December is usually one of the busiest months for restaurants, between special event bookings, catered luncheons, packed bars, and general frolicking that typically goes on. Restaurants are bringing their A-game to help diners get into the holiday spirit at home or dining out. From Christmas to Hanukkah and all the cozy days in between, a range of familiar favorites and under-the-radar eateries offer dining options for every palate.
We've rounded up a list of Lehigh Valley restaurants that will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, whether in-person or for take-out, as well as retail shops welcoming in-store shopping.
Baked Bakery & Cafe, 228 Main St., Emmaus
The Holidays aren't the same without delicious baked goods. Order from Baked Bakery & Cafe's holiday menu and choose from chocolate peppermint cake, gingerbread bundt cake, apple crumb pie, gingerbread apple butter custard pie, or grab a cookie box filled with 32 cookie choices. Pre-order by Saturday, December 17 by calling 610-966-6100 and pick it up on Friday, December 23 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. or Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Chop House at Wind Creek, 77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem
Chop House's Christmas menu features appetizers such as seared bay scallops, New Zealand lamb double chop, followed by entree options of oven roasted prime rib, roasted duck, and pan seared grouper. Don't forget about dessert and choose from cranberry candied orange cheesecake weather or spiced eggnog igloo.
Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, 7189 PA-309, New Tripoli
Order your Christmas dinner and spirits from the folks at Eight Oaks. Choose from their different menu packages and pick up on Friday, December 23 from 3 p.m. - p.m. Add to the festive fun with a holiday growler of their featured pre-mixed cocktail!
Nonna Sulina's Sicilian Kitchen & Grill, 5000 Bath Pike, Bethlehem
You don’t have to be Italian or Sicilian to enjoy a traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. Preparing seven courses of seafood can be a daunting task, even for the advanced home cook, so let the professionals at Nonna Sulina’s handle it. Choose from many options on their family style menu of appetizers, pastas, and fish entrees. There’s everything from stuffed shrimp, crab cakes, and clams casino to linguini in white clam sauce to traditional Sicilian cod and Bronzino. All half trays serve 4–6 people. You’ll need to pre-order by December 21 by calling 610-419-1051 or you can order via email nonnasulinas@gmail.com. Pickup times will be scheduled until 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Pocono Organics, 1015 Long Pond Rd., Long Pond
Stop in to the cafe and enjoy a Christmas Eve meal made by Pocono Organics Chef, Lindsay McClain. Choose from their mushroom biscuits & gravy, farmer's hash, quinoa or buddha bowl, smoked & grilled wings, grilled chicken sandwich, or one of their many smoothies. Their market and cafe will be open from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. or pre-order a holiday meal to bring home.
Prime Steak House, 325 Stoke Rd., Bethlehem
Pre-order your Christmas Eve family style to-go and celebrate at home. Dinner includes house salad and four baked potatoes with butter and sour cream. Choose the main entree from a seafood medley, New York strip, filet medallions, chicken breasts, or salmon. Desserts and cocktails can be added to any order. Orders can be pre-ordered and picked up through Friday, December 23 at 4 p.m. Email orders to info@primestkhouse.com.
Social Still, 530 E. 3rd Street, Bethlehem
Enjoy a Christmas Eve Brunch with the team at Social Still on Saturday, December 24 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Choose from their weekly brunch menu, as well as some holiday specials. Be sure to reserve your table today!
The View at Morgan Hill, 100 Clubhouse Dr., Easton
Let The View take care of your Christmas where you get to custom select your menu, how many servings, and pickup time, tailored just for you. Place your order ahead here and pick it up on Christmas Eve.
Youell's Oyster House, 2249 Walnut Street, Allentown
Dine with Youell's Oyster House on Christmas Eve and enjoy their full daily menu, as well as chef's features such as oysters rockefeller, salmon tartare, jumbo lobster roll, paella, stuffed salmon, and more! Reservations are required.
Looking to get some last minute shopping in? Stop by the Lehigh Valley Mall, Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley; grab locally made gifts from Christkindlmarkt, Easton Winter Village, Christmas City Village, or check out various specialty shops throughout Lehigh Valley.
Are you open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and want to be added to our list? Simply email mary@DiscoverLehighValley.com and let us know the details.