Restaurants Serving on Christmas in Madison: Your 2025 Guide

Finding a restaurant open during the holidays doesn't have to be stressful. More than 50 establishments across Dane County will serve diners on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025, ranging from cozy diners open at dawn to elegant hotel restaurants with prix fixe menus. Indian and Chinese restaurants continue their tradition of holiday hospitality, while several local favorites proudly stay open 365 days a year.

This guide covers Madison proper, surrounding communities from Mount Horeb to Sun Prairie, and everything in between—organized by when restaurants are open and what kind of dining experience you're seeking.

Related: Family friendly New Year’s Eve guide to Madison

Restaurants open Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

These reliable options welcome guests on both December 24 and December 25, making them ideal for families with flexible schedules.

American diners and casual fare

Parkway Family Restaurant
1221 Ann St., Madison | parkwayfamilyrestaurant.com
A Madison institution open 365 days a year, Parkway serves comfort food from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both holidays. The extensive menu includes breakfast all day (try the Nutella Biscoff pancakes), classic sandwiches, and daily specials. Senior discounts and kids' menus make this genuinely family-friendly. Price: $

Tully's II Food & Spirits
6401 Monona Drive, Monona | tullys2.com
Another 365-day operation, this Monona landmark offers something rare: full bar and kitchen service until 2 a.m. on Christmas Day. The menu spans hand-cut Black Angus steaks, burgers, wraps, and breakfast. Christmas Eve opens at 11 a.m.; Christmas Day at 10 a.m. Price: $$

Gus's Diner
630 N. Westmount Drive, Sun Prairie
The Sun Prairie location maintains its 1950s-diner charm with holiday hours from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Expect hearty breakfasts, juicy burgers, roast turkey dinners, and decadent desserts in a nostalgic atmosphere perfect for families. Price: $–$$

Headquarters Bar & Restaurant
101 Concord Drive, Oregon
This Oregon smokehouse keeps the kitchen running 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both holidays (bar stays open later). Wood-fired pizza, pulled pork sandwiches, and the signature HQ stuffed grilled cheese satisfy comfort-food cravings. Price: $$

Chinese and Asian restaurants

Taigu Noodles

Taigu Noodles
5372 Old Middleton Road, Madison | taigunoodles.com
One of Madison's most beloved Chinese restaurants offers nearly 100 dishes from the Shanxi and Canton regions. Handmade noodles, Dan Dan noodles, dumplings, and soups headline the menu. Christmas Eve hours extend to 9:30 p.m. for dinner; Christmas Day closes slightly earlier at 8:30 p.m. Lunch served 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. both days. Price: $$

Ichiban Sichuan Restaurant
610 S. Park St., Madison
This local favorite serves authentic Sichuan cuisine from 11 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. on both holidays. The massive menu includes spicy favorites like eggplant in chili garlic sauce, three-pepper lamb, and General Tso's chicken alongside milder options. Fresh ingredients and bold flavors make this worth the trip to Park Street. Price: $$

World Buffet (Two locations)
499 D'onofrio Drive, Madison | 2451 W. Broadway, Monona | worldbuffetwi.com
For families with varied tastes, this buffet offers 250+ items from 11 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. both days. Highlights include a Mongolian grill (chef-prepared stir-fry), noodle bar, extensive sushi selection, and American dishes. Online ordering available for takeout. Price: $$

Indian restaurants

Indian restaurants have become a beloved Christmas dining tradition in Madison. The following are confirmed open both days:

Swad Indian Restaurant
6007 Monona Drive, Monona | swadmonona.com
Open 11:15 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–9 p.m. both days. Extensive curry menu, tandoor-oven specialties, and plenty of vegetarian options. Reservations recommended for holiday dining. Price: $$

Ashirwad Indian Restaurant
128 State St., Madison
New in 2025 from the owners of The Globe, this downtown spot serves excellent biryani and vegetarian dishes from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. both days. The name means "blessing" in Hindi—fitting for holiday dining. Price: $$

Maharani Indian Restaurant
380 W. Washington Ave., Madison | ordermaharani.com
A Christmas tradition for many Madison families, Maharani offers beef, lamb, and chicken curries alongside dozens of vegetarian options and tandoor specialties. Hours: 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. and 4:30–10 p.m. Price: $$

Additional Indian restaurants typically open both days (call to confirm hours): Om Indian Fusion, Haldi Masala, Amber Indian Cuisine, Taj, Thulasi Indian Kitchen, Haveli, Mirch Masala, Taste of India, Maharana, Dhaba, and Swagat (multiple locations).

Fine dining and hotel restaurants

The Statehouse at The Edgewater Hotel
1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison | statehousemadison.com
Madison's premier lakefront hotel offers upscale dining from 5–10 p.m. both holidays. The special holiday menu features double-smoked ham ($38) and herb-crusted prime rib (14–20 oz, $49–$57) with caramelized onion gratin. Desserts include espresso-soaked gingerbread tiramisu and chocolate peppermint pot de crème. Bonus: Ice skating available at 4 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. slots (weather permitting). Reservations strongly recommended. Price: $$$–$$$$

Brewpubs

Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company (Four locations)
123 E. Doty St. | 876 Jupiter Drive | 357 Price Place | 2980 Cahill Main, Fitchburg | greatdanepub.com
All four locations serve craft beer and Wisconsin pub food on both holidays: Christmas Eve 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Christmas Day 3–8 p.m. Try the seasonal "Merry Isthmus" winter warmer ale alongside cheese curds, brat burgers, or the unexpected West African peanut stew. Price: $$

Mediterranean

Kebabé Mediterranean Cuisine
6628 Odana Road, Madison | kebabecuisine.com
Newly opened with "warm and cozy vibes," Kebabé serves hummus, dolmas, lamb chops, shawarma, and kebab plates. Christmas Eve: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Christmas Day: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Family packs feed up to 8 people. Price: $$

Restaurants open Christmas Eve only

These establishments close on Christmas Day but offer excellent options for December 24 celebrations.

Fine dining

Johnny Delmonico's
130 S. Pinckney St., Madison | johnnydelmonicos.com | (608) 230-5800
Capitol Square's beloved steakhouse serves Christmas Eve dinner from 5–9 p.m. Expect classic surf and turf, French onion soup, dry-aged ribeye with blue cheese crust, Chilean sea bass, and a vegetarian cauliflower steak. Reservations highly recommended. Price: $$$$

Cento Ristorante
112 W. Mifflin St., Madison | centomadison.com | (608) 284-9378
This Italian fine-dining spot offers a special holiday menu from 4–8 p.m. featuring porcini pappardelle, lobster mac and cheese, pistachio-crusted lamb rack, and prime beef Wellington. Festive cocktails include the "Tinsel Time Toddy" and "In A Pear Tree." Reservations required ($25 deposit credited to bill). Price: $$$

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
611 Deming Way, Middleton | chwinery.com
Wine-forward dining from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. with each menu item paired to a suggested wine. Surf and turf, slow-cooked risottos, and decadent desserts anchor the menu. Great for families celebrating early. Reservations recommended. Price: $$$

Canter Inn
119 5th Ave., New Glarus
From Madison restaurant veterans Jon Nodler and Samantha Kincaid, this New Glarus spot serves Christmas Eve dinner from 4:30–8:30 p.m. The contemporary American menu with Swiss heritage influences includes roast chicken with wild rice, skate wing schnitzel, and sweet-and-sour pork short ribs. Reservations recommended. Price: $$$

Seven Acre Dairy Company
6858 Paoli Road, Belleville (Paoli)
This restored creamery hosts Brunch with Santa from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (ticketed via Resy) and Christmas Eve at the Creamery dinner with 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. seatings. Expect prime rib, roast duck, and winter cocktails in a charming farm-to-table setting. Reservations required for all events. Price: $$$

Brunch spots

Buck & Honey's (Four locations)
800 W. Broadway, Monona | 1370 Water Wheel Drive, Waunakee | 804 Liberty Blvd., Sun Prairie | 108 S. 2nd St., Mount Horeb
Contemporary American brunch and lunch from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at all locations. Avocado toast, eggs Benedict, and meatloaf headline a crowd-pleasing menu. Price: $$

Café Hollander
701 Hilldale Way, Madison | cafehollander.com
European-style brunch from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. featuring Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts), and Belgian waffles. Winter dining domes add seasonal charm. Price: $$

Monty's Blue Plate Diner
2089 Atwood Ave., Madison | montysblueplatediner.com
This retro diner serves breakfast all day from 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Try buttermilk pancakes with cherry pie topping, the Monty's Cristo, or vegan-friendly options like veggie meatloaf. Pre-order bakery items for Christmas morning. Price: $$

Chinese and dumplings

Dumpling Haus
540 N. Midvale Blvd. (Hilldale), Madison | dumplinghaus.com | (608) 661-4287
Beijing-style dumplings, bao, and noodle bowls from 11 a.m.–7:45 p.m. Steamed and pan-fried dumplings, soup dumplings (xiao long bao), and custard bao are customer favorites. Extensive gluten-free menu available. Casual counter service—no reservations needed. Price: $–$$

Holiday pop-up experiences

Lucille ("Miracle on King Street")
101 King St., Madison | lucillemadison.com
Since 2017, Lucille transforms into a winter wonderland with over-the-top festive decorations. Christmas Eve (11 a.m.–6 p.m.) is the final night to enjoy holiday cocktails and wood-fired pizza amid the seasonal magic. Price: $$

Merchant ("Christmas Nightmare")
121 S. Pinckney St., Madison | merchantmadison.com
The holiday alter ego features festive décor with cocktails inspired by "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Open 4–8 p.m. Christmas Eve. Price: $$

Hotel dining

Palette Bar & Grill (Hotel Indigo)
901 E. Washington Ave., Madison
Breakfast 6:30–10 a.m., dinner 4–10 p.m. (late-night menu starts 9 p.m.). Holiday cocktails, butternut squash cacio e pepe, Korean fried chicken sandwich, and live music by Leah Brooke Conway. Price: $$–$$$

Restaurants open Christmas Day only

These options cater specifically to December 25 plans.

Esquire Supper Club — Christmas Day Buffet
1025 N. Sherman Ave., Madison | (608) 249-0193
The bar opens at 10 a.m., with an all-you-can-eat buffet running 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The spread includes turkey, roast beef, and ham. Adults: $35 | Kids 12 and under: $15. Reservations recommended.

National chain restaurants

Chain hours can vary by location; always call ahead to confirm.

Open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

• Denny's: 433 S. Gammon Road, (608) 833-7070 | 1798 Thierer Road, (608) 241-5061 — Open 24 hours, full menu. Price: $–$$

• IHOP: 4614 E. Washington Ave., (608) 241-9430 — Classic breakfast fare, hours may vary. Price: $–$$

• Perkins: 2630 Damon Road, (608) 251-7550 | 4863 Hayes Road, (608) 688-0512 — All-day breakfast, famous pies and bakery. Price: $–$$

• Red Lobster: 4502 East Towne Blvd. — Christmas Eve 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Christmas Day 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Price: $$–$$$

Open Christmas Eve only (closed Christmas Day)

• Cracker Barrel: 2147 East Springs Drive — Reduced hours; also offers heat 'n serve holiday meals for pickup Dec 21–28

• Olive Garden: East Towne and West Towne locations

• Outback Steakhouse: Near East Towne area, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

• Texas Roadhouse: 4841 Annamark Drive (East) | 7104 Watts Road (West)

• Culver's: Multiple locations, typically closing around 6 p.m.

• Buffalo Wild Wings: 789 University Ave. | 240 East Towne Mall

• Chili's: Near East Towne area

Variable hours (franchise-dependent)

McDonald's, Starbucks, Wendy's, and Domino's maintain some open locations; use apps or call specific stores to verify.

Not in Madison area: Waffle House, Golden Corral, and Bob Evans have no Dane County locations.

Take-and-bake and catering options

For families who prefer dining at home, these options offer restaurant-quality meals ready to heat and serve.

Bar Corallini — Christmas Lasagna
2004 Atwood Ave., Madison
Housemade pasta lasagna with ragù alla Bolognese, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, and meatballs. $85, serves 6–8. Add tiramisu ($45), salad, or antipasti.
Order by December 17; pickup December 18–23.

Fox Heritage Farms
5957 McKee Road, Fitchburg
Juniper and peppercorn-crusted prime rib with Bordeaux-braised short ribs, potatoes au gratin, maple-Dijon carrots, Brussels sprouts, and ginger-molasses cake. $85/person (minimum 2).
Pickup December 23.

Ollie's Madison
2951 Triverton Pike Drive, Fitchburg
Choose ham, turkey, or seitan with roasted beet salad, butternut squash soup, mashed potatoes, pecan green beans, maple carrots, cornbread, and mac and cheese. Vegan and gluten-free options available. $110 for 2 | $275 for 4–6.
Pickup Christmas Eve 2–8 p.m.

Branch and Daughter
6601 Traveler Trail, Windsor
Butter-crusted prime striploin roast, pan-roasted vegetables, herb risotto, fingerling potatoes, rolls, and petit fours. $75/person (minimum 2).
Pickup December 23–24, noon–4 p.m.

Bonfyre American Grill
2601 W. Beltline Hwy., Madison | (608) 273-3973
Complete dinners for 4–6: herb-roasted turkey ($180), baked Atlantic salmon ($190), braised short ribs ($195), or prime rib ($225). Includes salad, rolls, and three sides.
Order by December 19.

Cassoulet
1112 N. Bristol St., Sun Prairie
Individual portions of sliced turkey or Jones ham ($6/serving), plus potatoes, green bean casserole, biscuits, and desserts.
Order by December 18; pickup Christmas Eve 9 a.m.–noon.

Pasture and Plenty
2433 University Ave., Madison
Take-and-bake garlic bread, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cookies, and pies (pickup Dec 16). Bûche de Noël and tamales available with Dec 20 pickup.

Restaurants by surrounding community

Monona

• Swad Indian Restaurant (both days)

• Tully's II Food & Spirits (both days)

• World Buffet (both days)

• Buck & Honey's (Christmas Eve only)

Sun Prairie

• Gus's Diner (both days)

• Buck & Honey's (Christmas Eve only)

• Cassoulet (takeout pickup)

• Marcus Palace Cinema (movies + dining both days)

Middleton

• Cooper's Hawk Winery (Christmas Eve only)

• Taigu Noodles (both days, Old Middleton Road location)

Fitchburg

• Great Dane Pub & Brewing (both days)

• Ollie's (takeout pickup)

• Fox Heritage Farms (takeout pickup)

Waunakee

• Buck & Honey's (Christmas Eve only)

Mount Horeb

• Buck & Honey's (Christmas Eve only)

Oregon

• Headquarters Bar & Restaurant (both days)

New Glarus

• Canter Inn (Christmas Eve only)

Belleville/Paoli

• Seven Acre Dairy Company (Christmas Eve events)

Windsor

• Branch and Daughter (takeout pickup)

Planning tips for holiday dining

Make reservations early. Fine dining venues like Johnny Delmonico's, Cento, and The Statehouse fill up weeks in advance. Even casual spots appreciate a heads-up for large groups.

Call to confirm hours. Holiday schedules can change, and 2025's Christmas falls on a Thursday (Christmas Eve on Wednesday). Some restaurants normally closed Wednesdays may adjust accordingly.

Expect longer waits. Peak dining times run 5–8 p.m. Consider early dinners (4–5 p.m.) or late lunches to avoid crowds.

Tip generously. Staff working holidays deserve extra appreciation—20% or more is appropriate.

Consider takeout. Many Chinese and Indian restaurants offer takeout, and ordering ahead avoids holiday-night rushes. World Buffet, Taigu, and Ichiban Sichuan all provide excellent to-go options.

Check prix fixe requirements. Several fine-dining restaurants offer holiday-only menus at set prices rather than à la carte ordering.

Conclusion

Greater Madison offers remarkable dining diversity during the holidays. For guaranteed availability, Parkway Family Restaurant, Tully's II, and World Buffet operate 365 days a year. Indian restaurants remain the most reliable category for both days, with at least a dozen establishments continuing their Christmas tradition. Chinese options like Taigu Noodles and Ichiban Sichuan provide excellent alternatives to the traditional holiday meal.

Families seeking upscale experiences should book The Statehouse at The Edgewater or Johnny Delmonico's immediately—holiday reservations go quickly. For low-stress celebrations, the take-and-bake options from Bar Corallini, Fox Heritage Farms, and Ollie's deliver restaurant-quality meals without the cooking.

Whatever your family's preference—diner breakfast at dawn, dim sum at noon, or prime rib at sunset—Madison's restaurant community ensures no one needs to cook on Christmas.