News Summary
As the holiday season approaches, Columbia families can skip the cooking chaos and enjoy festive meals at local restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Day. Various dining options are available, from upscale seafood to hearty steakhouses and cozy comfort food, ensuring a stress-free celebration for residents. Discover the diverse culinary experiences Columbia has to offer this Christmas, making holiday dining a delightful escape.
Columbia’s Festive Dining Solutions on Christmas
As the joyful holiday season approaches, many families in Columbia find themselves wrapped in a whirlwind of stress — from holiday shopping and gift wrapping to travel planning. However, there’s one big factor that often gets overlooked in the chaos of the holidays: meal preparation! Luckily for Columbia residents, several local restaurants are opening their doors on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, offering a delicious escape from the kitchen.
Smoked
If you’re in the mood for something upscale, look no further than Smoked, located at 1643 Main St.. This farm-to-table gem is not only known for its fresh seafood but also for its mouthwatering house-smoked prime meats. On Christmas Day, you can feast from 2 to 8 p.m. with a special Christmas menu that includes sliced prime rib, roasted pork loin, and halibut. And don’t forget dessert! You’ll be tempted by options like rhubarb pie, cookies and cream, and decadent chocolate cake.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
For those who crave a hearty steakhouse experience, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is your destination. This popular spot at 924-A Senate Street will serve guests on Christmas Eve from noon to 10 p.m. and Christmas Day from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.. With a menu offering delights like ribeye, T-bone steaks, and garlic-crusted sea bass, you won’t leave hungry!
California Dreaming
If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, California Dreaming at 401 Main Street has got you covered. On Christmas Eve, they will open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. where you can enjoy a variety of comfort food options like fried chicken, seafood, and ribs. Who wouldn’t want to kick back with delicious food during this hectic time?
Hanabi Hibachi
Do you enjoy hearty hibachi meals? Hanabi Hibachi, located just at 1626 Main St., will remain open on both Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Christmas Day from noon to 8 p.m.. Indulge in a memorable dining experience with options like steak, shrimp, chicken, and even lobster, or treat yourself to some fresh sushi rolls.
Halls Chophouse
Now, if you’re hoping to dine on Christmas Eve, Halls Chophouse will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 1221 Main St. Their menu features filet mignon, ahi tuna, and tantalizing seafood dishes. While they won’t be open on Christmas Day, their festive atmosphere and delicious menu will surely make for an enjoyable holiday meal.
Hampton Street Vineyard
Hampton Street Vineyard has a special treat for Christmas Eve diners! From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can indulge in a three-course menu that includes heirloom pumpkin bisque, herb-roasted leg of lamb, and a rich peppermint cheesecake. Located at 1207 Hampton St., this spot offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for the holiday season.
Golden Corral
Craving an all-you-can-eat buffet? Golden Corral at 5300 Forest Drive will be open on Christmas Day, featuring an array of holiday favorites, including turkey, ham, and even a new holiday pork roast. It’s a great option for families looking to satisfy everyone’s appetite!
Braza do Sul
Fancy some Brazilian barbecue? Braza do Sul will be serving from 4 to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve at 410 Columbiana Drive. You can enjoy delicious skewered meats paired with an impressive salad bar — perfect for those who want to celebrate in style!
The Hollow
On Christmas Eve, The Hollow at 823 Gervais St. will have limited dinner service from 3 to 8 p.m.. Specializing in rustic American cooking, they tempt diners with dishes featuring wild game like bison and duck — truly a unique holiday dining experience.
So, if you’re in Columbia and looking to sidestep the holiday cooking frenzy, consider these fantastic restaurants! Enjoying a delicious meal without the stress of preparation makes for a wonderful holiday season. Happy dining!
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Additional Resources
- Mid-Missouri Christmas Day Dining
- Wikipedia: Christmas
- Restaurant Inspections in Augusta
- Google Search: Holiday dining options
- Columbia Restaurant Health Inspections
- Google Scholar: Christmas dining options
- Columbia Restaurant Reopens After Hurricane
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant inspections
- Local Dining Insights
- Google News: Columbia restaurants open Christmas Day
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
