Restaurants Open on Christmas Day on Long Island

Minimize your holiday stress by having Christmas dinner out on Long Island this year.
Minimize your holiday stress by having Christmas dinner out on Long Island this year.
12/10/23 - By Ian Stark

Many great Long Island restaurants are open for dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which is for those who would rather not spend hours preparing a feast. A number of these restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

So take a look at this list and see which spots have the right menu for you. When it comes to holiday dining, it's best to play it safe and call ahead for reservations. For other seasonal activities and events this month, check out our Long Island Holiday Fun Guide and list of top things to do with kids in December.

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Restaurants in Nassau County Open on Christmas

1. Eric's Italian Bistro — Mineola

Eric's serves modern and classical Italian cuisine and offers a prix fixe menu for $69.95 on Christmas Day. A kids menu is available upon request. Call ahead for reservations.

2. Milleridge Inn — Jericho

The always festive Milleridge Inn will be open on Christmas Eve. From noon-6:30pm the Inn hosts a lavish prix fixe dinner for $75.95 for adults and $32.95 for children ages 2-12. The menu includes turkey, pot roast, and lamb shank. Call ahead for reservations. The cottage also has a Christmas Eve buffet, which is $79.95 for adults and $39.95 for children ages 2-12. 

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Thyme Restaurants Open on Christmas on Long Island
Thyme in Roslyn offers its normal menu as well as Christmas specials for the holiday. 

3. Thyme — Roslyn

Thyme overlooks Gerry Park and Roslyn Duck Pond. This quaint and scenic restaurant offers its normal menu on Christmas Eve, as well as holiday specials. Regular menu items include short rib pappardelle, butternut squash ravioli, Icelandic cod, and many more delicious options. For Christmas Eve this year, they are also offering a brunch menu. If you don't feel like going out, you can get your Christmas Eve dinner catered. Reservations are required.

4. Volpe Ristorante at Fox Hollow — Woodbury

Volpe Ristorante features a special Italian-inspired a la carte menu for Christmas Eve. Standout entrees include pistachio-crusted sea bass, certified Angus filet mignon, and chicken volpe. Save room for dessert and try the molten lava cake or tiramisu. Reservations can be made by phone or online.

5. Nuvo Kitchen (NK Restaurant) — East Meadow

If you are looking for more than a standard Christmas menu, try NK in East Meadow. This restaurant offers Caribbean fusion cuisine that's sure to please for the holiday. Reservations are required. 

6. Thom Thom — Wantagh

There is something for everyone at this Nassau restaurant open on Christmas Day. Thom Thom has steaks, seafood, and sushi. The regular menu is available and reservations are required.

Restaurants in Suffolk County Open on Christmas

7. Prime — Huntington

The restaurant's regular menu is available on Christmas Eve, as well as specials to be announced. Call to make a reservation. Prime and its sister restaurants, Tellers and Prime, are also offering a Christmas-to-go meal. Order now to reserve an at-home feast.

8. Branzino's - Huntington Station

Branzino's brings Manhattan flair to Long Island. The restaurant is open and taking reservations for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Dishes include branzino stuffed ravioli, dry-aged prime rib, and halibut.

9. Sandbar — Cold Spring Harbor

Sandbar offers an upscale menu for Christmas Eve, featuring chickpea fries, duck tacos, and coconut curry mussels–and those are just the appetizers. The menu is a la carte and reservations must be made in advance via phone.

10.  Wave Seafood Kitchen at Danford's Hotel and Marina — Port Jefferson

Visit Wave on Christmas for a buffet dinner. Pricing is $75 per adult and $37.50 per child. Call ahead to book reservations for a seating time from 12pm-6pm. Ages 4 and under are FREE.

11. Imperial Meat Company (IMC) — Huntington

If you want to add glamour to your holiday, visit IMC in the heart of Huntington this Christmas Eve. This steakhouse offers a regular menu with a raw bar, steaks, burgers, and more. Reservations are required. 

12. Lasangna Ristorante — Huntington

This NYC eatery opened a second location in Huntington, and it is open on Christmas Day. Lasagna Ristorante offers classic Italian cuisine. Reservations are required and are available from 11am-9:30pm.

13. Bella Vie — Bay Shore

Nestled in the heart of Bay Shore, this restaurant features waterfront views and Italian French fare. Open on Christmas Day, Bella Vie requires reservations. 

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Desmond’s at East Wind Restaurants Open on Christmas on Long Island
Desmond’s at East Wind has a three-course prix fixe on Christmas. 

Restaurants on Long Island's East End Open on Christmas

14. Cooperage Inn — Baiting Hollow

Sip on a glass of local wine in a warm and cozy atmosphere. The Christmas Eve menu features holiday specials and regular dishes such as seafood bisque, chicken pot pie, and roast duck. You can also get pot pies from NoFo Pot Pies to bring home and warm up for Christmas dinner. Reservations must be made in advance, either online or by phone. 

15. Desmond’s at East Wind — Wading River

Celebrate Christmas Eve with the family at Desmond’s. The three-course prix fixe menu is available from 4-9pm for $64.95 a person. From the rib eye to the short ribs and seared cod to Frenched chicken, you won’t leave hungry. A separate children’s menu is available.

This article was originally published in 2012 and was updated in December 2023.

Top photo via Bigstock; all other photos courtesy of the restaurants

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