Whether you need a bite on the way out of town or simply don’t feel like making a mess in the kitchen right before the holiday, a number of Madison-area restaurants are planning to welcome customers on Christmas Eve.
Buck and Honey’s
Bring the whole family to one of Buck and Honey’s four locations around Madison. Open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., brunch and lunch menus include dishes like avocado toast, eggs benedict, meatloaf and other American fare. 800 W. Broadway, Monona; 1370 Water Wheel Drive, Waunakee; 804 Liberty Blvd., Sun Prairie; and 108 S. 2nd St., Mount Horeb
Merchant
Merchant be open as its holiday alter ego, Merchant’s Christmas Nightmare, from 4-8 p.m. on Dec. 24. Enjoy a meal, check out the festive decor and try a cocktail inspired by “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Coopers Hawk Winery and Restaurant offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert options, with a special wine pairing for each item on the menu. 1611 Deming Way, Middleton
Seven Acre Dairy Co.
On Dec. 24, Seven Acre Dairy Co. is hosting brunch with a very special guest: Santa Claus! Reserve a time slot between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to feast on a brunch buffet and get a photo with Father Christmas himself. Seven Acre Dairy Co. will open again in the evening for a ticked event with 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. seatings. Christmas Eve at the Creamery will feature a festive menu of prime rib, roast duck and winter cocktails. 6858 Paoli Road, Belleville
Cento
Cento’s chef Edwin Ramirez and wine steward Sophia Georges will present Christmas Eve food and drink specials on Dec. 24. From 4-8 p.m., sip cocktails like the “Tinsel Time Toddy” and “In A Pear Tree” alongside classic Italian dishes like seared gnocchi and chicken Alfredo. 112 W. Mifflin St.
Dumpling Haus
Need a warm meal to fend off the late December chill? Dumpling Haus will be open from 11 a.m.-7:45 p.m., offering dumplings, noodles and sweet and savory bao. The restaurant also has a gluten-free menu featuring fried rice, tofu salad, soups and shrimp dumplings. 540 N. Midvale Blvd.
Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.
All four Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. locations will be open on Christmas Eve day from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., serving elevated bar food and unique brews. 123 E. Doty St.; 876 Jupiter Drive; 357 Price Place; and 2980 Cahill Main, Fitchburg
Tully’s II Food and Spirits
Known for being open every day of the year, Tully’s II Food and Spirits is a cozy spot with sandwiches, soup, salads and burgers, that you can count on for any holiday. 6401 Monona Drive, Monona
Johnny Delmonico’s
Enjoy steaks and seafood at Johnny Delmonico’s Christmas Eve Dinner event from 5-9 p.m. Reservations are encouraged if you want to “celebrate in style” with Johnny Delmonico’s staff, so call or book online to secure a spot. 130 S. Pinckney St.
Lucille
Since 2017, Lucille — an establishment that specializes in wood-fired and steel-pan pizzas — has participated in the Miracle Pop-Up series, transforming Lucille’s regular venue into a winter wonderland with “festive and over-the-top decorations.” Christmas Eve is the last chance to experience a decked-out Lucille and its holiday cocktails from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 101 King St.
Parkway Family Restaurant
For a fast and affordable Christmas Eve meal, visit Parkway Family Restaurant. Open from 5:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Parkway serves American-style diner food, including Nutella Biscoff pancakes for breakfast, and an extensive list of sandwiches in the afternoon. 1221 Ann St.
Monty’s Blue Plate Diner
Monty’s Blue Plate Diner will be open from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Christmas Eve day., serving American classics, and vegan and vegetarian options. In true diner fashion, breakfast will be served all day alongside other dishes like macaroni and cheese, veggie meatloaf and hamburgers. 2089 Atwood Ave.
Taigu
On Christmas Eve, Taigu will offer Chinese comfort food — handmade noodles, dumplings and soup, to name a few — for lunch from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner from 4-9:30 p.m. 5372 Old Middleton Road
Café Hollander
Have a European-style Christmas Eve brunch at Café Hollander. The restaurant will operate with limited hours from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Try the breakfast tacos, vegan tofu scrambler and much more off of the brunch menu. 701 Hilldale Way
Christmas Eve To-Go
Feel like staying in, but don’t feel like cooking a Christmas Eve feast on your own? Bar Corallini plans to offer a “Christmas Eve Take & Bake,” featuring a Christmas lasagna that feeds up to eight people. Add salad, antipasti and tiramisu for an additional cost. Orders must be placed by Tuesday, Dec. 17, and picked up Dec. 18-23. 2004 Atwood Ave.…