Restaurants Open On Christmas Day

Plenty of Orange County restaurants keep the lights on for Christmas Day, from resort brunches with ocean views to steakhouses and family-friendly chains. If nobody wants to cook this year, this list covers where people in OC have been able to eat out on December 25.

Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, 2026. Most restaurants post their Christmas menus in November or December, so each listing notes what was offered last year and the 2026 status. Find out what else is Open on Christmas Day.

Check before you go: Christmas Day tables book up early, and many restaurants swap their regular menu for a set holiday menu with different hours. Prices and availability change from year to year, so confirm the menu, hours and reservation policy directly with the restaurant before you head out.

Christmas Day Restaurants at a Glance

Resort & Hotel Christmas Dining

Balboa Bay Resort & A+O Restaurant | Bar

1221 West Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-645-5000

Balboa Bay Resort holds a Christmas Day Champagne Brunch in the Lighthouse, its event space on the bay, with a buffet, carving stations, a chilled seafood display and holiday desserts. In 2025, A+O Restaurant | Bar also served a Christmas Day brunch from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2026 status: Posted. Brunch seatings run from 10 AM to 2 PM in the Lighthouse on Friday, December 25, 2026. The price is $155 for adults and $60 for children, plus a 20% service charge and tax, and the brunch includes a sparkling wine and mimosa station. Reservations: 949-630-4801. A+O Christmas Day hours: TBA.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Dana Point, CA

In 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel served a Christmas brunch buffet on December 25 and a three-course prix fixe Christmas dinner at RAYA, its coastal Latin restaurant.

2026 status: Posted. The resort's holiday page lists a Christmas Brunch Buffet on December 25 and a three-course prix fixe at RAYA on December 24 or 25. Times and prices: TBA.

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach

One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA 92629

For Christmas 2025, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach offered a Christmas Day brunch buffet at AVEO Table + Bar, plus Christmas dinners at AVEO and at Bourbon Steak Orange County over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

2026 status: TBA. Christmas Day 2026 hours and menu have not been posted yet. Call to confirm.

Montage Laguna Beach

30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach

Montage Laguna Beach hosted Christmas Day dining in 2025 at Studio Mediterranean, The Loft and the Lobby Lounge. Reservations go through the resort.

2026 status: Listed for this season; confirm when booking. The resort's festive experiences page lists Christmas Day breakfast and champagne brunch at The Loft from 7 to 11 AM, a bistro menu there from 3 to 5 PM and a four-course prix fixe dinner from 5 to 10 PM. Studio Mediterranean serves an à la carte dinner from 5 to 10 PM, and Mosaic Bar & Grille serves lunch from 11 AM to 7 PM. Reservations are required.

Harvest at The Ranch at Laguna Beach

31106 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach

Harvest, the restaurant at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, sits in a canyon setting just inland from the coast. For Christmas night it adds à la carte holiday specials, prime rib among them, to the menu.

2026 status: Posted. Christmas dinner runs from 5 to 9:30 PM on Friday, December 25, 2026. Reservations open November 1.

Pelican Grill & Mar Vista at The Resort at Pelican Hill

22800 S. Pelican Hill Rd., Newport Coast, CA 92657
844-443-0022

In 2025, Pelican Grill served a three-course Christmas Day lunch and a four-course Christmas Day dinner, and Mar Vista at the resort hosted a Christmas Day brunch with caviar service. The resort began a renovation in December 2025, so check which restaurants are open.

2026 status: Mar Vista brunch posted. The resort's seasonal events page lists a Christmas Day Caviar Brunch Buffet at Mar Vista. Visit Newport Beach gives the details: Friday, December 25, 2026, 10:30 AM to 2 PM, $245 for adults and $95 for children plus tax and service, with a 25% gratuity added and $15 valet. Pelican Grill's Christmas Day lunch and dinner have not been posted for 2026.

VIEW at VEA Newport Beach

900 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-640-4000

VIEW Restaurant & Lounge at VEA Newport Beach served a three-course prix fixe dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2025.

2026 status: Posted. The resort's holiday page lists a three-course prix fixe on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 5 to 10 PM. Price: TBA.

Tangerine Room at The Westin Anaheim Resort

1030 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802
657-279-9786

Tangerine Room, inside The Westin Anaheim Resort, offered a special prix fixe menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2025, and the hotel lobby had live entertainment.

2026 status: TBA. Christmas Day 2026 hours and menu have not been posted yet. Call to confirm.

Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse

1775 S. Clementine St., Anaheim, CA 92802

Tocca Ferro is the Italian chophouse at the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort, serving steaks, pasta and seafood at dinner. It has offered a Christmas dinner menu in past years.

2026 status: TBA. Nothing has been posted for Christmas 2026. Call the hotel to confirm.

City Cruises Newport Beach

Newport Harbor, Newport Beach

City Cruises lists Christmas Day brunch and dinner cruises on Newport Harbor among its holiday sailings. The 2025 brunch cruise ran about two hours with a buffet on board.

2026 status: Listed; times at booking. The Newport Beach listings include a Christmas Day Premier Brunch Cruise with Santa from $99.64 and a Christmas Day Premier Dinner Cruise with Santa from $149.46, with fees and taxes included. Boarding times show when you book.

Steakhouses Open on Christmas Day

Mastro’s Ocean Club

Newport Beach and Irvine

Mastro’s Ocean Club is a steak-and-seafood house with Orange County locations at Crystal Cove in Newport Beach and in Irvine.

2026 status: Open 2–9 PM (both locations) on Friday, December 25, 2026.

Morton's The Steakhouse

South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa
714-444-4834

Morton’s near South Coast Plaza was open on Christmas Day 2025 from noon to 8 p.m., serving its regular menu alongside a holiday special for two.

2026 status: TBA. Christmas Day 2026 hours and menu have not been posted yet. Call to confirm.

SET Steak & Sushi at Pendry Newport Beach

690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-688-8005

SET Steak & Sushi at Pendry Newport Beach served a three-course Christmas menu in 2025, with Christmas Day seatings from 4 to 9 p.m.

2026 status: TBA. Christmas Day 2026 hours and menu have not been posted yet. Call to confirm.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

2041 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802 | 714-750-5466
2961 Michelson Dr., Irvine, CA 92612 | 949-252-8848

Both Orange County locations of Ruth’s Chris Steak House serve steaks, seafood and classic steakhouse sides. The chain was open on Christmas Day 2025, and reservations were recommended.

2026 status: TBA. Christmas Day 2026 hours and menu have not been posted yet. Call to confirm.

Fogo de Chão

623 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
949-398-1500

Fogo de Chão at Irvine Spectrum Center is a Brazilian steakhouse where servers carve fire-roasted meats at the table. The chain was open on Christmas Day in 2025.

2026 status: TBA. Christmas Day 2026 hours and menu have not been posted yet. Call to confirm.

Family & Casual Restaurants

Orange Hill Restaurant

6410 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92869
714-997-2910

Orange Hill sits on a hillside with views across the county. In past years it has served a family-style Christmas Day brunch with several courses instead of a buffet.

2026 status: TBA. Christmas Day 2026 hours and menu have not been posted yet. Call to confirm.

Buca di Beppo

1609 E. Imperial Hwy., Brea, CA 92821
11757 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, CA 92840
7979 Center St., Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Buca di Beppo serves Italian dishes on big platters meant for sharing, which works well for larger groups. The chain was open on Christmas Day 2025.

2026 status: TBA. Christmas Day 2026 hours and menu have not been posted yet. Call to confirm.

Dave & Buster's

661 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
20 City Blvd. West, Orange, CA 92868

Dave & Buster’s pairs an arcade with a full menu of burgers, wings and entrées. It was open on Christmas Day 2025, with hours varying by location.

2026 status: TBA. Christmas Day 2026 hours and menu have not been posted yet. Call to confirm.

El Torito

Anaheim and Cypress

El Torito has two Orange County locations, in Anaheim and Cypress, serving fajitas, enchiladas and margaritas. The chain was open on Christmas Day 2025.

2026 status: TBA. Christmas Day 2026 hours and menu have not been posted yet. Call to confirm.

Benihana

2100 E. Ball Rd., Anaheim | 714-774-4940
4250 Birch St., Newport Beach | 949-955-0822

At Benihana, chefs cook steak, seafood and fried rice on a teppanyaki grill at your table. The chain was open on Christmas Day 2025.

2026 status: TBA. Christmas Day 2026 hours and menu have not been posted yet. Call to confirm.

McCormick & Schmick's

321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802
714-535-9000

McCormick & Schmick’s at Anaheim GardenWalk serves oysters, fresh fish and steaks near Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center. The chain was open on Christmas Day 2025.

2026 status: TBA. Christmas Day 2026 hours and menu have not been posted yet. Call to confirm.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

321 W. Katella Ave., Suite 101, Anaheim, CA 92802
714-635-4867

Bubba Gump at Anaheim GardenWalk is a casual seafood spot themed around the movie Forrest Gump, with shrimp dishes, burgers and a kids menu.

2026 status: TBA. No Christmas Day hours have been posted. Call to confirm.

Chains Usually Open on Christmas Day

These chains were open at many locations on Christmas Day 2025, but hours are set location by location. Check the app or call your nearest Orange County location.

• IHOP
• Denny’s
• Applebee’s
• Chart House (Dana Point)
• Domino’s
• McDonald’s, Starbucks and Dunkin’ (hours vary widely by location)

Worth a Call

These Orange County restaurants are open for business, but they have not confirmed Christmas Day plans. Call before you go.

• Nova Kitchen & Bar - Garden Grove
• Nobu - Newport Beach
• The Capital Grille - Costa Mesa
• Lōrea at Pasea Hotel & Resort - Huntington Beach
• Bruno’s Italian Kitchen - Brea
• Habana - Costa Mesa, Irvine
• Hacienda on the Lake - Mission Viejo
• Hanagi - Anaheim
• Henry’s Coastal Cuisine - Huntington Beach
• Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen - Fullerton
• Kobe Japanese Steakhouse - Seal Beach
• Las Brisas - Laguna Beach
• Route 22 Restaurant & Bar - Garden Grove
• Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar - Costa Mesa
• Solita Tacos & Margaritas - Huntington Beach
• SOL Mexican Cocina - Irvine, Newport Beach
• Texas de Brazil - Irvine
• Gyu-Kaku - Huntington Beach
• Top of the V - Anaheim

Confirm First

These spots were reported open on Christmas Day 2025, but only by third-party sources. Confirm with the restaurant before making plans.

• Roy’s - Anaheim GardenWalk
• Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel - Anaheim
• Chains named in national 2025 roundups, including Brio Italian Grille, Red Lobster, Chevys, Sizzler, Jollibee, Paris Baguette and P.F. Chang’s. Check whether your nearest location is open.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day FAQ

What day is Christmas 2026?

Christmas Day is Friday, December 25, 2026.

Which chains are usually open on Christmas Day?

IHOP, Denny’s, Applebee’s and Domino’s were open at many locations on Christmas Day 2025. Some sit-down chains, including Buca di Beppo, El Torito, Benihana, Ruth’s Chris and Fogo de Chão, were also open. Hours vary by location.

Is The Cheesecake Factory open on Christmas Day?

No. The Cheesecake Factory closes most of its restaurants on Christmas Day, and the few locations reported open on Christmas Day 2025 were outside California.

Do I need a reservation for Christmas Day?

Reservations are strongly recommended for resort brunches, steakhouses and prix fixe dinners, since many fill up weeks ahead. Casual chains are usually walk-in, but expect waits.

Related Articles