After being immersed in holiday cheer since Thanksgiving, it’s time to plan your Christmas celebration. Restaurants throughout Chicago make it easy to gather with friends and family for a traditional dinner with prime rib and buche de Noel or decadent brunches where you can sip Champagne while piling your plate with ham and sweets, all while snapping pics with Santa. There are takeout options if you prefer to gather everyone at home but don’t want to do the cooking, and even a Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes if you want to get a taste of the delicious seafood showcased in “The Bear” without any of the kitchen drama. Be sure to place your order or book a reservation at one of these 42 restaurants soon to have a merry and delicious Christmas.
The Loop and Near North Side
Adorn Bar & Restaurant
A “Nutcracker”-themed brunch includes chilled seafood, a hot chocolate station and sweets from pastry chef Bharat Dharmwani. $265 or $85 for kids. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 25. 120 E. Delaware Place, 312-280-8800, adornrestaurant.com
The Albert
Choose an entree such as herb-crusted prime rib or roasted turkey with cranberry relish and visit an antipasti buffet and sweets table to add on Italian cheeses, fingerling potatoes, dark chocolate brownies and cannoli. $65, $18 for kids. 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 25. 228 E. Ontario St., 312-471-3883, thealbertchicago.com
Cherry Circle Room
Executive chef Mari Katsumura offers a surf and turf dinner including French onion soup, lobster motoyaki, filet mignon, twice-baked truffled potato and buche de Noel with optional wine and cocktail pairings from beverage director Raul Jaimes. A vegetarian menu is available. $120-$140. 4-9 p.m. Dec. 24-25. 12 S. Michigan Ave., 312-792-3536, lsdatcaa.com/cherry-circle-room
Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
A Christmas Eve meal offers classic holiday dishes including roasted chestnut soup ($13), herb-roasted prime rib with horseradish cream ($65), whipped potatoes with gravy ($14) and eggnog creme brulee ($15). 1401 S. Michigan Ave., 312-786-1401, chicagofirehouse.com
Cindy’s Rooftop
Chef Kaleena Bliss offers crispy whole branzino with kimchi fried rice and a 12-ounce prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes on Christmas Eve along with a selection of Champagnes. 12 S. Michigan Ave., 312-792-3502, cindysrooftop.com
Duck Duck Goat
Roast a marinated Peking duck and serve it along with green beans, baked char siu buns, mashed potato spring rolls, vegetable fried rice and spiced sweet potatoes ($225). Pick up the feast for four from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Dec. 23. 857 W. Fulton Market, 312-902-3825, duckduckgoatchicago.com
Fioretta
The Italian American steakhouse offers a four-course dinner featuring shrimp scampi, butternut squash soup, filet mignon and tiramisu for $110. Add-ons include wine pairings ($65), caviar ($85), a Maine lobster tail ($35) and mascarpone whipped potatoes ($15). 4-9 p.m. Dec. 24. 318 N. Sangamon St., 312-897-5011, fiorettasteak.com
Gene & Georgetti
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The classic River North steakhouse serves a special Christmas Eve menu from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. featuring a seafood tower for two to four ($175), housemade tagliatelle with shaved fresh black truffles ($46), prime rib with horseradish crema ($69) and peppermint bark gelato ($8). 500 N. Franklin St., 312-527-3718, geneandgeorgetti.com
Gioia
The Italian restaurant serves a three-course menu featuring grilled polenta with creamed black cod, linguine with clams and tiramisu. $100. Dec. 24-25. 1133 W. Randolph St., 773-672-8955, gioiachicago.com
Grill on 21
The restaurant within The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection celebrates Christmas Eve with a five-course dinner including roasted chestnut soup, roasted duck and buche de Noel. $95. 208 S. LaSalle St., 312-634-0000, ext. 3, grillon21.com
Kinzie Chophouse
A festive spin on the restaurant’s new eight-course Odyssey Tasting Menu includes an oyster with oregano-infused mignonette, poached crab claw, duck ravioli, dry-aged lamb chop with chestnut and mushroom purée, grouper with creamy bouillabaisse sauce and a cheese plate. $150 plus $60 for wine pairings. 5-11 p.m. Dec. 24. 400 N. Wells St., 312-822-0191, kinziechophouse.com
Miru
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Chef Hisanobu Osaka ties into the Japanese tradition of feasting on fried chicken on Christmas Eve by offering a $26 half bird for dine-in or carryout in addition to the regular menu. 3-8 p.m. Dec. 24-25. 401 E. Wacker Drive, 312-725-7811, mirurestaurant.com
Miss Ricky’s
From Dec. 18 to 28 you can share a family-style Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner including clam chowder, charred octopus and seared scallops. $75. 203 N. Wabash Ave., virginhotels.com
Nobu
Start your celebration with a three-course brunch including a spicy tuna nori taco, crab cakes Benedict and chocolate toffee pudding. $85, $39 for kids. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 24. 854 W. Randolph St., 312-779-8800, noburestaurants.com
Osteria Via Stato
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Executive chef David DiGregoria shares his family traditions with a Feast of the Seven Fishes meal including dessert and sides. $75. 4-8 p.m. Dec. 24. 620 N. State St., 312-642-8450, osteriaviastato.com
Prime & Provisions
The steakhouse offers a $110 three-course Christmas Eve tasting menu featuring lump blue crab cake, clam chowder, filet mignon with whole roasted garlic and banana cream pie. Wine pairings are $65, and additional upgrades include half a Maine lobster ($25) and a side of roasted wild mushrooms ($15). 222 N. LaSalle Blvd., 312-726-7777, primeandprovisions.com
RPM Italian
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A six-course Feast of the Seven Fishes menu includes king crab tortellini, seafood risotto, bluefin tuna with caviar and Maine scallops with butternut squash. $125, plus $65 for wine pairings. Noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 24. 52 W. Illinois St., 312-222-1888, rpmrestaurants.com
RPM Seafood
A modern spin on the Feast of the Seven Fishes includes red snapper ceviche, tuna poke, oysters, Alaska king crab and hamachi crudo. $290. Noon to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 24. 317 N. Clark St., 312-900-9035, rpmrestaurants.com
Siena Tavern
Executive chef Fabio Viviani offers oysters with apple shallot mignonette ($22), king crab ravioli ($32) and whole roasted branzino with sweet potato purée ($46) on Christmas Eve in addition to the regular menu. 51 W. Kinzie St., 312-595-1322, sienatavern.com
Somerset
The restaurant within the Viceroy Chicago offers a buffet brunch including a glass of prosecco, bone-in short rib, quiche, carved ham, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts and pie. $145, $65 for kids. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 25. 1118 N. State St., 312-586-2000, viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
State and Lake Chicago Tavern
You’ll be greeted with a complimentary glass of prosecco when you arrive for a three-course Christmas dinner including pumpkin mushroom risotto, cavatelli with braised duck breast and sticky toffee pudding. Wine pairings are available for an additional fee. $65. 201 N. State St., 312-239-9400, stateandlakechicago.com
Swift & Sons
Place an order by Dec. 20 to pick up beef Wellington for five to six ($235) or 10-12 ($475) with detailed cooking instructions. Sides are also available for purchase. 1000 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-9420, swiftandsonschicago.com
Tanta
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Celebrate Peruvian style with a $132 rotisserie chicken package for four that includes roasted fingerling potatoes with sausage gravy and pumpkin tres leches. Orders must be placed by noon Dec. 22 for pick up from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 24. The restaurant will also offer dine-in specials Dec. 22-24 including octopus carpaccio ($32) and smoked duck breast ($38). 118 W. Grand Ave., 312-222-9700, tantachicago.com
Travelle at The Langham
Santa will make an appearance at an opulent Champagne brunch from executive chef Damion Henry featuring panettone scones, eggs Benedict, jerk-spiced Berkshire ham, charred broccoli, caviar, maki rolls, dim sum, oysters and a hot chocolate station. $275, $75 for kids ages 5-12. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 25. 330 N. Wabash Ave., 312-923-7705, travellechicago.com
Yardbird
The Southern restaurant is open on Christmas Day serving Maine lobster bisque ($19), herb-roasted prime rib with braised mustard greens ($65), bourbon maple glazed carrots ($14) and red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting ($18). 530 N. Wabash Ave., 312-999-9760, runchickenrun.com/chicago
North Side & Northwest Side
Bar Roma
Specials offered in addition to the regular menu include seafood ravioli ($32), smoked salmon bruschetta with white sturgeon caviar ($20), wood-grilled bone-in rib-eye ($44) and warm pistachio panettone bread pudding ($11). 4-9 p.m. Dec. 24. 5101 N. Clark St., 773-942-7572, barromachicago.com
Le Sud
Celebrate Christmas Eve with lobster mac and cheese ($19), oysters Rockefeller ($25) or a prime rib for two served with sweet potato mash, sauteed broccolini and horseradish sauce ($68). 2301 W. Roscoe St., 773-857-1985, lesudchicago.com
Summer House Santa Monica
The regular menu is available along with a three-course Christmas Eve meal including lobster bisque, prime rib au jus and butterscotch creme brulee. $98. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 24. 1954 N. Halsted St., 773-634-4100, summerhouserestaurants.com/Lincoln-Park
West Side & Near West Side
Frontier
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Celebrate at home with a prime rib meal for four including mashed potatoes, skillet vegetables, kale salad and rolls ($289) or order a la carte for eight with smoked brisket ($225), string beans ($52) and buttered rolls ($24). Food can be picked up on Christmas Eve. 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-772-4322, thefrontierchicago.com
Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar
Celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve with a five-course meal including steamed mussels with kimchi polish sausage, sashimi with caviar and roasted red snapper with braised collard greens. $200. 2700 W. Chicago Ave., 773-661-9577, heritage-chicago.com
South Side & Near South Side
Bronzeville Winery
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A three-course menu from executive chef Lamar Moore on Dec. 23 includes red wine poached pear salad, maple-glazed Skuna Bay salmon and chocolate cherry bread pudding, with the option for a vegetarian entree as well. $85. 4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave., 872-244-7065, exploretock.com/bronzevillewinery/
The Duck Inn
A prime rib dinner for four available for pickup or delivery Dec. 23 includes duck fat yorkie pudding, creamed kale, Irish cheddar potato casserole and sticky toffee pudding with whiskey cream for $295. You can get everything but the beef for $125. 2701 S. Eleanor St., 312-724-8811, theduckinnchicago.com
Suburban and multiple locations
Aboyer
Book a spot for a family-style dinner including potato-truffle soup, Wagyu beef short rib with button mushrooms and Tahitian vanilla panna cotta. $105, $75 for kids under age 8. 4-8 p.m. Dec. 24. 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 847-441-3100; georgetroisgroup.com
Beatrix
A Christmas Eve to-go meal for two includes butternut squash and apple soup, filet medallions with truffle-onion jus, smashed Yukon Gold potatoes, brown butter spaghetti squash and caramel pie with instructions for reheating. Place an order by noon Dec. 22 for carryout or delivery from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24. $120. Multiple locations, beatrixrestaurants.com
Di Pescara
Place an order by noon Dec. 21 to pick up specials Dec. 23 or 24 including a roasted whole beef tenderloin au jus for eight to 10 people ($245), twice baked potato casserole with applewood smoked bacon ($65-$115) and jumbo shrimp cocktail ($59-$125). 2124 Northbrook Court, Northbrook; 847-498-4321; di-pescara.com
Francesca’s
Specials offered alongside the regular menu Dec. 22-25 include four-cheese agnolotti with black truffle ($29), seafood risotto ($32) and a 14-ounce dry-aged New York strip served with Brussels sprouts and smashed fingerling potatoes ($55). Multiple locations, miafrancesca.com
George Trois
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A holiday celebration menu offered in the 14-seat dining room includes a foie gras éclair over crispy fried leeks, beef tenderloin and truffle mousse en croute and Grand Marnier souffle. 4 and 6 p.m. Dec. 24. $189 with wine pairings for an additional $149. 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 847-441-3100; georgetroisgroup.com
L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge
A to-go dinner for two includes oven-roasted turkey breast with gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, housemade cranberry sauce and apple strudel for $73. A la carte add-ons such as mac and cheese, creamed spinach and pecan pie are also available. Place an order by 8 p.m. Dec. 20 for carryout between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 24. 7110 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood; 847-677-3350; lwoodsrestaurant.com
Prairie Grass Cafe
A barbecue short rib dinner for two includes macaroni and cheese, broccoli, Parmesan-crusted roasted carrots and sticky toffee date cake for $132. Add a quart of butternut squash soup for $20 or a bottle of wine for $28-$48. Orders can be picked up from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 23. 601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook; 847-205-4433; prairiegrasscafe.com
Eat. Watch. Do.
Saranello’s
Bring the kids for photos with Santa during a buffet brunch including house-smoked whitefish and salmon, New York strip steak, made-to-order omelets, pancakes, waffles, dessert and mimosas for adults. $45, half-price for kids age 11 and under. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 24. 601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling; 847-777-6878; saranellos.com
Soul & Smoke
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A la carte holiday specials available to-go include braised duck quarters ($55), traditional herb stuffing ($16-$67), cranberry sauce ($5-$9) and caramel apple crumble from Justice of the Pies ($40). Place an order to pick up from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 23 in Evanston, Avondale or the West Loop. Multiple locations, soulandsmoke.com
Vinny’s Clam Bar
Feast on a 12- ($36) or 14-ounce ($46) prime rib dinner with potato au gratin and horseradish cream or other specials offered Dec. 22-25 including lobster bisque ($7-$11), tuna tartare ($24) and amaretto creme brulee ($12). 18201 S. Harlem Ave., Tinley Park; 708-680-4200; vinnysclambar.com
Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.