American Xmas 2023: Top sites & restaurants open on holidays

Reindeer. Photo by Norman Tsui on Unsplash

The most logical way to start your Christmas adventures in the USA is by visiting the North Pole. And fret not, you don’t need to reserve a seat on the Polar Express or look for the legendary flying sleigh to get here. The route is much easier than it might seem at first sight: it’s just a short 15-minute drive south of Alaska’s Fairbanks.

Local citizens take the holiday spirit matters very seriously. In fact, you can bask in the Christmas atmosphere all year round. But in December, you will get a chance to experience some truly magical events, including The Candlelight & Tree Lighting Ceremony along with singing carols; Winterfest & Holiday Bazaar brimming with bountiful souvenirs, delicious food, and spectacular fireworks; and The Santa Claus House – the must-visit attraction neighboring the wonderful Antler Academy. Arguably the most charming thing about this destination is its post office, which sends out personalized letters, each with an original North Pole stamp. Add the mesmerizing Northern Lights you might witness, and the unforgettable Christmassy immersion is guaranteed.

After spending a fun-filled day in Santa’s backyard, you can head to the local-favorite Little Richard's Family Diner. But for a more festive atmosphere, we recommend booking a table for a lavish holiday dinner at Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Anchorage. Situated in the bustling downtown area inside the 5th Avenue Mall, it is a vibrant neighborhood American restaurant boasting the finest meat and seafood elevated by hand-shaken martinis and live music. The interiors are chic and elegant consisting of vintage piked chandelier lights, dark brown leather banquettes, floor-to-ceiling wine racks, and olive green color accents.

The kitchen team presents a rich Christmas menu focused on the highest quality of hand-cut dry-aged steaks along with Alaskan seafood. Start your indulgence with roasted beet and spinach salad or a jumbo lump crab cake with a glass of crisp Decoy Chardonnay. Move onto their specialty entrées like filet mignon with king crab in Béarnaise sauce, braised short rib in Port reduction with fingerling potatoes, and basil lobster-stuffed shrimp with garlic mashed potatoes. Accompany your meal with exceptional sommelier-featured wines, such as Californian Goldeneye Pinot Noir and Alexander Valley Merlot.

Average bill – $85
With wine – $115

Christmas ornaments. Photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash

The transition from the icy gray waters of the Bering Sea to the ultramarine blue Atlantic Ocean is a particularly substantial one. But if you fancy spending December festivities embraced by the Victorian old-time scenery, consider picking Pennsylvania’s Bethlehem as your travel goal. What’s in it for you? Well, first of all, it hosts one of the most stunning Christkindlmarkts in the country featuring the cutest gifts and introducing you to the fascinating craft of glass-blowing, irresistible flavors of handmade gourmet biscotti, beautiful wooden toys, puzzles, doll furniture, chocolate truffles, glazed ceramics, macarons, cakes, and even custom-made dog coats.

If you are planning on visiting several spots, you better start from Bethlehem since the fair will last till the 17th of December. While in the city, you can also attend engaging themed events at the Ice Rink at SteelStacks, such as Broadway Skate Night (12.19), Superhero Skate (12.17), and Star Wars Skate (01.12). Finally, we recommend taking a 30-minute ride to the Lehigh Valley Zoo and admiring the annual Winter Light Spectacular with over 1.2 million glowing lamps, musical princess performances, sweet hot cocoa with s’mores, and photos with Santa.

Would you prefer to dine like a local in Bethlehem? Then visit Apollo Grill in the historic downtown of the city. Opened in 1999, this cozy bistro-style restaurant has pioneered the gastronomic scene of the region. It is a neighborhood establishment, overseen by co-owners Dyanne & Rod Holt and Patty & Tucker Lyons, as well as Rachael Griffith managing the operations. The place has garnered accolades for its consistency in service, ambiance, and amazing food quality. The front of the house is comforting and inviting: polished redwood tables, simple green carpeted floors, colorful sofa furnishings, and local artworks hanging on white-washed walls.

The kitchen is run under the leadership of Head Chef Alice Schneck, who has developed a contemporary American-Mediterranean fusion menu. You can sample delicious specialty items, including lobster ravioli in honey chipotle sauce, pan-seared scallops with apple slaw, shrimp in garlic lemon butter, ahi tuna tartare in soy ginger sauce, and grilled beef tenderloin with sesame fingerling potatoes. No Christmas meal can be complete without sweet dishes like warm Dutch apple cake with vanilla bean ice cream and bourbon pecan bread pudding with salted caramel.

Average bill – $64

Chicago. Photo by Rezal Scharfe on Unsplash

Our next suggested destination awaits you at the picturesque Lake Michigan. Chicago is known as one of the cities that truly embrace the holiday vibe, and rightfully so. It allures guests with a gargantuan gorgeous 51-foot Christmas tree in Millenium Park and the annual festive exhibit set up by The Museum of Science and Industry featuring the traditions of Ramadan, Chinese New Year, Diwali, Hanukkah, and other celebrations from around the world.

The abundant talent of local artists and performers is another reason to choose the metropolis this winter. The show programs of the legendary stages are fantastic: you can relive the familiar Christmas Carol story at the Goodman Theatre, see the awe-inspiring gymnasts of Cirque du Soleil, witness the filigree Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet, and don’t even think that we have forgotten about the greatest story of all times – It’s a Wonderful Life – a live production at American Blues Theater. Among the Chicagoans, there is a marvelous beloved tradition maintained for over 30 years – gathering and watching the CTA holiday train making its way through the city. Decorated with sparkling lights, this wonder will make everybody, big and small, happy.

For a truly unforgettable gourmet experience on Christmas Eve in Chicago, Brass Tack is a must-visit destination. Nestled inside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, it is a laid-back upscale restaurant that seamlessly blends classic ambiance with a Chicago twist. The dining space is a contemporary rendition of a lively brasserie featuring rich Hollywoodesque leather banquettes, gray tiled floors, white marbled circular tables, glowing Edison lamp fixtures, a full-service open bar with tall chairs, and a lavish wooden decor. It also provides two private rooms for sit-down meals and special events.

The culinary team functions under the able guidance of Executive Chef Nicholas Marino, who creates an American menu by expertly fusing traditional dishes with a bold and modern approach. Some of the scrumptious delicacies you can sample here are grilled pork chop with roasted broccolini, pan-fried king salmon in orange miso with salt-roasted onions, shrimp & grits with coriander blooms, and lamb sugo pappardelle with pecorino cheese. Brass Tack offers a robust cocktail program developed by Miguel Sanchez Borrego. The drinks menu consists of signature martinis and classic cocktails to complement Chef Marino’s cuisine.

Average bill – $97

Galleria Dallas. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/galleriaiceskatingcenter

Moving to the south border of the country, we reach our next, much warmer stop – Dallas – the city that can awaken your merry mood without frostbite, which is why many tourists prefer it over the snowy northern destinations. But let’s find out the best recipe for how to actually get into the fairytale-like December joy around here. Well, anyone who’s been to the Big D will suggest you head to Galleria Mall and ice skate around the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree. This 95-foot-tall beauty, dazzling and shimmering, is decorated with over 10,000 festive ornaments.

Another essential spot is the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Every year, you will find a special display of 25 exquisite Victorian-style gazebos dedicated to the 12 Days of Christmas and illuminated with 1 million twinkling LED lights. And if you are traveling with kids, make sure to take them to Rory Children’s Adventure Garden. Want to touch haute couture fashion without draining your bank account? Take a stroll around the festooned Highland Park Village and do as much window shopping as you please while gaining inspiration from the iconic designs by Dior, Hermès, Ralph Lauren, and other legends.

The Big D has lots of wonderful places to usher in your Christmas celebration, but we recommend you visit the newly opened The Saint restaurant. Tucked away in a discreet location on Gaston Avenue, it is an Italian steakhouse with an emphasis on Texas ingredients. Once you step into the 4,900-square-foot space, you are greeted with a moody Saints & Sinner-inspired vibe with dark walls, muted lighting, and an energizing 80s playlist that will make you feel nostalgic. The ambiance is inviting, with leather and velvet booths, intimate tables with high-back bench seating, and quirky artworks.

The seasonal menu is created by Jacob Williamson, whose long-standing relationships with local farmers and ranchers are an incredible asset to the restaurant. Diners can relish flavorsome specialty dishes like Wagyu steak tartare with truffle, king tiger prawn scampi with white bean, Negroni-glazed heritage ham, and whole roasted prime beef with sweet potato purée in barolo sauce. Their bar card showcases inventive spins on legendary cocktails, with house-made syrups and tonics, as well as a robust wine list with Italian and Californian labels.

Average bill – $66

Hotel Bellagio Las Vegas. Image by https://www.facebook.com/bellagiolasvegas

Since we have already stepped off the snowy path of tradition, why not let the celebration plan make a 180-degree turn? While transforming into a winter Wonderland, Las Vegas also offers you unmatched and exciting activities, including Bellagio’s colossal expos and fountains, Black Eyed Peas’ and Demi Lovato’s live performances, gourmet dining, and trying your luck at casino games.

Participate in a scavenger hunt at the Enchant Las Vegas holiday attraction, and book a ride on America’s biggest Ferris wheel – the 550-foot-tall High Roller. Not extravagant enough? Then consider checking out the $2,3 billion LED MSG Sphere displaying an amazing Christmas dance routine by the Rockettes on the outside. This futuristic technology is presented nowhere else in the world, and it is something you wouldn’t want to miss. In December and January, you can enjoy an immersive U2 concert inside the hall. But this unforgettable show will set you back about $700.

In Vegas, you either go big or go home. So dress up in your Sunday best and head on over to the Delilah restaurant inside the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel for a revival of the glamorous golden years of Sin City. It is a 1920s-inspired West Hollywood-themed establishment with a fabulous setting. You enter the premises through a set of Art Deco marquetry doors and walk into a space lined floor-to-ceiling with burled walnut. Move onto an intimate lounge lit by Champagne bubble chandeliers and upholstered in textiles designed by Hermès. Finally, you will descend into a room with a timeless sunken bar facing a small stage, and in the center, solid brass palms rise to the top of a soaring ceiling.

Indulge your taste buds in a lavish Christmas meal created by Chef Joshua Smith. You can sample delicious supper items like Wagyu beef carpaccio with black truffle shavings, Ōra king salmon with baby bok choy, grilled prawns with sesame mole, and beef Wellington in Madeira wine jus. End your meal on a sweet note with desserts, such as strawberry shortcake, baked Alaska, and pineapple upside-down cake with passionfruit glaze.

Average bill – $152

New Orleans. Photo by Jason Blackeye on Unsplash

If Las Vegas’ boisterous spirit makes you feel at home, we have one more great destination every adventurous traveler must add to their bucket list. Belted by Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans boasts a myriad of special heart-warming holiday events, which are unique, fun, and authentic to the region, with the annual Christmas Eve lighting of the bonfires along the banks of the Mississippi River being the most spectacular one of them.

Since NOLA proudly maintains its French cultural heritage, it is no wonder that December here is marked by the tradition of Réveillon dinners. Get ready to feast on hearty po’boys, sweet beignets, and crawfish étouffée paired with seasonal craft cocktails: let’s see what twist the creative minds of local bartenders will give to the Sazerac this time.

A Christmas celebration in New Orleans will only be partial without relishing some amazing Creole seafood. When it comes to restaurants, bistros, and eateries in the French Quarters, there are plenty of standout options, but if you are looking to shuck, crack, and toss some shells, you may want to swing by Pier 424 Seafood Market on Bourbon Street. Established in 2010, it has a long and interesting history that can be felt in its ambiance. The interiors are vintage and welcoming, featuring brick-lined walls, oak wood furniture, and outdoor seating overlooking the street.

Start your holiday gastronomic journey with fresh-shucked oysters or enjoy some tasty appetizers like popcorn shrimp, fried alligator, bayou frog legs, and crispy calamari. Next, go for classic entrée items such as shrimp po'boy, blackened redfish with collard greens, creamy crawfish étouffée, Creole gumbo, boiled snow crab legs, and Cajun rice jambalaya. Do not miss out on decadent dessert items like s'mores bread pudding and butter pecan pie.

Average bill – $74

New York. Image by TravelScape on Freepik

There is no way we would give you a list of top Xmas suggestions without mentioning New York. And even if you have only experienced its urban views on a TV screen, your checklist probably already includes Central Park, Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square. Indeed, these are the most-visited spots. But our piece isn’t called Top highlights you already know about. We have set the stage for something truly unique and magical.

While the whole city transforms into a sparkling wonder, Bronx Zoo takes it one step further, transforming into an enchanted dazzling forest of lanterns shaped like various animals and plants. And Sixth Avenue, boasting all sorts of delicious foods and entertainment, can be a perfect backdrop for fantastic bright photos with colossal Christmas decorations and toys. In such an event-filled city, a smart way to see as many attractions as humanly possible without exhausting yourself is booking a tour: a private horse carriage ride, Cocoa and Carols holiday cruise, bus trips at night, and movie site excursions, of course. You can also join multiple mulled wine tastings and culinary workshops. But if you happen to be near Madison Square Garden, the best option to deal with hunger is by heading down directly to Stella 34 Trattoria.

As you would have guessed from the name, Stella 34 Trattoria is a modern Italian restaurant and bar situated on Macy’s sixth floor. What was once a storage space, has today been transformed into an elegant yet casual fine-dining establishment. It boasts soaring ceilings, large glass windows with impressive views of the Empire State Building, beautiful minimalist furniture, and diffused light fixtures. The front of the house’s centerpieces include three wood-burning ovens and a 240-foot-long Carrara marble and stainless steel sculptural bar sweeping through the massive hall – said to be the largest counter set for dining and drinks in the city.

The menu invites you to savor authentic Mediterranean dishes: traditional Neapolitan pizza, al forno entrées, and house-made pasta, paired with an all-Italian wine list of more than 100 selections. For Christmas, Stella features Breakfast with Santa where patrons can snap a photo, meet and greet Santa, and relish tasty diavola pizza, spaghetti with white clams, buckwheat pasta with roasted suckling pig ragù, grilled halibut with fennel, and roasted sea bass with broccoli.

Breakfast with Santa Menu – $70 for adults, $50 for children

Beach Christmas. Photo by Tatiana Colhoun on Unsplash

When it comes to one-of-a-kind Christmas destinations, it’s very difficult to compete with Hawaii – the only tropical state outside the continent. Welcoming you with the most pleasant, warm weather, gorgeous beaches, and exotic palm trees, Kauai is an ideal getaway location for those looking to avoid crowds and embrace the idyllic scenery of Polihale and Kokee State Parks.

For a bird’s eye view of Hawaii, you can go for a Nā Pali Coast helicopter tour. Though a bit on the expensive side ($404 per person), it is a spectacular opportunity to catch sight of the breathtaking 400-foot waterfall featured in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. You will also be allowed to get down and walk the lush jungle while learning about native flora and fauna. What’s more? Listen to Christmas carols in Hawaiian, meet Santa Claus, who arrives on a canoe dressed in shorts and an aloha shirt, and relish bountiful farm-to-table offerings at Eating House 1849.

The brainchild of the acclaimed chef and James Beard Award winner, Roy Yamaguchi, Eating House 1849 is named after one of the first restaurants established in Hawaii by a Portuguese businessman, Peter Fernandez. The place pays homage to the island’s vibrant culinary heritage of the mid-1800s when plantation fare was served using what was available from local farmers, ranchers, foragers, and fishermen. It presents simple, iconic flavors of the archipelago and blends them with modern techniques to reinvent cutting-edge haute cuisine.

The dining space is massive, with a relaxed atmosphere, complete with softly-hued interiors of polished wooden furniture, leather elements, lots of natural greenery, and a serene palm tree-shaded terrace seating area. The kitchen crew is run under the guidance of Executive Chef Randy Bangloy, who has perfected a multicultural menu of dishes inspired by Portuguese, Spanish, and Filipino flavors. Expect delicious selections, such as hapa burger made of local beef and wild boar, pork lumpia with green papaya, a hot pot rice bowl with crispy snapper, steaks with ramen, shrimp potstickers, salmon ahi poke, and huli huli spicy pork belly (a marinade with pineapple). Their full bar offers specialty craft beers, a thoughtfully structured wine list, and tropical cocktails to crown your meal.

Average bill – $77

Key West. Photo by thom masat on Unsplash

After giving you a taste of Christmas at the beach, let’s explore some of the other alluring opportunities. Set in between Miami and Havana, the island city of Key West is a sunny oasis where you can enjoy snorkeling North America’s only living coral reef, jet skiing, thrilling banana boat rides, and sailing on catamarans while savoring yummy treats and fruity cocktails.

Elevate your vacation experience by engaging with the local creative community at Key West Holiday Artisan Market – an open-air bazaar displaying beautiful arts and crafts, jewelry, tasty snacks, and merry music. If you're planning a family journey with kids, drop by Mallory Square – another sun-kissed Santa’s meeting spot – to click memorable photos. Your little ones will love it! Just a ten-minute walk from here, at the Conch Republic Seafood Company, you will find the Holiday Classic Car Show exhibition full of fantastic automobiles from every era decorated for Christmas (12.17).

A hearty seafood meal is the crucial ingredient to bringing your beach vacation together. Nestled in a new building on Truman Avenue slightly off the beaten path, Seven Fish is a local neighborhood brasserie serving the community for over 20 years. The dining space has an intimate family-style setting: simple furniture with soft leather cushioning, hanging octagonal lamps, turquoise blue tiled flooring, and an open bar.

Even though the premises have been remodeled, the menu has stayed the same. It offers elegant flavors by mixing fresh fruits de mer and soul food. Start your holiday meal with delicious appetizers of fish tacos, wild mushroom quesadilla, and crab cake with garlic sauce. In main course dishes, you can opt for yellowtail snapper Thai curry over sushi rice, shrimp scampi over angel hair pasta with asparagus, seafood meatloaf with steamed veggies, seared scallops with pea purée, and filet mignon on a bed of mashed potatoes. In desserts, relish their signature key lime pie with raspberries and banana flambé with roasted coconut.

Average bill – $63

Christmas tree at the beach. Photo by Jacob Padilla on Unsplash

True to its slogan – “Bright & Beautiful: From Bay to Beach” – Clearwater, enveloped by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the top coastal havens in the USA. Thanks to Florida’s sunny climate, it boasts mild winter weather, ideal for outdoor activities. You can book a boat tour and go fishing or simply have a joy ride. Stroll the gorgeous Pier 60 – a 1,080-foot promenade laden with local shops, souvenir kiosks, snacks & drinks stalls, etc.

These attractions are available all year round. As for Christmas, Clearwater has prepared something special. You can try your hand at the craft of gingerbread house creation or attend the Winter Holiday Social at the North Greenwood Recreation & Aquatic Complex with your kids – the event brimming with fun, including a face painter, bounce houses, and more (12.15). Join The Polar Express screening under the open sky at Coachman Park (12.15), participate in Las Posadas (the Mexican celebration, 12.16), and rejoice in the skillful a cappella performance by Rockapella at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre (12.22).

If you dream of spending your Christmas morning with a serene natural backdrop, then you cannot do better than Watercolour Grillhouse in Florida. Nestled inside the Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key, it invites you to be a guest at a gastronomic feast in a luxurious setting. The interiors are remarkable, adorned with design elements like neat tables, wicker chairs, plush sofa banquettes, wood-paneled flooring, and diffused ambient lighting. There is also an adjoining lounge bar connected to the restaurant that offers seating along the waterview windows, as well as an outdoor intimate terrace overlooking the gulf.

The menu is focused on steaks and seafood, paired with hand-crafted cocktails and an impressive international wine list. Savor decadent Certified Angus beef dry-aged from 18 to 24 days, cooked on an infrared broiler at 1600 degrees to lock in the natural juices. You can also indulge in fresh crab cakes with key lime sauce, Caribbean spiced red snapper, lobster spaghetti, and grilled Chilean sea bass with mushrooms. There is always room for dessert: let bread pudding and apple crumble cheesecake be the sweet culmination to your meal.

Average bill – $120

A sleeping Christmas doggo. Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

In this review, we tried to select Christmas attractions that would suit all tastes. And our last suggestion is meant for those travelers who share adventures with their furry friends. San Diego invites you and your four-legged companions (in the most festive attire, of course) to join the Gaslamp Pet Parade (12.16), featuring charming photo ops, holiday music, numerous vendors, and treats. After the event, you can experience the Pups in the Pub Party, with craft beers for you and fun games for your doggo.

December in California is the best season for whale watching when you can witness the annual migration of over 20,000 of these majestic creatures on their way from Alaska to Mexico. The Pacific Ocean gem also boasts Grinchmas at Universal Studios – a must-visit event that includes Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter; Big Bay Balloon Parade (12.27); and the mesmerizing Botanic Garden Lightscape Exhibit.

San Diego, being on many tourists’ travel itineraries, has a grandiose culinary scene. We can all agree on that. So we decided to highlight not just an exceptional establishment serving mouthwatering meals but a place that reflects the essence of Xmas like no one else. Rusticucina, merging American and Sicilian cuisines, has come up with a unique offer this winter season: you can donate a toy or a children’s book and receive a free heavenly dessert as gratitude here. Isn’t it a brilliant idea?

They also have prepared a Christmas menu consisting of lavish Italian specialties, including sautéed Sicilian artichokes with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs in garlic lemon sauce, fried squid in chipotle dressing, lobster ravioli in vodka sauce, crispy breaded chicken with mozzarella, and Brussels sprouts with figs and bacon. Pair your meal with their artisanal cocktails: lavender mojito, Aperol sour infused with agave, or Lemontini – a mix of pear vodka, limoncello, prosecco, and Maraschino cherry juice.

Christmas menu – $55 per person

What is your ideal Christmas celebration? Do you have any suggested activities or great recipes? Share your secrets with our community in the comment section below. The Restaurant Guru team wishes you a magical and blissful holiday season!