The holiday season in Chicago is a magical time. The city comes alive with festive lights, vibrant decorations, and a palpable sense of joy. One of the many parts people love about the holiday season is getting together with loved ones around a big traditional meal. While people typically gather around their dining tables for Christmas dinner, some seek a more relaxed and convenient way to celebrate this tradition. If you’re in the latter group, you’re in luck because Chicago offers a plethora of restaurants and dining options open on Christmas Day, ready to serve up delicious meals and festive cheer. Plus, who wouldn’t want to spend Christmas in “The Best Big City in the U.S.” (7 years running!), according to Condé Nast Traveler. In this holiday dining guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the Windy City, highlighting some of the best restaurants where you can enjoy a memorable Christmas feast without the stress of shopping, prepping, cooking, and cleaning.
Plan Your Christmas Restaurant Experience in Chicago with City Cruises
Don’t stress, plan to impress with City Cruises in Chicago. The holidays bring love and happiness, and oftentimes can also add stress. Whether it’s buying gifts or planning family get-togethers, City Cruises can help. Let us take care of the planning, cooking, and cleaning, while you and your loved ones focus on the fun and good times.
For a truly unique Chicago Christmas celebration, consider embarking on a festive Christmas dining cruise with City Cruises on Lake Michigan. These special holiday cruises offer an unforgettable way to spend the day with your loved ones. You can enjoy a lavish buffet, live entertainment, and stunning views of the Chicago skyline. Whether you opt for a brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise, it’s a memorable and hassle-free way to celebrate the holiday.
Christmas Eve Dining Options Better Than a Restaurant
Depending on your family’s traditions, you may celebrate with the family on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. If that’s the case, City Cruises has some great options for a one-of-a-kind family feast. Starting with the Christmas Eve Premier Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan, spend the afternoon with an elegant celebration that will be long treasured by everyone. Indulge in the merriment of the holidays with delicious cocktails, chef-prepared menus, and top-notch service. Take in the Chicago skyline from an intimate, climate-controlled interior or open-air rooftop decks, where you’ll get breathtaking views of awe-inspiring sights, like the Willis Tower and Navy Pier.
Looking for something later in the day? Look no further than the Chicago Christmas Eve Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan! Indulge in a magical evening filled with festive cheer, and festive “cheers”. Enjoy a plated dinner featuring California Clam Chowder, Smoked Chili-Rubbed Atlantic Salmon, Pan-Seared Chicken Breast, and Orange Olive Oil Cake for dessert, just to name a few of the options. Dance to a live DJ, soak in the lit-up Chicago Skyline, and potentially get a first-row seat to see Santa flying his sleigh over the city.
Christmas Day Dinner Cruise in Chicago on a Floating Restaurant
A new Christmas dinner tradition like no other, this year take the family on the Christmas Day Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. You’ll embark on a memory-filled evening with plenty of holiday magic. Feel the enchantment of the holidays with those you love over a delicious meal featuring Local Cheese and Charcuterie, Za’atar Flat Iron Steak, Seasonal Potato Gnocchi (Get a cool behind-the-scenes look at City Cruises Chicago, as Chef Francesco Simone shows off how to make our Potato Gnocchi, on Cooking up a Storm with Tracy Butler on ABC 7 Chicago!), and Chocolate Toffee Crunch Cake for dessert. Enjoy cocktails and a live DJ to soak in the world-famous Chicago skyline from the climate-controlled interior and open-air rooftop decks. This Christmas, delight in a most festive celebration filled with cheer and togetherness.
Exploring Chicago’s Culinary Landscape on Christmas Day
If you are looking for a traditional restaurant to take the family to on Christmas Day, Chicago will have some great options to choose from. Typically, those who look to go out to eat on Christmas Day are looking for something a bit more upscale, or celebratory such as a fancy steakhouse. Having an issue figuring out where you’d like to go? Consider these options:
For those in search of a nontraditional steakhouse to host a traditional meal, then STK Steakhouse may be the place for you. “STK is a unique concept that artfully blends the modern steakhouse and a chic lounge into one, offering a dynamic, fine dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse.”
Christmas is the perfect time for comfort food, and Yardbird has all the fixings. “Yardbird takes guests on a culinary journey through a menu of unapologetically indulgent dishes and heady bourbon cocktails. Serving up nationally acclaimed comfort food for more than a decade, it’s no secret our restaurant has garnered global fanfare.”
Some have a Christmas Day tradition of a Chinese takeout meal. Well, look no further than Royal Highness Zhu. “Although it’s most famous for its electrifying use of chilies and lip-tingling Chengdu peppercorns, the heart of the local cooking style lies in the artful mixing of flavors. Chengdu cooks excel at combining hot, numbing, sweet, sour, savory, and nutty seasonings to create an astonishing variety of flavors.”
For a carnivorous Christmas celebration, Fogo de Chão offers a Brazilian steakhouse experience like no other. “A spread inspired by the grand kitchen tables on the farms of Southern Brazil where family and friends gather to share the finest and freshest from their harvests. We bring you seasonal salads, irresistibly fresh vegetables, imported meats and cheeses, artisan bread and more.”
Tips for Planning Your Christmas Dining at a Chicago Restaurant
When going out for Christmas dinner, or any holiday celebration, it’s always a good idea to check ahead to see what’s open, what’s on the menu (sometimes places will have special holiday menus), and whether a given restaurant would be able to accommodate your large group. Also, plan ahead and make a reservation to save yourself the headache of waiting for hours for a table to open up.
Celebrate Christmas in Chicago’s Culinary Winter Wonderland
Don’t stress, plan to impress with City Cruises in Chicago. At the end of the day, the Windy City is a cultural hub known for its diverse culinary landscape. You’ll find an array of restaurants ready to make your Christmas celebration special. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional holiday fare, international flavors, or a unique dining experience, the Windy City has it all. So, this Christmas, leave the cooking and cleaning behind and treat yourself to a memorable meal at one of Chicago’s finest establishments. Cheers to a delicious and joyful holiday season!
Frequently Asked Questions – Chicago Restaurants on Christmas
Which Restaurants in Chicago Are Open on Christmas Day?
While City Cruises has dining cruises on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, restaurants open on Christmas Day in Chicago may vary. Try to utilize an app like Open Table to manage operating hours and holiday schedules.
Is City Cruises suitable for families with children?
Yes, City Cruises is a great option for families with children. Not only are there kids’ menus, but infants under two cruise cruise-free!
What is the attire for dining on City Cruises?
The attire for a Christmas dining cruise with City Cruises ranges from smart casual attire to cocktail attire depending on the cruise.
Are vegetarian/vegan options available on Christmas menus?
On City Cruises dining cruises, there are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free* options. (Although we make every effort to prepare items denoted items as gluten free, our kitchen is not gluten free, and there is always a small risk of cross contamination.)
Can I make reservations for Christmas dining on City Cruises?
Yes, it’s recommended to make reservations in advance due to high demand during the holiday season.
Are there special Christmas-themed meals or entertainment on City Cruises?
City Cruises often features special holiday-themed meals and may include festive entertainment.
Original post date: October 5, 2023