Eau Claire restaurants open for Christmas 2025

Finding a restaurant open on Christmas Day is always a challenge, and Eau Claire's dining scene is no exception. The good news? We have you covered with this guide.

The Informalist at The Lismore Hotel stands out as the premier confirmed Christmas dining option in the Eau Claire area, offering an elegant holiday buffet for $49 per adult from 1-6 PM on December 25.

This comprehensive guide covers every confirmed and likely-open restaurant across Eau Claire, Altoona, Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, and surrounding communities. Whether you're looking for upscale fine dining, casual family meals, or quick-service options, you'll find practical details including hours, pricing, reservation requirements, and contact information.

Note: Confirm with individual restaurants for any changes or updates

The Informalist at The Lismore Hotel ⭐ Top Pick

Downtown Eau Claire's most elegant Christmas dining experience features a chef-curated holiday buffet inside the historic Lismore Hotel. The open-concept kitchen with marble-topped tables and the famous Penny Bar (crafted from 25,000 pennies) creates a memorable atmosphere for families celebrating the holiday.

Christmas Hours:

• Christmas Eve: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Christmas Day: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Menu Highlights: Prime rib carving station, roasted turkey, pork loin saltimbocca, seafood bar, maple pecan salad, garlic mashed potatoes, savory mushroom bread pudding, roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, plus a dessert spread featuring holiday cookies, mini gingerbread cakes, and cranberry tarts.

Category Price Adults $49.00 Children 6-12 $24.50 Children under 5 FREE

Note: 20% gratuity automatically applied

• Address: 205 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire, WI 54701

• Phone: (715) 318-7399

• Reservations: Strongly recommended via Resy.com

• Dietary: Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available

• Family-Friendly: Yes, excellent for multi-generational gatherings

Jade Garden – Chinese Dining

Traditional Chinese cuisine on Christmas Day is an American tradition, and Jade Garden has explicitly confirmed they'll be open and accepting online orders. This is your best bet for authentic Chinese takeout or dine-in on the holiday.

• Address: 3560 Oakwood Mall Dr., Eau Claire, WI 54701

• Phone: (715) 833-9868

• Hours: Open regular hours (approximately 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM)

• Menu: Kung Pao chicken, beef with broccoli, spring rolls, fried rice, and full Chinese menu

• Pricing: Budget-friendly, typical Chinese restaurant prices ($10-15 entrees)

• Family-Friendly: Yes, accommodates large groups

• Online Ordering: Available through jadegardeneauclaire.com

Fine dining options

Johnny's Italian Steakhouse

This 1940s-era supper club inside the Holiday Inn Eau Claire South offers Wine Spectator-recognized wines, prime cuts, and an atmosphere reminiscent of the Rat Pack era with Sinatra playing in the background. Open regular hours on Christmas Eve (Wednesday 6:30 AM–10:00 PM) and closed on Christmas Day.

• Address: 4751 Owen Ayres Court, Eau Claire, WI 54701

• Phone: (715) 830-9779

• Pricing: Filet mignon $43-64, ribeye $49-66, prime rib $41-49

• Ambiance: Heavy velvet draperies, illuminated mood lighting, formal supper club elegance

• Reservations: Required via SpotOn; call to confirm Christmas availability

• Dress Code: Smart casual to business casual

Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub

Known for their signature Candied Garlic Sauce™ and aged hand-cut steaks, this historic downtown establishment in a beautiful brick building combines Irish pub atmosphere with fine dining quality.

• Address: 415 S. Barstow St., Downtown Eau Claire

• Phone: (715) 835-6621

• Regular Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sunday-Monday)

• Note: Prime rib specials on Wednesday and Saturday

The Lakely at The Oxbow Hotel

This mid-century modern cocktail lounge offers their famous "Koldtbord" (Midwest-modern shareable comfort food) with live jazz, craft cocktails, and courtyard fire pits. Important: The Lakely notes they close for special occasions and holidays—call ahead.

• Address: 516 Galloway Street, Eau Claire

• Phone: (715) 839-0601

• Happy Hour: Tuesday-Saturday, 5:00-6:00 PM ($2 off drinks)

Asian restaurants traditionally open

Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese restaurants have a long tradition of remaining open on December 25th. While most haven't posted 2025 hours yet, these establishments are your best bet for Asian cuisine on Christmas Day.

High-probability options (call to confirm)

Egg Roll Plus – Local favorite for Hmong, Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cuisine. Famous for the best egg rolls in Eau Claire and authentic pho soup.

• Address: 1611 Bellinger St., Eau Claire

• Phone: (715) 832-6125

• Hours: Mon-Fri 11 AM – 6 PM (takeout only)

• Pricing: Very affordable with generous portions

Thai Orchid Restaurant – Authentic Thai cuisine normally open on Thursdays.

• Address: 203 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire

• Phone: (715) 514-2790

• Menu: Pad Thai, curries, Tom Yum soup, Thai iced tea ($6-15 entrees)

Shanghai Bistro – Chinese-Japanese fusion with sushi bar and full bar service. Features a dog-friendly patio and actual "Doggy Menu."

• Address: 2930 Craig Rd., Eau Claire

• Phone: (715) 835-3348

• Hours: Normally Tue-Sat

Chopsticks Chinese Restaurant – Chippewa Falls/Lake Hallie location serving authentic Chinese cuisine.

• Address: 3030 Commercial Blvd., Chippewa Falls

• Phone: (715) 861-2266

• Hours: 7 days/week, 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Additional Asian options to call:

• China Wok: 2605 Golf Rd., Eau Claire – (715) 838-7268

• Fuji Sushi & Steak House: 4864 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire

• Mahli Thai: 212 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls

• China Buffet: 2421 Hwy 25 N, Menomonie

Chain restaurants and fast food likely open

National chains vary by franchise owner, but these typically operate on Christmas Day with modified hours. Always call your specific location to confirm.

Breakfast and family dining chains

Restaurant Address Phone Expected Status Perkins 2025 Highland Ave., Eau Claire (715) 201-4830 Likely open with reduced hours IHOP/Applebee's (new dual location) 4745 Golf Rd., Eau Claire (715) 831-1255 IHOP side likely open; Applebee's typically closed

Quick-service options

McDonald's operates two 24-hour locations in Eau Claire that frequently remain open on Christmas:

• 1513 S. Hastings Way – (715) 835-9919

• 2702 Craig Rd. – (715) 514-1363

Starbucks locations may open with modified hours (check the Starbucks app):

• 953 W. Clairemont Ave. – (715) 836-7320

• 2016 S. Hastings Way – (715) 834-2513

• 3649 S. Hastings Way – (715) 838-0196

• 3785 Gateway Dr. – (715) 481-0897

IHOP/Applebee's (6am-9pm) - Dual-concept restaurant at 4745 Golf Rd

Chako Korean BBQ & Hot Pot (all day) - All-you-can-eat inside Oakwood Mall

Fuji Sushi & Steakhouse - Hibachi and sushi confirmed open

Wisco's Bar & Eatery - Sports bar with smoked meats and Wisconsin favorites

SandBar and Grill (3pm-close) - Lakeside dining on Lake Wissota in Chippewa Falls

Ritz on the River - Downtown Chippewa Falls bar with river views

Wagner's Lanes & The Complexx - Bowling alley with full restaurant

Kwik Trip (24/7) - Hot food program with chicken, mashed potatoes, etc.

Burger King - Confirmed open

Closed on Christmas Day

Save yourself a trip—these restaurants have confirmed they will not open on December 25, 2025:

• Randy's Family Restaurant (Eau Claire) – Closed Christmas Day and Thanksgiving; closes early Christmas Eve at 1:30 PM

• Famous Dave's (2911 Mall Drive) – Officially closed 12/25

• Wissota High Shores Supper Club (Chippewa Falls) – Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

• Culver's – Wisconsin's beloved chain closes for major holidays

• Olive Garden – Open Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day

• Texas Roadhouse – Typically closed Christmas Day

• Chick-fil-A – Always closed Sundays and Christmas Day

• Oakwood Mall restaurants – Mall closed Christmas Day

Not available in Eau Claire area: Waffle House (no Wisconsin locations), Cracker Barrel, Golden Corral

Christmas Eve dining with limited hours

Several restaurants offer Christmas Eve service before closing for the holiday:

Restaurant Christmas Eve Hours Notes The Informalist 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Same holiday buffet menu ECDC Coffee 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM Coffee and pastries Amber Inn Bar & Grill Noon – 6:00 PM Historic pub, burgers Randy's Family Restaurant 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM Closes early Altoona Family Restaurant 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM Traditional breakfast Applebee's locations Until 6-8 PM Reduced hours

Practical tips for Christmas dining success

Make reservations now. The Informalist is one of very few upscale options confirmed open, so their holiday buffet fills quickly. Book through Resy or call directly at (715) 318-7399.

Call 1-2 days before Christmas. Even restaurants listed as "likely open" may change plans based on staffing. A quick confirmation call prevents disappointment.

Expect longer wait times. The limited number of open restaurants means those that are serving will be exceptionally busy. Arrive early, especially for popular spots like Jade Garden.

Consider takeout. Many Asian restaurants focus on takeout during holidays. Order online at Jade Garden or call ahead at Egg Roll Plus to minimize wait times.

Check delivery apps. DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub typically operate on Christmas Day, though restaurant selection will be limited.

Plan for automatic gratuity. Fine dining establishments like The Informalist add 18-20% gratuity automatically for holiday service.

Quick reference by dining category

For special occasion dining: The Informalist ($49 buffet) → Johnny's Italian Steakhouse → Bijou Bistro

For casual family meals: Jade Garden → Perkins

For Asian cuisine: Jade Garden (confirmed) → Egg Roll Plus → Thai Orchid → Shanghai Bistro

For breakfast/brunch: Perkins → IHOP → McDonald's

For quick bites: McDonald's (24-hour locations) → Starbucks → Burger King

For bar atmosphere: Buffalo Wild Wings → Amber Inn Bar & Grill (call to confirm)

Conclusion

Christmas dining options in the greater Eau Claire area require advance planning, as most local establishments close to give staff time with family. The Informalist's $49 holiday buffet represents the standout option for families wanting an upscale celebration with prime rib, turkey, and festive atmosphere—book your Resy reservation immediately. For budget-conscious families, Jade Garden's confirmed availability makes it the go-to for Chinese cuisine.

The most important action: call your restaurant of choice by December 23 to confirm hours and make reservations where accepted. With limited options available, popular spots will fill quickly. Whether you choose elegant hotel dining, traditional Chinese takeout, or a casual breakfast at a national chain, planning ahead ensures your family enjoys a stress-free Christmas meal in the Chippewa Valley.