From elegant tasting menus to cozy family-style feasts, these restaurants are serving memorable meals.
Looking to skip the cooking and savor a stress-free Christmas Eve meal instead? Northern Virginia’s dining scene is ready to welcome you with special menus ranging from classic holiday comfort dishes to upscale chef-driven creations. Here’s your guide to restaurants offering Christmas Eve dinner reservations.
Alexandria
Enjoy a scenic waterfront Christmas Eve at Jula’s, where the menu blends seasonal preparations with modern American coastal fare. Expect elevated entrees, festive cocktails, and a glistening setting ideal for families or date night. 44 Canal Center Plz., Alexandria
Ashburn
Known for premium steaks and upscale service, Eddie Merlot’s offers a classic holiday dinner with refined sides and generous portions. Try seasonal items like elk chop and pan-roasted salmon. Eddie Merlot’s is a great pick for guests wanting a traditional — and indulgent — Christmas Eve meal. 20350 Minot Dr., Ashburn
Rated our 2025 Best Restaurant, 2941 offers an elegant Christmas Eve experience built around contemporary French-American cuisine. Expect a multi-course holiday menu in a serene lakeside setting that feels worthy of the occasion. 2941 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church
Nue presents a special holiday selection featuring standout dishes such as its honey lacquered stuffed duck, lobster garlic noodles and seafood cha giò. A holiday family style set (serving five to seven) is available through the season. 944 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Enjoy a warm, authentic Greek holiday meal at this neighborhood favorite. Christmas Eve dinner typically features shareable spreads, traditional dishes and the comforting flavors of homemade Greek cooking — perfect for a relaxed family celebration. 1025 Seneca Rd., Great Falls
McLean
Divan offers refined Persian cuisine ideal for a unique and aromatic holiday dinner. Expect dishes featuring saffron, pomegranate, pistachios, and slow-cooked meats — flavors that lend themselves beautifully to Christmas Eve indulgence. 1313 Old Chain Bridge Rd., McLean
Savor a seasonal, farm-to-table coursed menu served in the inn’s warmly decorated Conservatory. It’s a relaxed, cozy way to spend Christmas Eve without having to cook, and kids’ menus will be available to make the evening easy for the whole family. 36205 Snake Hill Rd, Middleburg
The No. 3 pick on our 2025 Best Restaurants list, The Ashby Inn’s historic charm and seasonal, farm-driven cooking make for a magical holiday escape. Christmas Eve dinner is a refined and intimate experience that highlights the region’s best ingredients. 692 Federal St., Paris
Davio’s brings Italian steakhouse warmth to Christmas Eve, serving hand-made pastas, seafood and signature steaks. Expect festive, upscale ambiance with plenty of holiday cheer. 1902 Reston Metro Plz., Reston
The Simon will offer a four-course prix fixe dinner from 5 to 8 p.m., including pan-seared scallops, foie gras terrine, red wine–braised short rib, and dry-aged duck breast. 1908 Reston Metro Plz., Reston
Enjoy an upscale Korean BBQ experience with wagyu cuts, refined banchan, and elevated service. A festive option for those looking beyond traditional holiday fare. 1863 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons
A 2025 Best Restaurant, Clarity offers Christmas Eve diners chef-driven creativity, seasonal flavors, and a refined holiday experience. One of Northern Virginia’s most sought-after reservations, guests can enjoy the full regular menu as well as Clarity’s popular four-course Tasting Menu, which includes an amuse-bouche and optional special wine or whiskey pairings. 442 Maple Ave. E, Vienna
Nostos offers elegant Greek cuisine in a chic, modern space. For Christmas Eve, expect fresh seafood, grilled meats, and traditional Mediterranean flavors that feel warm and welcoming. 8100 Boone Blvd., Vienna, VA
Experience the award-winning cuisine of Chef Patrick O’Connell through three exquisite seven-course tasting menus. The Here and Now Menu showcases the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced on-site. The Enduring Classics Menu features O’Connell’s signature dishes from the past five decades. And The Good Earth Menu celebrates inventive vegetarian offerings. $388 per guest, before tax and service charge. Middle and Main Streets, Washington
This special five-course Christmas Eve feast delivers refinement and charm. The menu includes cast iron blackened angus tenderloin with Yorkshire pudding, truffled Madeira jus, béarnaise, selections from the dessert trolley, and more. $235 per guest; beverages additional; $195/person for an alternative offering. Middle and Main Streets, Washington
Feature image courtesy Eddie Merlot’s