Got a lot on your plate this holiday season? Outsource some of the work by grabbing chef-prepared takeout dishes for your Christmas spread at home. Or maybe skip the cooking altogether and make a reservation to dine out on Dec. 24 or 25. The restaurants below are offering curated menus that will wow family and friends while freeing you up to enjoy their company.
2941
For a decadent start to the Christmas holiday, Chef Bertrand Chemel is cooking up a three-course, $140 prix fixe Christmas Eve dinner menu that includes ribeye and braised short ribs, a rack of lamb and Winter Black Truffle Risotto (vegan). The tempting dessert choices include a confection called Winter Wreath (Paris-Brest choux, dulcey mousse, golden chocolate, gingerbread, gelato). 2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church
Ellie Bird
Chef Yuan Tang has curated a holiday takeout menu that aims to make your celebrations stress-free. The Gather Box ($250) comes with duck Bolognese lasagna, two roasted chickens or pho-braised pot roast (for an extra $55) and three sides, such as miso mac ‘n’ cheese and winter vegetable hash. Add sticky toffee pudding ($36), Corey’s Chocolate Cake ($36) or a pint of house-made gingerbread ice cream ($10). Order by Dec. 21, 6 p.m. 125 Founders Ave., Falls Church
Founding Farmers
The ever-popular farm-to-table eatery’s holiday prix fixe menu includes a savory and sweet bread basket, Chesapeake Blue Crab Corn Bisque, filet mignon, prime rib, crab cakes, and butternut squash and mascarpone ravioli. Don’t skip dessert. The sweets on offer include Peppermint Bark Cheesecake, Brûléed Eggnog Pie or a Gingerbread Blondie Sundae. Prices start at $45 per person; $35 for children 12 and younger. 1800 Tysons Blvd., Tysons
Corso Italian
Cheesetique’s sister restaurant in Shirlington is offering its regular menu on Christmas Eve, along with four special dishes (and a cocktail) that are holiday exclusives. Treat yourself to Seafood Risotto with Leek & Winter Truffle, or Chicken Piccata with Alpine Citrus & Pistachio. For dessert, there’s Peppermint Chocolate Mousse. The cocktail special is a Natale Espresso Martini. 4024 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Harvey’s
Save your holiday formalwear for another time. Harvey’s is hosting a Christmas Eve Pajama Party Brunch—and you’ll probably be grateful for the elastic-waisted PJ bottoms. The all-you-can-eat buffet will feature a carving station with flank steak and za’atar-seasoned salmon, pancakes, bacon, shrimp and pimento cheese grits, banana bread French toast, a pasta station, and a dessert station. Adults can partake of bottomless mimosas, Aperol spritzes and beer. The feast will be available Dec. 24, 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Prices are $45 for adults and $18 for kids 12 and younger. 513 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen
Chef David Guas’ McLean restaurant is bringing the revelry with Réveillon, a five-course Southern coastal holiday menu available Dec. 18-24. Tuck into choices such as oyster stew, blue crab-stuffed local flounder, roasted quail with cornbread and sausage stuffing, and warm rum-soaked banana cake with vanilla ice cream. Plus, sip seasonal cocktails such as a Campfire Espresso Martini. 6641 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
NiHao
Chef Peter Chang is cooking up a holiday menu starring his award-winning Peking duck. The Holiday Dinner Package ($129), available through Jan. 1, 2026, also includes dry-fried Brussels sprouts, sautéed cauliflower, black pepper beef, veggie fried rice and passionfruit pie. Alternately, you can get just the duck for $81. The same menu is available as a dine-in option, and NiHao will be open Christmas Day. 1550 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Nue
Honey lacquered duck is the centerpiece of the holiday menu at this upscale Vietnamese restaurant at Founders Row. The deboned bird ($149) is encrusted in a six-spice blend and stuffed with truffle sticky rice, dried persimmons and Chinese sausage. Need to feed a crowd? The Holiday Family Style Set ($399), a feast designed for five to seven people, includes snow crab asparagus soup, wontons stuffed with shrimp and pork, lacquered duck, lobster garlic noodles, Wagyu beef and two desserts. The restaurant will be open until 8 p.m. Christmas Eve. 944 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Palette 22
Known for its globally inspired menu and artistic ambience, this Shirlington establishment will offer extended hours on Christmas Eve, serving its regular menu. On Christmas Day, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., a special holiday bottomless brunch promises carving stations (braised beef short ribs and herb-roasted lamb loin), seasonal sides (think beet and persimmon salad) and sweet treats (pumpkin pie shooters). 4053 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Ruthie’s All-Day
The Best of Arlington 2025 winner will be serving brunch on Dec. 24, so consider treating yourself to biscuits, Benedicts, pancakes and other goodies. Ruthie’s will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but is offering a smoked tri-tip dinner with deviled eggs, sides, salad and apple cobbler for takeout. It serves eight to 10 and is available for preorder. 3411 Fifth S. S., Arlington (Arlington Heights Historic District)
Thompson Italian
The restaurant will be closed Christmas Eve and Day, but you can pick up a holiday meal box ahead of time to fill your table. The box includes winter squash and apple soup, baked gemelli with roasted mushroom ragu, braised short ribs, and black forest tiramisu with chocolate custard, espresso-rum ladyfingers and Amarena cherry mousse. Each one serves six to eight people and costs $295. Place orders by Dec. 19 for pick up Dec. 22 or 23. Only 30 boxes are available at each location in Falls Church and Alexandria (1024 King St., Alexandria). 124 N. Washington St., Falls Church