Take a much-needed break from the last-minute present-wrapping and feast-prepping, and let the area’s best chefs create the main culinary event for you and your loved ones. Below, are our top picks for dining out on Christmas Eve and even, a few notable spots opening up their doors on Christmas Day. We also suggest you call for reservations, as many places will be booked up.

Dayton Restaurants Open Christmas Eve

Carvers Steaks & Chops
1535 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Dayton, OH 45459
(937) 433-7099
Noon to 7pm

Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
4432 Walnut Street, Dayton, OH 45440
(937) 320-9548
5 – 10pm

C’est Tout Bistro
2600 Far Hills Avenue, Kettering
(937) 298-0022
5 -10pm

Champps Americana
7880 Washington Village Drive, Washington Twp.
(937) 433-2333
Noon to 10 pm

Giuliano, An Anticoli Tavern
67 S. Main Street, Miamisburg
(937) 859-3000
4 -9pm

Jay’s Seafood Restaurant
225 E Sixth Street Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 222-2892
4-8pm

Neil’s Heritage House
2323 West Schantz Avenue, Dayton OH
(937) 298-86111
3 -7pm

Shen’s Szechuan & Sushi
7580 Poe Ave Dayton, OH 45414
(937) 898-3860
11am – 10pm

Spaghetti Warehouse
6 W. Fifth Street, Dayton OH 45402
(937) 461-3913
11am – 8pm

The Caroline
5 South Market Street, Troy , OH 45373
(937) 552-7676
3- 8pm Christmas Buffet Only
Adults – $20.95, Children 5 to 12 – $9.95, Under 5 Free

The Oakwood Club
2414 Far Hills Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio 45419
(937) 293-6973
4-9pm

For all those folks who may not celebrate Christmas, or just don’t want to cook that day, there are indeed a few restaurants that will be open for your dining pleasure. Of course you can always dine at Waffle House- they never close, but no matter where you dine out, please remember that the staff of these places have given up their holiday to serve you, so please tip generously, as working on a holiday is never fun, but should at least be profitable for those away from their families.