Where to eat on Christmas 2025 in Lake Country

Finding an open restaurant on Christmas doesn't have to be stressful. From upscale resort brunches to cozy supper clubs with roaring fireplaces, southeastern Wisconsin offers dozens of dining options across the holiday weekend. This comprehensive guide covers everything from confirmed holiday hours at Lake Geneva's grand resorts to neighborhood favorites in Milwaukee's Third Ward—organized by region so you can plan whether you're staying close to home or venturing to the lakes.

Christmas Eve 2025 falls on a Wednesday, and Christmas Day lands on Thursday, which means many restaurants that normally close mid-week will be operating. The biggest surprise: several newly confirmed spots, including King's Bowl in Delavan with a holiday promotion and the spectacular Fox & Hounds near Holy Hill with its legendary Christmas decorations.

Resort destinations anchor lake country dining

The region's premier resorts offer the most reliable—and often most festive—Christmas dining experiences, though reservations are essential and prices reflect the occasion.

Lake Lawn Resort's 1878 on the Lake (Delavan)

This lakefront fine-dining destination offers confirmed Christmas programming that's worth the drive. Christmas Eve features a $92 prix-fixe dinner from 4–9 p.m., with three courses crafted by Executive Chef Nico Rossi: starters like truffled coconut ginger carrot soup or pomegranate burrata, mains including USDA bone-in prime rib or Pacific halibut, and desserts such as cherry amaretto tiramisu.

Christmas Day transforms into "A Grand Yuletide Christmas Brunch" running 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults pay $68, children 8–12 are $28, ages 4–7 cost $15, and kids 3 and under eat free. Price includes champagne, coffee, juice, and milk. The restaurant closes after brunch. Reservations via OpenTable are required, with a $35 per-person charge for no-shows within 72 hours.

• Location: 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan

• Phone: (262) 725-9155

• Website: lakelawnresort.com

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa (Lake Geneva)

Grand Geneva operates multiple dining venues with staggered holiday hours. Geneva ChopHouse serves Christmas Eve from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. with upscale steakhouse fare. Ristoranté Brissago offers contemporary Italian on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. with a special holiday menu. The Grand Cafe hosts a prime rib and seafood buffet Christmas Eve, priced at up to $59 per person.

The resort's Tinsel & Tonic adults-only Christmas pop-up bar runs through January 4, and igloo dining remains available throughout the holidays. Credit cards are required for all reservations with a 72-hour cancellation policy.

• Location: 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva

• Phone: (262) 249-4788

• Website: grandgeneva.com

The Abbey Resort (Fontana-on-Geneva Lake)

The Abbey's 240° West restaurant hosts Christmas Day Brunch with Santa from 9 a.m.–1 p.m., featuring harborside champagne brunch with steaks, seafood, and small plates. This lakefront setting offers arguably the most family-friendly upscale option for Christmas morning.

• Location: 269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana

• Phone: (800) 709-1323

• Website: theabbeyresort.com

Milwaukee's downtown hotels deliver elegant holiday dining

Milwaukee's historic hotels anchor the city's Christmas dining scene with multiple price points and formats, from lavish buffets to intimate prix-fixe dinners.

The Pfister Hotel

Milwaukee's landmark hotel operates three distinct Christmas options. The Grand Ballroom Christmas Brunch on December 25 runs 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m., featuring fresh seafood, Wisconsin cheeses, carved meats, made-to-order omelets, and a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary. Adults pay $119, children 3–10 cost $35, and kids under 2 are free. Full prepayment required with 24% service charge.

Mason Street Grill serves Christmas Eve 4–9 p.m. and Christmas Day 1–8 p.m. with an $81 prix-fixe menu: soup or salad, prime rib with herb-whipped potatoes and pancetta Brussels sprouts, and choice of carrot cake, sweet potato pie, or flourless chocolate torte.

The Milwaukee ChopHouse offers Christmas Eve only (5–10 p.m.) with a $72 three-course menu featuring sliced tenderloin or roasted chicken.

• Location: 424 E. Wisconsin Ave.

• Phone: (414) 273-8222

Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel

The Studio Kitchen & Cocktails serves both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 4–9 p.m. The holiday prix-fixe features prime rib with au jus, bread pudding with horseradish cream sauce, and double chocolate cake with raspberry sauce. Reservations required via OpenTable.

• Location: 139 E. Kilbourn Ave.

• Phone: (414) 270-4422

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

Tre Rivali closes Christmas Eve but opens Christmas Day for a Mediterranean brunch buffet from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. The $75 spread (children 12 and under $30) includes build-your-own toast and waffle bars, chef-attended egg station, prime rib with horseradish cream, Sicilian-style roasted pork shoulder, and desserts like chocolate truffle torte and pumpkin-tahini cheesecake bars.

• Location: 200 N. Broadway, Third Ward

• Phone: Via OpenTable

Supper clubs offer classic Wisconsin Christmas atmosphere

For those seeking old-school Wisconsin charm, the region's historic supper clubs provide memorable holiday dining with fireplaces, relish trays, and brandy Old Fashioneds.

Red Circle Inn (Nashotah) — Wisconsin's oldest supper club

Established in 1848, this 177-year-old institution delivers exceptional Christmas ambiance with beautiful holiday decorations, multiple fireplaces, and prime steaks including Beef Wellington. The Pabst family connection adds historical gravitas. Call directly for Christmas hours—this is Lake Country's most prestigious traditional option.

• Location: N44 W33013 Watertown Plank Rd., Nashotah

• Phone: (262) 367-4883

• Price: $$$$

Fox & Hounds Restaurant & Tavern (Hubertus)

Worth the 30-minute drive from Lake Country for its spectacular Christmas decorations alone, Fox & Hounds operates from an 1845 cabin near Holy Hill with seven real wood-burning fireplaces. Their year-round buy-one-get-one-free dinner deal makes fine dining surprisingly affordable. Prime rib special runs Wednesday and Saturday. Friday fish fry is all-you-can-eat haddock for $17.99. Sunday brunch runs 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

• Location: 1298 Friess Lake Rd., Hubertus

• Phone: (262) 628-1111

• Price: $$–$$$

Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn

Open since 1915, this German-American supper club traditionally operates Christmas Eve as one of its busiest nights. Known for Wiener Schnitzel, whitefish, lobster tail, and prime rib, plus legendary breadsticks and Friday perch fry. White tablecloth elegance in a 100+ year tradition.

• Location: 1319 E. Henry Clay St., Whitefish Bay

• Phone: (414) 964-3800

• Price: $$–$$$

The Packing House (Near Mitchell Airport)

Celebrating its 50th year in business, The Packing House operates Christmas Eve 4–8 p.m. and Christmas Day 11 a.m.–7 p.m. with full holiday dinner menu and kid-friendly options. Reservations required.

• Location: Near General Mitchell Airport

• Phone: (414) 483-5054

• Price: $$$

Lake Country's fine dining scene has evolved

The Commodore—A Bartolotta Restaurant replaced the beloved Seven Seas in Hartland in 2024, bringing Milwaukee's premier restaurant group to Lake Country.

The Commodore (Hartland)

Now Lake Country's most prestigious dining destination, The Commodore occupies a historic 1902 property on Nagawicka Lake. The menu includes Beef Wellington and Wiener Schnitzel as tributes to Seven Seas, alongside contemporary American steakhouse fare. Starters run $17–$26; mains $28–$76. Reservations are notoriously difficult to secure. Contact directly for Christmas hours; New Year's Eve reservations available.

• Location: 1807 Nagawicka Rd., Hartland

• Phone: (262) 563-8070

• Price: $$$$$

Golden Mast Inn (Okauchee Lake)

Fifty-plus years of Lake Country tradition with gorgeous lake views. German-American cuisine featuring steaks and seafood. Their Brunch with Santa runs December 21. Fridays are first-come, first-served; other nights require reservations. Marina access for summer boaters. Call for Christmas hours.

• Location: W349 N5293 Lacey's Lane, Okauchee

• Price: $$$–$$$$

Butler Inn of Pewaukee

Family-owned for 36+ years with hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and Pewaukee Lake views. Normally closed Sundays but may operate Christmas Eve (Wednesday). Known for excellent ribeye. Banquet room accommodates 100.

• Location: 742 Glacier Rd., Pewaukee

• Phone: (262) 691-0840

• Price: $$$

Delavan and Elkhorn area restaurants verified from local recommendations

Several restaurants mentioned in local Facebook discussions have been verified, with important clarifications about locations and availability.

King's Bowl (Delavan) — CONFIRMED OPEN

This Asian fusion spot specializing in pho, Chinese dishes, and healthy bowls has confirmed holiday hours with a promotion: free house special fried rice with orders over $50, valid December 24, 2025 through January 7, 2026. Open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday–Saturday 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. (closed Tuesdays).

• Location: 1424 E. Geneva St., Delavan

• Phone: (262) 725-6057

• Price: $–$$

Moy's Restaurant (Elkhorn, not Delavan)

Voted "Best Asian Restaurant" in Walworth County for 14 consecutive years, Moy's offers authentic Cantonese and Mandarin cuisine in a fine-dining atmosphere. Owner Paul Moy has 28+ years experience. As a Chinese restaurant, traditionally open on Christmas—call to confirm. Private rooms accommodate up to 60 guests.

• Location: 3 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn

• Phone: (262) 723-3993

• Website: moysrestaurant.com

• Price: $$

Wing Snob (Delavan)

Running a "12 Days of Christmas" promotion ending December 25—Day 12 offers 6 free wings (boneless or traditional) with no purchase necessary. Fresh, never-frozen wings with 23 flavored fry options. Delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates.

• Location: 1807 E. Geneva St., Suite E, Delavan

• Phone: (262) 999-9464

• Price: $–$$

Additional Delavan-area spots to call

Several Facebook-mentioned restaurants have unconfirmed Christmas hours:

• Elizabeth's Cafe (322 E. Walworth Ave.) — Casual breakfast/lunch cafe, not upscale dining. #1 TripAdvisor rating for Delavan. Known for broasted chicken. Likely closed Christmas Day. Call (262) 728-3383.

• The Rustic Pub (2028 N. Shore Dr.) — Conflicting reports about Christmas Day hours. Pub atmosphere with wings, burgers, fish fry. Call (262) 725-6454.

• Ol' Wisco Bar & Grill (328 E. Walworth Ave.) — Downtown location, bourbon BBQ burger specialty. "Uncertain hours" noted. Call (262) 725-6000.

• Inn Between Bar & Grill (1522 Beckman Dr.) — Only lakefront bar directly on Lake Delavan. Casual dive bar atmosphere. Call (262) 728-9824.

• Pirate's Cove (622 WI-50) — Famous fish fry, cash only. Pirate-themed. Call (262) 728-9333.

• La Guanajuato (231 E. Walworth Ave.) — Authentic Mexican in back of Hispanic grocery. Famous tacos, carnitas. Small seating area. May close for family holiday. Call (262) 728-8615.

Important: West Wind Diner and Farmers Inn are located in Darien, not Delavan. Spice of India is permanently closed.

Milwaukee metro delivers diverse Christmas dining

Beyond hotels, Milwaukee offers everything from Spanish tapas to Serbian specialties.

MOVIDA at Hotel Madrid (Walker's Point)

Spanish tapas served both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 4–8 p.m. The $55 unlimited tapas special includes patatas bravas, garlic shrimp, and croquetas, plus regular menu items like paella and Madrid-style noodles.

• Location: 600 S. Sixth St.

• Phone: (414) 488-9146

Old Town Serbian Gourmet Restaurant

Both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 5–9 p.m. with special holiday menu: pork loin stuffed with fresh herbs and plum sauce, Cognac lobster-stuffed phyllo pie, and dobos torte for dessert. One of Milwaukee's most distinctive ethnic dining experiences.

• Location: 522 W. Lincoln Ave.

• Phone: (414) 672-0206

• Price: $$–$$$

Dream Dance Steakhouse (Potawatomi Casino)

Both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 5–10 p.m. Prime rib and wine special includes French onion soup or Caesar salad, prime rib with potato and seasonal vegetable, and Christmas trifle with eggnog crème and gingerbread.

• Location: 1721 W. Canal St.

• Phone: (800) 729-7244

• Price: $$$$

Canal Street Café (Potawatomi Casino)

All-you-can-eat holiday buffet both days from 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Features prime rib, build-your-own omelet station, scalloped potatoes, and Christmas Day additions like mini eggnog doughnuts and chocolate yule logs.

• Location: 1721 W. Canal St.

• Price: $$

North Shore and Lake Country casual options confirmed

Delafield Brewhaus — Christmas Eve only

Open Christmas Eve 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (kitchen closes 3 p.m.), closed Christmas Day. Popular brewpub with German-American fare and craft beers brewed on-site. Reopens December 26 for fish fry.

• Location: 3832 Hillside Dr., Delafield

• Phone: (262) 646-7821

• Price: $$

The GOAT Bar & Grill (Sussex) — Christmas Eve brunch

Christmas Eve brunch 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $42, kids 8–13 $15, ages 4–7 $10, under 3 free. Menu includes smoked salmon with everything bagel fixings. Reservations required.

• Location: Sussex Downtown

• Website: thegoatsussex.com

Bawi Korean BBQ (Mequon) — Both days confirmed

Confirmed open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day via OpenTable. All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with tabletop grilling. Christmas special features crab legs, seafood boil, and Wagyu beef. Interactive dining experience with Asian market attached.

• Location: 6107 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon

• Website: bawikbbqwi.com

• Price: $$–$$$

Café Hollander (Multiple locations) — Christmas Eve only

Christmas Eve brunch 8 or 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at all locations: Mequon, Downer Ave. (East Side), Wauwatosa, and Brookfield. Closed Christmas Day. Belgian-inspired brunch with award-winning Bloody Marys. The Downer Ave. location offers Winter Dome dining.

• Mequon: 5900 W. Mequon Rd.

• Downer: 2608 N. Downer Ave., (414) 963-6366

Calderone Club (Fox Point)

30+ year family tradition with award-winning thin-crust Neapolitan pizza from a 1945 recipe. Famous fried eggplant and tiramisu. Call to confirm Christmas Eve hours.

• Location: 8001 N. Port Washington Rd., Fox Point

• Phone: (414) 352-9303

• Price: $$

Heat-and-serve and takeout options for home dining

Several restaurants offer premium take-home meals with pickup before Christmas.

• EsterEv (Bay View): Caviar plate ($125) or Rigatoni with Sunday Gravy ($100, feeds 4). Pickup December 23.

• DanDan: Three-course Peking Duck dinner ($105). Pickup December 23.

• Le Rêve Patisserie (Wauwatosa): Quiches, French baguettes, glazed ham kits. Order by December 13.

• Mr. B's – A Bartolotta Steakhouse (Brookfield): Holiday sides (serves 5–6 each). Order by December 19 via Tock.

• Maxie's: Complete short rib dinner ($175, serves 5–6). Order by December 19, pickup December 23.

• Parkside 23 (Brookfield): Turkey, ham, short ribs, beef tenderloin (serves 4–5). Order by December 16.

Chinese restaurants traditionally open Christmas Day

Following longstanding American tradition, Chinese restaurants typically remain open on Christmas:

• Moy's (Elkhorn) — Call (262) 723-3993

• King's Bowl (Delavan) — Confirmed open

• Emperor of China (Brady St., Milwaukee) — (414) 271-8889

• P.F. Chang's — Multiple locations, open both days

• Panda Express — 10+ area locations, regular hours

Chain restaurants with confirmed Christmas hours

For reliable options, national chains follow predictable schedules:

Open Christmas Eve AND Christmas Day:

• Denny's (24 hours, 9 Milwaukee-area locations)

• IHOP (hours vary)

• Waffle House (24 hours)

• McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's (hours vary)

• Applebee's (11 a.m.–8 p.m. Christmas Eve; varies Christmas Day)

• Starbucks (7 a.m.–3 p.m. Christmas Day, limited locations)

• Benihana (Christmas Day 4–9 p.m., reservations required)

• Fogo de Chão (11 a.m.–9 p.m. both days)

• Ruth's Chris Steak House (reservations required)

Open Christmas Eve only (closed Christmas Day):

• Cracker Barrel (until 2 p.m.)

• Olive Garden, Red Lobster

• Chili's (until 4 p.m.)

• Chipotle (until 3 p.m.)

• Culver's (reduced hours)

Essential planning tips for Christmas dining

Book immediately. Premium restaurants like The Commodore, 1878 on the Lake, and The Pfister brunch sell out weeks in advance. OpenTable and Tock handle most Milwaukee-area reservations.

Expect holiday pricing. Most upscale restaurants switch to prix-fixe menus ranging from $55 (MOVIDA tapas) to $119 (Pfister brunch). Regular menus are often unavailable.

Call to verify. Even "confirmed" hours can change. Contact restaurants directly the week before Christmas, especially for smaller establishments.

Consider hotel parking. Downtown Milwaukee restaurants at The Pfister, Saint Kate, and Kimpton offer convenient parking structures.

Don't overlook brunch. Christmas Day brunch options often have more availability than dinner, and family-friendly atmospheres make them ideal for multi-generational gatherings.

Cash alert: Pirate's Cove in Delavan is cash-only with an ATM inside—one of the few remaining cash establishments.

Conclusion

Southeastern Wisconsin's Christmas dining landscape offers genuine variety, from Lake Lawn Resort's elegant Christmas brunch to Fox & Hounds' fireplace-warmed supper club charm. The region's resort destinations provide the most reliable confirmed hours, while Milwaukee's downtown hotels offer sophisticated alternatives just minutes from Lake Country. For families seeking authentic Wisconsin atmosphere, the historic supper clubs—Red Circle Inn, Jack Pandl's, and The Packing House—deliver holiday warmth that chains simply cannot match. Whatever your preference, make reservations now—the best tables disappear quickly.