If this year’s late Thanksgiving has you stressing about Christmas being imminent, do yourself a favor and let someone else cook your holiday meal.
A number of Madison-area restaurants will be open on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Thursday, Dec. 25. If a holiday dinner in the comfort of home is more your style, preorder take-and-bake dishes that merely require reheating and plating.
Beyond local eateries, a number of chain restaurants are open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It’s a good idea to check with the location of any place you hope to visit to verify its holiday hours. For takeout, don’t discount grocery stores as an option for either full meals or to provide the extras while you focus on the main entree.
Days and hours listed were verified at the time of publishing, but all information is subject to change at the restaurant’s discretion. Note that some Madison-area restaurants are normally closed Wednesdays as part of regular schedules, so don’t assume a place that has been open in past years will be open in 2025.
Best practice is to plan ahead, be patient and anticipate longer than usual wait times. Be kind to the staff and make sure to tip well. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Restaurants open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are at the top of this list, followed by those only open for Christmas Eve. Six take-and-bake options are at the bottom of the list.
Ashirwad Indian Restaurant, which opened this year on State Street, will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ
Restaurants open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Ashirwad Indian Restaurant
128 State St.
A newcomer to the Madison restaurant scene this year from the owners of The Globe restaurant, Ashirwad quickly became a favorite for fans of Indian food. It’s a great spot for takeaway as well as dine-in options. The biryani is full of flavor and spice and there are a lot of vegetarian options. Plus, Ashirwad means “blessing,” making it seasonally appropriate. Open 11 a.m. -9 p.m. both days.
Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company
Several locations: 123 E. Doty St.; 876 Jupiter Drive; 357 Price Place; 2980 Cahill Main, Fitchburg
Every location of this local craft brewery and brew pub will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m and Christmas Day 3-8 p.m.There’s a distinct Wisconsin influence on standard pub food here, such as cheese curds and brat burgers, and plenty of specialty beer to pair with it
Great Dane Pub and Brewing Company in Fitchburg is among three locations open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year.
PHOTO BY MICHELLE STOCKER
Gus’s Diner
630 N. Westmount Drive, Sun Prairie (this location only)
Grab a dose of nostalgia alongside hearty food and decadent deserts at the Sun Prairie location of this ’50s diner. Dig in for a big breakfast, scarf down a juicy burger or go old-school with a roast turkey or pot roast dinner. Open 6 a.m.-4 p.m. both days.
Headquarters Bar & Restaurant
101 Concord Drive, Oregon
From smokehouse standards to wood-fired pizza, Headquarters puts smoke on everything. The result is flavorful dishes, comfort food and a great atmosphere. Let an HQ stuffed grilled cheese cure your holiday blues. The kitchen will be open 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. both days with the bar remaining open later at the bartender’s discretion.
Ichiban Sichuan Restaurant on Park Street will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
RUTHIE HAUGE
Ichiban Sichuan Restaurant
610 S Park St.
With a massive menu of favorites from Sichuan and those for more westernized plates, Ichiban is a local favorite. Kick up the spice with eggplant in chili garlic sauce, spicy and crispy chicken or three pepper lamb. Fresh ingredients and rich flavors have made this a beloved local favorite. Ichiban is open 11 a.m.-9:45 p.m. on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.
Kebabé Mediterranean Cuisine, a newly opened cafe on Odana Road in Madison, will be open on Christmas Day.
RUTHIE HAUGE
Kebabe Mediterranean Cuisine
6628 Odana Road
Another newcomer, three-month-old west side restaurant Kebabe is a great holiday spot because of the warm and cozy vibes, friendly staff and menu full of hummus, dolmas, lamb chops and shawarma. Order a kebab plate for one or share a family pack mixed grill for up to eight people. Open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Marcus Movie Theaters
Several locations: Palace Cinema, 2830 Hoepker Road, Sun Prairie; Point Cinema, 7825 Big Sky Drive
Seeing a movie on Christmas is a tried and true classic for people who don’t celebrate, but honestly it’s a great low-stress tradition these days for anyone. Marcus Cinemas have big, comfortable chairs and lots of food options, from concession classics to Zaffiro’s pizza. Order food ahead of time to have it waiting for you.
Special tickets for Milwaukee-set “Song Sung Blue” on Christmas Day include a free ornament. Movies and showtimes vary by location; in Sun Prairie, for example, catch “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” a 30th anniversary showing of “Sense and Sensibility,” “Silent Night, Deadly Night” and the live-action “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Marcus Palace Cinema in Sun Prairie will be open over the holidays, showing classic movies like “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in addition to contemporary films like “Wicked: For Good.”
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Parkway Family Restaurant
1221 Ann St.
A family restaurant with a lot of history that prides itself on welcoming customers every day of the year, Parkway stays open longer on the two days of Christmas to make sure no one is left alone and hungry. It’s a great place to start with a hearty breakfast, but customers love diner classics like meatloaf and country fried steak for lunch or dinner. Even the pickiest eaters will find something on this extensive menu. And don’t forget to leave room for pie! Open both days 5 a.m.-7 p.m.
Taigu on Old Middleton Road will be open later than usual (9:30 p.m.) on Christmas Eve.
RUTHIE HAUGE
Taigu
5372 Old Middleton Road
With handmade noodles and menu options from both the Shanxi region of northern China and the Canton region of southern China, Taigu has nearly 100 different dishes and flavor profiles to try. The restaurant will be open a little later on Christmas Eve, with lunch from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner from 4-9:30 p.m. and then returning to regular hours, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8:30 p.m. on Christmas Day.
The Statehouse at the Edgewater
1001 Wisconsin Place
Book an afternoon of ice skating on Christmas Eve (there are slots at 4 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. if the weather’s not too icy), then come inside for dinner at The Statehouse, the Edgewater hotel’s flagship restaurant. On Christmas Day, holiday specials include a double smoked ham with wild rice pilaf, roasted parsnips, brandied cherry demi glace and crispy leeks ($38) an herb-crusted prime rib with caramelized onion gratin, sauteed broccolini and a truffle red wine reduction (14-20 ounce, $49-$57). For dessert, try an espresso-soaked gingerbread tiramisu or a chocolate peppermint pot de crème. The regular menu will be available too. Open 5-10 p.m., reservations recommended.
People ice skate at the Edgewater Hotel in Madison in this archive photo from 2020.
ILANA BAR-AV
Tully’s II Food & Spirits
6401 Monona Drive, Monona
Madison’s only Tully’s is proudly open 365 days a year, giving customers a place to find comfort and community in Monona. The big menu covers a lot of ground, including breakfast, and carries on the tradition of the supper club that was in its location before it became Tully’s with hand-cut Black Angus steaks. It is open regular hours, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. both days.
Tully’s II Food & Spirits in Monona is decorated for the holiday season.
RUTHIE HAUGE
World Buffet
499 D’onofrio Drive and 2451 W. Broadway, Monona
Calling itself the “best and largest buffet in town,” World Buffet features sushi, a noodle bar and a Mongolian grill serving stir-fries. World Buffet boasts more than 200 buffet items, including American dishes and dessert. Both locations are open 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. both days.
Restaurants open Christmas Eve only
Café Hollander
701 Hilldale Way
Kick off Christmas with a European-style brunch featuring Danish oliebollen (old fashioned doughnuts) or a smørrebrød (a Danish open-faced sandwich). The restaurant’s regular menu has plenty of American classics and Dutch flair and the extensive bar will help you have some holiday cheer. Open for Christmas Eve brunch, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cafe Hollander, shown at Hilldale in 2022, installs winter domes for enclosed outdoor dining in addition to its indoor space.
RUTHIE HAUGE
Canter Inn
119 5th Ave., New Glarus
The new restaurant from Madison restaurant scene veterans Jon Nodler and Samantha Kincaid has a menu that can be very vegetable-forward, with nods to the Swiss heritage of New Glarus. Canter serves its regular menu on Christmas Eve, full of comforting favorites with the chefs’ twists like a roast chicken with wild rice, skate wing schnitzel and sweet and sour pork short ribs. Dinner service is 4:30-8:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve only.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant in Middleton will be open Christmas Eve.
Nick Murway
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
611 Deming Way, Middleton
The Middleton location of this upscale, wine-forward American restaurant is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. serving its full menu. Splurge on luxurious surf and turf, slow-cooked risottos and decadent desserts, each paired on the menu with a wine suggestion.
Dumplings and noodles are the main menu items at Dumpling Haus at Hilldale Shopping Center.
RUTHIE HAUGE
Dumpling Haus
540 N. Midvale Blvd.
This casual mall restaurant at Hilldale on Madison’s west side is a great option for sharing with a big group, particularly because of the many gluten-free options. Order a wide array of dishes with company who don’t mind sharing food — there are steamed and pan-fried dumpling options, bao (sweet and savory buns), cream cheese wontons and soup dumplings, as well as noodle and soup dishes. It will be open 11 a.m.-7:45 p.m.
Johnny Delmonico’s
130 S. Pinckney St.
One of Food Fight’s early restaurants, this is a solid option in downtown Madison for steakhouse classics. On Christmas Eve, start with baked French onion soup or crab Louie salad before digging into a Chilean sea bass or dry-aged ribeye with a blue cheese crust “enhancement.” Several vegetarian options appear on the menu, including a cauliflower steak with red chimichurri, blistered tomatoes and wild rice pilaf. Open 5-9 p.m. Reservations encouraged.
Monty’s Blue Plate Diner
2089 Atwood Ave.
Breakfast served all day means you can sleep in and still indulge in a stack of buttermilk pancakes with cherry pie topping or the Monty’s Cristo (shaved ham, turkey breast and Swiss cheese on challah, dipped in French toast batter and griddled). Plan ahead and order from the bakery to have items to enjoy on Christmas morning. Open 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Palette Bar and Grill in Hotel Indigo has a special “Secret Santa” menu during the holidays.
STEVE APPS
Palette Bar & Grill
901 E. Washington Ave. (on the 1st floor of Hotel Indigo)
Try something from Palette’s holiday-themed Secret Santa cocktail menu to pair with butternut squash cacio e pepe, a Korean-inspired fried chicken sandwich, mushroom flatbread with koji cream or a bowl of ale cheddar bisque. Leah Brooke Conway will play a holiday set, part of Palette’s regular Wednesday Music Nights. The late night menu that starts at 9 p.m. and is a great way to wind down on Christmas Eve. Open 6:30-10 a.m. and 4-10 p.m.
Madison area take-and-bake meals
Bar Corallini
2004 Atwood Ave
At this near east side Italian restaurant, preorder a take-and-bake lasagna that feeds 6-8. This classic dish features housemade pasta, ragù alla Bolognese, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, meatballs, braised San Marzano tomatoes and basil, topped with more cheese — Pecorino Romano and smoked mozzarella. Add a salad or antipasti or a full pan of tiramisu ($45) to complete the meal. Orders accepted until Dec. 17 for pickup on Dec. 18-23.
Bonfyre American Grille is offering take-and-heat Christmas dinners.
RUTHIE HAUGE
Bonfyre American Grill
2601 W Beltline Hwy.
Bonfyre, an American restaurant on the west side of Madison, offers a Christmas dinner for 4-6 with herb-roasted turkey ($180), baked Atlantic salmon ($190), red wine-braised short ribs ($195) or slow-roasted prime rib ($225). Every meal includes a house salad and dinner rolls as well as a choice of three sides from a menu that includes asparagus with tomato butter and parmesan, macaroni and cheese and garlic-roasted potatoes. A strawberry cheesecake (12 slices) can be added for $40. All items are also available to be ordered a la carte. Place orders by Dec. 19 by calling (608)273-3973 or email info@bonfyregrille.net.
Branch and Daughter
6601 Traveler Trail, Windsor
At this specialty market and butcher north of Madison, choose a full heat-and-eat meal ($75) or just the main: a fully-cooked ham or prime rib, half- or full-pan lasagna or specialty cuts of meat. Dinner in the holiday feast is a butter-crusted prime striploin roast with a cabernet demi-glace, pan-roasted winter vegetables with citrus, herb risotto with truffle and wild mushrooms, and fingerling potatoes with leeks, duck fat and herbs. Comes with rolls, garlic herb butter and assorted holiday petit fours. Pickup is Dec. 23 or Dec. 24 from 12-4 p.m.
Cassoulet’s chicken pot pie. The Christmas menu at this take-and-bake staple offers seasoned, sliced turkey breast or Jones sliced ham with honey-mustard glaze for $6 per serving this holiday.
RUTHIE HAUGE
Cassoulet
1112 N. Bristol St., Sun Prairie
A trusted place for frozen meals year round, Cassoulet is a good option for those who don’t fit into even-numbered ordering groups. The Christmas menu has seasoned, sliced turkey breast or Jones sliced ham with honey-mustard glaze for $6 per serving. Fill up the rest of your plates with potatoes (cheesy or mashed), green bean casserole and biscuits. Deviled eggs, an array of dips, meatballs and more can be added as appetizers while mint chocolate and chocolate chip cookie bars as well as sugar cookie cutouts are available for dessert. Order by Dec. 18 for pickup 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.
Heritage Catering and Fox Heritage Farms
5957 McKee Road, Fitchburg
Heritage Catering’s holiday feast to-go starts with spiced nuts, candied bacon and a roasted beet salad, followed by juniper and peppercorn-crusted prime rib with Bordeaux-braised short ribs in sauce bordelaise. Sides include potatoes au gratin, maple Dijon-glazed rainbow carrots and charred Brussels sprouts, with ginger-molasses cake for dessert. Add-ons include Yorkshire pudding (crispy, puffy breads known as popovers), deviled eggs and shrimp cocktail. Price is $85 per person, for a minimum of two people. Plan to pick up Dec. 23.
Ollie’s in Fitchburg is decorated in a colorful holiday theme.
RUTHIE HAUGE
Ollie’s
2951 Triverton Pike Drive, Fitchburg
Featuring ham, turkey or seitan, Ollie’s ready-to-heat dinner can be ordered for two or as a meal for 4-6 people. The meal can also be ordered fully vegan or gluten-free. Meals are $110 for two and $275 for 4-6 people. In addition to the main protein, meals include a roasted beet, Montrachet cheese and Beluga lentil salad, butternut squash soup, mashed potatoes and gravy, pecan green beans, maple-glazed carrots, cornbread, and macaroni and cheese. Pickup is 2-8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.
Dining and Cooking