Restaurants Open on Christmas in Fairfield County

 
Photo courtesy of La Plage

1. L'Escale - Greenwich

Price Range: $$$

Menu Type: Enjoy a 3 course prix fixe menu

Why Families Love It: Kids 12 and under are $45

Pro Tip: Yes! Kids can ask for Pommes Frites (French fries) and they also have a kids menu.

3. Artisan — Southport

Price Range: $$

Menu Type: Enjoy a Prix Fixe Christmas Menu from appetizer to dessert. 

Why Families Love It: Families will love the affordable kiddy menu and amazing dessert options.

Pro Tip: Reserve your table early to take advantage. 

Enjoy some truly yummy comfort food at B.J. Ryans in Norwalk. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

4. B.J. Ryans — Norwalk

Price Range: $

Menu Type: Standard pub menu of comfort food, no pretentiousness here!

Why Families Love It: A relaxed menu and environment, a little noise won't be an issue.

Pro Tip: Their kitchen is open till midnight all year long.

5. The Roger Sherman Inn — New Canaan

Price Range: $$

Menu Type:Roger Sherman Inn offers an annual Christmas Day Lunch menu.

Why Families Love It: Families like the historical location and story behind the Inn as well as the French-inspired cooking.

Pro Tip: Tables are available for groups of 2 and up. Reserve your space ahead of time. 

Restaurants Open on Christmas in Hartford

6. Ichiro Hibachi and Sushi — West Hartford

Price Range: $$

Menu Type: Pre-set menu

Why Families Love It: Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and offers an unforgettable Japanese Menu prepared right in front of you!

Pro Tip: Talk with the kids in advance about trying something new and learning about Japanese culture.

7. Great Taste — New Britain

Price Range: $$

Menu Type: Pre-set menu

Why Families Love It: Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. An established Chinese restaurant you will come back to again.

Pro Tip: Big tables for large groups are available as well as booths. 

 
The best CT restaurants open on Christmas will be ready for you! Photo courtesy of Millwrights

8. Millwrights — Simsbury

Price Range: $$

Menu Type: Four-course, Pre-Fixe Christmas Eve Menu

Why Families Love It: Lovely place to eat with large windows and a view of water and water mill. This restaurant can handle your large group on Christmas.

Pro Tip: A very popular restaurant, make your reservations. 

9. Artisan — West Hartford

Price Range: $$

Menu Type: Pre-set Christmas menu with everything on it from duck, to quail to lamb.

Why Families Love It: Three words: "strawberry brownie Sundae" and can hold groups of all sizes. 

Pro Tip: A cozy restaurant with lots of tables for small parties.

10. Cava Restaurant — Southington

Price Range: $$

Menu Type: Pre-set menu, Italian

Why Families Love It: The food is tasty and the decor is amazing! You will feel transported in their Winter Wonderland - or any of their four different decorated spaces.

Pro Tip: Very popular at Christmas, make your reservations now.

Restaurants open on Christmas in New Haven 

11. Fresh Salt — Saybrook

Price Range: $$

Menu Type: Buffet

Why Families Love It: Who doesn't love a buffet? Don’t miss their Gourmet Macaroni & Cheese Station and Holiday desserts like Cranberry Orange Cupcakes, Red Velvet Cheesecake and Candy Cane Eclairs.

Pro Tip: Very popular at Christmas, make your reservations now.

12. The Madison Beach Hotel — Madison

Price Range: $$

Menu Type: A modified dinner menu and Holiday specials.

Why Families Love It: Watefront dining, lots of windows to a beachfront view. 

13. Water's Edge Resort and Spa — Westbrook

Price Range: $$

Menu Type: Fine Italian dining with a set menu for the Holidays 

Why Families Love It: Watefront dining with plenty of space for a large family - call ahead and reserve a table for 10-15 with a fireplace and waterviews.

Pro Tip: See what the weather is in advance with their live web cam!

Cozy up and tuck in at one of CT's restaurants open on Christmas. Photo courtesy of  The Griswold Inn

14. Heirloom - New Haven

Price Range: $$

Menu Type: Heirloom has a special Christmas menu up on their website with everything from starters, pasta, meat and more.

Why Families Love It: The variety on the menu is sure to have something for everyone.

Pro Tip: They will be offering both breakfast or luncheon.

Restaurants Open on Christmas in Eastern CT

15. Cedars at Foxwoods — Mashantucket

Price Range: $$

Menu Type: Pre-set menu

Why Families Love It: There is so much to do at Foxwoods (including an outdoor ice rink)- take a chance and spend the night too!

Pro Tip: Definitely make a reservation for your meal in advance. 

 
The stockings won't be all that's stuffed this Christmas in Connecut. Photo courtesy of Canva

What to Know Before Dining Out on Christmas Day in Connecticut

• Holiday pricing is typically higher than normal fare pricing because of the special meals prepared like lobster, quail, sirloin etc.
• Holiday dining for families may require a larger space or several tables pulled together - make sure you reserve for the correct number and maybe call ahead if you need a booster seat, hight chair or space for a wheelchair for an elderly family member.
• The restaurant website might state a dress code for more fancy restaurants - check ahead.

 Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas Meal Out with Kids

• Bring fidget toys, small books, crayons and paper and games on your phone for the kids so that as the grown-ups spend time together, the kids don't get squirmy.
• If members of your family have allergies, call ahead to verify how foods are cooked and if you can see ingredients in advance. Once there, discuss your needs with waitstaff.
• If you have a special needs family member, make sure that the environment you are dining in is sensory friendly or that you can stand up and walk around the premises with your child. (My son has a sound intolerance, so we need to be aware of that!
• Restaurants open on Christmas Day often have created special dining menus, so check ahead of time if you are able to order off the normal menu (like if you have a kids that will only eat French fries or chicken tenders).

updated 12/23, 12/24, 12/25