Subscribe to our FREE newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox. 

What to Know Before Dining Out on Christmas in Long Island 

Dining out with kids for the holidays is a fun way to celebrate the day and create lasting memories. Plan ahead, though, as reservations are often required for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day weeks in advance. It is common for restaurants to have holiday pricing and special, limited menus. Check ahead to see if the restaurant offers a kids' menu, allergy-friendly meals if needed, or if half-portion entrees are an option for your little ones.

Many restaurants offer brunch or early dinner options on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Early seatings or brunch is a great time to book a meal with young kids. Check ahead with the restaurant to confirm parking options and if they offer high chairs or booster seats, if needed. 

Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas Meal Out with Kids

• Bring coloring pages, holiday activity books, or a small toy to keep kids occupied at the table. 
• Earlier seatings are ideal for younger kids because it is usually less of a wait. 
• Check ahead with the restaurant if you need a high chair or booster seat. 
• Bring along kids' utensils and bibs for little ones to stay neat and be able to eat more easily. 
• If there's space, walk around the restaurant before the food arrives so kids aren't sitting too long. 
• Pack a change of clothes for the kids, just in case of spills, and leave them in the car. 

Restaurants in Nassau County Open on Christmas 2025

1. Eric's Italian Bistro — Mineola

Price Range: $$$
Menu type: Eric's serves modern and classical Italian cuisine. It offers an expansive holiday a la carte menu for Christmas Eve and a special three-course $69.95 prix fixe menu for Christmas Day.
Why families love it: The atmosphere is festive, homemade pasta is on offer, and a kids' menu is available upon request. 
Pro tip: Call ahead for reservations. 

2. Milleridge Inn — Jericho

Price Range: $$$
Menu type: This restaurant hosts a lavish prix fixe dinner for $89.95 for adults and $39.95 for kids ages 2-12 from 1pm-5pm in the inn on Christmas Eve. It also offers a buffet-style dinner for the same prices in the cottage. 
Why families love it: Families love the beautifully decorated Milleridge Inn restaurant and the historical holiday vibe. A kids' menu is available upon request. 
Pro tip: The adjacent Milleridge Inn Village has adorable holiday photo opportunities and little shops for the family to visit. Stop by the bakery for some delicious cinnamon bread to enjoy on Christmas morning!

3. Thyme — Roslyn

Price Range: $$
Menu type:  This quaint and scenic restaurant offers its regular menu on Christmas Eve, as well as holiday specials. The regular menu items include braised short rib pappardelle, grilled filet of salmon, Icelandic cod, and many more options.
Why families love it: The Thyme has a beautiful location and overlooks Gerry Park and the Roslyn Duck Pond. For Christmas Eve, the restaurant is also offering a lunch menu from 1130am-3pm. 
Pro tip: Reservations are required. If you don't feel like going out, you can opt to get your Christmas Eve dinner delivered locally from the catering menu. 

4. Volpe Ristorante at Fox Hollow — Woodbury

Price Range: $$$
Menu type: Volpe Ristorante features a special Italian-inspired prix fixe menu for $69.95 on Christmas Eve. Standout entrees include pistachio-crusted sea bass, certified Angus filet mignon, and chicken volpe. 
Why families love it: This is a great place for families to share the holiday together. Christmas Eve seatings begin at 2pm, and reservations can be made by phone or online. 
Pro tip: Save room for dessert and try the molten lava cake or tiramisu. 

5. The Pantry — Rockville Centre

Price Range: $$
Menu type: The expansive, regular menu will be offered and features steak, seafood, pasta, and comfort food options, so everyone can find the best fit for their Christmas meal.  
Why families love it: The Pantry RVC is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to share a holiday meal with the whole family.
Pro tip: Call ahead to make reservations. 

6. San Remo — Rockville Centre

Price Range: $$
Menu type: An expansive menu of Italian cuisine is served at this restaurant in the heart of RVC. 
Why families love it: They offer a great kids' menu and a comfortable, neighborhood vibe to celebrate the holiday. 
Pro tip: Call or book reservations online. 

7. Nuvo Kitchen (NK Restaurant) — East Meadow

Price Range: $$
Menu type: This restaurant offers Caribbean fusion cuisine that's sure to please for the holiday.  
Why families love it: Families looking for more than a standard Christmas menu will enjoy celebrating at Nuvo Kitchen this year. 
Pro tip: This is a good spot for a small group. Call ahead for reservations.  

8. Gusto Divino Trattoria — Seaford

Price Range: $$
Menu type: This restaurant features traditional and signature Italian dishes on an la carte menu and a special holiday menu.  
Why families love it: Gusto Divino Trattoria is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The cozy atmosphere is ideal for the family to enjoy the holidays.
Pro tip: Great location for family gatherings. Call ahead to make reservations. 

9. Thom Thom — Wantagh

Price Range: $$
Menu type: Thom Thom has steaks, seafood, and sushi on the regular menu available. 
Why families love it: There is something for everyone at this Nassau County restaurant open from 2pm-10pm on Christmas Day. Thom Thom will be offering its full menu as well as Christmas Day specials. 
Pro tip: Adults can enjoy one of the holiday special drinks. Call or book reservations online. 

Restaurants in Suffolk County Open on Christmas 2025

10. Prime — Huntington

Price Range: $$$
Menu type: The restaurant's regular menu is available on Christmas Eve, as well as specials like a yule spice rack of lamb and decadent brodetto. 
Why families love it: Festive with beautiful views; the whole family will enjoy a wonderful meal. 
Pro tip: Call to make a reservation. Make sure to save room for a special dessert, like the Christmas sundae with peppermint ice cream and a gingerbread brownie! 

11. Branzino's - Huntington Station

Price Range: $$
Menu type: Dishes include branzino stuffed ravioli, dry-aged prime rib, and halibut.
Why families love it: Branzino's brings Manhattan flair to Long Island. This is a perfect spot for a classy holiday meal experience for the whole family. 
Pro tip: The restaurant is open and taking reservations for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There's also a new location open in Northport. 

RELATED: The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids on Long Island

Make Christmas Eve a relaxing night with a dinner at Sandbar. 

12. Sandbar — Cold Spring Harbor

Price Range: $$$
Menu type: Sandbar offers an upscale prix fixe menu for $85 per person on Christmas Eve from 4pm-8pm, featuring jumbo lump crab cakes, duck tacos, and chickpea fries – and those are just the appetizers. 
Why families love it: The atmosphere is classy and beautiful. They also regularly offer a kids' menu for little ones under 12. 
Pro tip: The milk and cookie Christmas Eve dessert is worth saving some room for! 

13. Black Pearl Seafood Chophouse — Port Jefferson

Price Range: $$$
Menu type: Black Pearl offers a Christmas Eve prix fixe dinner that costs $89 for adults and $29 for kids aged 3-12 years old. On Christmas Day, it hosts a buffet dinner from 12pm-5pm. Pricing is the same as Christmas Eve. 
Why families love it: This family-friendly spot offers a special buffet for the kids on Christmas Day. 
Pro tip: Call ahead to book reservations for a seating time at this new restaurant. Ages 2 and under are FREE.

14. Imperial Meat Company (IMC) — Huntington

Price Range: $$$
Menu type: This steakhouse offers a regular menu with a raw bar, steaks, burgers, and more for the holiday. 
Why families love it: Families looking to add glamour to the holiday meal will enjoy a visit to IMC in the heart of Huntington this Christmas Eve.
Pro tip: Reservations are required. 

15. Bella Vie — Bay Shore

Price Range: $$
Menu type: Nestled in the heart of Bay Shore, this charming restaurant features waterfront views and Italian French fare. Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, for families to enjoy a holiday meal together.  
Why families love it: This restaurant is a good fit for a larger family group and offers a kids' menu upon request. 
Pro tip: Reservations are required. 

Restaurants on Long Island's East End Open on Christmas 2025

16. Cooperage Inn — Baiting Hollow

Price Range: $$
Menu type: The Christmas Eve menu features holiday specials and regular dishes such as seafood bisque, chicken pot pie, and roast duck.  
Why families love it: This gem on the North Fork is perfect for parents to sip on a glass of local wine in a warm and cozy atmosphere with the family. 
Pro tip: The North Fork has lots of charming little main streets decorated for the holidays to stop at before dinner. 

17. The Birchwood Of Polish Town— Riverhead

Price Range: $$
Menu type: Christmas Eve is quite the event at this grand buffet dinner. The buffet is $59.95 a person and $29.95 for kids ages 3-12. 
Why families love it: The kid-friendly hall is decked out with holiday decor, and the little ones will love the buffet options. 
Pro tip: Leave room for the treats at the Viennese Table with a delicious chocolate fountain!

FAQs for Dining Out on Christmas with Kids in Long Island 

Q. Do any Christmas Day restaurants offer kids' meals?
A. Yes, many restaurants on Long Island offer children's menus for the holiday with classic kid favorites, like pasta, chicken fingers, or mozzarella sticks. 

Q. Are restaurants open for Christmas brunch or dinner?
A. Yes, some Long Island restaurants are open for both brunch and dinner seatings on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  

Q. Do I need to make reservations for Christmas Day dining?
A. Yes, you should absolutely make reservations for Christmas Day dining to make sure they are open, can accommodate your group size, and the time you would like to eat.  

Q. Are fast-casual or chain restaurants open on Christmas?
A. Many chain restaurants are open on Christmas Eve, but fewer are open on Christmas Day. On Christmas Day, select McDonald's, IHOPs, Benihana restaurants, local diners, and Chinese food takeout spots are often open. Parents will also rejoice that many Dunkin' and Starbucks locations are open for a much-needed holiday caffeine boost! 

Q. Which restaurants have the most festive Christmas atmosphere for families?
A. Family-friendly Italian restaurants, neighborhood spots, restaurants with entertainment, and diners often offer a festive holiday atmosphere for families. 

This article was originally published in 2012 and was updated in December 2025. Jennifer Voit contributed additional reporting. 

Photos courtesy of the restaurants