Are you looking to have yourself a merry little Christmas this year by skipping the shopping, cooking and kitchen cleaning that’s part of preparing a traditional holiday meal?
Kansas City on the Cheap has you covered with our list of restaurants in Kansas City are open on Christmas Day 2020. Some are serving a special menu, while others will offer their standard fare.
Reservations are always a good idea, especially if you’re splurging on a nice place. Speaking of nice places, you’ll notice some of our listings don’t exactly fit in with our usual cheap theme. Since it’s a special occasion and lots of places won’t be open, we’re trying to offer up as many options as possible.
We’ve also got a section for restaurants just offering holiday meal to-go options you can pick up and reheat at home. Who says you can’t put all the food in your fancy serving dishes and make everyone think you sweated it out for hours in the kitchen?
We’re still adding to the list, so make sure you check back frequently. Also, if you know of any we’ve missed drop us a note at info@kansascityonthecheap.com.
With all this free time on your hand, check out our posts of fun, free and cheap holiday fun happening in Kansas City:
Holiday Shopping Gift Card Bonus Offers
Classic Holiday Movies at Theaters in Kansas City
Best Holiday and Christmas Light Displays in Kansas City
Where to Visit Santa in Kansas City
Make sure you don’t miss any upcoming deals by subscribing to Kansas City on the Cheap’s daily emails (just one a day), and following us on Facebook and Twitter.
Kansas City Restaurants Open Christmas Eve or Christmas Day 2021
These Kansas City restaurants are open on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day. Some of these restaurants, even upscale ones, are also offering take home meals for the holidays. Scroll down because we have a separate section below that includes those Kansas City businesses just offering to-go Christmas meals you can heat and eat at home.
Keep in mind, all these restaurants being open for dine-in or other services could change if additional health and safety mandates are issued by state or local entities.
88 at the Elms: Enjoy a buffet meal from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Day in Excelsior Springs. Adults are $35, seniors are $28 and kids are $18. Tax and a 21% gratuity are added to these prices. Make reservations online.
Affare: A holiday dinner is being served for dine-in on December 24 and December 25. Cost is $96 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Wine pairing is additional. Reservations required. The regular menu will not be available on Christmas Day. Affare also has a take home Christmas menu option that feeds four people for $280. Wine and beer packages can be added.
Applebee’s: Hours and locations vary by location for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Contact your local Applebee’s for more information.
Bo Ling’s Chinese Restaurant: The Plaza and 89th & Metcalf locations are open for dim sum on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Brio Italian Grille: Dine-in or carry out Italian favorites from this Country Club Plaza restaurant. They will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on December 24 and from 11 .m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day.
The Bristol: The dining room at the Leawood and Power & Light locations is open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The regular dinner menu is available. The Bristol is also offering carryout holiday kits that can be ordered until December 23. Feed 2 people starting at $95.
Charlie Hooper’s: This Brookside favorite is open for dine-in on December 24 from 11 a.m. to midnight (kitchen closes at 11 p.m.). On Christmas Day, you can stop by and dine or drink from 2 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Chaz on the Plaza: A five-course Christmas dinner is available for dine-in at Chaz on the Plaza from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on December 25. Cost is $60 for adults, $25 for kids (12 and under). Reservations required.
Denny’s: Christmas Day has been Denny’s busiest day of the year as the chain takes away the hands-on hassle of preparing meals on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. You can choose from breakfast standards like the Super Slam or go for the seasonal options on the Festive Flavors line-up. These include turkey and dressing, pumpkin spice pancakes, holiday turkey melts, pecan pie and more. Local Denny’s should be open 24 hours on both December 24 and December 25 but certainly call ahead to confirm.
Domino’s: Each local owner/manager decides if they are going to be open on Christmas Day so check with your Christmas holiday with pizza.
Dunkin’: Most locations are open serving their usual menu, but verify with our closest store before you set you heart on these sweet treats for Christmas morning.
Fogo de Chao: The Country Club Plaza is filled with the Christmas spirit and you can enjoy Christmas dinner at Fogo de Chao. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on December 24 and from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Dec.ember 25. Reservations are highly recommended.
Grand Street: Both Grand Street locations (Lenexa and Country Club Plaza) are accepting limited reservations for dining on Christmas Eve. The in-house menu is $59 per person for a three-course meal.
IHOP: Many IHOP locations will remain open on Christmas Day with a holiday menu. Because individual locations are primarily owned and operated by franchisees, make sure to call ahead to your nearest IHOP in case they have special hours for the day.
J. Gilbert’s: Celebrate with dine-in service at J. Gilbert’s Wood Fired Steaks and Seafood on Christmas Eve (December 24) from 3 to 9 p.m. Reservations required. The regular dinner menu is available. Closed on Christmas Day. They are also offering pick up holiday meal kits that can be enjoyed at home.
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar: Dine in Christmas Eve for the Feast of the Seven Fishes from 5 to 9 p.m. Cost is $85 per person.
Kelly’s Westport Inn: This Westport favorite will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on December 24 and from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. o December 25.
Kona Grill: Kansas City’s Kona Grill on the Country Club Plaza is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for dine in or takeout. Choices include surf & turf, roasted turkey, sides and dessert. Pre-order or make reservations.
Lew’s Grill & Bar: Lew’s in Waldo will take care of your eating and drinking needs on December 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Lew’s is also open on December 25 from 3 to 3 a.m.
Limitless Brewing: The Lenexa-based brewery is hosting a FREE Christmas meal on Christmas Day. Anyone in the community is invited. They are providing the ham. Feel free to bring a side dish or just yourself. Even if you aren’t joining for the meal, you can grab a brew from 2 to 8 p.m. on December 25.
McCormick & Schmick’s: Dine in at the Country Club Plaza restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on December 24 and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on December 25. They are serving a holiday prix-fixe menu. You can also enjoy dining at home by ordering a prime rib feast to go.
McDonald’s: If you have a Big Mac attack this season, check in advance before heading to the nearest golden arches. Some McDonald’s will be open for Christmas, but it varies widely depending on the location.
Miyabi Japanese & Asian Bistro: They’ll be serving Japanese sushi and classic Asian cuisine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Located in southern Overland Park.
Panda Express: The Chinese chain has most locations open on Christmas Day. Confirm with the location nearest you before heading out for your favorites.
Pearl Tavern KC: This Lee’s Summit establishment is accepting walk-ins and reservations on December 24 through 8 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: Not all locations will be open on Christmas Day, but the ones that are plan a special menu beyond the usual breakfasts and burgers. Call your city’s restaurant location to see if they will be open.
Red Door Woodfired Grill: All locations are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on December 24. Reservations strongly recommended. Closed Christmas Day.
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine: Serving Thai cuisine during normal business hours on Christmas Day in Overland Park.
Starbucks: Most free-standing locations are open. Check the mobile app to see the status of the ones close to you.
Story: Dine in from a four-course prix fixe menu offered on Christmas Eve $100 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations recommended. The regular menu will not be offered.
Succotash: Open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (normal hours) on December 24. Closed Christmas Day.
Taps on Main: This local place is doing some remodeling but their Facebook page shows they’ll be back open December 23 and December 24 then closed Christmas Day.
Transport Brewery: Anyone looking to have beers on Christmas Day can visit Transport Brewery in downtown Shawnee from 5 to 11 p.m. They’ll be extra festive and giving away Christmas gifts from other local small businesses. They are also open Dec. 24 from noon to 7 p.m.
Waffle House: Waffle House is always open, even on Christmas Day! There are about a dozen Waffle House locations around Kansas City. Check here to find one near you.
The Well: Dine and drink at The Well in Waldo on December 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Do the same on Christmas Day from 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Christmas Dinner 2021 To-Go Options in Kansas City
Just set out the good china and warm up the oven when you have one of these Kansas City restaurants or grocery stores prepare your Christmas meal.
Blue Moose (Lenexa): Pre-order a holiday prime rib dinner that feeds 6 people for $200. Pick up hot or cold with reheating instructions to enjoy at home. Pick up available December 24 – 31.
Bob Evans: Holidays are peaceful with Farmhouse Feasts from Bob Evans. Feed up to 10 people with a hot or cold/reheat option of a complete meal with turkey, pot roast or ham along with sides, rolls and pie. Order in advance and plan for pickup.
Chef J. BBQ: A full Chef J holiday dinner feeds your family for $25 per person. They are also offering ala carte meats, sides and pies. Order in advance and pick up on December 24.
Cracker Barrel: The comfort food chain has Holiday Heat N’ Serve Meals that are fully cooked, but need about three hours to be warm and ready to eat at home. You can also purchase ala carte sides and whole pies to round out your own home cooked meal if you prefer.
Hen House: This locally owned grocery store makes Christmas dinner easier with pre-ordered meats, Tippin’s pies, breads and rolls. They also have full heat-and-eat holiday dinners that start sized for two people. Meat options include turkey, ham and prime rib if you feel like going all out for your guests. Hen House grocery stores are open limited hours December 24 and closed on December 25.
HyVee: Whether you want help with individual sides and desserts or the full spread, HyVee has a way to lend a hand. Whether you want help with individual sides and desserts or the full spread, HyVee has a way to lend a hand. Traditional turkey or ham dinners serving 2 people start at $34.99. Options go up from there and you can always spring for smoked meats or prime rib. They also have brunch options so you can have the easiest Christmas morning ever.
Maggiano’s Little Italy: Maggiano’s is closing at 9 p.m. on December 24 and will NOT be open Christmas Day. You can still enjoy Italian food by pre-ordering one of their bundles that serves 4-6 people starting at $99.
Price Chopper: Price Chopper grocery stores in Kansas City are offering a variety of fully cooked holiday meals you reheat at home. Holiday meals should be ordered at least 48 hours in advance. Dinners for two start at $34.99 and include choice of spiral ham or turkey; mashed potatoes and gravy; one side dish (corn or green beans); dinner rolls and choice of dessert (various flavors of cake or pie). Options and prices go up from there all the way to a family buffet that feeds 14-18 people for $199.99. All stores will close at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24 and be closed on Dec. 25.
Sandy’s Restaurant: Sandy’s will do the cooking for you with individual ham or fried chicken dinners for $12.99 per person. Homemade pies are extra and start at $15.99. Order in advance and pick up on December 24.
Sinclair’s Restaurant: Let Sinclair’s take the work out Christmas Dinner. Pre Order your dinner today and pick it up on December 23 so you can reheat at home when you feel like eating.. They are also offering stand alone sides and desserts.
Stroud’s (Overland Park): This location is offering a special Christmas Carryout Box served hot and ready on December 23. Feed 4-5 people for $59.95. Includes assorted pan fried chicken, sides and cinnamon rolls. Must order in advance.
Third Street Social: Order by 8 p.m. on December 23 and you can have a hot, ready-to-go family meal pack (fried chicken, lasagna or pot pie) ready for pick up on December 24. Call your preferred location (Lee’s Summit or South Plaza) to place an order.
Waldo Thai: Waldo Thai is offering a Thai Style Christmas Eve To-Go meal to pick up on December 24. Feed 4-6 people for $140.
Whole Foods Market: Whole Foods stores in Kansas City, MO; Olathe and Overland Park, KS have full holiday dinners to go. A turkey breast dinner for four starts at $74.99 and options go up from there. There is an organic turkey dinner option for four priced at $109.99. They also have a vegan dinner for two for $39.99. Orders must be made at least 48 hours prior to pick-up time.
