Christmas Dining & Holiday Magic in St. Augustine 2025

by Kevin Howard

The holidays in St. Augustine are always a special time — with twinkling lights, historic charm, and a relaxed coastal vibe. If you’re in town for Christmas 2025 (or just want to enjoy a festive dinner locally), several restaurants remain open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

Here are some of the standout dining spots open on Christmas Day:

Athena Greek Restaurant — open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Avilés Restaurant & Lounge (Hilton Bayfront) — buffet seatings at 12:00, 2:00, 4:00, and 6:00 p.m.
Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen — breakfast and dinner service (7:30–10:30 a.m., 4:00–9:00 p.m.).
Columbia Restaurant — open 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; classic Spanish-Cuban cuisine in a historic setting.
Cortesse's Bistro — 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar — open 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Crabby's Beachside (on A1A Beach Boulevard) — 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., offering a traditional menu and a holiday plated dinner option.
Green Papaya Thai & Sushi Cuisine — open 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., a good option if you prefer Thai or sushi on holiday.
Harvest & Reel (A1A Beach Boulevard) — open 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge and Kitchen — opens 4:00 p.m., stays open late (until 2:00 a.m.), with a holiday-themed limited menu on Christmas Day.
Old City House Inn & Restaurant — holiday-meal seatings at 4:00 and 6:00 p.m.; reservations required.
Nonna's Trattoria — open 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Many of these restaurants stay busy during the holidays — so calling ahead or reserving early is strongly recommended.

Pair Dining With Holiday Lights

If you’re dining downtown or in the historic district, consider pairing your meal with a stroll under the glow of holiday lights. The city’s holiday tradition draws thousands — and the light displays make for a festive, romantic, and memorable evening.

Imagine finishing your meal at Columbia or Avilés, then walking through beautifully lit historic streets or along the waterfront — a perfect mix of charm, warmth, and celebration.

Planning Tips for Christmas Dining

Reservations Recommended — Many restaurants accept reservations or need advanced calls due to limited seating and higher demand.
Call Ahead — Hours may shift, menus may change, or there may be holiday-specific offerings. Always confirm the day before.
Group Size Matters — If you’re dining with family or a larger group, mention group size when reserving — holiday seating tends to prioritize families and larger parties.
Parking & Walking — If dining downtown, try to combine the evening meal with a walk or a ride on one of the seasonal tours or shuttles. The city’s historic streets and holiday vibe are part of the experience.

Make It a Holiday to Remember

Whether you’re a local homeowner, a visitor, or someone considering a future in St. Augustine, spending Christmas here offers a blend of festive energy, historic charm, and seasonal warmth. From fine dining to laid-back beachside bites, there are dining options to fit nearly any mood or taste.