Diners in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area can cross a stress-free Christmas dinner off their holiday wish list. A number of restaurants serve a special Christmas Eve or Christmas Day menu. Others are open with their regular menu.
Most restaurants on this list also offer takeout and delivery.
Here are some options at various price points.
Make sure to note if the meal is just on Christmas Eve, so you don’t show up hungry on Christmas Day at a closed restaurant. For the most part, the restaurants below ARE open on Christmas Day, but if they’re not, we will note that. Do you know of other restaurants that should be on the list? Email info@triangleonthecheap.com with the scoop, and we’ll add it, as time permits.
Many Asian restaurants are open on Christmas Day, but we might not have found their info online. Give your favorite one a call and find out their plans
We’ve also put together a list of where to order a fully cooked holiday meal in advance. This list includes restaurants, grocery stores, and caterers.
You might also be interested in:
- Subscribing to Triangle on the Cheap’s emails
- Free things to do this week in the Triangle
- Day by Day Holiday Guide to the Triangle
- Best Christmas lights in the Triangle
Restaurants in the Triangle Open on Christmas
The Carolina Inn
The Carolina Inn
211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Seating from 5 to 8:30 p.m. both days.
The Carolina Inn will be offering a three-course prix-fixe dinner for $100 a person. The dinner includes your choice of a starter, main course, and dessert. Check out the menu here.
Seating is limited and reservations fill up quickly. Make your reservation here.
Denny’s
Denny’s
Multiple locations
Hours vary by location, so be sure to call.
Devines Restaurant & Sports Bar
Devines Restaurant & Sports Bar
904 West Main Street, Durham, NC
Christmas Day: 11 a.m. to midnight
Fairview Dining Room
Fairview Dining Room
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
3001 Cameron Boulevard, Durham
Christmas Eve: 12 to 8 p.m.
Christmas Day: 12 to 8 p.m.
Serving seasonally-inspired fine dining options for $120 per person.
Reservations required, call (919) 493-6699 or reserve your spot here.
iHop
IHOP
Multiple locations
Make sure to call your local IHOP to verify hours
The Pickled Onion
The Pickled Onion
Multiple locations
Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours vary by location.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster
4408 Old Wake Forest Road, Raleigh
Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Christmas Day: 12 to 9 p.m.
Make reservations by calling (919) 872-5608
Smoke Stacks Cafe
Smoke Stacks Cafe
701 East Lane Street, Raleigh, NC
Christmas Day: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sophie’s Grill & Bar
Sophie’s Grill & Bar
2734 NC-55, Cary
Christmas Eve: Open
Christmas Day: 11 a.m. to midnight
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
410 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100, Raleigh
Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Holiday menu can be found here.
Make reservations here or call (919) 833-2888
Waffle House
Waffle House
Multiple locations
Hours vary by location, so be sure to call.
The Willard
The Willard
9 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh
Open Christmas Day from 4 to 8 p.m.
Serving a Christmas buffet on the rooftop. The menu features holiday favorites such as smoked turkey, scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and more.
$60 per person or $25 for kids 12 and under, ages 4 and under eat for free.
Make reservations here.
You might also be interested in:
- Signing up for Triangle on the Cheap’s daily email
- Free and cheap events this week
- Day by Day list of holiday events
- Best Christmas Lights in the Triangle
- Christmas tree farms and lots near the Triangle
- Free pictures with Santa in the Triangle
- Holiday Markets in the Triangle
- Christmas Trains in North Carolina
Nick says
Every place mentioned was closed.