Christmas Dining in Stevens Point: Your complete 2025 guide

Finding a restaurant open on Christmas can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack in Central Wisconsin—but Stevens Point and nearby Plover offer several excellent options for families who want to skip the kitchen this holiday season. Sky Club Supper Club's Christmas Day buffet stands out as the premier option, with holiday hours and a traditional feast that's drawn families for decades. Whether you're seeking a sit-down celebration, quick takeout, or somewhere to grab coffee before presents, this guide covers every option for December 24-25.

Most Wisconsin restaurants close for Christmas, making advance planning essential. The good news? Stevens Point's dining scene includes several reliable holiday options ranging from a legendary supper club buffet to Chinese restaurants following the time-honored tradition of staying open, plus family diners and chain restaurants that keep their doors open when families need them most.

Note: Confirm with individual restaurants for any changes or updates

Christmas Day dining

Sky Club Supper Club in Plover emerges as an excellent option for Christmas Day dining in the Stevens Point area. This family-owned Wisconsin institution—home of America's first salad bar since 1950—hosts an annual Christmas Day buffet that locals consider a holiday tradition.

The Christmas Day buffet runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features oven-roasted turkey, baked sugar-cured ham, oven-baked chicken, Swedish meatballs, BBQ pulled pork, and French fried shrimp. Sides include sage dressing, sweet kernel corn, and mashed red potatoes, plus homemade bread and dessert. Unlimited trips to their world-famous salad bar are included. Pricing is straightforward: adults $34, seniors (65+) $31, children ages 5-12 pay $16, and children under 5 eat free. A December 2024 TripAdvisor review confirms the buffet was packed, calling it a festive experience with appropriate holiday décor.

Christmas Day Buffet at the Sky Club Supper Club In Plover, WI

South Point Restaurant on Church Street has earned devoted fans for staying open when others close. One reviewer called it "a blessing to be open on Christmas Day," praising the homemade-tasting comfort food and family-like atmosphere. Their chicken dumpling soup and buttermilk pancakes ($6.75) are local favorites—perfect for families seeking an affordable, unpretentious meal.

China Wok Buffet on Division Street follows the beloved American tradition of Chinese restaurants welcoming diners on Christmas Day, open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The all-you-can-eat buffet format works well for families with varying appetites.

Christmas Eve options offer more flexibility

Fine dining seekers should contact these establishments early:

Silver Coach Restaurant creates an unforgettable experience in a restored 1900s railroad sleeper car. Chef Rob Tuszka's Cajun-influenced menu features crawfish balls, pecan-crusted salmon, and Bananas Foster. Their website specifically notes reservations are "recommended during special events and holidays." Call after 10 a.m. at (715) 341-6588. Note: This spot caters more to couples than families with young children.

Michele's Restaurant and Catering has served Stevens Point for over 30 years, earning its reputation as the area's premier steakhouse. Fresh seafood including raw oysters—rare for Central Wisconsin—and excellent prime rib make this a celebratory choice. They've historically offered Christmas carry-out packages featuring boxed dinners with prime rib, filet mignon, or chicken cordon bleu. Contact them at (715) 341-3363 to inquire about 2024 holiday options.

Father Fats Public House on Clark Street takes a contemporary approach with small plates designed for sharing. Featured on Wisconsin Foodie, they've previously offered holiday to-go packages including lasagna, prime rib, pulled pork sliders, and bacon-wrapped scallops. Their eclectic, internationally-influenced menu and craft cocktail program make this ideal for adventurous family gatherings. Call (715) 544-4054.

Supper clubs bring Wisconsin holiday tradition

Wisconsin supper clubs offer an experience you won't find anywhere else in America—and Christmas proves the perfect occasion to introduce out-of-town guests to this unique tradition. Expect pre-dinner cocktails (especially Brandy Old Fashioneds), relish trays, and leisurely multi-course meals.

Sky Club Supper Club at 2202 Post Road in Plover represents the gold standard. Family-owned since 1935 and celebrating 90 years in 2025, the 16,000-square-foot venue includes five dining rooms and a full bar serving handcrafted cocktails with their signature Sky Club Brandy. Regular dinner service runs Tuesday through Sunday starting at 4 p.m., but holiday hours require confirmation. Reserve by calling (715) 341-4000.

Michele's Restaurant on Division Street operates Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. in typical supper club fashion. Their prime rib, rack of lamb, and outstanding Caesar salads draw diners from across Central Wisconsin. The intimate setting accommodates groups from 10 to 250 for private events. Reservations recommended at (715) 341-3363.

Upscale dining for special celebrations

Muse at Sentry offers Stevens Point's most refined dining experience, housed in the lower level of Sentry Insurance headquarters with a Wine Spectator award-winning program and an original signed Pablo Picasso print on display. Executive Chef prepares handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and wet- and dry-aged steaks using seasonal, locally grown ingredients. Regular hours run Tuesday through Saturday for dinner service, but the restaurant notes "special hours around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's"—call (715) 346-1800 to confirm holiday availability. Online reservations available for parties up to eight.

PJ's at SentryWorld ranks as TripAdvisor's #1 Stevens Point restaurant, offering Wisconsin-inspired casual fine dining in the golf course clubhouse setting. Wood-fired pizzas, 28 craft beers on tap including exclusive PJ's White Ale and PJ's Red Lager, and locally sourced ingredients from Stevens Point Farmers Market define the menu. Regular hours extend to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations appreciated but not required—contact (715) 345-1600 for holiday hours.

Chain restaurants and fast food: Backup plans

IHOP in nearby Plover (approximately 5 miles away) at 1617 Plover Road typically maintains 365-day operations, though hours vary by location—check the app before driving.

Fast food options on Christmas Day are limited. Most Taco Bell, KFC, Culver's, and Buffalo Wild Wings locations close for Christmas Day. McDonald's franchises set individual hours, so use their app to confirm. Starbucks locations vary—check the app for specific store hours.

One important note: Applebee's in Stevens Point permanently closed in September 2019. The nearest locations are in Wisconsin Rapids or Wausau.

Heat-and-serve meals

Several Stevens Point establishments offer excellent carry-out alternatives for families preferring to dine at home while skipping the cooking:

Park Ridge Family Restaurant provides heat-and-serve Christmas dinners with baked chicken, ham, sides, and dessert in both individual and family-size portions. Delivery available. Call (715) 341-8885.

Main Grain Bakery supplies fresh bread, rolls, cheesecakes, signature cakes, pies, and cookies for your holiday table. Order online or call (715) 630-1486.

Earthcrust Bakery at Stevens Point Area Co-op offers their famous cinnamon rolls, breads, cookies, and pastries. Special orders welcome at (715) 341-4155.

The Wooden Chair accepts pre-orders for classic Christmas cookies—call (715) 341-1133.

Ski's Meat Market at (715) 344-8484 provides prepared side dishes from their deli case, perfect for complementing your own roast or ham.

Practical planning tips for holiday dining success

Make reservations immediately. Holiday tables at popular restaurants like Sky Club, Michele's, and Silver Coach fill quickly. Call at least one week in advance—two weeks for larger parties.

Always confirm hours directly. This guide reflects the best available information as of late 2024, but individual restaurants may adjust holiday schedules. A quick phone call prevents disappointment.

Expect modified policies. Many restaurants require credit card holds for Christmas reservations and may charge for no-shows. Cancellation policies often require 48-72 hours notice.

Plan for pricing. Christmas buffets in Central Wisconsin typically run $30-60 per adult. Fine dining prix fixe menus range $50-80 per person. Casual dining falls between $15-35.

Consider timing carefully. December 24, 2024 falls on a Tuesday, and December 25, 2024 falls on a Wednesday. Some restaurants normally closed on those days may open for the holiday, while others maintain their regular closures—calling ahead is essential.

Quick reference: Essential contact information

Confirmed Open Christmas Day:

• Sky Club Supper Club: (715) 341-4000 — Buffet 11am-4pm

• China Wok Buffet: (715) 295-0998 — 10:30am-9pm

• South Point Restaurant: 3057 Church St — Regular hours

• SentryWorld Library Café: (715) 346-1800 — 6am-11am

Call to Confirm Holiday Hours:

• Michele's Restaurant: (715) 341-3363

• Silver Coach: (715) 341-6588

• Father Fats: (715) 544-4054

• PJ's SentryWorld: (715) 345-1600

• Muse at Sentry: (715) 346-1800

• Amber Grill at Holiday Inn: (715) 344-9808

Confirmed Closed Christmas Day:

• Hilltop Pub and Grill

• Cozy Kitchen

• Culver's

• KFC

• Taco Bell

• Buffalo Wild Wings

Conclusion

Stevens Point may not offer the dozens of holiday dining options you'd find in Milwaukee or Madison, but the restaurants that do open provide genuinely memorable experiences. Sky Club's Christmas buffet represents the best combination of value, tradition, and festive atmosphere for family celebrations. For those seeking alternatives, South Point Restaurant's comfort food welcomes everyone at budget-friendly prices, while China Wok Buffet maintains the cherished tradition of Chinese restaurants serving communities on Christmas Day.

The key to stress-free holiday dining lies in early planning. Call your preferred restaurant this week to secure reservations, confirm hours, and ask about special menus or carry-out options. Stevens Point's restaurant community works hard to serve families during the holidays—a quick phone call shows appreciation while ensuring your celebration goes smoothly. Whether you're gathering around a supper club table for prime rib or picking up a heat-and-serve feast to enjoy at home, this Central Wisconsin community offers options to make your Christmas delicious.