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What to Know Before Dining Out on Christmas Day in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

• Since there are not a whole lot of restaurants open on Christmas Day, making advanced dining reservations weeks before Christmas is a must. Most reservations can be made online, but even if you have to go old school and call, make sure you reserve in advance. 
• Most restaurants will be crowded on Christmas Day, and parking may be limited, so be sure to arrive early for your reservation. If the lot is full, you may have to drop the rest of the family off and find street parking.
• Holiday pricing and limited menus are common, so check the website and make sure the restaurant is offering food your kids will eat.
• Ask about allergy-friendly options, kids’ portions on set menus, or even separate kids’ menus.
• Some restaurants may have a dress code, especially for the holidays, so, again, be sure to check websites. 

Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas Meal Out with Kids

• Check Google Maps to find the quickest route to your destination; no need to add to the stress of the day or miss your reservation by getting caught in traffic.
• If your kids don’t like noisy, crowded restaurants, consider going somewhere that offers a special brunch or early dinner hours, when the crowds should be less of an issue.
• Holiday crowds usually translate into longer wait times, so bring small activities, holiday coloring pages, or even gifts to keep kids entertained while waiting for their meal.
• Weather permitting, take a walk around the neighborhood and check the holiday decorations in between courses.

Westchester Restaurants Open on Christmas Day 

1. BanZai – Hartsdale

If you’re looking for something different this holiday season, and you enjoy a little entertainment with your dinner, check out BanZai Hibachi.

Price range: $$

Menu type: Hibachi dinner, including soup and salad, or à la carte menu.

Why families love it: Food is prepared fresh at your table by chefs with more than a little showmanship. Expect the usual volcanic onions, flying broccoli, and streams of sake. Try the mouth-watering hibachi lobster.

Pro tip (optional): Great spot for special events, celebrations, and/or large family gatherings.

 2. Benjamin Steakhouse – White Plains

This venerable Westchester restaurant features a stunning outdoor patio, an oversized fireplace in the center of the main dining room (perfect for holiday dining), and complimentary valet parking.

Price range: $$$$

Menu type: prix fixe Christmas menu

Why families love it: The all-inclusive menu, featuring holiday eggnog and a choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert, offers enough quantity and variety to satisfy everyone.

3. Goosefeather – Tarrytown

If you’re looking for an elegant restaurant for Christmas dinner and enjoy the tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas Day, head to Goosefeather.

Price range: $$

Menu type: a la carte

Why families love it: Goosefeather is housed in King Mansion on the historic Tarrytown House Estate, which dates back to the early 1800s.

4. Rory Dolan’s – Yonkers

This time-honored Irish-American steakhouse, located just north of the Bronx border, has been serving up old-fashioned hospitality and mouth-watering meals since 1994.

Price range: $$$

Menu type: prix fixe Christmas menus (adult and kids) with choice of appetizer and entrée

Why families love it: Whether you are looking to celebrate an intimate Christmas dinner or a large family reunion (its catering facilities accommodate up to 500 guests), this is the perfect venue.

Pro tip (optional): Rory Dolan’s is an extremely popular spot for Christmas dinner, so be sure to book your reservation ASAP.

5. Tasty House – Yonkers

Another option for Chinese cuisine on Christmas Day is Tasty House, located on Central Avenue in Yonkers, just north of Tuckahoe Road.

Price range: $

Menu type: a la carte

Why families love it: Tasty House offers all of the classic Chinese dishes (spare ribs, fried rice, dumplings), and a whole lot more, including a full sushi menu, Japanese tempura and teriyaki, and even several Southeast Asian entrees.

Pro tip (optional): For a delicious twist on an old favorite, skip the cold noodles in sesame sauce and try the wontons in sesame sauce.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in the Hudson Valley

6. Dolce Vita – Nyack

A delicious Christmas Day meal, influenced by the Mediterranean area and prepared with fresh, healthy ingredients, awaits you at Dolce Vita.

Price range: $$

Menu type: a la carte

Why families love it: Dolce Vita is that rarest of dining commodities, a restaurant that is both upscale and family-friendly, offering affordable, high-quality cuisine.

FAQs for Dining Out on Christmas Day with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Q: Do any Christmas Day restaurants offer kids’ menus? A: Rory Dolan’s
Q: Do I need to make reservations for Christmas Day dining? A: Absolutely, reservations are a must!
Q: What’s the average price for Christmas dinner at restaurants in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? A: Our price ranges noted above are as follows: $: Between $15-$30; $$: Between $30-$45; $$$: Between $45-$60; $$$$: In the range of $60+
Q: Are fast-casual or chain restaurants open on Christmas? A: Banzai Hibachi, Tasty House, and many IHOP and McDonald's locations (check with your local spots)
Q: Which restaurants have the most festive Christmas atmosphere for families? A: Benjamin Steakhouse, Rory Dolan’s, The Inn at Pound Ridge, and Dolce Vita

This piece was originally published in 2020 and has since been updated. Photos courtesy of the restaurants