The most festive holiday restaurants in America

What is it? This small German restaurant in Gramercy has become world-famous for its holiday displays. With its old-school charm and heavy European comfort fare, it’s a memorable dining experience year-round.

Why we love it for the holidays: Rolf’s goes all-in with elaborate seasonal décor. Thousands of ornaments, lights, figurines and garlands cover every inch of ceiling and walls. The schnitzels, sausages and mulled wine complete the magic.

Time Out tip: Go early in the season or midweek to avoid crowds, and order the potato pancakes with apple sauce for a cozy classic.

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 carriage house for the park’s sheep, it’s now a glittering, glass-walled dining room with chandeliers, cozy nooks and unbeatable 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 giant Christmas tree bedecked in ornaments greets diners outside, while inside is a wonderland of gingerbread houses and twinkling lights. The holiday menu features hearty seasonal favorites like roasted figs, rack of lamb and eggnog bread pudding.

Time Out tip: Book a late dinner after a carriage ride through the park, and don’t skip the spiked hot chocolate at the bar.

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

Opening hours: Mon-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. The restaurant is over-the-top year-round, but during the holidays, Cava takes things to a whole new level.

Why we love it for the holidays: Each dining space is meticulously transformed, from shimmering snowflake tunnels to Santa’s workshop scenes. Themes change each year, but guaranteed are thousands of lights, giant wreaths and decked out Christmas trees. The menu keeps it elegant with dishes like seafood risotto and lamb chops.

Time Out tip: Get ready for some serious photo ops, and toast the season with a pomegranate margarita.

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 barn, this legendary steakhouse has been serving up Southern hospitality since 1960. The Angus Barn is a Raleigh institution, beloved for its warm service, rustic-meets-elegant atmosphere and serious devotion to steakhouse tradition.

Why we love it for the holidays: Garlands, ribbons and more than five thousand twinkling lights wrap every beam of this rustic red barn. Giant peppermint candies adorn the walls, and kids dressed as elves hand out cookies. And what could be more celebratory than a giant steak for the holidays? 

Time Out tip: Arrive early for an eggnog martini in the Wild Turkey Lounge.

Address: 9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617

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

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What is it? This lively Center City bar and restaurant turns every meal into a party. Craftsman Row is known for its indulgent comfort food and milkshake creations, but in December, it becomes Philly’s most photogenic Christmas stop.

Why we love it for the holidays: Every inch of the saloon sparkles with blazing lights and boughs of holly, right down to the decorated booths. Holiday cocktails and boozy seasonal milkshakes keep spirits high, as does the soundtrack of nonstop holiday hits.

Time Out tip: Go early to beat the selfie crowds, and don’t miss the cranberry margarita or the Christmas Dinner Burger topped with stuffing, cranberry sauce and sweet potato fries.

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

Opening hours: Sun–Thu noon-11pm, Fri, Sat noon–midnight

What is it? Grill 23 is a classic, award-winning steakhouse 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: Wreaths, red bows, greenery and soft golden lights make it feel both festive and sophisticated. Prime cuts, seafood towers and a killer wine list make for an unforgettable holiday meal.

Time Out tip: The lobster bisque and espresso martini combo is peak Boston holiday luxury.

Address: 161 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116

Opening hours: Sun 5-9:30pm, 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: Strings of lights, lush garlands and giant ornaments transform Casa Juancho into a festive holiday wonderland, while the menu serves festive tapas, paella and sangria in generous pours.

Time Out tip: Come on Christmas Eve for the Nochebuena menu and order the sangria rojo with cinnamon.

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

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

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

What is it? Filomena has been a Georgetown favorite for homestyle Italian cooking since 1983. It’s famous for its warm hospitality, giant portions and old-world charm, a place where Nonna might actually be in the kitchen rolling pasta. The restaurant decorates for all major holidays, but for Christmas, they go all out.

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? A contemporary Israeli-inspired restaurant from award-winning chef Alon Shaya, Saba celebrates bold flavors and shared meals in a bright, welcoming space. It’s modern, soulful and rooted in family traditions.

Why we love it for the holidays: Instead of Christmas glitz, Saba honors the Festival of Lights with its annual L’Chaim Lounge. Special menus feature latkes, brisket and sufganiyot plus festive cocktails named for Jewish icons like Ben Stiller and Barbara Streisand. Festive decor, a menorah lighting and family-style dining make it feel intimate and joyful.

Time Out tip: The shareable Latke Board is a must-try Hanukkah spread featuring latkes, labneh, apple butter, beet tahini and other tasty accoutrements. 

Address: 5757 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Opening hours: Mon-Tue 5-9pm; Wed-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-10pm; Sat 10am-2:30pm, 5-11pm; 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: Go for a late seating during the Réveillon dinner and grab a French 75 in the adjacent bar. The champagne, cognac and lemon combo tastes like pure holiday spirit.

Address: 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112

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