Restaurants Open Christmas Day in New Jersey

Sofia serves festive brunches and dinners on Christmas Day.
Sofia serves festive brunches and dinners on Christmas Day.
12/10/23 - By Danielle Halibey

Too pooped to put on Christmas this year? Don't fret: There are plenty of restaurants open on Christmas Day in New Jersey, so all you have to make is a reservation. So, once all the presents under your Christmas tree have been unwrapped and the stockings scavenged, lounge in your PJs, sip your coffee, and watch the kids play with their gifts and goodies without worrying about cooking and cleaning.

We’ve rounded up several New Jersey restaurants that are serving up a festive feast on Christmas Day. Make certain to call ahead to secure your spot. After that's done, take a drive to enjoy these festive New Jersey holiday light displays and peruse all the other ways to be merry in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Restaurants open on Christmas in New Jersey: Blue Morel
Celebrate the holidays with the whole family at Blue Morel.

North Jersey Restaurants Open Christmas Day

1. Blue Morel – Morristown

This contemporary farm-to-table restaurant serves a three-course holiday meal. This year's menu has delicious mains, including crispy gnocchi, beef loin, roasted halibut, and roasted chicken. Finish the meal with a sweet coffee crumb cake. Reservations can be booked via Open Table.

2. Fresco da Franco – Montclair

Fresco da Franco offers a special traditional feast of the seven fishes menu, plus its regular menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The seafood selection includes clams, mussels, calamari, scallops, and more. Reservations are strongly recommended.

3. Grand Cascades Lodge – Hamburg

Have a budding New York Times food critic in your family? Then you might need to test out the creative culinary chops of the chefs in command at Crystal Springs Resort. A three-course, prix fixe menu or limited a la carte options are available. Reservations are required; call 866-976-7292 to book.

RELATED: Where to Have Breakfast with Santa in New Jersey

Restaurants open on Christmas in New Jersey: Mohawk House is open on Christmas
The ski-chalet vibe at the Mohawk House is perfect for a cozy Christmas dinner.

4. Mohawk House – Sparta

This grand country estate is decked out for the holiday season and ready to make all of your Christmas dining dreams a reality. Check your car with the valet and venture into one of the eight elegantly appointed, cozy, fireside dining rooms reminiscent of a charming ski chalet. Sit back and enjoy the three-course holiday menu. Make reservations by calling 973-729-6464.

5. Sofia – Englewood

Whether you want to go early for its special holiday brunch or prefer to dine out for dinner, you won’t be disappointed with this northern New Jersey hot spot. From seafood that’s flown in fresh daily to house-made pasta and sundry seasonal Italian creations, many cooked in a wood-burning oven, the food is out of this world. All you can wish for is some flurries to complete the picture, as the restaurant’s open-air concept and floor-to-ceiling windows usher in tons of natural light and a great view of downtown Englewood. Reservations can be booked online.

RELATED: Best Nutcrackers and Holiday Shows for New Jersey Kids

Restaurants open on Christmas in New Jersey: Metuchen Inn
Enjoy a historic holiday feel and new American cuisine at Metuchen Inn.

Central Jersey Restaurants Open Christmas Day

6. Metuchen Inn – Metuchen

Enjoy Christmas Day dinner at this restaurant that dates back to 1843. In years past, the Christmas menu included appetizers, salads, seared fish, Italian dishes, delectable desserts, and more. Call for holiday reservations: 732-494-6444.

7. Benihana – Edison, Short Hills

If hibachi sounds like a fun alternative to the traditional Christmas dinner, you're in luck! Many Benihana locations are open on Christmas Day. Contact the location nearest you for reservations.

8. Lambertville Station – Lambertville

The Lambertville Station's Christmas dinner includes selections like holiday ham, a rack of New Zealand lamb, roast duck, and more. Call for reservations, 609-397-8300.

9. Orchard Park – East Brunswick

On Christmas Day, David Burke’s restaurant at the Chateau Grand Hotel offers a special three-course prix fixe menu with celebratory festive dishes. This year’s menu includes winter green salad, lobster dumplings, butternut squash ravioli with lobster, Christmas duck, beef Wellington, and more. Reserve your table now.

10. Verona – Haddonfield

Specializing in Southern Italian and Sicilian cuisine, Verona's Christmas Day menu is full of cozy comforts, including fried calamari, lobster ravioli, and chicken Parmesan. Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended and can be booked online.

RELATED: Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining

Restaurants open on Christmas in New Jersey: Congress Hall
Congress Hall delights guests with its Christmas decor.

Jersey Shore Restaurants Open Christmas Day

11. Congress Hall – Cape May

Leave the Christmas cooking to the chefs at Congress Hall this year for a beautiful dinner in the ballroom. In past years, this delicious buffet menu has featured ham, buttery mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and more. Kids 3 and younger eat for FREE.

All photos courtesy of the restaurants.

Originally published in 2017.

Places featured in this article: