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.”
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N. Kinney Rd.
Sunday, December 25 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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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.
Ba-Dar Chinese Restaurant
7321 E. Broadway Blvd.
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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.
The Buffet
538 E. Ninth St.
Sunday, December 25 from 6 a.m. – 2 a.m.
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.
The Canyon Club at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
7000 N. Resort Dr.
Sunday, December 25 at 10 a.m.
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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.
Casa Film Bar
2905 E. Speedway Blvd.
Sunday, December 25 from noon – 1 a.m.
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.
Casino Del Sol
5655 W. Valencia Rd.
Multiple restaurants are open
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
356 E. Grant Rd.
Sunday, December 25 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
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.
Che’s Lounge
350 N. Fourth Ave.
Sunday, December 25 from 7 p.m. – 2 a.m.
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.
China Phoenix Restaurant
7090 N. Oracle Rd. #172
Sunday, December 25 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
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.
Cielos at the Lodge on the Desert
306 N. Alvernon Way
Sunday, December 25 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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 Coronet
198 W. Cushing St.
Sunday, December 25 from 5 – 9 p.m.
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.
El Conquistador
10000 N. Oracle Rd.
Sunday, December 25 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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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.
Danny’s Baboquivari
2910 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
Sunday, December 25 at 8 p.m.
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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.
Fatman Kitchen
2610 N. First Ave.
Sunday, December 25 from 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
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 Restaurant
9110 N. Silverbell Rd. # 140
Sunday, December 25 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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.
Govindas Natural Foods Buffet
711 E. Blacklidge Dr.
Sunday, December 25, noon – 5 p.m.
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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.
Guilin Chinese Restaurant
4445 E. Broadway Blvd.
Sunday, December 25 from 3 – 9 p.m.
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.
Hacienda del Sol
5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Rd.
Sunday, December 25 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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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.
Jun Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
2933 E. Grant Rd.
Sunday, December 25 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
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
505 E. Grant Rd.
Sunday, December 25 from 2 – 8:30 p.m.
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.
Mei Mei Chinese Restaurant
1523 W. St. Marys Rd.
Sunday, December 25 at noon
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.
El Mezquite Grill at the Doubletree by Hilton
280 S. Church Ave.
Sunday, December 25 at 5 p.m.
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.
Old Peking
2522 E. Speedway Blvd.
Sunday, December 25 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (TAKEOUT ONLY)
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.
Pastiche Modern Eatery
3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Sunday, December 25 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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 Chinese Cuisine
3607 N. Campbell Ave.
Sunday, December 25 from 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
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.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
