Don’t Want to Cook? San Diego Christmas Dining Is Here to Save the Day

If you’re too busy shopping, heading to holiday parties and simply don’t feel like being in the kitchen immersed in pots and pans, relax.

San Diego has all sorts of holiday happenings, places to visit, and dining experiences to keep you far from the stove.

We say let someone else do all the above so you can enjoy the season! Here’s some options:

George’s at the Cove features a three-course prix fixe Christmas Day dinner for $105 per person in the restaurant’s indoor Lower Level dining room that offers floor-to-ceiling views of the La Jolla coastline. A kid’s a la carte menu also is available for those 12 and under. Reservations can be made here, and seatings are available from 3 – 7:45 p.m. The dinner from Chef/Partner Trey Foshee and Executive Chef Masa Kojima includes first-course options of tuna crudo, persimmon salad, and beef carpaccio, while second-course options are New York steak, smoked duck breast, salmon, and wild mushroom and truffle lasagna. Pastry Chef Anna Adams provides the dessert course. In addition, George’s rooftop Ocean Terrace will feature lunch service only from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

1250 Prospect Street

The Smoking Gun has created a Christmas tradition of their own, promoting a Chinese Dinner Menu every year. Available from 5 p.m. on Christmas Day at the Gaslamp bar and eatery, you’re in for a tasty evening with a side of friendly competition at its full size arcade. Last year’s menu featured items like wasabi-soy ginger cream cheese, beef broccoli, honey walnut shrimp, wagyu beef brisket cumin soup, and smoking gun fried rice. 

555 Market Street

Beginning on December 5th, ginger’s will transform itself into Santa’s Workshop. Downstairs within barleymash in the Gaslamp Quarter, the lounge will feature seasonally themed cocktails perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit. Available at both ginger’s and barleymash, prepare to sip on the Santa Baby with Bourbon, Brown Sugar Syrup, Egg Nog, and Fresh Nutmeg, and the Naughty List with Vodka. Espresso Liqueur, Cold Brew, and a Sugar Cookie Whip. 

600 Fifth Ave, No. 6916

Arely’s French Bakery, located in the Clairemont neighborhood, is continuing its holiday tradition in style. Beginning Dec. 5, Arely’s will begin sales of their iconic buttery shortbread cookies and Yule Log Cakes. This year’s lineup includes flavors like Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Raspberry, available in 8-inch, 12 inch, or 15-inch sizes. Perfect for any holiday celebration, just place your orders 24 hours in advance with Arely’s! Arely’s closes at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and is closed on Christmas Day and Dec. 26. 

4961 Clairemont Drive, Suite A

Ox Coffee‘s winter menu with Ox Coffee is the perfect pit stop for holiday flavors throughout December. On the menu, you’ll find drinks like the Snow Cap Cold Brew with house-made cold brew and house-made vegan peppermint foam, Cranberry Tea Bliss, Jolly Elf Cider, Pumpkin Latte, and more, with food to pair like Funnel Cake Fries and Overnight Oats. 

8590 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite B

Spill the Beans  has holiday beverages throughout December. Fuel up at one of its three locations in Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, and Mission Valley, with special offerings like Peppermint Bark Mocha, Peppermint Bark Matcha, and Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate. 

555 Market Street

813 W Harbor Drive, UNIT C

525 Camino De La Reina

Head to Cococabana, rooftop at The Brick Hotel in Downtown Oceanside, as it will host an Ugly Sweater Party on Saturday, Dec. 21 in celebration of the holidays! Beginning at 8 p.m., there will be a $100 cash prize for “best dressed.” 

408 Pier View Way, Suite 401

PRK 101 will be open on Christmas Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., perfect for gathering with friends and family on the holiday. Enjoy shareable BBQ-inspired grub, specialty cocktails, and plenty of draft beer, all in the 8,000-square-foot oasis in the heart of Carlsbad Village. The action of every game can be seen on its enormous LED Jumbotron. 

3040 Carlsbad Blvd.

Craving hearty Sicilian flavors, emphasizing farm-to-neighborhood flavors? RustiCucina in University Heights is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for dinner service. This specially-crafted menu can be enjoyed prix fixe at $55 per person or a la carte. Menu items include Short Ribs with mashed potatoes, Salmone al Pistacchio, Pumpkin Soup, Crispy Burrata, and Limoncello Cake.

3797 Park Blvd.

Duck Dive’s Great Dickens Holiday Pop-Up and the PB beach bar is inviting you in to experience the magic of the holidays. Enjoy your choice of 10 different cocktails, include the Last Spirit with Fernet Menta, crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream, or the sharable The Great Dickens’ with Absolut Vodka, apple cider blend, and lemon juice. This year’s pop-up will also feature bites like Baked Brie, a Duckin’ Onion, and Grilled Cheese Bites. The holiday pop-up will be up through the end of December.

4650 Mission Blvd.