A delightful Christmas Eve experience can be had during both brunch and dinner at this gorgeously decorated Uptown classic. Brunch runs from 11 am to 3 pm, decked with goodies from Scratch Biscuits and Pecan French Toast to Lobster Omelets and Filet Benedict, while dinner is a lavish affair complete with oysters on the half shell, wood-grilled lamb chops, king crab legs, live Christmas carolers from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and holiday cocktails. Christmas Eve dinner service runs from 5 pm to 11 pm.
Cost: Brunch offerings are $12 and up and dinner runs $14 and up for apps and $36 - $135 for mains.

So an Israeli feast may not be the very first thing you think of when it comes to Christmas, but maybe should be. This modern stunner from the crew behind Doris Metropolitan steakhouse is exactly where you’ll want to be this year. Start with the salatim, each flavorful small plate a gift of its own with choices from tangy matbucha to fiery carrot harissa; do not sleep on the silkiest hummus on the planet; and choose from mains like grilled branzino, lamb spare ribs, and tenderloin skewers dripping in za’atar sumac butter. The dining room will be open from 11:30 am to 8 pm.
Cost: A la carte, with salatim for $5 a plate ($20 for five, $32 for all) and mains from $25 to $50.

The absolutely ace Hogfat Cornbread is reason enough to order the Christmas To-Go package from this homegrown smokehouse. But then there’s the Cinnamon Honey Butter that comes with it, plus the ability to tack on things like Smoked Beef Prime Rib and Whole Turkey Breast, barbecue rubs, cooking fats, and mop sauces, plus sides from fiery Korean Braised Greens to Pimento Mac n’ Cheese, and Rum Raisin Bread Pudding laced with rum anglaise. Ace chef and sommelier (and co-owner) Erin Smith has handpicked some holiday wines available to-go at the Spring Branch shop.
Cost: Meats run $18 - $250, sides and desserts run $40 each (serves 10 - 12); additional costs vary
How to book: Order pick-up online by December 19.

The IG-worthy Thai eats at this Heights favorite are up for grabs on Christmas Day, as the restaurant is open for dine-in and take-out from 11 am to 10 pm serving a limited menu. Spend your holiday going full ham on the holiday special, a Tiger Cry Salad (Yum Nue)—sliced steak with sliced shallots, green onion, cilantro, fresh basil, and roasted rice served with tamarind sauce and cucumber on the side. Reservations are highly recommended. 
Cost: A la carte menu prices vary.

Butter Poached King Crab. Akaushi New York Strip. Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin. It’s all there and more on Christmas Day at this pretty little Post Oak Hotel restaurant. The festive three-course menu is a choose-your-own adventure available from noon to 8 pm.
Cost: $95 for adults and $45 for children (under 12 years old).

It may not be a Santa brunch, but the Christmas Day brunch spread at this sophisticated New American and Southern concept will bring plenty of cheer. Christmas Day brunch runs from 11 am to 4 pm. Bring a crew to take on the Board Room Brunch Platter, stacked with things like Butter Pecan Waffles, Candied Bacon, and Green Chili Hash; or dig into Third Coast classics from Gulf Shrimp & Grits to Tres Leches French Toast. Celebrated a little too hard on Xmas Eve? There are Hangover Bloody Marys and Warwick Cocktail Trees for that.
Cost: A la carte, with the four to five person Brunch Platter for $100.