Chicago’s award-winning dining scene is ready to celebrate the holidays. The city’s restaurants go all out for the most wonderful time of the year, with festive menus, over-the-top decor, and special dishes that make for an unforgettable holiday season. Here’s our (always growing) 2024 guide on where to enjoy a holiday meal in Chicago, from Hanukkah specials to Christmas Eve, and Christmas dinner.
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Hanukkah dinners and specials
Whether you’re planning on dining out or ordering in to celebrate Hanukkah, these Chicago restaurants have crafted celebratory special menus that feature a variety of traditional and modern takes on Jewish favorites.
8 Crazy Nights: Chicago’s only Hanukkah pop-up bar held at Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville. The winter wonderland features decorations for the Jewish holiday along with matzo ball soup, challah grilled cheese, latkes, and more.
Ema: Celebrate Hanukkah at Ema in River North with specials including parmesan potato & brussels sprout latkes with scallion crema and spiced apples and grilled harissa spiced sea bream with roasted garlic yogurt, pine nuts, and herb salad during dinner service
Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar: In the Ukranian Village, fancy homemade takeout is on the menu. Options include smoked brisket, smoked & cured fish, latkes, and more!
The Goddess and Grocer: The local chain makes Hanukkah entertaining easy with a robust a la carte to-go/delivery menu full of twists on the classics with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options as well as sommelier wine selections.
Chicago restaurants open on Christmas Eve
Much like Santa and his crew at the North Pole, these places will be up and running all through the night on Christmas Eve, gifting diners with decadent holiday specials.
Asador Bastian: This Basque-style chophouse offers a festive prix-fixe menu with dishes like pintxos, poached pheasant, and dessert.
Brindille: Experience “The Winter Reveillon” a storied French tradition this Christmas Eve. The celebratory dinner will offer both a la carte selections and an exquisite prix fixe menu.
Cindy’s Rooftop: Dine high above the city with spectacular views while enjoying the seasonally inspired menu with elevated takes on classic holiday dishes. Save room for the Buche de Noel cinnamon ginger spiced roulade.
Fioretta: The swanky Italian steakhouse features a special tasting menu for $110 per person offering a luxurious feast for your table.
Hard Rock Cafe: Enjoy a festive breakfast buffet and photos with Santa Claus! Tickets are $25 for adults and $13 for children.
Kinzie Chophouse: Embark on a culinary adventure with a delectable eight-course festive tasting menu. Savor artful Mediterranean influences, seasonal flavors, and impeccable technique at this annual holiday event.
Mano a Mano: Celebrate at this Logan Square favorite restaurant with the Italian tradition of Feast of Seven Fishes.
Oakville Grill & Cellar: Celebrate Christmas Eve in Oakville’s warm, inviting dining room, and enjoy California wines alongside craveable shared plates and seasonally inspired dishes.
Olio e Più: The Italian restaurant is bringing festive decor and Christmas Eve special options of tortellini in brodo, primi piatti, and more!
Pizzeria Portofino: If you’re dreaming of a Portofino holiday, spend Christmas Eve on the Chicago Riverfront at Pizzeria Portofino on their all-weather, heated patio. Enjoy authentic Italian fare while sipping the signature holiday cocktail, the Peppermintini.
Prime & Provisions: The beloved supper club-style steakhouse will serve a decadent holiday tasting menu for $110 a person featuring steak and seafood dishes for each course and the option to add on classic sides.
The Godfrey Hotel: Have a festive brunch with Santa featuring breakfast classics, a carving station with prime rib, and sweet treats.
Chicago restaurants open on Christmas Day
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday brunch or a special night out on the town, Chicago’s restaurants deliver. Here are just a few that will be open to revelers on Christmas Day.
Adorn Bar & Restaurant: Ring in the holiday with a festive “Tinsel and Toast” celebration. Enjoy a joyous feast featuring maple-glazed Berkshire ham and a decadent dessert spread.
Chicago Chop House: Feast on a classic French chateaubriand for Christmas, along with an array of elegant dishes and extended holiday hours.
Manchamanteles: This Bucktown Mexican restaurant will be serving up made-to-order festive margaritas.
NoMI: Celebrate Christmas Eve or Christmas Day at NoMI with a four-course prix-fixe menu and a lavish dessert buffet. Enjoy your meal overlooking the twinkling lights of Lake Michigan and Magnificent Mile.
Somerset: This Gold Coast hot spot will serve decadent dishes like lobster thermidor, prime rib, and surf & turf for Christmas.
Looking for more ways to celebrate the holidays in Chicago? Check out this year’s holiday pop-up bars and our pick for New Year’s Eve dinner in Chicago.
