Williamsburg area holiday dining: Restaurants open on Christmas Day + order-ahead specials

As Christmas draws near, most businesses have announced adjusted holiday schedules – but not everyone will be closed. 

If you’re considering dining out for the holidays, this list highlights local restaurants that will be open on Christmas Day. Because many are planning to enjoy dinner at home, it also features restaurants that are offering take-home specials.

Did I miss any? Email me at christin@thetriangle.news. 

Order-Ahead Holiday Specials

Second Street Bistro is offering order-ahead Christmas dinners. (Photo by Christin Nielsen/The Triangle)

Second Street Bistro

140 2nd Street in Williamsburg | 757-220-2286 | secondst.com

Don’t feel like cooking for the holidays this year? Take home a Christmas dinner for four made by the chefs at Second Street Bistro.

Main offerings include glazed Virginia pit ham, slow-roasted prime rib or oven roasted boneless turkey breast. All packages feature ciabatta rolls with herb seasoning and olive oil, cranberry compote, four sides and a pie. 

Orders must be placed by Dec. 21, and pick-up is available on Dec. 25. To place an order, call the Williamsburg location at 757-220-2286 or the Newport News location at 757-234-4448. 

Aromas

431 Prince George Street in Williamsburg | 757-221-6676 | aromasworld.com

Aromas is baking up Christmas quiches and cranberry orange spiced sweet rolls that are available for pre-order. 

Orders can be called in and must be placed by noon on Sunday. Pick-ups will be available on Tuesday, Dec. 24, before 2 p.m. 

Cracker Barrel

200 Bypass Road in Williamsburg | 757-220-3384 | crackerbarrel.com

If your family is clamoring for comfort food for the holidays, Cracker Barrel is offering heat-and-serve ham and prime rib feasts, as well as specialty pies, for pre-order.

Pickups can be scheduled Dec. 21 through Dec. 28.

Colonial Williamsburg Pie & Bake Sale

303 S. England Street in Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg’s Annual Pie & Bake Sale returns on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until all baked goods are sold out.

Offerings include CW’s popular Rum Cream Pie as well as a variety of seasonal pies and handcrafted baked goods. The sale is held at Taste Studio, next to the Williamsburg Inn and across from the Williamsburg Lodge.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

Fat Tuna

1433 Richmond Road in Williamsburg | 757-903-2811 | fattunagrill.com

You can rely on Fat Tuna to be open all throughout the holidays, including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. 

The popular seafood restaurant will serve up several Christmas Day specials this year, including roast prime rib of beef, lobster and crab thermidor and surf and turf, with warm bread pudding for dessert. Call or visit the restaurant’s website to place a reservation.

Masala Craft

5223 Monticello Ave, Ste- E in Williamsburg | 757-808-7045 | masalacraftva.com

Another popular local Indian dining option, Masala Craft is open for limited hours – 3 to 8 p.m. – on Christmas Day. The restaurant will also be open on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, from 3 to 8 p.m. Masala does not accept reservations, but holiday diners will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Olde Towne Pizza & Pasta

5540 Olde Towne Road in Williamsburg | 757-253-7846 | ot-pizza.com

Stop by Olde Towne at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets for Italian classics or pizza on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. Call for reservations. 

Peking Restaurant

120 Waller Mill Road in Williamsburg | 757-229-2288 | peking-va.com

Offering Chinese, Thai, Mongolian barbecue and sushi, Peking Restaurant has been serving the Williamsburg area for more than 35 years. The restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Call to make a reservation. 

Colonial Williamsburg Restaurants

Several Colonial Williamsburg restaurants will be open on Christmas Day. Because of their popularity during the holiday season, most time slots are already booked up, and early reservations are strongly recommended.

Below is a list of Colonial Williamsburg holiday dining options that still had reservation availability as of publishing time.

Williamsburg Inn

Brunch with Santa and Christmas Day Grand Buffet 

A special Christmas-themed brunch buffet will be held on Dec. 24 at the Regency Dining Room located in the Williamsburg Inn. According to Colonial Williamsburg’s website, the dining experience will feature “your favorite breakfast and lunch items,” including an array of hot and cold presentations. Santa Claus will be in attendance to offer surprises and delights for guests. 

A Christmas Day feast will be served at the Regency Room on Dec. 25 from 11 am to 4 pm. The meal will feature traditional Christmas fare, a bountiful seafood display and a variety of special desserts. 

Reservations for Brunch with Santa are available here, while Christmas Day Feast reservations are available here.

Williamsburg Lodge

Christmas Day Brunch

Attend a Christmas morning brunch featuring a holiday roast, seasonal dishes, artisan cheeses and desserts. Children under 3 are free. The brunch will be served from 10 am to 2 pm. Reservations are available here. 

Shields Tavern

Christmas Feast 

This 18th-century style dining experience includes a three-course brunch menu featuring traditional holiday favorites. The meal will be accompanied by Colonial musicians and will be served from 11 am to 2 pm. Reservations are available here. 

Note: The Triangle’s website will be updated early next week with a comprehensive list of local restaurants open on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and/or New Year’s Day.