Where to Eat on Christmas in Champaign-Urbana

Breakfast, lunch or dinner: Where you can eat or order in for your Christmas meal in Champaign-Urbana

If you are looking for a place to eat on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, we have a list of restaurants that will be open for your family

Maybe making reservations sounds more compelling than making a turkey or ham (or anything else) this Christmas. Maybe you don’t celebrate the holiday and instead enjoy a less-crowded night out at a favorite eatery. Regardless of the reason, we have the guide for you. Here’s our 2024 list of where to eat out — or order — on Christmas in Champaign-Urbana (not including fast food or coffee shops).

Dining in, carrying out or outsourcing dessert

If you’re planning on takeout for Christmas, some options have deadlines for pre-orders or may have limited availability, so order early.

We will continue to add to this list, as not all options have been released as of our publishing date. Please note that information was verified at time of publishing, and might be subject to change due to a restaurant’s staffing or supplies.

Dine-in options

Chinatown Buffet, 713 W. Marketview Dr., Champaign: Open regular hours Christmas Day, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. May close early, please call ahead.

Denny’s, 702 W. Town Center Blvd., Champaign: Open 24/7, every day.

Golden Harbor, 505 S. Neil St., Champaign: Open regular hours Christmas Eve (11 a.m.-2:45 p.m., 4-8:30 p.m.) and Christmas Day (11 a.m.-2:45 p.m., 4-8:30 p.m.)

Green Jade, 1109 Windsor Rd., Champaign: Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Kohinoor Indian Restaurant and Lounge, 6 E. Columbia Ave., Champaign: Open regular hours on Christmas Eve (11 a.m.-3 p.m., 4:30-9:30 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day.

Merry Ann’s Diner, 1510 S. Neil St., Champaign: Merry Ann’s will close at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve and re-open at 6 a.m. on Christmas Day.

Oishi, 2501 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign: Open regular hours Christmas Eve (11 a.m .- 9 p.m.) and Christmas Day (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.).

Peking Garden, 206 N. Randolph St., Champaign: Open regular hours Christmas Eve (4-10 p.m.) and Christmas Day, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, 1214 W. University Ave., Urbana: Open from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Super Wok, 1737 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign: Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Order ahead meal options

Maize, 100 N. Chestnut St., Champaign: Christmas tamales available for pre-order by Dec. 20 at noon. Pickup is Dec. 23 after 2 p.m. Order here.

Martinelli’s, 500C N. Walnut St., Champaign: Pre-orders available. Each order requires a four-day lead time. Pickup is available no later than Dec. 24.

Piato Catering, 804 E. Main St., Urbana: Visit piatocafe.com for menu and ordering information. Orders need to be placed by Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. Pick up is between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Dec. 24. Delivery is available for $10.

Dessert/treat orders

Industrial Donut, 501 Commerce Dr., Savoy: Special Christmas-themed boxes will be available by pre-order only. While supplies last. Christmas Sprinkles are available through Christmas Eve, pre-order and in-store (while supplies last).

Pekara Bakery & Bistro, 811 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign: Holiday baked goods — including rolls, pies, cookies, babka, stollen, and more — can be pre-ordered now. Orders require five days advance notice. Visit the website for menu and ordering information.

Tasty Tart, 405 S. Neil St., Champaign: Offering a Christmas box in a four-pack. Find details here. Find full menu here. Available for pickup on Dec. 24 and 25.

Free-to-eat

Paxton Covenant Church: There is a free community meal from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Paxton on Christmas Day. Meals must be pre-ordered. They can be eaten at the church, picked up or delivered. Call the church office (217-379-3554) for reservations.

If you know of other Champaign-Urbana area restaurants open on Christmas, email us and we will add the information for our readers.

Looking for more? Subscribe to our Holiday Newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Events Calendar.