Savor the Joys and Flavors of the Season at Atlanta Restaurants on Christmas Eve
This holiday season, experience the magic of dining out on Christmas Eve with festive offerings from some of Atlanta’s top restaurants. Whether looking for an intimate culinary experience or a traditional family gathering, these beloved dining destinations offer exceptional holiday menus.
Multiple Locations
All Ray’s Restaurants—Ray’s on the River, Ray’s at Killer Creek, and Ray’s in the City—will be open on Christmas Eve until 9 p.m., offering their full menus. Known for their exceptional service and iconic dishes, Ray’s Restaurants provides the perfect setting for celebrating the season with family and friends. From seafood favorites to classic steaks, each location offers a warm and inviting atmosphere to make the holidays special.
Buckhead
Spend Christmas Eve savoring the signature tastes of Aria, where guests can indulge in beloved classics from the restaurant’s à la carte menu or delight in the nightly tasting menu, each crafted to bring seasonal flavors to life. The restaurant will be open 4:30-8 p.m. Make reservations early via Resy to enjoy a memorable evening filled with culinary artistry and warm hospitality.
Chido & Padre’s adds a festive twist to Christmas Eve when the classic menu is joined by chef features that elevate the season. Guests will enjoy a taste of traditional flavors with tamales Oaxaqueños wrapped in banana leaves and filled with chicken ($9), or they can savor a cup of Champurrado ($6) for a comforting holiday treat. Reservations can be made online from 4-7 p.m. for a vibrant, cozy holiday dining experience.
Experience a touch of global inspiration this Christmas Eve at Gypsy Kitchen, where classic menu items are enhanced with chef-curated holiday specials. Guests will enjoy the duck confit served with Tunisian-spiced carrots, delicata squash, pickled mustard seed and toasted sesame tahini sauce for a unique holiday dish ($34). Alternatively, the grilled lamb chops with mujadara lentils, smoked onion and Spanish sherry and piquillo pepper redux offers a rich, festive flavor profile ($42). The bar opens at 3 p.m., with dinner service from 4-7 p.m., perfect for a warm and inviting evening. Make reservations online.
Nan Thai Buckhead will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day offering a limited à la carte and holiday menu featuring fan-favorite dishes that showcase the restaurant's signature blend of authentic Thai flavors and modern elegance. On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy lunch from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. or dinner from 4-9 p.m. For a festive Christmas Day dinner, reservations are available from 4-9 p.m., providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere to share the joy of the season. Make reservations online.
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a coastal flair at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, where guests can enjoy classic lunch and dinner menus alongside holiday-inspired specials. Start with the crab deviled eggs ($14) or warm up with a bowl of clam chowder ($7/11). For lunch, indulge in the smoked salmon Benedict served with white cheddar grits ($18) or savor a hearty seafood pasta with shrimp and scallops for dinner ($28). Don’t forget to save room for dessert with sweet options like a chocolate chip brownie sundae topped with caramel popcorn ($9) or a slice of red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting ($8). Reservations are available via OpenTable from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
The Blind Elf invites guests to celebrate Christmas Eve from 12-7 p.m. The seasonal pop-up experience provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy holiday-inspired bites and festive drinks in a whimsical, holiday-themed setting. Make reservations online.
Diners can celebrate Christmas Eve with Southern hospitality at The Southern Gentleman, offering a single menu all day that seamlessly transitions from lunch to dinner. Reservations are available from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m., providing ample time to relax and enjoy a classic holiday experience in a warm, festive setting. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
Outside the Perimeter
Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar invites guests to enjoy its regular menu complemented by features. Diners can begin the meal with a crab meat-stuffed jumbo shrimp appetizer featuring Old Bay béchamel and citrus breadcrumbs ($20), followed by an elegant entrée of classic beef Wellington made with Certified Angus beef filet mignon wrapped in pastry, paired with mushroom duxelles and Bordelaise sauce ($65). Guests can finish the night with a sweet treat of house-made donuts, along with select wine and cocktail specials to toast the season. Reservations are recommended via OpenTable.
Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails invites guests to celebrate Christmas Eve with a carefully crafted prix-fixe menu featuring classic holiday dishes for $75 per adult and $32.50 per child. The meal begins with a fresh cranberry orange salad and comforting chicken and kale soup before indulging in entrées like herb-roasted prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes and candied carrots or the almond-crusted halibut with sweet potato purée and grilled asparagus. The meal ends on a sweet note with a selection from the regular dessert menu, plus seasonal favorites like mint chocolate pound cake and rum raisin bread pudding with rum crème anglaise. Reservations are available from 12-7 p.m. via OpenTable, inviting families to celebrate the season with a taste of Southern warmth.
For those gathering at home with family and friends, Morningbirds offers preorder catering of desserts and afternoon sides including collard greens, Mac and cheese and candied yams. Place orders online.
Enjoy a taste of land and sea this Christmas Eve with Ocean & Acre's classic lunch and dinner menus, plus special chef-crafted holiday features. For a memorable holiday meal, guests can try the braised short rib pot roast paired with Yukon Gold potato purée and Cipollini onions for a comforting and hearty entrée ($42). For seafood lovers, the pan-seared halibut with butternut squash risotto and grilled asparagus offers a seasonal, fresh twist on a festive meal ($39). Reservations can be made via OpenTable from 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m., ensuring plenty of time to savor the season in style.