The holidays are an unequivocally stressful time of year. From buying and wrapping presents to traveling and visiting family members, it can be difficult to get some rest and relaxation, especially if you’re also tasked with cooking holiday meals. Luckily, Northern Virginia is home to many incredible restaurants that are staying open this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. With fixed course menus and holiday-themed desserts, you’ll get that much-deserved break with any of these choices.
Ada’s on the River
Make the most of your holiday dinner out with Ada’s three-course holiday meal special. Start the night off with the popular seared scallops or wood-fired prime rib, and cap it off with the chocolate hazelnut cheesecake, including a whipped labneh you won’t want to miss. And if you have kids, you can enjoy a Christmas Eve breakfast with Santa Claus that will include pastries, pancakes, scrambled eggs, and of course, piping hot chocolate. 3 Pioneer Mill Wy., Alexandria; $19 for children, $69 for adults
Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill
As a part of the renowned Salamander Resort & Spa, you can’t go wrong dining at Harrimans at this time of year. You can celebrate the magic of Christmas with a lavish four-course meal, including warm appetizers like the roasted acorn squash, and delicious seafood, like crispy Spanish octopus. To end off the night with even more holiday spirit, try the Christmas figgy pudding, which combines candied fruits with an eggnog crème anglaise. 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg; $45 for children 12 and under, $175 for adults
Bistro L’Hermitage
Bistro L’Hermitage will be open Christmas Day from noon to 6 p.m. with a fixed menu of French holiday favorites. The full menu includes classics like the mushroom ravioli and roasted duck with olive orzo, paired with specials like roasted chestnut soup and pan-seared corvina with Champagne risotto. 12724 Occoquan Rd., Woodbridge; $79 per person
BARCA Pier & Wine Bar
If you’re going out to eat this Christmas, you’re going to want a beautiful view to go along with it. Luckily, BARCA’s riverfront atmosphere will make for a serene holiday dinner that the whole family can enjoy. On both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you’ll get the chance to try the scallops al ajillo with garlic toast and the Catalan Lamb Kabob with cherry sofrito and garlic yogurt. While not the traditional Christmas dinner, BARCA’s uniquely crafted Mediterranean and Spanish dishes will surely be a crowd pleaser this holiday season. 2 Pioneer Mill Wy., Alexandria
Roberto’s Ristorante Italiano
Calling all seafood fans: Roberto’s Ristorante Italiano will be offering a seven-fish dinner on Christmas Eve. Join in this Italian tradition for a night special dishes that merge the refreshing seafood of Northern Virginia with the richness of authentic Italian food. Whether you dine on stuffed calamari in black garlic sauce or lobster and mascarpone cheese filled ravioli, you’ll surely end your Christmas Eve in high spirits. 144 Church St. NW, Vienna; $110 per person
Feature image by Justin Kriel and courtesy of Salamander Resort & Spa
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