prix-fixe dinner for $92 per adult and $37 per child.
Mediterranean Room – La Valencia Hotel
Mediterranean Room in San Diego offers multiple holiday events:
- Holiday High Tea: December 27 with scones, tea sandwiches, pastries, and bubbly for $107.48 per person.
- Santa’s Storytime Brunch: December 15 from 11 AM to 2 PM, featuring festive menu items and a visit from Santa.
- Christmas Eve Dinner: A three-course prix-fixe menu featuring Wagyu Beef Cheek and Bourbon Butter Cake. Prices range from $59.91 to $181.82 per person.
- Christmas Day Brunch: From 9 AM to 3 PM, offering brunch favorites like Lobster Benedict and La Valencia Cinnamon Roll.
Marina Kitchen – San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina
Marina Kitchen in San Diego offers a lavish Christmas Eve buffet from 5 PM to 9 PM, priced at $100 for adults and $39 for children.
Cucina Enoteca – Del Mar
Cucina Enoteca in Del Mar presents a four-course prix-fixe “Feast of the Seven Fishes” menu for $75 per person, available from December 18 to 24.
Grant Grill
Grant Grill in San Diego offers a four-course prix-fixe dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for $135 per person, featuring a menu by Executive Chef Mark Kropczynski and seasonal cocktails by Mixologist Rex Yuasa.
Greenfinch Restaurant
Greenfinch Restaurant in San Diego is offering special holiday dining options:
- Christmas Eve Dinner: A prix-fixe menu featuring curated seasonal dishes. Optional wine pairings are available. Prices range from $48 to $125 per person, with a 20% service charge and a $3 order fee.
- Christmas Day Buffet: A festive buffet served from 12 PM to 6 PM, showcasing seasonal dishes. Prices range from $60 to $120 per person, with a 22% service charge and a $3 order fee.
Valle
Valle in Oceanside is hosting a festive six-course prix-fixe menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- The menu, curated by Chef Roberto Alcocer, highlights Baja-inspired flavors with optional wine pairings designed to complement the dishes.
- Priced at $200 per person with a 20% service charge and a $5 order fee.
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