Christmas in Charleston: 10 Great Choices for Dining Out

Let the restaurants do the cooking

by Erin Perkins Updated Dec 11, 2019, 10:00am EST

View as Map

Cookies at The Watch

| The Restoration

by Erin Perkins Updated Dec 11, 2019, 10:00am EST

Just because it's Christmas Day doesn't mean settling for a frozen dinner or Chinese take-out. Charleston offers a few options for eating out on December 25. Selections run from super fancy spots with white-glove service to bar pizza. While everyone else is worrying about basting hams and turkeys, relax, and let someone else do the work. Take a peek at the map to see what's open on the holiday.

Uptown Social

Copy Link

Uptown Social will open on Christmas Day with plenty of drinks, crispy bar pies, and plenty of televisions to distract from the holiday.

Open in Google Maps

587 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 793-1837

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Henrietta's at The Dewberry

Copy Link

Southern brasserie Henrietta's will open the doors for Christmas guests in need. Dine in style at the posh restaurant situated in the ultra slick Dewberry hotel.

The Dewberry, 334 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 872-9065

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Burger Heatmap: 13 New Charleston Burgers To Eat Now

Leyla Fine Lebanese Cuisine

Copy Link

Skip the turkey and ham and go for Lebanese on Christmas at King Street eatery Leyla.

Open in Google Maps

298 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 501-7500

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Best Charleston Restaurants to Bring Your Parents

The Watch Rooftop Kitchen and Spirits

Copy Link

Stop by The Watch for a cosmopolitan meets Southern menu. Watch the sparkling Christmas lights down below from the one of the highest restaurants in Charleston.

Open in Google Maps

79 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 518-5115

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Charleston Grill

Copy Link

The reservations are slim, but fine dining staple Charleston Grill puts on a positively flawless Christmas every year. Try for a seat at the bar to experience chef Michelle Weaver’s magical menu.

224 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 577-4522

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Copy Link

Ruth’s Chris stays open on Christmas with the regular dinner menu and a prix fixe seasonal menu. Celebrate with steak.

55 S Market St, Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 793-4224

Visit Website

Also featured in:

10 Charleston Restaurants to Book for Thanksgiving Day

Poogan's Smokehouse

Copy Link

Meat-tastic eatery Poogan’s Smokehouse will stay open on Christmas to serve barbecue plates, fried chicken, and Southern fare in a relaxed atmosphere.

188 E Bay St #201, Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 577-5665

Visit Website

Poke Around Recently Opened Poogan's Smokehouse

Also featured in:

Magnolias

Copy Link

Don't attempt fried mac and cheese or boiled peanut hummus for the holiday — let Magnolias take care of it. The East Bay institution has the traditional turkey with all the trimmings or alternatives like beef short ribs or pecan-crusted salmon.

185 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 577-7771

Visit Website

Also featured in:

10 Charleston Restaurants to Book for Thanksgiving Day

Blossom

Copy Link

Skip the turkey and go straight to the mahi mahi with ricotta gnudi. Blossom offers lots of non-traditional entrées, like grilled salmon and beef short ribs. For the die-hard holiday fans, there will be a turkey and ham plate.