Celebrate Christmas in Washington, DC with an array of festive dining options that reflect the city’s rich and diverse culinary scene. From elegant afternoon teas to indulgent holiday dinners, DC’s restaurants have crafted special menus to capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch, a grand Christmas dinner, or looking to pick up a pre-cooked turkey for a feast at home, Washington, DC, offers plenty of ways to make your holiday celebrations memorable. Here’s a roundup of the top Christmas dining and takeaway options in the nation’s capital.
Christmas Eve falls on Tuesday, December 24 this year, followed by Christmas Day on Wednesday, December 25.
Christmas Washington DC 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.
FIG & OLIVE
FIG & OLIVE is offering a festive Christmas Eve dining experience featuring their full dinner menu and exclusive chef-curated specials. Guests can enjoy a seasonal culinary celebration in an ambiance inspired by the French Riviera. Reservations are recommended.
Palette 22 DC
Palette 22 will be open on Christmas Day, serving Bottomless Brunch for $32.22 per person from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Bottomless Dinner for $38.22 per person from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Ada’s On The River
Ada’s On The River in Alexandria is offering Christmas Eve dining from 11:30 AM to 11 PM with two festive specials: Chilean Seabass with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, fingerling potatoes, herbs, and miso brown butter for $45, and Prime Kansas City Strip 24 oz for $89. On Christmas Day, Ada’s will serve a three-course prix-fixe menu for $79 per person, featuring dishes such as Preserved Root Vegetable Tartare, Shrimp-Stuffed Halibut, and Coal-Roasted Rack of Lamb. A kids’ menu is available for $29. Reservations are recommended. Santa breakfast sessions include pastries, pancakes, and yogurt parfaits, with take-home treats and photos with Santa. Adults can enjoy bottomless mimosas for $15. Prices are $53 for adults and $29.50 for kids.
BARCA Pier & Wine Bar
BARCA Pier & Wine Bar invites guests to enjoy Catalan Lamb Kebab for $26 or Crab Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp for $27, alongside their regular menu on both Christmas Eve (11:30 AM to 9 PM) and Christmas Day (12 PM to 9 PM). Located on the Potomac waterfront, BARCA offers a scenic backdrop for festive dining.
The Majestic
The Majestic in Alexandria will be open from 11:30 AM to 11 PM on Christmas Eve, featuring two special dishes: Pan-Seared Duck Breast with butternut squash purée, honey-glazed parsnips, and orange sauce for $35, and Oven-Roasted Rockfish with zucchini, eggplant, red peppers, tomato-caper sauce, and herb oil for $32. On Christmas Day, the restaurant will serve a four-course prix-fixe menu for $79 per person, including options such as Butternut Squash Soup, Crab Croquettes, Roasted Turkey, and Truffle Mashed Potatoes.
Mia’s Italian Kitchen
Mia’s Italian Kitchen will be open from 11 AM to 11 PM on Christmas Eve, offering two specials: Veal Chop Parmigiana with spicy rigatoni pomodoro, melted mozzarella, and saba for $39, and Lobster Ravioli with lobster sauce, ricotta, and sherry cream sauce for $29. On Christmas Day, Mia’s will serve a three-course prix-fixe menu for $49 per person, featuring options such as Shrimp Fra Diavolo Bruschetta, Lobster Ravioli, and Braised Lamb Shank. Enjoy a festive breakfast spread with Santa, including pastries, bagels, and scrambled eggs. Adults can add bottomless mimosas for $18. Prices are $57 for adults and $34 for kids.
Vola’s Dockside Grill
Vola’s Dockside Grill will be open from 11 AM to 11 PM on Christmas Eve with special dishes priced at $35 each: Lobster & Spinach Ravioli with asparagus, tomato cream sauce, and pecorino romano, and King Salmon with quinoa, roasted butternut squash, and salsa verde. On Christmas Day, Vola’s will offer a three-course prix-fixe menu for $49 per person, including dishes like Charred Octopus, Pork Shank Osso Buco, and Lobster & Spinach Ravioli. The restaurant’s waterfront location provides a picturesque holiday setting.
Joe Theismann’s Restaurant
Joe Theismann’s Restaurant will offer a Christmas Day buffet from 11:30 AM to 9 PM, featuring a Carving Station, Salad Table, Bread and Dessert Table, and Hot Table for $59 per person and $19 for kids. Buffet highlights include Praline-Sweet Potato Casserole, Spiral Ham, and Brioche Stuffing. Additionally, the Thanksgiving Bar Menu will be available. Breakfast with Santa includes family-style breakfast, take-home treats, and a photo with Santa. Adults can add bottomless Prosecco bellinis for $15. Available on select dates at $53 for adults and $29.50 for kids.
Royal Restaurant
Royal Restaurant will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM on Christmas Day, offering its regular menu along with Christmas specials: Prime Rib with garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and horseradish cream for $35, or Spiral Ham with mashed sweet potatoes, candied pecans, and pineapple glaze for $25.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown in Washington is offering a Nutcracker Afternoon Tea on Saturdays and Sundays in December from the 7th to the 29th, and on Fridays, December 20 and 27. Available from 1 PM to 3 PM, the prix-fixe experience features sweet and savoury holiday-themed selections served in the Loggia overlooking the courtyard’s holiday lights.
Savoury
- Poached Prawn & Honey Fennel on Brioche
- Smoked Duck & Candied Walnut on Multigrain
- Cold Smoked Salmon with Dill, Saffron Cream, and Crispy Shallot on Rye
- Cucumber & Chilled Chioggia
- Curry Chicken Salad on Croissant
Sweet
- Christmas Sphere
- Gingerbread Cake
- Mont Blanc Chestnut Tart
- Red Currant White Ganache Craquelin Choux
- Crisp Feuilletine Hazelnut
- Vanilla Scones with Clotted Cream, Berry Preserves, and Lemon Curd
Children’s Menu ($65 per child, includes sparkling apple cider):
Savoury
- Nutella & Jam on Wheat
- Organic Egg Salad on Croissant
- Tasso Ham & Cheese on Sourdough
Sweet
- Gingerbread Cake
- Red Currant White Ganache Nutcracker Choux
- Crisp Feuilletine Hazelnut Cake garnished with miniature Chocolate Nutcrackers
- Vanilla Scones with Clotted Cream, Berry Preserves, and Lemon Curd
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is also hosting their annual Christmas Day Buffet Brunch with Santa in the Colonnade on Wednesday, December 25. Two seatings are available at 11 AM and 2 PM. Guests will enjoy a festive atmosphere with live electric violin music and a visit from Santa at each table.
Buffet Highlights:
- Stations: Pancakes, waffles, omelets, carving (prime rib, honey-glazed ham), and seafood (oysters, jumbo shrimp, snow crab).
- Displays: Cheese, charcuterie, bread, fruit, pastries, and a children’s buffet.
- Desserts: Yule logs, gingerbread cake, Linzer tortes, eggnog panna cotta, and more.
Guests can also explore the lobby’s gingerbread house display and purchase drinks from the Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar. Complimentary valet parking, coat check, sodas, coffee, and tea are included.
Pricing: $169 per person, $39 for children 5–12, and free for children under 5 (excludes alcohol, tax, and gratuity).
The Fairmont‘s lobby also features a stunning 12-foot gingerbread house, crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Claus Olsen with help from Horton’s Kids, Chef Jeremiah Josey, and Fairmont colleagues. Made with over 1,000 pounds of ingredients, including 350 pounds of flour, 300 pounds of powdered sugar, 70 pounds of candy, and 4 gallons of molasses, this festive display is a must-see for the holiday season.
Atlas Brew Works
Atlas Brew Works in Washington is offering a variety of festive events and promotions this holiday season across its Alexandria, Ivy City, and Navy Yard locations.
- Ugly Holiday Sweater Parties (December 7): Celebrate the return of Giant Flaming Zombie Polar Bear DIPA with $1 off all draft beers for guests wearing holiday sweaters.
- Wreath Making Class (December 7, 2 PM, Ivy City): Learn to craft holiday wreaths with fresh materials from local urban farms. Tickets available via Eventbrite.
- Jingle Bell 5K (December 15): Participate in a charity run hosted by Old Town Run Club to benefit Tunnels to Towers. Post-race festivities include hot chocolate, Christmas karaoke, a slice of Andy’s Pizza, and a drink at Atlas Alexandria.
Bresca
Bresca in Washington is offering a Christmas Eve prix-fixe tasting menu from 2 PM to 8 PM. The meal features a celebratory twist on holiday favorites using seasonal ingredients. $195 per person (beverages, tax, and service charge not included).
Et Voila
Et Voila in Washington is serving a prix-fixe dinner menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, available all day.
Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel
Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel in Washington is offering a decadent Christmas Eve prix-fixe dinner. $155 per person, $95 for children.
- Menu Highlights:
- Appetizers: Scallop Crudo, Foie Gras “Marjolaine.”
- Entrees: Taleggio Caramelle, Dry Aged Filet Mignon.
- Desserts from the pastry team.
Sette Osteria
Sette Osteria in Washington is offering holiday specials alongside their regular menu on Christmas Eve and Day. Festive dishes include Ravioli all’Aragosta, Capesante Scottate, Branzino al Forno, and Pesce del Giorno.
Joe Theismann’s Restaurant, Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Ada’s on the River
Joe Theismann’s Restaurant, Mia’s Italian Kitchen, and Ada’s on the River in Alexandria are hosting a Breakfast with Santa every weekend in December from December 7 to December 22, between 8 AM and 10 AM.
Tickets, priced between $0 and $57, include a festive, family-style breakfast featuring:
- Breakfast pastry and bagel basket
- Smoked salmon
- Pancakes
- Additional holiday-inspired dishes
Children receive take-home treats, while adults can enjoy bottomless mimosas, bellinis, or Prosecco for $15. Santa Claus will make a special appearance, and keepsake photos will be available to capture the magical experience.
Iron Gate
Iron Gate in Washington is celebrating Christmas Eve with a prix-fixe Feast of the Seven Fishes. $125 per person.
Tosca
Tosca in Washington is offering a Christmas Eve prix-fixe dinner featuring the Feast of the Seven Fishes. The menu includes family-style and individually plated dishes. $145 per person.
The Pembroke
The Pembroke in Washington is serving a four-course prix-fixe menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. $130 per adult, $55 for children (tax and gratuity not included).
- Menu Highlights:
- Starters: Raw Bar, Artisan Cheese, Charcuterie.
- Entrees: Aged Duck Breast, Short Rib Wellington, Roasted Turbot.
- Desserts: Mont Blanc, Sticky Toffee Pudding.
- Children’s Options: Roasted Chicken Breast, The Pembroke Smash Burger.
The Bazaar by José Andrés
The Bazaar by José Andrés in Washington is offering “Jose’s Way” tasting menu on Christmas Eve. $165 per person. Optional wine discovery flight for $90.
The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC
The Greenhouse in Washington is offering a three-course prix-fixe dinner menu for Christmas Eve ($175 per person) and Christmas Day ($165 per person).
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