Guide to New Jersey's Restaurants Open This Christmas

Celebrate Christmas in style at 1776 by David Burke in Morristown, where festive holiday menus, inventive American cuisine, and an elegant setting overlooking the Morristown Green create an unforgettable dining experience.

Guests can savor chef-inspired seasonal dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and warm hospitality while enjoying quality time with family and friends. With its lively atmosphere and unique Topgolf Swing Suites, 1776 offers a perfect blend of holiday tradition, exceptional food, and memorable fun.

Visit the official 1776 by David Burke website for menu and reservations.

For a memorable Christmas dinner, Adega Grill offers an experience that feels festive from the moment you walk through the door.

The restaurant is known for its warm, elegant atmosphere, featuring old-world décor, soft lighting, stone fireplaces, and attentive service that creates the perfect setting for a holiday gathering.

Holiday meals are all about bringing people together, and Adega Grill's generous Portuguese and Spanish-inspired cuisine is ideal for sharing with family and friends.

The restaurant is celebrated for its fresh seafood, premium meats, seasonal specialties, and abundant portions, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. Wine lovers will especially appreciate the restaurant's extensive wine program, with more than 180 selections available to complement holiday dishes and special toasts.

Visit the official Adega Grill website for menu and reservations

Blue Morel is a standout choice for Christmas dinner because it combines the warmth of a holiday gathering with the elegance of an upscale dining experience.What makes Blue Morel especially appealing for holiday dining is its combination of:

• A warm, festive atmosphere ideal for family gatherings.
• Chef-driven, seasonal cuisine emphasizing local ingredients.
• An award-winning wine selection to complement holiday meals.
• The convenience of enjoying a special occasion without the work of hosting at home.

Visit the official Blue Morel website for menu and reservations

Dining at Crystal Springs Resort in Vernon and Hamburg, NJ, during Christmas transforms into a destination holiday experience. Rather than just offering a standard holiday meal, the resort leans into its reputation as a premier culinary and hospitality hub in the region.

Instead of a single dining room, the resort opens multiple distinct spaces across its properties (primarily Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel), each offering a different atmosphere.

Visit the official Crystal Springs Resort website for menu and reservations

Dining at Fresco Da Franco offers a festive way to celebrate Christmas with family and friends while enjoying the warmth and sophistication of Italian dining.

Known for its inviting atmosphere, attentive hospitality, and menu rooted in Italian culinary traditions, the restaurant provides an appealing alternative to preparing a large holiday meal at home.

Christmas is especially distinctive at Fresco Da Franco because the restaurant features La Vigilia, a traditional Calabrese Feast of the Seven Fishes, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Visit the official Fresco Da Franco website for menu and reservations

Grain House Restaurant at the Olde Mill Inn, Basking Ridge, NJ

The Grain House Restaurant at the Olde Mill Inn offers a distinctive setting for Christmas dining, combining the warmth of a historic colonial-era building with traditional American cuisine and festive hospitality.

• Dating back to the 18th century, the restaurant features original exposed-beam ceilings, rustic decor, impressive fireplaces, and cozy fireside dining that create a welcoming atmosphere for gathering with family and friends. Rather than dining in an ordinary restaurant, guests can enjoy the feeling of stepping back in time while celebrating the holidays over a memorable meal.
• Christmas with its historic charm and a festive atmosphere is a natural fit for those who appreciate the charm of a historic restaurant during the holiday season. The exposed wooden beams, glowing fireplaces, and intimate dining spaces provide a cozy backdrop for a festive gathering

Visit the official Grain House Restaurant at the Olde Mill Inn website for menu and reservations

Halifax Restaurant offers a distinctive setting for Christmas holiday dining where views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline add a memorable backdrop to a special-occasion meal.

Its farm-to-table approach is particularly appealing to diners seeking a fresh, thoughtfully prepared alternative to a traditional holiday meal at home. The restaurant's focus on quality ingredients and creative cooking makes it a potential choice for couples, families, and friends looking to enjoy a memorable holiday gathering in Hudson County.

Visit the official Halifax Restaurant website for menu and reservations

Lefkes at The Modern offers an upscale setting for a memorable Christmas celebration, combining contemporary Greek-Mediterranean cuisine with elegant surroundings and a lively lounge atmosphere.

The restaurant brings a modern interpretation to Greek culinary traditions, with a menu that features fresh seafood, premium steaks, lamb, and creative sushi selections.

Its distinctive approach makes it an appealing choice for couples, families, and groups seeking a holiday dining experience that feels more sophisticated and contemporary than a traditional turkey dinner.

Visit the official Lefkes at The Modern website for menu and reservations

Sofia offers an upscale Italian steakhouse experience that can make a holiday meal feel like a special occasion.

Located in downtown Englewood, Sofia combines a stylish dining atmosphere with premium steaks, fresh seafood, a raw bar, and Italian-American favorites an appealing setting for families and friends who want to celebrate without preparing a large holiday meal at home.

For Christmas Day, its combination of steakhouse specialties, seafood, and Italian dishes offers a different way to celebrate with loved ones.

Visit the official Sofia Restaurant website for menu and reservations

Drifthouse by David Burke offers a distinctive setting for Christmas dining, combining contemporary coastal cuisine with the creative flair of celebrity chef David Burke.

Its waterfront location, stylish atmosphere, and seafood-focused menu make it an appealing choice for a special-occasion holiday meal, particularly for diners who enjoy upscale dining with a Jersey Shore ambiance.

For Christmas, Drifthouse is serving a special prix fixe menu featuring traditional favorites alongside coastal specialties and seasonal dishes, with dining options in its ocean-view main dining room or cozy Fireplace Room.

Visit the official Drifthouse by David Burke website for menu and reservations

Christmas dining at Lambertville Station is special because it combines holiday dining with the charm of a historic railroad station overlooking the Delaware River.

Its distinctive setting, exposed brick, rustic architectural details, and warm, inviting atmosphere create a memorable backdrop for gathering with family and friends during the holiday season.

The restaurant's location near Lambertville's picturesque downtown and the Delaware River adds to the appeal, making a holiday meal an opportunity to enjoy both fine dining and a charming riverside town.

The holiday menus have also featured seasonal favorites, with festive Christmas entrees such as glazed ham, roast duck, lamb, seafood and steak. These offerings reflect the restaurant's blend of familiar holiday comfort foods and more upscale dining choices.

Visit the official Lambertville Station Restaurant website for menu and reservations

Laurea offers a distinctive setting for holiday dining by combining contemporary Italian cuisine with the warmth and traditions of Italian family gatherings.

Located inside the Hyatt Regency Princeton at Carnegie Center, Laurea emphasizes fresh ingredients, house-made pasta, artisanal pizza baked in a fire-fired oven, and carefully selected Italian wines.

Its modern design, open kitchen, custom bar, and inviting communal dining areas create an appealing atmosphere for celebrating Christmas with family and friends.

For holiday visitors, Laurea's appeal is its blend of Italian hospitality, flavorful cuisine, and a relaxed yet polished setting suited to a festive family meal or special-occasion dinner.

Visit the official Laurea Restaurant website for menu and reservations

Metuchen Inn, Metuchen, NJ

Celebrate the holidays with timeless elegance at Metuchen Inn where Christmas dining becomes a cherished family tradition.

Nestled in a historic setting, the Inn offers festive prix fixe menus featuring seasonal favorites like roasted turkey, prime rib, and decadent desserts.

Families can enjoy warm hospitality, beautifully decorated dining rooms, and a cozy ambiance perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you're planning for a Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day dinner, Metuchen Inn delivers a memorable culinary experience for all ages.

Visit the official Metuchen Inn website for menu and reservations

Celebrate the holidays in style at the Molly Pitcher Inn where families can enjoy elegant Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Brunch dining with panoramic views of the Navesink River.

Known for its seasonal brunches and festive menus, the Inn offers a warm, upscale atmosphere perfect for holiday gatherings. From slow-roasted turkey and classic sides to gourmet desserts and live piano music, each experience blends tradition with luxury.

Visit the official Molly Pitcher Inn website for menu and reservations

Orchard Park by David Burke offers an upscale setting for holiday dining, combining contemporary American cuisine with the creative culinary style of acclaimed chef David Burke.

Its polished atmosphere and chef-driven approach make it an appealing option for families and friends seeking a special restaurant experience for Christmas.

For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the restaurant transforms into a winter wonderland, offering innovative holiday menus in the elegant Chateau Grande Hotel setting.

Chef Burke's modern American menu features premium steaks prepared using his Himalayan sea-salt dry-aging technique, creative seafood dishes, inventive appetizers, and seasonal selections. The restaurant's stylish dining room adds to its special-occasion appeal.

Visit the official Orchard Park by David Burke website for menu and reservations

Celebrate the holidays in style at Red Horse by David Burke where families are treated to an unforgettable dining experience.

This award-winning steakhouse offers a festive Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day menu featuring Chef Burke's signature salt-aged steaks, holiday turkey, and seasonal sides crafted with flair.

With kid-friendly pricing and elegant ambiance, Red Horse is the perfect destination for family gatherings, holiday dinners, and special celebrations along the Jersey Shore.

Christmas offerings include lobster dumplings, oysters, premium beef cuts, seafood entrées, and seasonal desserts such as Christmas yule log and pecan pie.

Visit the official Red Horse by David Burke website for menu and reservations

Christmas dining at The Perch at The Peacock Inn offers the appeal of celebrating the holidays in an elegant boutique-inn setting.

Its intimate atmosphere and historic Princeton surroundings make it a distinctive choice for a special-occasion meal, whether you're planning a festive dinner for two or a holiday gathering with family. 

Complimentary valet parking adds convenience for holiday guests. 

Visit the official Perch at The Peacock Inn website for menu and reservations 

Dining for Christmas at Amici is special. This BYOB blends the comforting, traditional elements of major holiday feasts with upscale, authentic Italian fine dining. Several key features define the holiday dining experience at Amici:

The Best of Both Worlds (Traditional & Italian): While many local spots stick strictly to standard turkey dinners, Amici typically curates specialized holiday formats (including set menus).

Their Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day menus feature festive prix fixe and a la carte options

Visit the official Amici website for menu and reservations

Celebrate the holidays with heartwarming family dining at the Blue Pig Tavern where Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals blend historic charm with farm-fresh flavor.

Nestled inside Congress Hall, this beloved restaurant offers cozy fireplace seating and festive decor, perfect for seasonal gatherings. Enjoy traditional holiday favorites crafted with ingredients from nearby Beach Plum Farm, including roasted turkey, savory stuffing, and decadent pies.

For planning a Christmas dinner, the Blue Pig Tavern delivers a memorable, family-friendly experience in the heart of Cape May.

Visit the official Blue Pig Tavern website for menu and reservations

Celebrate the holidays with unforgettable family-style dining at Carmine's Restaurant. Known for its generous Southern Italian classics, Carmine's offers festive Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve menus perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Families can indulge in heaping platters of roasted meats, seasonal sides, and decadent desserts, all served in a warm, celebratory atmosphere just steps from the Boardwalk. Whether you're gathering for a Christmas holiday feast or planning a cozy winter outing, Carmine's delivers a joyful dining experience that captures the spirit of the season.

Visit the official Carmine’s Restaurant website for menu and reservations

The Ebbitt Room offers a distinctive setting for holiday dining, combining the charm of a historic Victorian seaside resort with an intimate, upscale restaurant atmosphere.

Its appeal lies in making Christmas meals feel like a special occasion, whether celebrating with family or enjoying a festive getaway in Cape May.

What makes the holidays especially appealing is the restaurant's commitment to farm-to-table cuisine, featuring seasonal ingredients from nearby Beach Plum Farm.

The Ebbitt Room is an excellent choice for diners seeking an elegant, chef-driven Christmas meal in a historic Cape May setting. Its association with the Virginia Hotel also makes it attractive for a holiday getaway.

Visit the official Ebbitt Room website for menu and reservations

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks offers an appealing holiday dining option for Christmas, combining a polished restaurant atmosphere with a menu known for fresh seafood, shellfish, and premium steaks.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day dining, features traditional turkey dinners with all the classic fixings like cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie alongside their signature seafood and steak selections.

Its established seafood specialties and steakhouse favorites provide an alternative to traditional holiday meals, while its location within Harrah's makes it convenient to pair dinner with a casino resort getaway.

Visit the official McCormick and Schmick’s website for menu and reservations

Celebrate the holidays in style at Old Homestead Steak House where Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining becomes a luxurious family affair.

Nestled inside the Borgata, this iconic restaurant offers prix-fixe holiday menus featuring classics like farm-raised roasted turkey, sweet mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, alongside signature steakhouse favorites like prime filet mignon.

With elegant private dining rooms and warm, attentive service, Old Homestead creates a festive atmosphere perfect for family gatherings, milestone celebrations, and seasonal indulgence.

Visit the official Old Homestead website for menu and reservations

Verona Ristorante offers an appealing choice for Christmas Day dining for guests who enjoy an elegant Italian meal with family and friends.

Guided by the Bodi family, the restaurant specializes in Southern Italian and Sicilian cuisine, combining traditional favorites with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Its menu features tempting choices such as lobster ravioli, ricotta gnocchi, chicken Parmesan, veal piccata, and seafood specialties, making it a distinctive alternative to a traditional holiday turkey dinner.

The restaurant's intimate atmosphere and BYOB policy add to the appeal, allowing diners to bring their own wine to complement the meal without a corkage fee.

Visit the official Verona Ristorante website for menu and reservations