CA Restaurants Open Christmas Eve & Day, Plus Takeout Specials 2023

CALIFORNIA — To keep your holidays merry, bright and hassle-free, while still indulging in a Christmas feast, check out the variety of offers from California restaurants.

We've rounded up some of the best — festive restaurant dining and easy takeout specials — in our annual guide with something for all tastes and budgets.

So peruse the list, scroll through the images above for visual inspiration, and find the offers and sweet treats near you.

Enjoy, and Happy Holidays, from Patch!

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ACAPULCO: Dine out Christmas Day with all-you-can-eat buffet brunch, 9 a.m. -2 p.m., featuring tri-tip & ham carving station, made to-order omelets, taco station, Mexican favorites, soups, salads, desserts & unlimited Champagne, $5 margaritas & beers. (Regular menu available 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.) $36/adults & $12/kids. Plus, holiday tamales can be ordered online or at restaurants with 24-hour notice through Jan. 1. One dozen is $26 with chicken, carnitas, sweet corn or mix & match in increments of six. Website. Find locales.

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APPLEBEE'S: Keep feasting easy with newly launched Holiday Combos, starting at $13.99 & available for limited time for dine-in, to-go & delivery. Meals include two proteins, plus garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli & crispy onions. Options include: Honey BBQ Chicken Breast & Double Crunch Shrimp; Blackened Cajun Salmon & Double Crunch Shrimp; Sirloin & Double Crunch Shrimp; & Riblets & Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken. Plus, the holiday $5 Mucho Cocktails are back, along with $6 Stella Artois Brewtus draft beers. Details. Location finder here.

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BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE: Dine-in & takeout options offered for Christmas Eve festivities. Along with holiday-centric drinks, specials include: Lobster & Potato Fritter starter ($12.99), with lemon aioli, hot honey & microgreens; and entree Steak Oscar ($49.99) — NY Strip, bearnaise sauce, lobster, asparagus, microgreens & two sidekicks. Also available from to-go Meat Market to cook at home: four-pound, raw prime rib ($110), with au jus, horseradish, creamy horseradish sauce & seasoning. New Year’s Eve in-restaurant dining deal planned, too, for Dec. 31: Surf 'n' Turf Dinner for Two ($115), with two filet mignons, two lobster tails, a starter, sides, molasses bread, dessert & two Prosecco splits. Info/ordering/reservations. Find locales statewide.

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BLAZE PIZZA: Here's a don't-miss holiday deal: an 11-inch, original dough Double Pepperoni pizza (approximately 32 slices of pepperoni!) for $8.99 through Dec. 31. Purchase online, via app or in store & no code needed. Website. Locations statewide.
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BOSTON MARKET: Deck the halls with to-go holiday options starting at $11.99 per person. Pre-order heat & serve meals for up to 12 people, with choice of turkey, honey-glazed ham, a combo, plus sides, rolls & pies from Dec. 17 through Jan. 1. On-site Christmas Day dining ($15.99) features ham, two sides, dinner roll & slice of apple or pumpkin pie. Order info. Locations statewide.

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CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN: Two new dishes & festive cocktail on CPK holiday menus through Dec. 31. The innovative Neapolitan Burrata Pizza features creamy burrata & slow-roasted cherry tomatoes. Shaking Beef Pasta is hot, savory dish with seared filet & garlic-sesame soy sauce. And this year's specialty cocktail is Hand-Shaken Espresso Martini. Details here. Find locales here.

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CHEVYS FRESH MEX: Christmas Day dining features brunch, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., with $5 margaritas & beers. Regular menu available 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Plus, takeout tamales can be ordered online or at restaurants with 24-hour notice through Jan. 1. One dozen is $26 with chicken, carnitas, sweet corn or mix & match in increments of six. Website. See locations in Norcal.

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DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT: Holiday heat-and-serve meals make for hassle-free, at-home feasts. Takeout options: Complete Feast (serves 10–12) with smoked or Cajun turkey, prime rib or ham, with sides of cornbread dressing, gravy, baked potato casserole, green beans & rolls; Dinner Feast (for 8–10) with ham, turkey or prime rib, dressing, gravy & rolls; Holiday Big Yellow Box (for 10-12) 4 pounds of sliced turkey & large sides; or À La Carte Menu for individual meats & sides. New to this year's menu is Classic Sweet Potato Casserole. Find shops near you.
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EL POLLO LOCO: Festive Family Meals start at $24, with eight pieces of chicken, three sides & tortillas. Also launched is limited-time, pork carnitas holiday menu. With nod to Mexican heritage, options include: Carnitas Tacos (corn-blend tortillas, pork carnitas, avocado salsa, cabbage, cilantro, onion & fresh avocado) ; Carnitas Wet Burrito covered in green enchilada sauce & cheese; and Carnitas Stuffed Quesadilla. Plus, two items available only via Loco Rewards app: Pork Carnitas Nachos & Pork Carnitas Tostadas. Ordering links. Find locales statewide.
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EL TORITO: Dine Christmas Day with all-you-can-eat brunch, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., with tri-tip & ham carving station, made-to-order omelets, taco station, other Mexican faves, dessert bar, unlimited champagne & $5 margaritas & beers. Regular menu available 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. $38/adults & $12/kids, (excluding Redondo Beach, Monterey & Marina del Rey, where buffet pricing is $40/adults & $12/kids. Plus, holiday tamales can be ordered online or at restaurants with 24-hour notice through Jan. 1. One dozen is $26 with chicken, carnitas, sweet corn or mix & match in increments of six. Website. Eateries found statewide.

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FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & BAR: Celebrate with three-course, limited-time, winter menu of salmon poke wonton amuse bouche, followed by citrus frisée salad, filet mignon, lobster tail & espresso martini chocolate mousse. And new to menu: Chilled Shellfish Tower of East & West coast oysters, crab legs, lobster & shrimp, with cocktail, creamy mustard & brandy mustard sauces. Reservations. Locations listed here.
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FOGO DE CHAO: Reservations underway at the Brazilian restaurant for Christmas Eve & Day or New Year's Eve & Day dining. Prix-fixe feasts offer continual service of meats, carved tableside by gaucho chefs, along with salads, soup, vegetables, charcuterie & more. Locations statewide.

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GALPAO GAUCHO: Dine Christmas Eve & Day & New Year's Eve & Day with Brazilian experience of endless rounds of 17 different cuts of meat (including Picanha sirloin, salmon, lamb, pork loin & bacon-wrapped chicken), plus gourmet salad bar, side dishes & desserts. Bookings. Locations here.
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GELSON'S MARKETS: Takeout orders are due by Dec. 23 for Christmas dinners, with Dec. 21-24 pick-up, and by Dec. 29 for New Year's with pick-up Dec. 30-Jan. 1. Pre-cooked, to-go options include roasted turkey, prime rib, brisket, salmon, ham & plant-based celebration and hazelnut cranberry roasts, with such festive sides as mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole & rolls. Also offered are seafood selections, à la carte dishes, wines & Champagnes. See ordering info here. Find stores.

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GOLDEN CORRAL: Multiple options at this buffet-style chain. Dine-in for Holiday Buffet, featuring seasonal specials of turkey, ham, beef roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, rolls, pie & more. Or select Holiday Feasts To-Go for six to eight with turkey, ham or beef roast, trimmings, sides, rolls & pie. Pre-order online or via app. Holiday A La Carte Items To Go offer individual options. Plus, get $10 bonus card with $50+ purchase. Details. Location finder here.
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GOTT'S ROADSIDE: This James Beard-recognized eatery brings holiday cheer with return of Dungeness crab specials & Candy Cane Shake. Limited-time shake, in-store only, features vanilla ice cream & milk hand-spun with crushed candy canes & topped with whipped cream. Crab offerings — expected to be available through Jan. 31 — include crab sandwich with West Coast Dungeness crab, lemon mayo, green onions & lettuce on toasted brioche bun ($26.99), and Dungeness Crab & Bay Shrimp Louie salad with romaine lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, hard-boiled egg, secret sauce & lemon-Dijon vinaigrette ($26.99). Sites.
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KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN: Unique, holiday-themed buckets are back — a tradition since the 1960s — with 2023 theme of “Secret Recipe of Joy.” Plus, two items on menus: Mac & Cheese Wrap & Colonel’s Homestyle Brownie. Info/website.

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KRISPY KREME: To commemorate 20th anniversary of holiday classic “Elf,” the chain unveils its first-ever “Elf” Doughnut Collection. Offered for limited time at participating shops, the line includes: "Buddy Snow Globe Doughnut" with chocolate “Elf” piece; "Buddy Makes Breakfast Doughnut," cake batter spaghetti buttercreme, candies, sprinkles & maple drizzle; "Christmas Lights Doughnut," with icing, sprinkles & chocolate “Elf”; plus return of popular "Santa Belly Doughnut," with Cookies & Kreme filling & Santa belt buckle candy piece. Details here.

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LB STEAK: Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve surf & turf feasts planned at restaurants in East Bay & South Bay. On Dec. 24, full menu will be served, alongside two specials: filet Oscar with bone-in filet, Dungeness crab, béarnaise, truffle compound butter & périgueux sauce; or bone-in dino short rib with lobster tail & sweet potato pomme pave. On NYE, Dec. 31, two specials — rib eye with lobster tail, wagyu bone marrow, truffle butter & buddha hand gremolata; or the filet Oscar — offered, along with regular menu. Reservations.

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MARCO'S PIZZA: Keep this deal in mind for post-Christmas dining! Take 30% off regularly priced pizzas Dec. 26-30, when ordering via mobile or online using code GIFT30 — no limit on toppings. Website. Locales statewide.

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MIGUEL'S JR.: The holiday-fave tamales are back! Featuring co-founder Mary Vasquez’s secret family recipe for chicken or chile rojo pork, they are $3.59 a la carte, or $37.99 for dozen. Offered through Dec. 31. And while they're here, go off-menu with one of these tamale hacks: Order burrito with tamale inside; "Mexican Flag" it up & dress tamale in enchilada sauce, sour cream & guacamole; "Wet Style" douse tamale in enchilada sauce & cheddar cheese; or ask for "Deep Fried" & dipping sauce. See menu/ordering info. Find locales.
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MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE: Make it a memorable holiday with "Chateaubriand Dinner for Two" offered only Dec. 24-31. Three-course, prix-fixe menu with winter salad, tableside-sliced Chateaubriand, deluxe sides, plus dessert. $179 for two. Add-on options include lobster tails & mini crab cakes. Reservations. Also through Dec. 31, limited-time "Best Steak Anywhere" promo allows guests to try steaks from Japan, Australia & U.S. (like A5 Niigata Snow Wagyu Filet Mignon from Japan) to learn of various flavors & aging processes. See locales here.

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NORMS: Keep holiday prep simple with “Gobble-Gobble on the Go-Go”— takeout family meal that feeds four for $69.99. Included are turkey breast or brown sugar-glazed ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, chicken & sausage gumbo soup, salad & whole pumpkin or apple pie. Ordering details. Find diner sites throughout Southern California.
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PIATTI: Feast of the Seven Fishes, a classic Italian-American Christmas tradition, will be served Christmas Eve. ($100-$115/person, depending on location.) Four-course options, which do vary by locale include such selections: smoked salmon pate or carpaccio; crab or shrimp arancini; branzino; oven-roasted salmon; Dungeness crab bucatini; linguine & clams or salmon; cannellini bean & fennel ragout with rockfish, scallops & prawns; plus sorbet & cannoli. Reservations. See sites statewide.

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PIEOLOGY PIZZERIA: Here's a gift that keeps on giving for Pie Life Rewards members! Order a "Craft Your Own Pizza" by Dec. 31 & you'll be eligible to unlock "Pies and Perks" offer, which sends a daily "Perk" of choice (such as side salad, cookie, or non-alcoholic beverage), alongside pizza purchases through 2024. Details. Locations statewide.
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RANDY'S DONUTS: Keep the holidays sweet with two, new box dozens, featuring the iconic chain's Christmas Tree, Snowman & Holiday Sprinkles doughnuts. Offered in "Classic" or "Premium Holiday" box sets. Available through Dec. 31. See shops throughout Southern California.

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RED LOBSTER: Locations will be open Christmas Day for a shellfish holiday with limited-time, shrimp & lobster specials. Choose: Lobster & Shrimp Holiday Feast (lobster & shrimp in orange-rosemary sauce); Lobster & Cheddar Bay-Stuffed Shrimp; or Lobster & Shrimp Overboard (lobster tail, linguini & shrimp skewer). Cheddar Bay Stuffing is new this year. Plus, new seasonal cocktails: Snowglobe Sangria; Seaside S'mores Martini; Cinnamon Whiskey Sour. For hosting at home, see to-go Holiday Side Bundles, Party Platters & Family Meals. Purchase Holiday Side Bundle with five sides & two dozen, free Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Find restaurants statewide.
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RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE: "Celebration Surf & Turf" holiday dinner, filet & twin tails, served Dec. 22–24 & Dec. 29-31. Plus, festive, family-sized salads & sides can be ordered for takeout until Dec. 23, with 48-hour notice. See sites statewide.

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SEASONS 52: Keep New Year's simple with Green Box to-go dinners, serving four to six. With choices for wood-grilled tenderloin or cedar plank-roasted salmon, plus marble potatoes, French green beans, salad & six Mini Indulgence desserts. Pre-orders required 24 hours in advance. Plus, two, new low-calorie mocktails on seasonal menus: Citrus Sparkling Refresher – Seedlip Grove 42 (citrus blend), blood orange puree, soda water & rosemary; and Botanical Smash – Seedlip Garden 108 (herbal blend), white cranberry juice, cucumber, lime & soda water. Website. See locales.
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7-ELEVEN: Don't miss these holiday deals: Whole pizzas are $6 for 7Rewards members on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day. And rewards members also can score a large coffee & doughnut for $2 for a limited time. Rewards info here.

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TOUS LES JOURS: French-Asian bakery café chain offers festive, “Merry Wiggle Christmas” collection of holiday cakes, including playful treats from partnership with Korean lifestyle brand Wiggle Wiggle. Set a Christmas table with such creations as the Winter Tree Cake, Snowman Cake, Rudolph Cake or classic Buche de Noel, chocolate log roll cake filled with rich chocolate ganache cream. Order details. Find shops.
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VEGGIE GRILL: Vegetarian, holiday-dining alert! Check out two, limited-edition specials offered through New Year's Eve: the Turk’y Cranwich; and Harvest Mushroom Stew. Sandwich features Prime Roots’ Cracked Black Pepper Koji-Turkey, cranberry aioli, “turkey” gravy, cranberry stuffing, lettuce, tomato on grilled sourdough. Stew is hearty with Fable mushrooms, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, rosemary & thyme. Info. Find locales.

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FOR REGION-SPECIFIC HOLIDAY DINING:

• Christmas Brunch & Dinner: Orange County Restaurant & Takeout Specials
• Christmas Brunch & Dinner: Los Angeles Restaurant & Takeout Specials
• Christmas Brunch & Dinner: San Diego Restaurant & To-Go Specials
• Christmas Brunch & Dinner: San Francisco Bay Area Restaurant & To-Go Offers
• Christmas Brunch & Dinner: Inland Empire Restaurant & Takeout Specials

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