Restaurants Open on Christmas 2025 in Boston

Boston Harbor Hotel – Waterfront / Rowes Wharf

Price Range: $$$–$$$$
Menu Type: Festive Christmas Day brunch buffet
Why Families Love It: Christmas morning feels especially magical here — twinkling décor, waterfront views, and a lavish holiday brunch that keeps kids happy with endless choices. From seafood towers to carving stations and dessert displays that look straight out of a holiday movie, it's a memorable way to celebrate without lifting a finger in the kitchen. 
Pro Tip: This is one of Boston’s most sought-after holiday meals — reserve early if planning for a big family gathering. Call (855) 766-0338​ or visit Opentable for reservations.

Joe's on Newbury – Boston

Price Range: $$–$$$
Menu Type: Holiday menu + à la carte
Why Families Love It: A relaxed Back Bay classic known for comforting American dishes — think steaks, seafood, and holiday favorites the whole table can share. Cozy atmosphere makes it great for families who want something festive without feeling formal. Reservations can be made by calling (617) 536-4200.

Tamo Bistro + Bar – Boston

Price Range: $$–$$$
Menu Type: Regular menu + Christmas Prime Rib special
Why Families Love It: Waterfront views, sparkling décor, and a comfortable dining room that keeps kids entertained. Grown-ups can enjoy a special Prime Rib while kids stick to familiar favorites.
Pro Tip: Ask for a window table for harbor views — especially magical if it snows. Call (617) 385-4304 or visit Opentable for reservations. 

 
The Liberty Hotel has extraordinary holiday decor and restaurants open on Christmas! Photo courtesy of the Liberty Hotel

Clink. – Boston

Price Range: $$$
Menu Type: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Christmas Day
Why Families Love It: Set inside the historic Liberty Hotel with the iconic Upside-Down Trees that kids are mesmerized by. A fun spot for families wanting a memorable meal in a beautiful setting.
Pro Tip: Also hosts a New Year’s Eve prix fixe — worth noting for families celebrating twice. Book online through their website.

Rowes Wharf Sea Grille – Waterfront 

Price Range: $$$
Menu Type: Seafood-forward holiday dining
Why Families Love It: Seafood towers for adults, nautical kids’ menu for little diners, and waterfront views that make the day feel special. Harbor views make it an excellent meal for little kids.
Pro Tip: A good choice if you want a festive walk along the harbor afterward. Make reservations on Opentable.

Cantina Italiana – Boston

Price Range: $$–$$$
Menu Type: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lunch + dinner
Why Families Love It: Traditional Italian comfort food — pasta, antipasti, and classic holiday dishes that please even selective eaters. Warm, family-style atmosphere feels like a big holiday at Nonna’s. Reserve online or call 617-723-4577 to reserve.

Smith & Wollensky – Boston-Atlantic Wharf, Wellesley, & Burlington

Price Range: $$$$
Menu Type: Winter menu for Christmas Eve (confirm Christmas Day hours)
Why Families Love It: A treat for steak lovers, complete with burgers and over-the-top desserts like Gigantic Chocolate Cake and Baked Alaska that kids will remember.
Pro Tip: A great option for multi-generational groups looking for something more upscale. Tempt kids with steaks and burgers as well as mouthwatering desserts like Gigantic Chocolate Cake and Baked Alaska. Call 617-778-2200 (Congress St. location) to reserve.

 
Smith & Wollensky has a family-friendly holiday atmosphere, and is one of Boston's restaurants open on Christmas Eve. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Restaurants Open On Christmas Near Boston in 2025

Concord's Colonial Inn – Concord

Price Range: $$$
Menu Type: Christmas Day Brunch + Christmas Eve Buffet
Why Families Love It: A classic New England Christmas setting — fireplaces, wreaths, and a grand holiday spread with seafood, carving stations, and desserts. Feels like stepping into a Christmas card.
Pro Tip: Brunch sells out yearly. Book early, especially for larger families. Call 978-341-8202 to reserve your spot.

Henrietta's Table – Cambridge

Price Range: $$–$$$
Menu Type: Breakfast + holiday meals on Christmas Day
Why Families Love It: Farm-to-table comfort food in a warm, relaxed setting — like Christmas morning at a friend's house. Plenty of simple dishes for kids and delicious seasonal plates for adults.

Town Meeting Bistro – Lexington

Price Range: $$$$
Menu Type: Christmas Eve Grand Dinner Buffet
Why Families Love It: A historic inn with elegant charm and a family-friendly buffet. Kids under three eat free — always a win. Plus, Santa Teas return December 14–15 and 21–22 with 10 AM, noon, and 2 PM seatings in both the Town Meeting Bistro and INNgloo Wonderland. Families can enjoy a festive high tea with sweet and savory bites, holiday cocktails, cookie decorating, ornament crafts, and Santa’s photo booth for magical memories.

Branch Line – Watertown

Price Range: $$–$$$
Menu Type: Christmas Eve dining
Why Families Love It: Known for rotisserie chicken and kid-friendly comfort food. Spacious layout = easy stroller navigation and relaxed dining with little ones.

  
Head out for a holiday feast at these Boston restaurants open on Christmas 2025. Photo courtesy of Canva

Boston Restaurants Open For Christmas Takeout

Toscano – Cambridge

Price Range: $$–$$$
Menu Type: Christmas Takeout
Why Families Love It: Hearty Tuscan holiday favorites, great for families that want to skip the cooking but want to have a cozy and delicious meal at home.
Order Deadline: Call each individual restaurant to place your order. Toscano orders will go out COLD with a pickup time between 10:30am and 2:30pm on Wednesday, December 24. Orders are due by December 21, 4pm.

Flour Bakery + Cafe – Multiple Locations

Price Range: $$
Menu Type: Holiday takeout menu
Why Families Love It: Chicken pot pie, braised beef, and desserts worth planning a pickup around. A great backup plan if dining out feels hectic with little kids.
Order Deadline: Flour is delivering holiday feasts across Boston on December 23 and 24, bringing festive treats right to the doorstep. Holiday delivery ordering opens Friday, November 28, and closes at 4 p.m. on Friday, December 19.

Saltbox Kitchen – Concord

Price Range: $$–$$$
Menu Type: Holiday takeout
Why Families Love It: Order-and-enjoy holiday meals like short ribs and brown sugar ham — perfect for families wanting a cozy Christmas at home without cooking.
Order Deadline: Place orders online before December 19th at 6pm. Orders will be available for pick up on December 23rd between 10am and 4pm.

What to Know Before Dining Out on Christmas Day in Boston

Dining out on Christmas Day in Boston can be a memorable way to celebrate, but a little planning goes a long way. Reservations often fill weeks in advance, especially for brunch and waterfront restaurants. Many locations offer holiday pricing or special menus, so reviewing details before booking can help set expectations. Hours may differ from regular service, with some restaurants serving only brunch or early dinner, while others open Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day. Parents may want to confirm kids’ menu options, particularly when prix fixe menus are offered. And because parking can be tricky in the city during the holiday rush, public transit or nearby garages may be the easiest choice for families with strollers.

Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas Meal Out with Kids

Because dining out with children on a holiday is its own adventure, a few parent-tested tricks can make the outing feel festive instead of hectic.

• Bring small activities (holiday coloring sheets, mini puzzles) to make waits easier.

• Earlier reservations often mean calmer dining rooms and faster service.

• If your child is picky, peek at the menu ahead of time and plan swaps or sides.

• Ask about allergy-friendly options early — holiday menus may be more limited.

• A quick walk or light activity before the meal helps wiggly little diners settle.

FAQ – Dining Out on Christmas Day with Kids in Boston

Q: What restaurants are open on Christmas Day in Boston?
Many restaurants remain open including Joe’s on Newbury, Tamo Bistro + Bar, Clink., Henrietta’s Table, and more listed above.

Q: Do any Christmas Day restaurants offer kids’ menus?
Yes — several family-friendly spots such as Rowes Wharf Sea Grille and Henrietta’s Table offer kid-friendly options.

Q: Are restaurants open for Christmas brunch or dinner?
Most offer brunch, lunch, or dinner — sometimes all three. Always check holiday hours when booking.

Q: Do I need reservations for Christmas Day dining?
Highly recommended. Popular Christmas restaurants often fill up before December.

Q: What’s the average price for Christmas dinner in Boston?
Expect mid-range to upscale holiday pricing, typically from $$ to $$$$ depending on location and menu style.

Q: Are any chains or casual restaurants open on Christmas?
Some chains open limited hours, but availability changes yearly — call ahead to confirm.

Q: Which restaurants feel most festive for families?
Clink. at the Liberty Hotel, Concord’s Colonial Inn, and Rowes Wharf Sea Grille always deliver a magical holiday atmosphere.

Updated 12/2023, 12/2024, 12/2025