Unforgettable Holiday Dining
Experiences in New Jersey
Best New Jersey Restaurants for Holiday Celebrations
Unwind with festive meals, warm service, and cozy ambiance across the Garden State. This guide highlights standout spots for new jersey winter holiday dining, including New Jersey Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve and Day. Holiday hours can change, so call ahead if a date is not listed.
Key takeaways
- Book early for new jersey winter holiday dining, especially for New Year’s Eve and Christmas.
- Many spots offer special menus on New Jersey Thanksgiving Day, with turkey and seasonal sides.
- Waterfront and historic venues fill up fast, so reserve as soon as dates open.
- NJ Christmas restaurants often serve both Christmas Eve and Day, but menus and hours vary.
- Always confirm holiday hours with the restaurant, since schedules can change.
Northern New Jersey Holiday Dining Favorites
1776 by David Burke
Morristown, NJ
Modern American plates, a lively bar, and a sleek open dining room. Golf fans can book one of six Topgolf Swing Suites.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Adega Grill
Newark, NJ
A refined Spanish and Portuguese experience in the Ironbound, known for attentive service and generous portions.
Open daily, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Anthony David’s
Hoboken, NJ
A neighborhood favorite and long-time trattoria by chef Anthony Pino, serving polished Italian dishes.
Open Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Blue Morel
Morristown, NJ
Seasonal menus with local ingredients and lighter portions, ideal for health-minded diners.
Open Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, Easter, and Mother’s Day.
Chart House
Weehawken, NJ
Panoramic Hudson River and NYC skyline views from nearly every seat.
Open daily and on major holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Chez Catherine
Westfield, NJ
Classic French dining with a traditional turkey menu on Thanksgiving Day.
Open Thanksgiving.
Crystal Springs Resort, Holiday Dining
Vernon, NJ
Multiple restaurant options in a scenic mountain resort with varied activities and live entertainment, plus stylish lodging.
Open for Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Felina Steak at Hudson House
Jersey City, NJ
Romantic setting on the Hudson with striking Manhattan views, serving modern Italian fare, dry-aged steaks, and seafood.
Open Easter and Mother’s Day for brunch, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s.
Fresco Da Franco
Montclair, NJ
Upscale Italian dining with polished classics and a lively scene.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Grain House Restaurant at the Olde Mill Inn
Basking Ridge, NJ
Historic charm with beamed ceilings and stone hearths in a former inn.
Open Thanksgiving and Easter.
The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
A 1796 landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, serving a refined American menu.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.
Ninety Acres
Peapack, NJ
Located at Natirar, the kitchen focuses on farm-driven dishes using local produce and meats.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.
Rails Steakhouse
Towaco, NJ
Destination steakhouse with a rustic, upscale interior and special occasion appeal.
Open Thanksgiving with a classic turkey menu, plus Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinners.
Restaurant Serenade
Chatham, NJ
A top-tier special occasion choice, featuring European and French-inspired cuisine.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Sofia
Englewood, NJ
Italian steakhouse with a separate ventilated cigar lounge, plus a stylish main dining room.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Ventanas @ The Modern
Fort Lee, NJ
Trendy dinner spot with late-night energy and festive holiday decor.
Open Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.
Waterside Restaurant
North Bergen, NJ
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame dramatic Manhattan views, perfect for celebrations.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Central New Jersey Holiday Dining Favorites
Avenue
Long Branch, NJ
Beachfront setting in Pier Village with a stylish vibe and French-inspired menus.
Open Thanksgiving with a special menu.
Drifthouse by David Burke
Sea Bright, NJ
Coastal views, a chic dining room, and creative seasonal plates.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.
Frog and The Peach
New Brunswick, NJ
A local icon known for refined dining and top service. Traditional roasted turkey on Thanksgiving, plus festive menus.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.
Lambertville Station
Lambertville, NJ
Classic American fare in a scenic riverside town with easy parking and cozy ambiance.
Open for brunch and dinner on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve with a gala dinner, and New Year’s Day.
Laurea
Princeton, NJ
Set in the Hyatt Regency’s atrium, this modern Italian spot serves polished plates in a sleek space.
Open Thanksgiving with a special menu and New Year’s Eve.
Metuchen Inn
Metuchen, NJ
Elegant dining in a restored 1843 mansion, great for milestone celebrations.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Festive decor brightens the season.
Molly Pitcher Inn
Red Bank, NJ
Historic waterfront venue on the Navesink River with holiday menus and a buffet brunch on Christmas Day.
Open Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Orchard Park by David Burke
East Brunswick, NJ
Located at Chateau Grande Hotel, featuring striking design and a 1,500-bottle wine room.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve with an à la carte menu, and Christmas Day with a three-course prix fixe.
Rats
Hamilton Township, NJ
Romantic dining on the Grounds For Sculpture, with art-filled rooms and fireplaces.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.
Red Horse by David Burke
Rumson, NJ
Modern-American steakhouse and sushi bar in a stately Victorian home.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day with special menus.
Salt Creek Grille
Rumson, NJ
Warm, wood-accented room with soft lighting and river views.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Scarborough Fair
Sea Girt, NJ
Romantic, multi-level farmhouse setting, focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day.
Sirena Ristorante
Long Branch, NJ
Italian classics with striking oceanfront views and a lively holiday buzz.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
The Perch at The Peacock Inn
Princeton, NJ
Fine dining inside an 18th-century inn, ideal for romantic celebrations.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Southern New Jersey Holiday Dining Favorites
Blue Pig Tavern
Cape May, NJ
Located in historic Congress Hall, serving farm-driven plates, cozy in winter with a large wood-burning fireplace.
Open Thanksgiving with a classic turkey dinner, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Carmine’s Restaurant
The Quarter at the Tropicana, Atlantic City, NJ
Group-friendly, red-sauce Italian with hearty platters for sharing.
Open daily, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Deauville Inn
Strathmere, NJ
Bayside dining with sunset views, blending casual and upscale with a 1920s vibe.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.
Ebbitt Room
Cape May, NJ
Fine dining in the Virginia Hotel, a favorite for holiday meals.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
Atlantic City, NJ
A polished choice for seafood or a date night steak.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Old Homestead
Atlantic City, NJ
A Borgata classic known for top-grade beef and celebratory dinners.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
River Winds
West Deptford, NJ
Scenic waterfront views of the Philly skyline, old-school upscale feel, and fair prices.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.
Seaview Hotel and Golf Club
Galloway, NJ
Grand dining room with a formal tone, plus resort perks like golf, a heated pool, fire pits, and lobby games.
Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, with overnight stays available.
Verona Ristorante
141 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ
Romantic southern Italian cooking in a classic setting.
Open on major dining holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
FAQs
Q: When should I book for Thanksgiving or Christmas in 2025?
A: Reserve 3 to 6 weeks in advance. High-demand venues may open books even earlier.
Q: Do these restaurants offer kids’ menus on holidays?
A: Many do, but it depends on the special menu. Ask about child pricing when you book.
Q: Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?
A: Most kitchens can accommodate common dietary needs. Mention your request when reserving.
Q: What is the dress code for holiday dining?
A: Smart casual is common. Some upscale spots lean business casual or cocktail attire on New Year’s Eve.
Q: Are takeout or family-style packages offered for the holidays?
A: Several restaurants prepare holiday takeout or prix fixe boxes. Check the website or call ahead.
Q: Do these places require a deposit for holiday reservations?
A: Some do, especially for large parties or New Year’s Eve. Ask about cancellation policies.
Q: Which restaurants have the best views for a festive dinner?
A: Check out Chart House, Waterside, Felina Steak at Hudson House, Salt Creek Grille, River Winds, and Blue Pig Tavern for scenic settings.
Q: What if there is severe weather?
A: Policies vary. Most will update guests by phone or email. Keep your contact details current on the reservation.
