Treat yourself this holiday season and skip the stress of cooking with a festive night out. We’ve rounded up some of Houston’s best restaurants serving Christmas magic on Christmas Eve, with several also welcoming guests on Christmas Day. Whether you’re craving an elegant prix-fixe dinner, a lively brunch, or a lavish buffet, these spots are ready to do the work for you. And if staying in sounds more your speed, many also offer holiday meals to go, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality feast at home – no prep, no cleanup. Just be sure to book your table or place your order early to keep your holidays delicious, easy, and bright.
Bloom & Bee
1600 West Loop S / 346.227.5139
Celebrate the holidays at Bloom & Bee with a full lineup of festive dining experiences that let you relax and leave the cooking behind. Holiday Brunch will be served Chrsitmas day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a three-course brunch alongside a buffet of sushi, seafood, charcuterie, cheeses, and dishes like Nutella & Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast. On December 24, enjoy Brunch with Santa from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., complete with Mesquite Smoked Texas Brisket, a dessert buffet, live entertainment, and a visit from Santa. Celebrate Christmas Day Dinner with a three-course seasonal menu served 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., or keep the fun going with Who Moved Christmas Brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., a playful post-holiday brunch featuring a buffet and imaginative entrées. For reservations, click here.
Botonica’s Jingle Bell Bar: A Holiday Pop-Up Bar
2031 Westcreek Ln N1
Leave the hosting behind and step into the holiday magic at Jingle Bell Bar, a festive pop-up in the heart of River Oaks. Sip seasonal cocktails and enjoy snacks in three immersive, over-the-top spaces – Classic Christmas, Candy Land Lane, and The Ski Lodge – with special events throughout the season (some ticketed). The pop-up runs November 26 to December 27; reservations are encouraged and limited to 90 minutes, with walk-ins based on availability. Open Christmas Eve 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Christmas Day 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. For tickets, click here.
Brennan’s of Houston
3300 Smith Street / 713.522.9711
Take the stress out of Christmas Eve and enjoy a relaxed holiday meal with Brennan’s of Houston, with seating available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Online reservations are not available for holidays. To reserve your table, call 713.522.9711. Brennan’s will be closed Thursday, Dec. 25 and Friday, Dec. 26.
Caracol
2200 Post Oak Blvd, Suite #160 / 713.622.9996
Celebrate Christmas Eve without the cooking at Cena de Noche Buena on Wednesday, December 24, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring a holiday buffet with complimentary ponche and live music by Ikaru from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dinner is $55 per person and $15 per child. Prefer to celebrate at home? Holiday To-Go orders are open through December 22. Christmas orders must be placed by Monday, December 22 at noon for pickup on Wednesday, December 24, with a two-day lead time required. Caracol will be closed on Christmas Day. For reservations, click here.
Davis St
5925 Almeda Rd, Ste A / 713.526.1663
After the gifts are opened and the morning rush fades, take a break from the kitchen and celebrate with a Christmas Day Feast at Davis St. at Hermann Park, served 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy a festive four-course meal featuring favorites like Thai Style Snapper for Two or a classic Turkey Dinner. Dinner is $75 per person, with a kids menu for ages 12 and under. For reservations, click here.
Etoile Cuisine et Bar
Celebrate the season without the stress and enjoy Christmas Eve dinner at Etoile Cusine et Bar, where Chef Philippe is serving a special holiday menu designed for sharing and savoring. Gather family and friends for a three-course dinner priced at $89 for adults and $28 for children, with reservations available from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Etoile is open Christmas Eve and closed Christmas Day. For reservations, call 832.668.5808.
Haii Keii
3300 Kirby Dr, Suite 9-A /713.370.6313
Skip the cooking and treat yourself to an indulgent holiday dining experience on December 24 and 25 with a three-course holiday menu. Start with globally inspired bites like Thai chile shrimp, tuna poke tacos, hamachi sashimi, and savory rolls, followed by entrées such as Gulf red snapper with Thai coconut beurre blanc, seared filet mignon, or Texas Wagyu NY strip. Finish on a sweet note with desserts including ube cheesecake, chocolate bombe, and white chocolate mousse. Dinner is $55 per person. For reservations, click here.
Juliet Steakhouse
5857 Westheimer Rd, Suite P / 713.324.8831
Skip the prep and cleanup and celebrate Christmas the easy way with a festive Christmas Day buffet at Juliet. The chefs have created a generous spread of 20+ classic Christmas favorites, featuring a carving station with turkey breast, North Atlantic salmon, and prime filet mignon, plus sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, candied yams, mac & cheese, cornbread dressing, and more. Round out the meal with lobster bisque, Caesar salad, scratch-made breads, and holiday desserts including pecan pie, peach cobbler, and sweet potato pie. Enjoy a two-hour dining experience for $59 per adult, $28 for kids under 12, with children 5 and under dining free. For reservations, click here.
King Ranch Texas Kitchen
1605 Post Oak Blvd /832.427.3049
Enjoy a Texas-sized Christmas Day buffet at King Ranch Texas Kitchen on Christmas Day from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The spread includes a carving station with brisket, prime rib, turkey breast, and stuffed pork belly, plus appetizers like buffalo chicken dip, cranberry brie bites, deviled eggs, and cold shrimp. Sides include a mashed potato bar, Beto’s world-famous green beans, mac & cheese, tamales, and collard greens. $59 per adult and $25 per child. For reservastions, click here.
La Griglia
2817 West Dallas Street / 713.526.4700
Raise a glass and leave the cooking to someone else this holiday season with Christmas dining at authentic Italian favorite La Griglia. Tuck into the full menu plus Chef’s Christmas features on Christmas Eve from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Christmas Day from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring standout dishes like bucatini amatriciana, tableside pasta alla ruota with shaved winter black truffle, and Chilean seabass with roasted wild mushrooms and Genovese sauce. For reservations, click here.
Leo’s River Oaks
2009 W Gray St # A / 713.979.5367
Celebrate Christmas without the cooking at Leo’s River Oaks, where the seasonal décor, live music, and a holiday atmosphere set the tone. Dine on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and enjoy a $95 four-course prix-fixe menu featuring favorites like Lobster Thermidor and Prime Rib, finished with a decadent holiday dessert, plus signature winter cocktails to toast the season. The regular dinner menu will also be available. For more information and for reservations, click here.
Main Kitchen
JW Marriott Houston Downtown, 806 Main Street / 713.237.1111
Celebrate the holidays without the hassle at Main Kitchen at the JW Marriott Houston Downtown, where Christmas dining is done for you. Enjoy a special curated three-course Christmas menu designed to highlight seasonal flavors, with the option to elevate your meal through expertly paired wines from Ron Rubin Winery. It’s a relaxed, elegant way to gather, indulge, and enjoy the season – no cooking or cleanup required. $70 per person. For reservations, click here.
The Audrey Restaurant & Bar
9595 Six Pines Dr suite 8200, The Woodlands / 832.924.8500
Skip the cooking and celebrate the holidays at The Audrey, where every part of Christmas is covered. On Christmas Eve, start the day with a special holiday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., then return for an elegant Christmas Eve dinner from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring chef-crafted seasonal dishes and festive cocktails. On Christmas Day, enjoy a three-course holiday menu from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. for $70 per person, alongside select regular favorites – making it an effortless, stylish way to gather, dine, and truly enjoy the season. For reservations, click here.
Victory Restaurant & Lounge
711 Main St suite 100 / 832.891.3909
Celebrate Christmas without the kitchen stress at Victory Restaurant & Lounge with a festive Holiday Prix Fixe Menu available Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Enjoy a seasonal, chef-curated lineup of entrées and desserts, all served with Victory’s signature style in a warm, celebratory setting. $85 per person. For reservations, click here.
Willie G’s
1640 West Loop S / 713.840.7190
Skip the cooking and celebrate Christmas Day with a festive Christmas buffet at Willie G’s (Post Oak location). Enjoy Chef’s seasonal features and Willie G’s favorites, including prime rib at the carving station, fresh seafood from the raw line, soups and salads, classic holiday entrées and sides, kid-friendly options, and a dessert spread. The buffet is $69 per adult and $29 per child, making it a delicious way to enjoy the holiday without lifting a finger. For reservations, click here.
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