This guide is reviewed and updated each holiday season to reflect current hours, menus, and availability.

Looking for restaurants open on Christmas Day along the Emerald Coast? Drawing on local insight from the Ocean Reef team, this guide highlights a wide range of restaurants open in Destin and along Scenic 30A. From festive Christmas brunches and all-day waterfront favorites to elegant prix fixe dinners, classic holiday menus, and globally inspired cuisine, you’ll find options to match every kind of celebration. The list includes early-opening spots, traditional Christmas dinners, and relaxed restaurants ideal for an easygoing evening by the water. Whether you’re a local making last-minute plans or spending the holidays along the coast, these Destin-area restaurants make it easier to plan Christmas Day with confidence.

Primrose Restaurant

Christmas Hours 7 AM - 2 PM

Celebrate Christmas Day with a festive brunch at Primrose, located inside the Henderson Beach Resort. Known for its polished atmosphere and thoughtful presentation, this elevated holiday experience features an indulgent spread of seasonal favorites and chef-driven gourmet dishes served in a beautifully decorated dining room. It’s an ideal setting for families and groups looking to enjoy a relaxed yet refined Christmas meal without the work of cooking at home. Pricing is $89 per adult and $39 per child. Reservations are required and strongly recommended, as this popular Christmas brunch fills up quickly each year.

Tailfins Waterfront Grill

Christmas Hours 8 AM - 10 PM

_{Image Courtesy The Good Life Destin}

Celebrate Christmas Day on the water at Tailfins Waterfront Grill, where guests can enjoy a traditional festive plated holiday meal alongside the restaurant’s full menu, all served with sweeping harbor views. Known for its lively atmosphere and waterfront setting, Tailfins is a favorite spot for gathering with family and friends while soaking in the holiday spirit. In addition to classic Christmas fare, diners can also choose from fresh seafood, sushi, dockside oysters, and signature favorites, making it easy to please every palate at the table. With plenty of TVs throughout the restaurant, it’s also a popular stop for catching Christmas Day sports while enjoying great food and a relaxed coastal vibe.

Havana Beach Bar & Grill

Christmas Hours 11 AM - 7 PM

Celebrate Christmas Day at Havana Beach Bar & Grill with a thoughtfully curated three-course prix fixe holiday menu that showcases the restaurant’s signature blend of Caribbean inspiration and refined coastal cuisine. Known for its creative flavor combinations and polished presentation, Havana Beach’s Christmas offering features elevated seasonal dishes crafted with fresh ingredients and a distinctive culinary approach you won’t find at a traditional holiday buffet. The inviting dining room provides an elegant yet relaxed setting for lingering over each course, making it a favorite choice for those looking to enjoy a more sophisticated Christmas meal in the heart of Rosemary Beach. Reservations are recommended for this popular holiday dining experience.

Harry T's Lighthouse

Christmas Hours 11 AM - 9 PM

_{Image Courtesy The Good Life Destin}

This Christmas, step into the festive and whimsical world of Harry T’s Lighthouse, located in the heart of HarborWalk Village. Known for its playful circus-themed décor inspired by legendary trapeze artist “Flying Harry T,” the restaurant delivers a lively, theatrical atmosphere where the holiday spirit feels right at home. Its waterfront setting offers beautiful views of the harbor and the Gulf, adding an extra layer of magic to your Christmas dining experience. The menu features a crowd-pleasing mix of classic American favorites, including fresh seafood, hearty steaks, flavorful chicken dishes, and a variety of salads, all complemented by a full selection of refreshing beverages. With its energetic vibe, scenic views, and approachable menu, Harry T’s Lighthouse remains a fun and festive choice for celebrating Christmas in Destin.

VKI Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

Christmas Hours 11 AM - 10 PM

Celebrate Christmas Day with a flavorful change of pace at VKI Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar in Santa Rosa Beach. Open from 11 AM to 10 PM, this popular dining spot welcomes both reservations and walk-ins, making it an easy option for holiday plans of all kinds. Guests can enjoy an all-day dinner menu featuring authentic Japanese cuisine, with expertly prepared hibachi and fresh sushi made from high-quality ingredients. Known for its friendly atmosphere, convenient location, and approachable pricing, VKI is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. Whether dining in or ordering takeout, it’s a great way to add a memorable and delicious twist to your Christmas celebration.

Holi Indian Kitchen

Christmas Hours 11 AM - 2:30 PM, 5 PM - 10 PM

Celebrate Christmas Day with bold flavors and festive tradition at Holi Indian Kitchen, where authentic Indian cuisine brings warmth and color to the holiday table. Open for both lunch and dinner on Christmas Day, Holi offers a full menu featuring regional specialties crafted with aromatic spices and time-honored techniques. In addition to dine-in and takeout options, the restaurant also highlights special holiday dishes available to order in advance, making it a great choice for those looking to bring something truly memorable to their Christmas meal. With its welcoming atmosphere, flavorful offerings, and flexible dining options, Holi provides a vibrant alternative to traditional holiday fare.

Taste of India

Christmas Hours 11 AM - 2:30 PM, 5 PM - 9:30 PM

Enjoy a flavorful Christmas Day at Taste of India, a longtime Destin favorite known for its authentic Indian cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. Open for a lunch buffet from late morning through early afternoon and reopening for dinner in the evening, Taste of India offers a wide variety of traditional dishes featuring rich spices, slow-simmered sauces, and freshly prepared breads. The lunch buffet is an especially popular option for sampling multiple flavors, while dinner service provides a relaxed setting for a full sit-down meal. For those looking to step outside the usual holiday fare, Taste of India delivers a warm, satisfying, and memorable Christmas dining experience.

Related Article:

Destin New Years Eve Hot Spots

The best New Year's Eve celebrations will be held in popular Destin area entertainment hot spots. We've got the Village of Baytowne Wharf in the prestigious gated Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, HarborWalk Village in Downtown Destin.

The Ocean Club

Christmas Hours 12 PM - 8 PM

Celebrate Christmas Day with an elegant holiday dinner at The Ocean Club, where a special Christmas menu is served in a refined, coastal setting. The menu features a wide selection of soups, salads, appetizers, and entrées designed to please both seafood lovers and fans of traditional holiday fare. Guests can choose from standout dishes such as Grouper Ocean Club, filet mignon, lobster and shrimp scampi, rack of lamb, and signature seafood preparations, along with classic Christmas options including Cajun fried turkey and traditional roasted turkey with dressing and cranberry relish. All entrées are served with vegetables, hot rolls, and butter, with desserts available to complete the meal. Reservations are required for this popular Christmas dining experience.

Margaritaville Restaurant

Christmas Hours 12 PM - 10 PM

It’s always five o’clock at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville—even on Christmas Day. Located in HarborWalk Village, this lively waterfront favorite offers a laid-back, island-inspired escape perfect for a casual holiday meal. Guests can enjoy classic Margaritaville fare, tropical cocktails, and signature margaritas while taking in harbor and Gulf views from the open-air seating areas. With live music, a festive atmosphere, and a menu that’s easygoing and crowd-friendly, Margaritaville remains a fun, no-pressure option for celebrating Christmas in true coastal style.

Marina Bar & Grill

Christmas Hours 2 PM - 9 PM

Celebrate Christmas Day at Marina Bar & Grill, a relaxed waterfront favorite located within Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Overlooking the marina, this casual dining spot offers a comfortable setting for a laid-back holiday meal, with scenic views of the boats and evening lights reflecting off the water. The menu features a variety of crowd-pleasing options, including fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads, and classic American fare, making it an easy choice for families and groups with different tastes. With its breezy atmosphere, marina views, and unpretentious vibe, Marina Bar & Grill is a great option for a low-key Christmas dinner along the coast.

Boathouse Oyster Bar

Christmas Hours 2 PM to Late

Celebrate Christmas Day the laid-back Destin way at Boathouse Oyster Bar, a local favorite known for fresh oysters, hearty gumbo, and a no-frills waterfront atmosphere. Open from mid-afternoon into the night, the Boathouse serves a menu that spans classic seafood dishes, casual bar favorites, and cold drinks that pair perfectly with harbor views. Live music, friendly crowds, and a relaxed coastal energy make this spot especially popular with both locals and visitors looking to keep the holiday easygoing. Whether you’re stopping in for oysters and a drink or settling in for a casual Christmas evening, Boathouse Oyster Bar delivers a festive experience that feels authentically Destin.

Great Southern Cafe

Christmas Hours 4 PM to 9:30 PM

Celebrate Christmas Day at Great Southern Café in Seaside, where Southern comfort and coastal flavor come together in a warm, welcoming setting. The holiday dinner menu features the café’s iconic Grits a Ya Ya—widely recognized as one of Florida’s most beloved Southern dishes—alongside hearty favorites like bacon-wrapped filet mignon and rich mac and cheese with bacon and shrimp. Lighter options, including fresh salads and seafood-forward selections, round out the menu, making it easy to please every guest at the table. An extensive wine list, craft cocktails, and kid-friendly offerings complete the experience, making Great Southern Café a standout choice for a festive and satisfying Christmas meal along Scenic 30A.

When it comes to planning Christmas in Destin, accurate local insight makes all the difference. At Ocean Reef Resorts, our team lives and works here year-round, staying closely connected to the restaurants, neighborhoods, and seasonal rhythms that shape the Emerald Coast. Each holiday season, we take the time to confirm which restaurants are open on Christmas Day to better serve our guests, many of whom make spending the holidays here an annual tradition. Whether you’re a local looking for a trusted go-to spot or visiting for a truly unique white-sand Christmas by the Gulf, our goal is to make planning Christmas Day easier, more accurate, and more enjoyable. 

From our team to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with great food, good company, and the unmistakable spirit of the Emerald Coast.