This article is all about the best restaurants and where to eat Christmas Day dinner in New York City.
Spending Christmas in New York City is one of those bucket-list experiences that feels straight out of a movie.
The lights are still twinkling, Fifth Avenue is glowing, and despite the city’s reputation for never sleeping, Christmas Day in New York has a noticeably calmer, more reflective energy.
One of the biggest questions visitors ask every year, though, is this: where do you actually eat on Christmas Day in NYC?
I’ve spent three Christmas Days in New York City and am about to spend my fourth Christmas Day there this year, in 2026.
Last year in 2025, we decided to spend our first hot Christmas in Sydney, Australia after moving here in February 2025. On December 1st, I knew I had made a grave mistake and didn’t feel the Christmas spirit at all in 2025.
There truly is nowhere like New York at Christmas and I made sure to book for Christmas 2026 and unfortunately (for my bank account), I think I’ll have to spend every Christmas in New York City.
This is my guide to where to eat Christmas Day dinner in New York, including three restaurants I’ve dined at and others that are highly recommended.
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Where to Eat Christmas Day Dinner in New York City
Contrary to popular belief, not everything is closed on Christmas Day in New York.
In fact, the city’s cultural diversity means you’ll find everything from traditional turkey dinners to Chinatown feasts, Irish pubs, pizza slices, and late-night Mexican food.
Whether you’re craving a traditional Christmas Day dinner in New York, searching for a cosy pub atmosphere, or wondering where to eat in New York on Christmas Day without booking months in advance, this guide has you covered.
I’ve personally spent Christmas Day in NYC more than once, including filming my popular How to Spend Christmas Day in New York blog post and YouTube vlog, and I’ve eaten Christmas dinner at several of the spots listed below.
So these recommendations aren’t just theoretical, they’re tried, tested, and very festive.
In this guide to Christmas Day dinner in New York, you’ll find:
- Traditional Christmas Day dinner in New York
- Festive hotel dining options
- Non-traditional places to eat on Christmas Day in NYC
- Practical tips for where to eat in New York on Christmas Day without disappointment
What is Christmas Day Like in New York?
Before we talk food, it’s worth setting expectations.
Christmas Day in New York is quieter, but not closed. Public transport runs on a reduced schedule, tourist attractions are limited, and the streets feel calmer, especially in the morning.
New York is home to people of countless religions, cultures, and traditions. While Christmas is widely celebrated, it isn’t universal, which means many businesses, especially restaurants, remain open.
This diversity is what makes eating on Christmas Day in New York City so interesting. You can enjoy a classic roast turkey at lunchtime, dumplings in Chinatown by afternoon, and pizza or cocktails by evening.
If you want the full festive experience, I recommend pairing a long Christmas Day lunch or dinner with a walk through Central Park, Dyker Heights, or the Fifth Avenue lights.
You can see what we got up to on Christmas Day in New York last year in my YouTube vlog below:
Where to Have A Traditional Christmas Day Dinner in New York
For many visitors, a truly traditional Christmas Day dinner in New York involves turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and maybe a slice of pumpkin or pecan pie to finish.
Restaurants that offer this often have festive decorations, holiday menus, and a celebratory atmosphere that feels like a special occasion meal.
Here are some of the best:
1. The Churchill Tavern: My Top Pick
Address: East 28th Street, Manhattan, New York
If you want atmosphere and authenticity, The Churchill Tavern is my go-to recommendation for Christmas Day dinner in New York.
I’ve eaten here on Christmas Day myself and for Thanksgiving, and it feels like the perfect blend of festive comfort and NYC charm.
Why the The Churchill is Perfect for Christmas Day Dinner in New York:
- The décor is cosy, wood-accented, and feels like a Europe-meets-Manhattan holiday pub
- Their Christmas menus are hearty: turkey with all the sides, roast ham, seasonal vegetables, sauces that taste like nostalgia, and dessert specials
- Often features holiday music and decorations that feel intimate rather than loud
- Friendly service that doesn’t make you feel rushed even when it’s busy
What to Expect at The Churchill on Christmas Day:
A communal, warm vibe that’s perfect for solo travellers, couples, friends, or families who want a great festive meal without ultra-formal trappings.
Book early, as The Churchill Tavern fills up fast for Christmas Day dinner in New York. We emailed a few weeks ahead of Christmas and were able to get a reservation.
2. GMT Tavern: Festive Pub Style Dinner
Address: Bleecker Street, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) Tavern is one of those places that feels classic New York on Christmas.
Big windows, lively but not chaotic crowds, and a holiday menu that leans traditional without being staid.
What to Expect at GMT Tavern for Christmas Day Dinner in New York:
- Traditional Christmas turkey dinner with stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy
- Often served alongside seasonal cocktails and winter beers
- Very central location. Perfect for a walk around Washington Square Park afterwards
What Makes GMT Tavern Great for Christmas Day Dinner in New York:
GMT Tavern is festive without being too fussy.
It’s great for groups (there was 20 of us on Christmas Day), couples, or anyone who wants a classic Christmas dinner in New York with a bit more buzz than a quiet pub.
3. Connolly’s Irish Pub: Classic Christmas Comfort
Address: West 45th Street, Times Square, Manhattan, New York
Connolly’s Pub is a lively pub that transforms into a cheerful holiday hub on Christmas Day.
If you want the warmth of an Irish pub with a traditional American Christmas spread, this is a solid choice.
What to Expect at Connolly’s Irish Pub for Christmas Day Dinner in New York:
- Traditional Christmas turkey with sides
- Prime rib or other roast options
- Festive decorations and Christmas music playlists
- A mix of locals and tourists, giving it a fun, international feel
Why it Works:
While it’s my least favourite of the three I’ve personally eaten at, it’s still a reliable option for holiday cheer, comfort food, and a festive dinner that feels celebratory rather than formal.
4. The Smith: Classic American Holiday Dinner
Address: Multiple locations, Manhattan, New York
The Smith is a neighbourhood favourite year-round. But on Christmas Day, it typically offers a special festive menu with seasonal starters, turkey entrees, and traditional sides.
What to Expect at The Smith for Christmas Day Dinner in New York:
- Seasonal starters like squash soups or cranberry-pear salads
- Turkey or ham with all the trimmings
- Seasonal sides and classic dessert options
- A relaxed but polished dining room vibe
The Smith is a great option if you want Christmas Day dinner in New York City that’s cozy but still feels like a night out.
5. Tavern on the Green: An Elegant Holiday Experience
Address: Central Park, Manhattan, New York
If you’re looking for something special, upscale, and iconic, Tavern on the Green ticks all the boxes.
While not inexpensive, it’s one of the most atmospheric places to enjoy Christmas Day dinner in New York, especially if you’re pairing it with a stroll through Central Park afterward.
What to Expect at Tavern on the Green for Christmas Day Dinner in New York:
Expect rich holiday entrées, beautifully plated sides, festive desserts, and a dining room that’s beautifully decorated for the season.
Tavern on the Green is Great for:
- Couples on a holiday trip
- Families looking for a memorable Christmas dinner
- Anyone after a classic New York experience
6. Balthazar: A Festive SoHo Favourite
Address: Spring Street, SoHo, Manhattan, New York
Balthazar doesn’t always serve a traditional turkey dinner, but they often offer special holiday entrées around Christmas, from roasted meats to rich winter pastas and desserts.
What sets Balthazar apart isn’t just food, it’s the ambiance.
High ceilings, classic bistro energy, bustling staff in crisp white shirts. It’s festive without needing Christmas lights everywhere.
Balthazar is best for visitors who want a holiday meal with Parisian flair or a sit-down lunch after shopping in SoHo.
7. Christmas Day Dinner at New York Hotels
Many of New York’s top hotels offer Christmas Day buffets and prix-fixe meals that are worth considering, especially if you’re staying nearby.
Here are some well-known New York Hotels offering Christmas Day menus:
- The Plaza Hotel Christmas Day Feast & Buffet: Elegant, historic, flagship NYC experience.
- The Pierre Holiday Lunch or Dinner: Classic Upper East Side luxury with views of Central Park.
- The St. Regis New York Christmas Celebration Menu: Refined dining with seasonal cocktails.
- The Westin New York at Times Square Christmas Buffet: Great for families or larger groups.
These New York hotel restaurants often have elaborate décor, multiple courses, and wine pairings. Perfect if you want a special Christmas Day dinner in New York that feels indulgent.
RELATED article to read: 15 Best New York Christmas Hotels to Stay in
Non-Traditional Places to Eat Christmas Day in NYC
Not everyone wants turkey on Christmas, and New York is one of the few cities in the world where you can happily chase dumplings, pizza, tacos, or noodles on December 25th and feel like you’re celebrating, not settling.
Here are great options that often stay open on Christmas Day:
1. Chinatown & Dumplings
New York’s Chinatown is famously bustling on Christmas.
Many traditional Chinese restaurants stay open, serving dumplings, noodles and dim sum, which has become something of a local tradition on a day when so many western restaurants are closed.
In shows like Gossip Girl and various holiday specials, scenes of young New Yorkers grabbing dumplings on December 25th are practically iconic.
A reminder that Christmas in NYC is as culturally diverse as the city itself.
If you want deep lists of where to get the best dumplings, whether for lunch or a late dinner, check out my dedicated guide: The Best Dumplings in New York City.
Top 3 Dumplings Restaurants:
- Shu Jiao Fu Zhou Cuisine (Chinatown)
- Fried Dumpling (Chinatown)
- Cafe Himalaya (Lower East Side)
2. Pizza (Because of Course)
New York pizza shops are like pizza shops everywhere else: a few close, but many stay open because pizza is the people’s food.
Whether you’re in Greenwich Village or the East Village, Brooklyn or Midtown, you can likely snag a slice or a whole pie on Christmas Day.
It’s always perfect if you want something informal, delicious and iconic.
For recommendations, check out my best pizza in New York City guide. Many of these favourites are open on December 25.
Top 3 Pizza Slices in New York:
- Joe’s Pizza (West Village, Manhattan)
- L’Industrie (West Village, Manhattan & Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
- Paulie Gee’s (Greenpoint, Brooklyn)
3. Mexican & Latin Eateries
In neighbourhoods with large Hispanic communities, many Mexican and Latin American restaurants stay open on Christmas.
Tacos, burritos, grilled meats, tamales, enchiladas, all of which make for a lively, flavour-packed alternative to turkey.
Top Spots for Mexican Food at Christmas:
- Cafe Habana (Nolita)
- Los Tacos No. 1 (TriBeCa)
- The Calaveras (Upper West Side)
4. Jewish Delis & Comfort Spots
Some delis and diners near transit hubs or cultural centres remain open on Christmas because they serve neighbourhood regulars and travellers.
Pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, brisket (not turkey), but hearty, and comforting in its own way.
Top Delis to Eat at on Christmas Day in New York:
- Katz’s Deli (Lower East Side)
- Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side)
- Zabar’s (Upper West Side)
Top Tips for Christmas Day Dinner in New York
Here are key tips if you’re wondering where to eat in New York on Christmas Day without stress:
- Book Well in Advance: Restaurants fill up early, especially traditional Christmas dinner venues and hotel buffets.
- Check Holiday Menus: Many places run prix-fixe deals or limited menus on December 25th.
- Think Outside the Turkey: If turkey isn’t your thing, NYC’s multicultural food scene means plenty of delicious alternatives.
- Know Hours: Even open places may have reduced hours, especially early afternoon.
- Combine Food with Festive Activities: Walks in Central Park, Rockefeller Center tree sightings, holiday markets. These pair beautifully with dinner reservations.
The Best Restaurants for Christmas Day Dinner in New York
Whether you’re after a traditional roast turkey feast, a lively pub dinner, or something unexpected like dumplings or tacos, New York on Christmas is surprisingly generous with choices.
From Churchill Tavern (my personal favourite for Christmas Day dinner in New York) to pizza slices at midnight, this city’s food culture reflects its diverse, welcoming identity.
If you’re visiting NYC this December, bookmark this guide and start planning now, because eating on Christmas Day in New York City is not just about food; it’s about experiencing the city in one of its most festive, surprising moments.
I’m currently deciding between Balthazar, Tavern on the Green and The Smith for my Christmas Day dinner in New York this year as I want to try somewhere new.
I’ll keep you updated with where I choose, but make sure to follow along on Instagram if you want to experience Christmas in New York through my eyes this year!
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By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
