A CDN subscriber recently reached out to inquire if we could publish a list of establishments that will be open on Christmas Day, as he has family coming into town for the holidays and isn’t up for cooking.
We’ve done one better, and have also compiled a list of places open on Christmas Eve, as well as those offering main courses, full feasts and desserts for pickup. Reservations and/or advance purchase is highly recommended.
Brunch and beyond on Christmas Eve
If the in-laws have arrived and you’re wondering what to do, introduce them to Bellingham’s craft beer scene by heading to Kulshan Brewing’s Sunnyland locale at 2238 James St., or K2, 1538 Kentucky St. Both locales will be slinging suds until 4 p.m. Food truck fare is welcome. Info: kulshanbrewing.com.
For a fancier experience, take a scenic drive to Blaine’s Semihamoo Resort for a Christmas Eve Brunch taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the venue’s Great Heron Grill. For $35, you’ll get breakfast favorites, pastries and build-your-own eggs Benedict. For an extra $20, secure bottomless mimosas. Info: 360-371-7015 or semiahmoo.com.
A waterside view can be found at Keenan’s at the Pier, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 7–11 a.m. on Christmas Day (for breakfast only) inside the Chrysalis Inn and Spa, 804 10th St. Info: 360-392-5510 or keenansatthepier.com.
Skylark’s Hidden Cafe in Fairhaven will be open all day on Christmas Eve, offering brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 3–9 p.m., as well as seasonal drinks from its extensive cocktail menu. Info: 360-715-3642 or skylarkshiddencafe.com.
The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive in Bow will be serving its dinner menu from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., so fill up on bivalves, various crab dishes, lobster, steak, seasonal specials, award-winning wines and more. Info: 360-766-6185 or theoysterbar.net.
Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill in Bellingham and Anthony’s Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes will both have their doors open on Christmas Eve, but remaining reservations are limited, so act accordingly. Info: Anthonys.com.
Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant at 21 Bellwether Way on Bellingham’s waterfront will be hosting a special Christmas Eve dinner; as of press time the menu wasn’t yet available. Info: 360-714-8412 or lombardisitalian.com.
Christmas Day dinner
Offerings are limited on Christmas Day, but you can’t go wrong with the Christmas Day Buffet taking place from noon to 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25 at the Lighthouse Bar & Grill at Hotel Bellwether, One Bellwether Way. For $85, you’ll be treated to a feast including brunch specials, seafood, assorted meat, appetizers, desserts and more. Info: 360-392-3200 or hotelbellwether.com.
From noon to 5 p.m., B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar located inside the Lakeway Sheraton will be serving a special Christmas dinner menu comprised of baked brie for an appetizer ($16), entrees with sides including pan-seared filet mignon ($38) or salmon en croute ($32), and peppermint creme brûlée for dessert ($12). Info: 360-392-6520 or btownkitchen.com.
Back at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, Packers Kitchen + Bar will be serving their menu of fresh seafood, handcrafted pizza, pub fare, local specialties and seasonal craft cocktails. Info: 360-318-2090 or semiahmoo.com.
In Anacortes, 13 Moons inside the Swinomish Casino & Lodge will be deviating from their regular Monday-night closure to welcome diners from 4–9 p.m. While you’re there, test your luck at the slots. Info: 360-588-3525 or swinomishcasinoandlodge.com.
Shari’s Cafe & Pies at 3904 Meridian St. will be open on Christmas Day — closing at 10 p.m. instead of 11 p.m. — and seasonal oven-roasted turkey breast and applewood smoked ham dinners will be available. No reservations will be required for a seat at the table. Until Jan. 1, diners can also pre-order pies and ready-to-heat feasts with sides. Info: Sharis.com
Pick it up, take it home
Carnal’s in-person Thanksgiving dinner was a big hit, but for Christmas Eve, the State Street eatery is offering prepared meals to-go. For $50 per person, get a Christmas Box comprised of boneless short ribs, baked sweet potato mash, cauliflower gratin with salsa verde, a specialty salad and pie. “It will be amazing in its own right,” co-owner Skip Williamson said. Info: 360-306-3587 or eatcarnal.com.
At Shawn O’Donnell’s Skagit Valley Farmhouse at 13724 LaConner Whitney Road, pick up a Christmas Family Platter from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23 for $110. The meal will feed five people and will include a hand-cut glazed ham, au gratin smash potatoes, broccolini with bacon, cranberry classic stuffing and O’Donnell’s soda bread. For $30, add a family-size bread pudding. Info: shawnodonnells.com.
To make sure you get holiday desserts in time for Christmas, pre-order them from Bellingham’s Pure Bliss Desserts by Wednesday, Dec. 20 for pickup Saturday, Dec. 23. Whether it’s peppermint swirl or egg nog cheesecakes, a festive iced shortbread box, gingerbread people, or chocolate hazelnut orange torte, it’ll hit the sweet spot. Info: pureblissdesserts.com.
Winter wonderland cake, buche de noel, tiramisu cake, pecan pie, pumpkin pie and caramel apple pie are among the selections from the Community Food Co-op’s bakery; just make sure to give 72-hour notice for pickup. Info: communityfood.coop.
