The Ice Slide at Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of the event.

New Year's Eve Weekend 2024 in Chicago: Noon Year's Eve, Parties, Skating

Illuminarium at Winterland, photo courtesy of Navy Pier.

Christmas Vacation in Chicago: 19 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids

Enjoy a kid-friendly tube fest at Sunburst Ski Hill. Photo courtesy of Sunburst Ski Hill

Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families

Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook

GUIDE

Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids

Bundle up for a Christmas market this December. Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza

35 Best Things to Do in Chicago December 2024 with Kids

Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago

The mysterious Great Impresario, the man who has designed and created the World’s Fair, brings the magic of the season to life! Photo by Tod Ros for the Joffrey Ballet.

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago

Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago

There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva

Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago

The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3

Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do

GUIDE

Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center

Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families

St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis

Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families

Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago

25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5

An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum

Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out

The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.

100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up

State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources

State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids

Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum

Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago

GUIDE

Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids

Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg

Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining

Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders

Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids

The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck

3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

GUIDE

Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids

Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.

The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals

Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry

Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago

Illuminarium Winterland at Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of Fever Productions

Concerts, Outdoor Winter Festivities, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids

Kid-Friendly Local Restaurants Open on Christmas in Chicago

The artfully decorated Peninsula is a wonderful venue for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dining, Holiday decorations by Kehoe Designs, photography by Mark Segal

12/8/24 - By Lauren LaRoche

Looking for restaurants open on Christmas in Chicago? We have a great list.

This Christmas, it’s OK to let someone else do the cooking. If you’re looking for kid-friendly restaurants open on Christmas in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up restaurants with beautiful Christmas displays, special Christmas menus, and holiday treats that will add a little magic to your kids' Christmas meal. With no clean-up required, you and the kids can head home, sit back, and relax in your matching Christmas pajamas.

For more holiday ideas, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families. And for more family dining, head to our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurants Guide.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve in Chicago

1. Chicago Cut Steakhouse — Chicago

Chicago Cut Steakhouse is open for Christmas Eve dining. While parents are sure to enjoy the steakhouse, kids can feast on several kid-friendly options. Kids can choose from steak sliders, French fries, mac ‘n cheese, grilled veggies, and of course, an amazing selection of holiday desserts.

The Palmer House is open on Christmas in Chicago.
Enjoy a four-course dinner or brunch at The Palmer House in Chicago.

2. The Palmer House — Chicago

The Palmer House features dinner and brunch on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Dinner service includes a set four-course meal while brunch is served buffet style. Kids ages 4-10 can order from the discounted children's menu for either service. You can also join the Palmer House for lunch on Christmas Eve.

3. The Peninsula — Chicago

The Peninsula knows how to do Christmas. This beautifully decorated hotel lobby is the ideal backdrop for Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas Day brunch. The luxe Christmas Eve menu features prime rib, Maine lobster, scallops, and more for adults. Kids can order a la carte from the children's menu. Your group is also invited to enjoy an impressive dessert buffet. For brunch, enjoy a four-course menu option, carving stations, and items available a la carte.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve Near Chicago

4. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant — Multiple Locations

Cooper’s Hawk has 14 Illinois locations in the city and suburbs. Copper’s Hawk is open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve. Check your preferred location for exact holiday hours. The kids' menu is jam-packed with fun art activities. Enjoy pot stickers, chicken tenders, fillets, cheeseburgers, spaghetti and meatballs, flat breads, and a variety of sides. Kids' meals come with dessert and a drink.

5. Fogo de Chao — Multiple Locations

Fogo de Chao has locations in downtown Chicago, Rosemont, Naperville, and Oak Brook. This steakhouse goes all out for the holidays, offering festive desserts and drinks to pair with an already wide variety of menu items. Locations are open for brunch, lunch, and dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

RELATED: 101 Christmas Crafts for Kids

Harry Caray's is open on Christmas in Chicago.
Harry Caray’s in River North (Chicago) and Rosemont are open on Christmas Eve.

6. Harry Caray’s — Multiple Locations

Harry Caray’s restaurants in River North (Chicago) and Rosemont are open on Christmas Eve. From spaghetti and meatballs to steak, mac ‘n cheese, and lasagna, there’s something for everyone at these iconic Chicago staples.

7. Wildfire — Multiple Locations

Wildfire has locations in Chicago, Oak Brook, Lincolnshire, Schaumburg, and Glenview. Wildfire is open on Christmas Eve for lunch and dinner. Families can order from the regular menu, which is ideal for kids who want more freedom than a prix fixe menu. The kids' menu features grilled cheese, chicken fingers, and hamburgers.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve in Suburban Chicago

Cut 158 Chophouse is open on Christmas
Cut 158 Chophouse offers its traditional dinner menu and some special seasonal treats on Christmas Eve.

8. Cut 158 Chophouse — Joliet

Cut 158 Chophouse is open for dinner on Christmas Eve, offering its regular dinner menu along with festive holiday specials. Years past have included king crab legs. Check its website for the most up-to-date specials.

9. La Notte Ristorante Italiano — Oak Park

La Notte Ristorante Italiano in Oak Park is open on Christmas Eve until 7pm, offering a traditional seven-fish Italian Christmas feast in addition to its regular dinner menu. Call or make a reservation online for the special Christmas menu.

10. Spirit Elephant — Winnetka

If you’re looking for a vegan Christmas celebration, Spirit Elephant in Winnetka has you covered. It is open on Christmas Eve for brunch and dinner. The kids' menu is a delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly holiday meal that you can feel good about, including vegan burgers, pasta, mac 'n cheese, grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, and pizza. Its paper kids' menus are also fun to play with and feature coloring, word searches, a maze, and puzzles.

11. Viaggio Restaurant — Highland Park

For a classic, Italian Christmas meal, Viaggio Restaurant in Highland Park is a great kid-friendly option. Viaggio Restaurant is open on Christmas Eve for lunch and dinner. You’ll find kid-friendly staples such as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, penne, and ravioli.

12. The Drake Hotel - Oak Brook

The Drake Hotel in Oak Brook is open Christmas Eve for a festive buffet. In addition to the buffet dinner on Christmas Eve, you can also check out the igloo reservations or book a night or two at the hotel and add on a holiday tea, Dickens dinner, or gingerbread house-making workshop.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the restaurants.