Well, it’s Christmas and you’ve decked the halls, had all of the glasses of eggnog you can stomach, and you’re starting to get cabin fever at home.
Luckily, there are a few restaurants and bars in Tucson open on the holiday, so gather up your family and friends (or spend the day alone if you’re looking for some space) and head to one of the following restaurants.
Sure, we haven’t included every spot in town that’s open on Christmas, but this list oughta send you off in the right direction. Happy holidays!
If you’re looking for dinners before Christmas, check out our article “Christmas 2022: Local restaurants offering dine-in & takeout in Tucson.”
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Join the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum for a delectable desert feast celebrating the holiday season! There are three reservation times available: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Cost: $79 for adults and $35 for children under 10. Reservations required. Call (520) 883-3046 or email aboudoin@desertmuseum.org to reserve your table today. Museum admission is not included.
For more information, visit desertmuseum.org.
They’ve been serving Tucsonans since 1992 and they’ll be doing just that on Christmas. They recently updated their menus in 2022 so check ’em out and show them your support.
For more information, visit ba-dar.com.
It’s Tucson’s oldest bar — they opened in 1934 — and they’re likely going to be open on Christmas the longest, too. Go in and grab a cheap beer or cocktail before heading out to one of the other restaurants on this list.
For more information, buffetbartucson.com.
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Join the crew for a delicious Christmas brunch buffet featuring prime rib, seafood, and delicious desserts on Christmas morning. Santa will even be parking his sleigh here for a bit so that you may take photos. The buffet includes unlimited mimosas (Santa’s favorite!) and Dragoon Brewery beer.
Cost: $105 per adult and $55 per child.
For more information, visit loewshotels.com.
The midtown bar is open regular hours on Christmas and will be showing the classic “Ernest Saves Christmas” at 7 p.m. They’ve got plenty of beverage options and they allow you to bring in your own food, too.
For more information, visit casafilmbar.com.
The casino is just about open all year round (if not every day) and you’ll find different types of cuisine from PY Steakhouse, Bellissimo Ristorante Italiano, and Festa International Buffet to name a few.
For more information, visit casinodelsol.com.
Chef Wang has all kinds of dishes on the menu so have fun this Christmas by stopping by the restaurant. They’re open the majority of the day and you shouldn’t need a reservation.
For more information, visit chefwangaz.com.
The Fourth Avenue dive bar is opening its doors at 7 p.m. on Christmas so grab a holiday cocktail to add some extra cheer to your day.
For more information, follow Che’s Lounge on Instagram.
Over at Oracle and Ina Road, there are several Chinese dishes waiting for your arrival. The restaurant is open for most of the day, too, so it gives you a little flexibility on Christmas day.
For more information, visit chinaphoenixaz.com.
The midtown restaurant is open from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Christmas but make sure you make a reservation beforehand. Seats are selling left and right.
For more information, visit lodgeonthedesert.com.
The restaurant will be open 5 – 9 p.m. on Christmas and the special for the day is Pepita and Herb Rubbed Porchetta with black garlic duxelle, roasted whole carrots, turnips, green apple-radicchio salad, and cranberry chutney for $38. You’ll want to make a reservation and there’s even live music from 6 – 8 p.m. by pianist Marco Rosano in the dining room.
They’re also open on Christmas Eve.
For more information, visit coronettucson.com.
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The Hilton El Conquistador is putting together a wonderful spread for Christmas. This year there’ll even be a make-your-own cookie station. At the end of the brunch, Santa will read a book to all attendees.
Cost: $89 per adult and $28 per child (6-12 yrs). Call (520) 544-1255 to make your reservation.
For more information, visit hiltonelconquistador.com.
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The ’70s-style bar is open in the evening on Christmas and Red’s Tacos will be serving food out front. They’re also open on Christmas Eve from noon – 2 a.m. and Red’s Tacos will be parked and ready to serve on that day, too.
For more information, follow Danny’s on Instagram.
The restaurant is open late until 9:30 p.m. so that’s plenty of time during the day to spend with the family at home.
For more information, visit fatmankitchentucson.com.
Fortune Cookie is open nice and early for folks in Marana on Christmas. Open your gifts, give your family members some hugs, and then support the local restaurant to call it a day.
For more information, visit fortunecookierestaurant.net.
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Govinda’s will be serving up a deliciously vegan Christmas day menu. They’ll have wheat-free items and if their Thanksgiving menu is any indication, this will be a hit! As long as the weather permits, there’ll be music on the patio to enjoy as you dine out.
Cost: $19.95 per adult and $9.95 per child (4-12 yrs). Children under three years old are complimentary. All you care to eat.
For more information, visit govindasoftucson.com.
The healthy Chinese restaurant is open but with limited hours, so make sure you plan accordingly to make your order between 3 – 9 p.m.
For more information, visit guilintucson.com.
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Celebrate with Hacienda del Sol and enjoy decadent holiday fare prepared by executive chef Devin Pinto. The buffet has a variety of savory choices for everyone in the family along with your favorite holiday classics. Enjoy views of the Catalina Mountains and surrounding gardens with a glass of wine and your loved ones!
Cost: $85 per adult and $45 per child (6-12 yrs). Children under five years old are complimentary. Call (520) 544-1255 to make your reservation.
For more information, visit haciendadelsol.com.
The Chinese restaurant is open on Christmas and is taking reservations now by calling (520) 881-0778. Lock in your seat!
For more information, follow Jun Dynasty on Facebook.
Mandarin Grill on Grant Road is open on Christmas but with limited hours from 2 – 8:30 p.m. Give them a call at (520) 882-8028 just in case you need reservations.
For more information, visit mandaringrill.com.
The restaurant is opening at noon but the closing time is up in the air at the moment. So, it’s best to give them a call at (520) 882-7100 beforehand.
For more information, visit Mei Mei Chinese Restaurant on Facebook.
The downtown restaurant is opening its doors at 5 p.m. for a special Christmas dinner. It’s not clear if you need reservations or not but give ’em a call to secure a spot at a table.
For more information, follow El Mezquite Grill on Facebook.
The restaurant on Speedway Boulevard is offering takeout only from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Luckily, there’s a perfect spot nearby to enjoy your food: Himmel Park.
For more information, visit oldpekingtogo.com.
The restaurant on Campbell Avenue is open nearly all day on Christmas and they’re serving a special menu, too. Plus, they’re open on Christmas Eve if that works better with your holiday schedule.
For more information, visit pasticheme.com.
Sky Dragon is open on Christmas but you must make a reservation ahead of time. Don’t forget! They’re requiring reservations on Sunday, December 25.
For more information, visit skydragonchinese.wixsite.com.
