The holidays truly are a time to spend with people we love and cherish. Oftentimes, obligation, expectation, and material things can get in the way of the real reason for this joyful season. Instead of piling more line items on your to-do list for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, gather the ones you love most and enjoy a beautiful evening at these Boulder restaurants.
Open on Christmas Eve
Jill’s Restaurant at St Julien Hotel and Spa
Reserve a table at this festive hotel restaurant and dine in style. Snap a few family photos by the stately Christmas tree in the hotel’s lobby and cap off the evening with a stroll down the brightly-lit Pearl Street.
Chautauqua Dining Hall
For a classic Boulder experience, head over to Chautauqua Dining Hall at the base of the Flatirons for Christmas Eve dinner. Enjoy a meal in this historic building and take in the majestic snow-dusted mountains to the west.
Corrida
This Spanish-style restaurant is special because of its investment in regenerative style beef ranching. Not only will you dine on exquisite cuts of organic, grass-fed beef, but you’re contributing to a more sustainable way of food production. Corrida’s extensive wine list complements its thoughtfully-curated menu. You can’t go wrong with a holiday dinner here.
Frasca Food & Wine
Each year, this Northern-Italian style restaurant hosts its “Feast of the Seven Fishes” on Christmas Eve. Five-courses of upscale seafood fare paired with interesting wines creating a special atmosphere perfect for the day before Christmas. Don’t wait to reserve a table, this event fills up quickly every season.
Greenbriar Inn
This inn, located North of town, creates an inviting atmosphere for the holidays. Greenbriar’s special Christmas Eve buffet is abundant with traditional menu items and new takes on old classics. Dress up and enjoy a picturesque evening in the cozy dining rooms of this historic establishment.
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
Fun and festive, Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar is one of the best happy hour spots in town. This restaurant’s Christmas Eve celebration is sure to be one for the books, welcoming locals and tourists alike. Bump into old friends and share a platter of oysters and a bottle of white wine.
The Kitchen
Simple yet elegant, The Kitchen has been serving Boulder’s wonderful community for years. Opting for fresh, seasonal ingredients, its rotating menu never disappoints. Gather around a large table with loved ones this Christmas Eve and relax in the comfort of Boulder’s favorite Kitchen.
Mateo Restaurant
Take a trip to Provence without ever leaving Boulder by pulling up a chair at Mateo Restaurant. Inspired by Provence in Europe, each dish transforms simple ingredients into sophisticated dishes reflective of French cuisine.
OAK at Fourteenth
This upscale restaurant will open its doors to patrons for a special a la carte menu on Christmas Eve. Halibut, short rib, and hand cut pasta will grace the menu of OAK at Fourteenth and encourage diners to treat themselves on this special occasion.
Open Christmas Day
Spruce Farm and Fish at the Hotel Boulderado
This farm-to-table restaurant is nestled in one of Boulder’s oldest hotels and consistently prepares tasty dishes featuring local ingredients. Relax in the quiet atmosphere of Spruce Farm and Fish while taking in the festive decorations of this historic hotel.
Jill’s Restaurant at St Julien Hotel and Spa
If you missed Christmas Eve dinner at Jill’s, be sure to snag a table for its Christmas Day celebration. Enjoy traditional dishes and innovative cuisine created by a team of skilled chefs. Round out the celebration by treating yourself and your loved ones to a self-care day at the St Julien’s spa.
The Corner Bar at the Hotel Boulderado
Known as Boulder’s best people-watching corner, the Corner Bar is serving up a Christmas meal for its patrons. Spend the morning hiking in the foothills then enjoy a well-earned martini at this treasured, laid-back haunt.
No matter how you celebrate the holiday season, we all have one thing in common – the love of our beautiful city. Support the local restaurants that make this a wonderful place to live by having dinner with them on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Considering staying in? Most of these places offer a take-out option so you can relax and enjoy delicious food with no hassle.