It is crazy to think that Christmas is upon us. While many people tend to celebrate Christmas and Christmas Eve at home or with family, Hoboken and Jersey City are filled with great restaurants to dine during the holidays — if cooking isn’t your thing or you’re not able to travel to see family.

Keep in mind, because so many Hoboken + Jersey City businesses are locally-owned, many of our favorite restaurants are closed on such holidays so they too can enjoy with their families. But there are still a decent amount open — especially on the 24th. So without further ado — we’ve rounded up a handful of Hoboken + Jersey City restaurants open on Christmas Eve 2018 {and even a few on Christmas Day 2018, too} if you are in the market for a home cooked meal without the stress of preparing it all.

Please note: This is an ever-growing list of restaurants open on Christmas Eve + Day, and we included businesses that responded to outreach, so if you have additions, please leave them in the comments and we’ll update! We also recommend calling for reservations to 100% confirm availability and hours.

Hoboken Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve + Christmas Day 2018

Blue Eyes {525 Sinatra Drive} — Open Christmas Eve

Our favorite waterfront restaurant will be open for business on Christmas Eve, serving up items from their winter menu from noon to 10PM. Dinner with a view is the only option at Blue Eyes — and we’re totally ok with that. The authentic Italian menu features some classic Napoletana plates as well as some family favorites. The Vitello Milanese is everything that is good in the world. And even though they are not boasting the 7 Fishes — they still have a ton of seafood dishes worthy of trying. Top it off with a glass of the Chianti Riserva or one of the other beers, wines, or cocktails offered at this riverfront restaurant.

The Cuban {333 Washington} — Open Christmas Day

Cubans know how to do Christmas {writers note: trust me, I’m married to one} and this popular downtown hotspot is one of the few Hoboken restaurants open for business on Christmas Day. Serving up items from their classic menu, you and your family can enjoy all things land and sea. Our personal favorites are the Ropa Vieja, a melt-in-your-mouth braised skirt steak topped with tomato pepper sauce and plated with rice and black beans and the Paella Valenciana, a perfect combination of saffron rice, shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, clams, chorizo, chicken, + garlic aioli. Nothing beats the flavorful plates at The Cuban, so be sure to make your reservation in advance. The restaurant will be closed on Christmas Eve and open from 4PM to 10PM on Christmas Day.

Amanda’s {908 Washington Street} — Open Christmas Eve

Amanda’s will, of course, be open and we are SO glad that they are. With their unique style of French cooking, they have put together a drool-worthy Christmas Eve pre-fixe menu. At $58 per guest {plus tax, gratuity, + drinks}, you and your family can enjoy appetizers, entrees, and desserts from one of Hoboken’s most well-known restaurants. If it were up to us, the Pan Seared Sea Scallops would be our pick to start, followed by the Bone-In Braised Short Rib, and topped off with the Vanilla Creme Brulee would be our plan of action but we will leave the deciding up to you. Be sure to make a reservation for dinner anywhere between 4PM and 8PM.

If looking for something different this holiday, join the folks at The Pilsner Haus & Biergarten, located in Uptown Hoboken. From 5PM on, enjoy some Austro-Hungarian cuisine and drinks at family-style, long wood tables throughout the tap house. Eating from Chef Martin Schaub’s carefully crafted, authentic menu is just like being in Europe for the holidays. Obviously, the Bavarian Pretzel is a classic choice but there are so many incredible options from the grill and kitchen. Kielbasa + Brats are always cooking on the grill {and are cash only, don’t forget} while the kitchen will be serving up a number of plates. The Wiener Schnitzel {breaded pork cutlet served with parsley potatoes, cucumber salad + lingonberries} are always a great choice as is the Rosemary Roasted Half Chicken, plated with barley corn and sauteed spinach. The Biergarten is known for their imported beer but also have a ton of local craft brews and other drinks on hand, too.

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Barbés Restaurant {1300 Park Ave} — Open on Christmas Eve

A {fairly new} Parisian-Moroccan fusion restaurant in uptown Hoboken will be open for business on Christmas Eve this year. The menu is filled with unique North African cuisine with accents of classic French Brasserie fare. Might we suggest a Zaalouk to start, roasted eggplant with tomato, garlic, arugula, and balsamic vinaigrette or the Briouats, Moroccan pastry rolls filled with chicken and almonds. Indulge in some epic entrees like the Margret de Canard {Duck Breast with Honey + Seasonal Vegetables} or the Steak Au Poivre {sirloin steak with peppercorn sauce}. Be sure to make a reservation in time for Christmas Eve this year.

Elysian Cafe {1001 Washington Street} — Open on Christmas Eve

Uptown local favorite spot, Elysian will be open during regular business hours on Christmas Eve from noon to 11PM. This well known menu boasts a number of classic American plates. Their Oyster Selection is TDF, with a choice of Oyster du Jour, Kumamoto, or Blue Point Oysters. Warm up on Christmas Eve with homemade Gnocchi Bolognese or the Chipotle Honey Glazed Short Rib or spice it up with the Jambalaya {with shrimp, chicken andouille sausage, and jasmine rice}. There are so many options at Elysian so make sure to book your reservation in advance.

Anthony David’s {953 Bloomfield Street} — Open on Christmas Eve

AD’s will be open for brunch on Christmas Eve but will be closed on Christmas Day. Chef Pino also has a catering menu {similar to their Thanksgiving one} that you can order from for your holiday party. The menu is diverse and filled with tons of mouth-watering options like the Braised Lamb Shank {with whipped potatoes, roasted Brussel sprouts, and horseradish}, Pork Saltimbocca {with taleggio, prosciutto, sage, and Pecorino potatoes}, Crispy Duck Breasts {with creamy polenta and a cherry demi glace}, Branzino, and Seared Scallops {with creamed spinach and roasted butternut squash}. Of course, all of the trimmings will be available for preorder, too like Shrimp Cocktail, Crab Cakes, Potato Hash with Herbs, French Beans and so many more. Place your orders soon to take one thing off your plate this busy holiday season. Check out the special menu here.

Dolce & Salato {1101 Grand Street} — Open on Christmas Eve + Christmas Day

Not a restaurant, but a delish bakery that you might want to pop into while on your way for a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day celebration. Dolce & Salato will be open from 7:00AM-5:00PM on Christmas Eve and from 8:00AM-2:00PM on Christmas day. Stop in, grab some Italian cookies and a few Nutella croissants {trust us on that one} and your family will surely be impressed.

Jersey City Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve + Christmas Day 2018

Kitchen Step {500 Jersey Avenue} — Open on Christmas Eve

Kitchen Step will be gathering families together for the holidays on December 23rd with their Feast of the Seven Fishes, a classic Italian Christmas staple. For $85 per person {+35 for an Italian Wine Pairing}. And coming from someone who enjoys this tradition each year, it looks good with a capital G. To start, Nantucket Bay Scallop Ceviche will be served followed by broiled NJ oysters {with house smoked bacon + chili butter, fine herb bread crumbs and smoked salmon roe}. For the second course, a dreamy butter poached lobster tail, accompanied by a roasted leek and basil soubise burrata, red scarlet turnips, + peas. The third course consists of a fritto misto, loaded with calamari, shrimp, clams, charred baby romaine, smoked garlic aioli, baby artichokes, and a fennel dusting. For the fourth course, baby octopus will be served with shrimp bisque, seared black bass, red fingerling potatoes shaved fennel, and chive. Top that all off with a lemon olive oil cake and voila. This popular JC eatery will also be open on Christmas Eve.

Liberty House {76 Audrey Zapp Drive} — Open on Christmas Eve

For those wanting a more extensive Christmas Eve dinner, Liberty House is offering a four-course dinner from 4PM to 9PM. Call 201-395-0300 to make reservations!

South House {Newark Avenue} — Open on Christmas Eve

South House will also be offering a pre-fixe Christmas Eve Menu featuring some holiday classics with a twist. At $37 per person, you and your guest can enjoy a three-course meal complete with sides and your choice of wine and beer. To begin, a Cranberry Almond Spinach Salad with Sesame Seed Dressing will be served followed by your choice of Southern Pecan Glazed Ham or Christmas Spiced Roast Chicken. Pair your main course with Spiced Apple Stuffing and Garlic Green Beans. To top it off, a delicious banana bread with caramel sauce will be served.

Ani Ramen {218 Newark Avenue} — Open on Christmas Eve

Craving some ramen on a chilly Christmas Eve? You’re in luck. Ani Ramen is open and is the perfect spot to grab a bowl of soup, a cocktail, and some shrimp buns {TDF, seriously — picture above}.

GP’s Hamilton Park — Open on Christmas Eve

Serious meatballs and Italian comfort food in a cozy environment = GP’s in a nutshell. They’re open from 5PM – 9PM on Christmas Eve, so call ahead for a rez: 201-418-8800.

Mathew’s + White Star — Open on Christmas Eve

Both owned by Mat Kopec — these two JC staples will be open for lunch on Christmas Eve. Each restaurant has its own flair. White Star, one of the best burger places in the area will be serving up items from their regular lunch menu. Of course, The White Star Burger is always a prime choice but if you decide to indulge in something different, the Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese is TDF. Don’t forget a drink. Their bar is fully stocked with out of this world drinks that will ease your holiday stress.

If you choose to visit Mathew’s, White Star’s sister restaurant, they will also be open for lunch. With a ton of vegan options, their menu is unique and boasts some pretty different plates. We love, love LOVE the Pork Belly Croquettes + Black Garlic Mac and Cheese but don’t be afraid to come in for a late breakfast. Matthews has a few options like the Country Scramble {with Gruyere Herbs, Sourdough, + Greens}. Either way, both restaurants will be a real treat.

Porta {135 Newark Avenue} — Open on Christmas Eve

If you want to start Christmas Eve off early, Porta will be open from 12PM to 6PM, serving up items from their lunch {12-4} and dinner menu {4PM-6PM}. Pizza is always on the menu, obvs. The choice is up to you whether you want something classic, like the Margherita or different like the Winter Betty {Goat Cheese Béchamel, Thyme, Garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano, Brussel Sprout Leaves, and EVOO}. Of course, pasta is another go-to and why not? It is the holidays, after all. Calories don’t count. The Bootzin {orecchiette covered in San Marzano Tomatoes, Sausage, Cherry Peppers, Olives, + Parmigiano Reggiano} is our favorite but we will let you do the picking. You totally can’t leave without trying their house-made Mozzarella or Ricotta — it is too good for words.

Porto Leggero {185 Hudson Street} — Open on Christmas Eve

For an upscale dining experience, head to this waterfront restaurant. With beautiful, bold colors, exposed brick, and a wall of floor to ceiling windows overlooking the skyline, you and your guests will truly feel like royalty. The Italian menu features so many choices from a spicy Penne al Arrabiata to different meats like the Pollo Scarpariello {tender pieces of chicken sauteed with white wine, garlic, + sausage with a hint of vinegar}. There are also many fish dishes, like the Branzino Livornese {striped bass in a sauce of olives, capers, + onions with a hint of anchovy}. If you are looking for fine dining and delectable choices, Porto Leggero is a great spot to try and will be open during normal business hours on Christmas Eve.

Will you be dining at home or eating out this holiday? Share with us in the comments below! Feel free to leave a comment with other spots open that aren’t listed — this is a growing list. 🙂

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