The most festive holiday restaurants in America

What is it? This small German restaurant in Gramercy has become famous for its elaborate Christmas displays, which stay up year-round. With its old-school charm and hearty German comfort food, it's a memorable dining experience no matter when you visit.

Why we love it for the holidays: Rolf's goes all-in with elaborate seasonal décor. More than 200,000 lights, thousands of ornaments, porcelain figurines and garlands cover nearly every inch of the ceiling and walls. Schnitzels, sausages and mulled wine complete the experience.

Time Out tip: Visit early in the season or on a weekday to beat the worst of the crowds, and order the potato pancakes with applesauce for a cozy classic. Dining reservations are taken by phone only.

Address: 281 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010

Opening hours: Mon–Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–9pm

What is it? A Central Park landmark since 1934, Tavern on the Green is a timeless New York classic. Once a sheepfold for the park's grazing flock, it's now home to elegant dining rooms with chandeliers, cozy nooks and sweeping park views. By winter, it becomes a fairytale escape in the middle of Manhattan.

Why we love it for the holidays: It's pure New York nostalgia come Christmastime. A towering Christmas tree greets diners outside, while inside, twinkling lights, decorated trees and festive greenery set the scene. The menu features hearty favorites like honey-roasted figs, French onion soup and black truffle mac and cheese.

Time Out tip: Planning a holiday visit? Call the restaurant directly to book a table—holiday reservations aren't available online, and you can make them well in advance.

Address: Central Park, W 67th St, New York, NY 10023

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri 11am–11pm; Sat 9am–11pm; Sun 9am–10pm

What is it? This fine-dining destination in central Connecticut is known for its Italian menu and extravagant, themed décor that gets even more over-the-top during the holidays.

Why we love it for the holidays: Each dining space is meticulously transformed, with past themes ranging from Santa's workshop to a Wicked-inspired winter wonderland. Themes change each year, but you can expect thousands of lights, elaborate displays and decked-out Christmas trees. For food, expect elegant offerings like lobster ravioli and lamb chops. 

Time Out tip: Allow time to explore the themed rooms and snap a few photos before or after dinner. Just note that the restaurant requires each seated guest to order an entrée.

Address: 1615 West St, Southington, CT 06489

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–9pm, Fri 11:30am–10pm, Sat noon–10pm, Sun noon–9pm

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What is it? Housed in a massive red barn, Angus Barn has been serving up Southern hospitality since 1960. A Raleigh institution, it's beloved for its warm service and rustic-meets-elegant atmosphere.

Why we love it for the holidays: Garlands, ribbons, thousands of ornaments and twinkling lights transform the rustic red barn into a Christmas wonderland. Giant trees, nutcrackers and festive displays fill the dining rooms, while children hand out gingerbread cookies. And what could be more celebratory than a giant steak for the holidays?

Time Out tip: Arrive early for a drink in the Wild Turkey Lounge, home to an impressive collection of more than 600 Wild Turkey decanters (hence its name). Seating is first-come, first-served.

Address: 9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5–9:30pm, Sat–Sun 4–9:30pm

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Why we love it for the holidays: The saloon is covered from floor to ceiling in twinkling lights, ornaments, wreaths and garlands, with festive decorations even spilling onto the booths. The holiday menu is just as over-the-top, featuring themed cocktails, extravagant milkshakes and playful takes on comfort food.

Time Out tip: Book ahead, especially on weekends, and look out for the Christmas Dinner Burger, a returning holiday favorite served with stuffing, cranberry sauce and sweet potato fries. 

Address: 112 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–11pm; Fri–Sat noon–1am; Sun noon–10pm

What is it? Grill 23 is a classic, award-winning steakhouse in Back Bay that’s long been the city’s go-to for special occasions. With dark wood paneling, marble accents and impeccable service, Grill 23 blends old-school Boston power-dining with modern luxury.

Why we love it for the holidays: Grill 23 has been dressing up for Christmas for decades, filling its dining rooms with wreaths, red bows, greenery and twinkling lights. The festive setting is a fitting backdrop for dry-aged steaks, lavish seafood platters and selections from its award-winning wine list.

Time Out tip: Start with the lobster bisque, then order one of the restaurant’s signature dry-aged steaks. For dessert, don’t overlook the famous coconut cake.

Address: 161 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116

Opening hours: Sun 5–9pm; Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–10:30pm

What is it? This vibrant Spanish restaurant in Little Havana is famous for its old-world elegance and lively dining room. Casa Juancho has been a Miami favorite for decades, blending Andalusian charm with tropical warmth.

Why we love it for the holidays: Casa Juancho goes all out for Christmas, filling its dining room with thousands of twinkling lights, lush garlands, oversized ornaments, and a towering tree. The decorations make an already lively restaurant feel even more festive, especially when musicians are playing Spanish tunes and Christmas carols. Order a few tapas, share a paella and settle in with a pitcher of sangria.

Time Out tip: Come with a group and order the seafood paella, which comes loaded with lobster, shrimp, scallops, calamari, clams and mussels. 

Address: 2436 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

Opening hours: Sun, Tue–Thu noon–10pm; Fri, Sat noon–11pm; closed Mon

What is it? One of L.A.’s oldest restaurants, this Scottish-style pub has been serving roast beef and ale since 1922. With dark wood beams, tartan upholstery and a storybook exterior, Tam O’Shanter feels like a portal to another era. Fittingly, it was once Walt Disney’s favorite local haunt.

Why we love it for the holidays: This is the place to be if you really love the holidays. The Tam is decked out in plaid patterns and twinkling garlands, and the roaring fireplaces make it feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. Prime rib and Yorkshire pudding are holiday classics, but even better is their Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Dinner, a beloved annual communal dinner theater event.

Time Out tip: Every night in December, the restaurant hosts live carolers so you can sing along as you sip your hot buttered rum.

Address: 2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Opening hours: Daily 11am–9pm; closed Christmas Day

What is it? A Georgetown institution since 1983, Filomena is known for generous portions of homestyle Italian food and an old-school atmosphere. One of its most charming traditions is the Pasta Mamas, women who make fresh pasta by hand in the restaurant’s front window, where passersby can watch them roll and shape the dough. Filomena celebrates holidays with elaborate decorations, but Christmas is when things really get over-the-top.

Why we love it for the holidays: Filomena’s lobby turns into a wonderland of Santas, angels, nutcrackers and glowing ornaments. Shiny red garland and a massive Christmas tree brighten up every corner. The homemade pasta and rich sauces make you feel like you’re celebrating the holidays with a big Italian family.

Time Out tip: The tiramisu has been on the menu for decades, and it’s the perfect finale for a holiday dinner.

Address: 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 11:30am–10:30pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–11pm

What is it? James Beard Award-winning chef Alon Shaya brings his Israeli heritage to Saba, a lively Magazine Street restaurant known for its wood-fired pita, creamy hummus and colorful spreads meant for sharing. The menu draws on flavors from across the Middle East and Mediterranean.

Why we love it for the holidays: Instead of the usual Christmas glitz, Saba celebrates Hanukkah with its annual L’Chaim Lounge, bringing festive decorations, menorah lightings, themed cocktails and special dishes. Past celebrations have featured dreidel games and cocktails inspired by Jewish pop culture, making it a fun alternative to the usual Christmas-themed restaurant pop-ups.

Time Out tip: Look out for the Latke Board, a favorite from previous Hanukkah menus. The toppings change, but past versions have included apple butter, labneh and soft-boiled eggs.

Address: 5757 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Opening hours: Mon–Tue 5–9pm; Wed–Thu 11:30am–2:30pm, 5–9pm; Fri 11:30am–2:30pm, 5–10pm; Sat 10am–2:30pm, 5–10pm; Sun 10am–2:30pm, 5–9pm

What is it? A French-Creole icon in the heart of the French Quarter, Arnaud’s has been defining New Orleans fine dining since 1918. With its tiled floors, brass fixtures and tuxedoed servers, it’s a place that oozes tradition and polish. The dining rooms are stately but always lively with chatter and celebration.

Why we love it for the holidays: Arnaud’s goes big for Réveillon, a Creole holiday dining tradition, offering multi-course menus of New Orleans classics like turtle soup, oysters Bienville and bread pudding soufflé. The space glows with garlands, poinsettias and the kind of sparkle only a century-old restaurant can pull off.

Time Out tip: Stop by the adjoining French 75 Bar before or after dinner for its namesake cocktail, made with cognac, Champagne and lemon. It’s one of the city’s classic cocktail experiences.

Address: 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Opening hours: Mon–Thu, Sat 5:30–9pm; Fri 11:30am–1:30pm, 5:30–9pm; Sun 10am–1:30pm