Where to Dine Out on Christmas Day

Only a few restaurants in Chinatown are open Christmas Day

No matter your religious affiliation, the holidays can be a great time to enjoy the company of family and friends. And as often as not, such quality time is often focused around a table stacked high with delicious food and drinks. With limited venues open on December 25^th, it often seems that your only option is to hold such gatherings at someone’s home. But what if you accidently dropped your turkey, singed your latkes, or you’re simply sick of cooking? Luckily for you, Victoria is host to a variety of amazing hotel restaurants that are almost always a good bet during the holiday season. What can be more challenging though, is finding an enjoyable dining experience independent from a multi-starred hotel that’s open on Christmas Day.  To help with that daunting task, here are some other options in town that suit an array of dining needs, group sizes and particular cravings.

Don Mee Seafood Restaurant

When most people think of eating out on Christmas day, Chinese food is one of the first things that come to mind. A popular staple in Victoria’s historic Chinatown for over 80 years, Don Mee’s is a great place for large groups and big families, and serves traditional fare, including their well-known dim sum, from 10am-2:30pm on December 25^th.

538 Fisgard St., Victoria, BC (250) 383-1032 www.donmee.com

Dynasty Restaurant

If you’re looking for all-day dining options on Christmas, but are still craving some delicious Chinese food, Dynasty Restaurant is a great choice. Also located in Victoria’s historic Chinatown, Dynasty (open from 11am-10pm), offers authentic Chinese cuisine, which also includes a dim sum lunch.

546 Fisgard St., Victoria, BC (250) 388-6818

The Dining Room at The Butchart Gardens

With an outdoor skating rink, their 12 Days of Christmas display, and thousands of twinkling lights covering every inch of their grounds, The Butchart Gardens is truly a winter wonderland. But many don’t know that this popular holiday hotspot also has a warming Christmas Day feast. The Dining Room presents a special menu from 3pm to 8pm that offers a multi-coursed meal including traditional holiday favourites.

Benvenuto Ave., Victoria, BC (250) 652-4422 www.butchartgardens.com

Deep Cove Chalet

The Deep Cove Chalet has been a fine dining staple of Sidney and the rest of southern Vancouver Island for over 40 years. This French style restaurant offers a beautiful array of gourmet foods and fine wines  – the perfect choice for a refined Christmas Day dining experience. But if you had your heart set on partaking in one of their two seating’s (2pm and 6pm) this December 25^th, you might be disappointed, as they are currently fully booked. Best to keep this place in mind and reserve early for next year.

11190 Chalet Road North Saanich, BC (250) 656-3541 www.deepcovechalet.com

Hotels & Inns (check the websites for hours, prices and menus)

Sooke Harbour House

Lure at the Delta Victoria

The Fairmont Empress

Pacific Restaurant at the Hotel Grand Pacific

Inn at Laurel Point

The Blue Crab at the Coast Hotel

Bella Montagna at the Westin Bear Mountain

Swans Hotel

The Wickaninnish Inn

Seagrille at Brentwood Bay Lodge 

Clives Classic Lounge at Chateau Victoria