The best Austin restaurants open on Christmas Day 2022

Christmas with a view? ATX has been buzzing across the river since The Loren opened in the fall of 2022, and its rooftop oasis, Nido, has undoubtedly become one of South Lamar’s most sought-after dining spots. Make your Christmas wishes come true with an early booking for December 25th, and nosh on their delicious beef short ribs and festive specials. Wine pairings are a must, and y’all can keep the jolly holiday spirit alive with cocktails on the terrace and a backdrop of twinkling lights.

Chinese food on Christmas Day is practically as widespread a U.S. tradition as decorating a tree, so this is one of Wu Chow’s busiest days of the year. If you’re on the fence about making a reservation, do it now. Dim sum service usually only runs on Christmas eve, and the rest of Wu Chow’s mouthwatering dinner menu will be available on Christmas Day, including whole steamed fish and crispy Beijing ducks (for anyone intent on re-living A Christmas Story in real life).

Celebrating Crimbo with a mixed bag of clashing tastes? Well, at the back of Fairmont Austin, you’ll be able to satisfy almost all the party. That’s because there lies Revue, one of the few downtown restaurants that offer multiple types of cuisine—and though we’re firm believers in Jacks of all trades being masters of none, the team does a brilliant job of excelling across all specialties. 

For Christmas Day, 24 Diner isn’t pulling out all the stops like they do for Thanksgiving, but they’re sticking to their 24-hour guns (bless ’em), so you’ll be able to order everything off the regular menu all day long, including those life-changing chicken and waffles. Nothing’s been confirmed officially but based on previous years, we might be seeing boozy eggnog and other seasonal cocktails alongside their mainstay boozy milkshakes.

Sometimes all you need on Christmas is some Southern comfort. We’re talking good, hearty eats, which is exactly what Haymaker serves up on the reg in the form of preposterously pleasurable open-face sandwiches, grilled cheese, burgers, and brats, all of which will be available during (slightly) abbreviated hours on Christmas Day. You won’t find any eggnog behind the bar, but with a selection of stalwart signature cocktails and an insanely extensive beer list slightly discounted by all-day happy hour, you’re bound to hone in on some holiday cheer anyhow.

As is tradition, all Alamo Drafthouse locations will be open on Christmas Day. There won’t be any special holiday feast, but the entire regular menu will be available—and what’s wrong with chips n’ queso, all-day brunch, or a damn-delicious pizza for Christmas dinner? There might even be holiday shakes on the drinks menu, including the beloved Candy Cane Shake. Keep an eye on their website for the schedule.

This beloved chain’s North Mopac and Westlake locations are usually open on Christmas Day, and though they don’t mix things up with a festive twist, a delicious Chinese food spread is just as traditional as turkey, stuffing, and the rest of the fixings.

For those looking for an upscale Christmas dinner that isn’t astronomically expensive, Trace (at the W Hotel) has you covered. The reasonably priced $80 three-course meal offers ticks all the boxes. While you’re at it, check out their Après Ski-themed bar for the holidays at the back in their secret bar.