Christmas Eve is a time for festive cheer and family gatherings, but sometimes the thought of cooking a big meal can be overwhelming. Luckily, many restaurants understand this and keep their doors open, offering a delicious alternative to home-cooked dinners. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dine-in experience or convenient takeout to enjoy at home, you’ll find a variety of options available.
If you’re wondering “What Food Places Are Open On Christmas Eve?”, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you navigate the culinary landscape and discover restaurants ready to serve you on December 24th. Remember that holiday hours can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check directly with the restaurant for their specific operating times.
Many types of eateries cater to Christmas Eve diners, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s taste. From casual American diners offering comforting classics to international flavors like Italian and Asian cuisine, your holiday meal options are plentiful. Let’s explore some of the categories you might consider when looking for Christmas Eve dining.
For those craving classic American comfort food, diners are often a reliable choice on Christmas Eve. These establishments typically offer a wide-ranging menu, from breakfast favorites available all day to hearty sandwiches and entrees.
Image alt text: Quaint diner exterior on Christmas Eve, inviting atmosphere for holiday dining. Find your favorite American classics at diners open this December 24th.
Diners:
- Broadway Diner: Start your Christmas Eve day with a hearty breakfast or enjoy a midday meal at Broadway Diner. Known for its classic diner fare, it’s a great spot for a relaxed and comforting meal.
- Address: 3140 Watson Blvd. in Endwell
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Park Diner: Another excellent diner option, Park Diner offers a welcoming atmosphere and a menu filled with breakfast, lunch, and early dinner choices perfect for a casual Christmas Eve outing.
- Address: 119 Conklin Ave. in Binghamton
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Cracker Barrel: For a homestyle dining experience with a touch of country charm, Cracker Barrel is open for part of Christmas Eve, offering their signature dishes and a warm, inviting setting.
- Address: 876 Front St. in Binghamton
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Take-A-Break: True to its name, Take-A-Break provides a relaxed environment to enjoy a meal and take a break from holiday preparations. Their hours accommodate breakfast and lunch crowds on Christmas Eve.
- Address: 2313 Old Vestal Road in Vestal.
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale or a specific cuisine, there are also various bars, grills, and specialty restaurants open on Christmas Eve.
Image alt text: Warm and inviting bar and grill decorated for Christmas Eve, ideal for holiday gatherings and meals. Discover festive dining at bars and grills open this December 24th.
American Cuisine & Bar/Grills:
- Applebee’s Grill and Bar: A familiar favorite, Applebee’s Binghamton and Vestal locations offer a diverse menu of American classics and bar fare, perfect for a casual Christmas Eve lunch or early dinner.
- Address: 842 Front St. in Binghamton; 3701 Vestal Parkway E. in Vestal
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Beer Tree: With two locations, Factory By Beer Tree and Farm by Beer Tree, you can enjoy craft beers and delicious food in a unique brewery setting on Christmas Eve. Hours vary by location, offering flexibility for lunch or an early evening outing.
- Factory By Beer Tree Address: Oakdale Commons in Johnson City
- Factory By Beer Tree Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Farm by Beer Tree Address: 197 NY-369 in Port Crane
- Farm by Beer Tree Hours: noon to 6 p.m.
- CopperTop Tavern: Known for its lively atmosphere and American pub fare, CopperTop Tavern is a solid choice for a relaxed Christmas Eve meal.
- Address: 4700 Vestal Parkway E. in Vestal
- Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Courtside Bar and Grill: Offering extended hours into the night, Courtside Bar and Grill is a versatile option for lunch, dinner, or even late-night bites on Christmas Eve.
- Address: 56 Court St. in Binghamton
- Hours: 11:30 a.m. to midnight
- Craft: For a gastropub experience, Craft offers a menu of elevated American dishes and a curated drink selection, open through dinner hours on Christmas Eve.
- Address: 135 Washington St. in Binghamton
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Food and Fire BBQ Taphouse: If you’re craving barbecue, Food and Fire BBQ Taphouse is open for lunch and an early dinner, providing smoky and flavorful options for your Christmas Eve meal.
- Address: 560 Harry L Drive in Johnson City
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Mooney’s: Mooney’s offers American cuisine and is open for lunch and early dinner on Christmas Eve. It’s recommended to call and confirm their hours.
- Address: 214 Reynolds Road in Johnson City.
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call to confirm.
- Nick’s: Nick’s provides another option for American fare, open for lunch and an early dinner service on Christmas Eve.
- Address: 117 E. Main St. in Endicott
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Nips Park Avenue: With the bar open late and the kitchen serving until late evening, Nips Park Avenue can accommodate various Christmas Eve dining schedules, from afternoon drinks to late dinners.
- Address: 135 Park Ave. in Binghamton
- Hours: Bar 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Kitchen 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- The Old Union Hotel: Offering a historical setting and American dishes, The Old Union Hotel is open for lunch and early dinner on Christmas Eve.
- Address: 246 Clinton St. in Binghamton
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Red Robin: Known for its gourmet burgers and family-friendly atmosphere, Red Robin is open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve.
- Address: 2545 Vestal Parkway E. in Vestal
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tully’s: A popular spot for American casual dining, Tully’s is open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve, but it’s advisable to call and confirm their holiday hours.
- Address: 4700 Vestal Parkway E. in Vestal
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call to confirm.
- The Grove: For extended hours on Christmas Eve, The Grove offers both dining and bar service well into the night.
- Address: 65 Court St. in Binghamton
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Chili’s: Another familiar chain restaurant, Chili’s is open for lunch and an early dinner on Christmas Eve, offering Tex-Mex inspired American fare.
- Address: 2553 Vestal Parkway E. in Vestal
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Red Lobster: If seafood is your Christmas Eve craving, Red Lobster is open for lunch and dinner, serving their seafood specialties.
- Address: 1200 Vestal Parkway E. in Vestal.
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Olive Garden Italian Restaurant: While known for Italian, Olive Garden is categorized here due to its broad appeal and American-Italian style dishes, open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve.
- Address: 112 Vestal Parkway E. in Vestal
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tully’s: (Duplicate entry removed, already listed above)
For those seeking international flavors, Italian and Asian restaurants provide delicious alternatives for Christmas Eve dining.
Image alt text: Cozy Italian restaurant interior, perfect setting for a Christmas Eve dinner. Enjoy pasta, pizza, and more at Italian restaurants open this December 24th.
Italian Restaurants:
- California Grill: While the name might suggest Californian cuisine, California Grill is an Italian restaurant offering pizza and pasta dishes, open for lunch and an early dinner on Christmas Eve.
- Address: 912 Vestal Parkway E. in Vestal
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Donoli’s: Donoli’s offers Italian fare and is open for lunch and dinner service on Christmas Eve.
- Address: 6510-6568 state Route 434 in Apalachin
- Hours: noon to 8 p.m.
- Michelangelo’s: For a taste of Italian cuisine, Michelangelo’s is open for lunch and an early dinner on Christmas Eve.
- Address: 465 Court St. in Binghamton
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Nirchi’s: Nirchi’s, known for its Italian-American dishes, is open for breakfast and lunch hours on Christmas Eve.
- Address: 166 Water St. in Binghamton.
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tony’s Italian Grill: Tony’s Italian Grill provides another option for Italian cuisine, open for lunch and an early dinner on Christmas Eve.
- Address: 2315 E. Main St. in Endicott
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Image alt text: Stylish Asian fusion restaurant with sushi bar, a unique choice for Christmas Eve dining. Explore sushi, noodles, and more at Asian restaurants open this December 24th.
Asian Restaurants:
- Fushimi Asian Fusion: For a more exotic Christmas Eve meal, Fushimi Asian Fusion offers a diverse menu of Asian dishes, open for both lunch and dinner.
- Address: 133 N. Main St. in Vestal
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Kampai Japanese Steakhouse: If you’re looking for Japanese cuisine with a special dining experience, Kampai Japanese Steakhouse is open for dinner service on Christmas Eve.
- Address: 108 N. Jensen Road in Vestal
- Hours: 4:30-9:30 p.m.
For a truly special and potentially more formal Christmas Eve dinner, consider steakhouses or restaurants offering special holiday menus.
Image alt text: Luxurious steakhouse interior, perfect for a special Christmas Eve dinner. Indulge in steak, seafood, and fine dining experiences at steakhouses open this December 24th.
Steakhouses & Special Menus:
- McCoy’s Chophouse: McCoy’s Chophouse provides a steakhouse dining experience, open for dinner service on Christmas Eve.
- Address: 105 W. Main St. in Endicott
- Hours: 4-8:30 p.m.
- Traditions at the Glen: Offering a special Christmas Eve menu, Traditions at the Glen provides a more upscale and festive dining option. Reservations are required, making it ideal for a planned holiday dinner.
- Address: 4104 Watson Blvd. in Johnson City
- Hours: 5-9 p.m. (Special Christmas Eve menu, reservations required)
Lastly, don’t forget about bakeries for any last-minute dessert needs or sweet treats to complement your Christmas Eve meal.
Image alt text: Festive bakery storefront decorated for Christmas, offering holiday treats and desserts. Find delicious baked goods at bakeries open this December 24th.
Bakeries:
- Vestal Bakery: Vestal Bakery is open for part of Christmas Eve, perfect for picking up fresh baked goods, desserts, or holiday treats.
- Address: 176 Vestal Parkway E. in Vestal.
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tips for Dining Out on Christmas Eve:
- Make Reservations: Especially for dinner service, and particularly at restaurants like Traditions at the Glen that require them, booking a table in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment and long waits.
- Confirm Holiday Hours: Restaurant hours can vary on holidays. Always double-check the operating hours directly with the restaurant before heading out, as times may be subject to change. A quick phone call can save you a trip.
- Consider Takeout or Delivery: If you prefer to dine at home but still want to avoid cooking, many of these restaurants offer takeout options. Check if your chosen restaurant provides takeout or delivery services for a convenient holiday meal.
- Inquire About Special Menus: Some restaurants, like Traditions at the Glen, offer special Christmas Eve menus. Ask if there are any holiday specials or set menus available to make your dining experience even more festive.
Dining out on Christmas Eve can be a wonderful way to relax, enjoy time with loved ones, and savor delicious food without the stress of cooking and cleaning. With a variety of restaurants open, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to celebrate the holiday. Happy Holidays and happy dining!
