No matter what you’re celebrating, there are plenty of ways to mark the holiday season with Chicago’s award-winning dining scene. 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 dinner.
Here’s our (always growing) 2023 guide on where to enjoy a holiday meal in Chicago, from Hanukkah specials to 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.
- You can’t go wrong with Manny’s Deli, a family-owned institution serving up classic Jewish deli fare since 1942. Their Hanukkah menu includes a brisket dinner, matzo balls, and their world-famous latkes.
- Steingolds in Lakeview is a great choice for traditional fare with a modern twist, like a coffee-braised brisket, olive oil poached cod with garlic and leeks, and salted caramel sufganiyot.
- Aba in the West Loop will be serving special dishes throughout the holiday, including potato, parmesan, and Brussels sprout latkes and slow-braised short rib.
- River North’s Ema is featuring a grilled harissa-spiced sea bream with roasted garlic yogurt along with other celebratory additions to their regular dinner menu.
- On the fancier side of things, try Heritage Caviar Bar’s elevated Hanukkah specials, like smoked salmon with kimchi aioli, smoked brisket in chile sauce, fresh oysters, and caviar by the ounce.
- Once you have dinner figured out, head to Floriole in Lincoln Park for their variety of pastries, jelly donuts, and more sweet treats.
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.
- Once you’re done admiring the lights along The Magnificent Mile, take the celebration over to NoMi for a four-course Christmas Eve feast.
- Bring some soul to your Christmas Eve celebrations at The Soul Food Lounge, serving a diverse menu of comforting global fusion fare.
- In the Japanese tradition of ordering fried chicken on Christmas Eve, Miru in the St. Regis is serving up the special savory dish alongside their regular dinner menu.
- Experience a modern take on the Feast of the Seven Fishes at Longman and Eagle, featuring an eight-course seafood meal with beverage pairing options (including plenty of whiskey).
- Christmas Eve at The Lobby at The Peninsula will include caviar, beef Wellington, and a luxe dessert buffet, plus a live jazz trio.
- The Cherry Circle Room inside the Chicago Athletic Association is serving a special feast of surf and turf and buche de noel, surrounded by festive holiday decor.
- Bistronomic invites guests to enjoy “Christmas Eve à Paris,” with a three-course tasting menu of classic French dishes.
- In Hyde Park, Mesler Kitchen will be serving artful New American plates amidst a sophisticated atmosphere and roaring fireplace on Christmas Eve.
- Il Porcelino has crafted a special menu to honor The Feast of Seven Fishes tradition, featuring an assortment of chilled and grilled seafood.
- Tortoise Supper Club offers a swanky atmosphere, live jazz, and prime steaks for an authentic supper club experience.
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 and Restaurant on Michigan Avenue is offering a Christmas Day brunch, featuring live music and a spiked cocoa station for grown-ups.
- In the Streeterville neighborhood, The Indian Garden will be open and serving their Indian brunch or lunch buffet.
- Chicago Chop House will have a classic French chateaubriand for Christmas, along with an array of elegant dishes and extended holiday hours.
- Mercat a La Planxa has you covered with a multi-course tapas-inspired menu, including an array of traditional Spanish Christmas dishes.
- Holu Steakhouse in Pilsen also has availability on Christmas Day, so you can celebrate over prime cuts of wagyu, sushi, and seafood on their DIY tabletop grills.
- Nobu is known for some of the freshest fish in the city, including their signature black cod miso dish. The West Loop spot will be open over the holidays for both hotel patrons and the public.
- Bordeaux Lounge by Turquoise in Lakeview will be open and serving Turkish cuisine alongside an amazing international wine selection on Christmas.
- Ravenswood’s Artango Bar and Steakhouse will have prime cuts of beef accompanied by a live piano performance from an Argentinian musician.
- Brass Tack in the Gold Coast has transformed its dining room into a holiday-themed wonderland. Their Christmas Day offerings include a bottomless rosé brunch and a prime rib dinner.
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.
