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Celebrate the holidays with the whole family at Blue Morel.

North Jersey Restaurants Open Christmas Day

1. Blue Morel – Morristown

This contemporary farm-to-table restaurant serves a three-course holiday meal. This year's menu hasn't yet been posted, but if years past are any indication, you're in for a delicious treat with mains like dry-aged beef loin, cioppino, and roasted chicken, finished off with a sweet chocolate terrine. Reservations can be booked via Open Table.

2. Fresco da Franco – Montclair

Fresco da Franco offers a special traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes menu in addition to their regular menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The seafood selection includes clams, mussels, calamari, scallops, and more. Reservations are strongly recommended.

3. Grand Cascades Lodge – Hamburg

Have a budding New York Times food critic in your family? Then you might need to test out the creative culinary chops of the chefs in command at Crystal Springs Resort. A three-course prix fixe menu or limited a la carte options are available. Reservations are required; call 866-976-7292 to book.

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The ski-chalet vibe at the Mohawk House is perfect for a cozy Christmas dinner.

4. Mohawk House – Sparta

This grand country estate is decked out for the holiday season and ready to make all of your Christmas dining dreams a reality. Check your car with the valet and venture into one of the eight elegantly appointed, cozy, fireside dining rooms reminiscent of a charming ski chalet. The regular menu is available and a couple of extra-special dishes will be announced just before the holiday. Make reservations by calling 973-729-6464.

5. Sofia – Englewood

Whether you want to go early for its special holiday brunch or prefer to dine out for dinner, you won’t be disappointed with this northern New Jersey hotspot. From seafood that’s flown in fresh daily to house-made pasta and sundry seasonal Italian creations, many cooked in a wood-burning oven, the food is out of this world. All you can wish for is some flurries to complete the picture, as the restaurant’s open-air concept and floor-to-ceiling windows usher in tons of natural light and a great view of downtown Englewood. Reservations can be booked online.

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Enjoy a historic holiday feel and new American cuisine at Metuchen Inn.

Central Jersey Restaurants Open Christmas Day

6. Benihana – Edison, Short Hills

If hibachi sounds like a fun alternative to the traditional Christmas dinner, you're in luck! Many Benihana locations will be open on Christmas Day. Contact the location nearest you for reservations.

7. Metuchen Inn – Metuchen

Hoping to pair a historic vibe with your holiday meal? Look no further than Metuchen's fancy new American fixture Metuchen Inn, which has a creative a la carte Christmas menu. Book your reservation online. 

8. Lambertville Station – Lambertville

The Lambertville Station's Christmas dinner includes selections like holiday turkey, a rack of New Zealand lamb, roast duck, and more. Call for reservations, 609-397-8300.

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9. Orchard Park – East Brunswick

On Christmas Day, top chef David Burke’s restaurant at the Chateau Grand Hotel is offering a special three-course prix fixe menu with celebratory festive dishes. Last year’s menu included winter green salad, lobster dumplings, grilled Spanish octopus, Christmas duck, leg of lamb, and more. Reserve your table now. 

10. Verona – Haddonfield

Specializing in Southern Italian and Sicilian cuisine, Verona's Christmas Day menu is full of cozy comforts, including fried calamari, penne vodka, lobster ravioli, veal, and chicken parmesan. Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended and can be booked online. 

Congress Hall will delight kids with its Christmas decor.

Jersey Shore Restaurants Open Christmas Day

11. Congress Hall – Cape May

Leave the Christmas cooking to the chefs at Congress Hall this year for a beautiful dinner in the ballroom. The delicious buffet menu features ham, buttery mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and more. Kids 3 and younger eat free. Reservations can be booked online.

12. Ruth's Chris Steak House – Atlantic City

Celebrate Christmas with a sizzling steak and delicious family-style sides at your nearby Ruth's Chris. Treat yourself to steakhouse favorites or indulge in the prix fixe Ruth's Classics menu. There's also a children's menu. With other locations in Short Hills, Parsippany, Weehawken, Jersey City, and Princeton, contact the restaurant nearest you for reservations.

All photos courtesy of the restaurants.

This post was originally published in 2017 and has been updated since.