🎄 No Cooking, All Cheer: Where Denver’s Eating on Christmas Day
🎄 Where to Eat on Christmas Day in Denver
Happy almost-Christmas, Denver ! 🧩🎉
If the thought of juggling casseroles, carving knives, and a sink full of dishes sounds… un-festive, you’re in good company. Luckily, Denver restaurants are stepping up with cozy brunches, elegant dinners, and stress-free buffets so you can focus on what actually matters — good food and good company.
Looking for more things to do in Denver? Dive into Things to Do in Colorado, Kid-Friendly Hikes, or discover our favorite Colorado Day Trips.
If you’re going out to eat on Christmas, what’s your vibe?
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🎄 Where to Eat on Christmas Day in Denver (No Dishes Required)
If the idea of cooking, cleaning, and coordinating a holiday meal sounds like too much this year, you’re not alone. Luckily, several Denver spots are rolling out festive brunches and dinners that let you focus on the good stuff — family, friends, and that second mimosa. Here’s where to book a table on December 25.
🔥 Christmas Buffet at FIRE at the ART Hotel
📍 1201 Broadway St. | ⏰ 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | 🎟️ $75 adults / $25 kids
This one’s a classic holiday splurge — carving station with strip loin, salmon en croûte, made-to-order omelets, hearty sides, sweet treats, and bottomless mimosas for the grown-ups. Ideal for families who want variety and zero stress.
🥞 Christmas Day Brunch at Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar
📍 1999 Chestnut Pl. | ⏰ 11:00 AM–4:00 PM | 🎟️ À la carte
Cozy, comforting, and full of personality. Expect festive brunch specials like duck confit breakfast hash and chicken & waffles, all served in their warm, historic space. Reservations encouraged — this one fills up fast.
🍽️ Christmas Morning Brunch Buffet at Courier. market | bar | kitchen
📍 1750 Welton St. | ⏰ 6:00 AM–12:00 PM | 🎟️ $29
Early risers, this one’s for you. A solid, wallet-friendly buffet inside the Grand Hyatt featuring classic hot breakfast items, pastries, made-to-order omelets, and a waffle station. Easy, festive, and downtown-convenient.
🥂 Christmas Day Dinner at Ajax Downtown
📍 1899 16th St. | ⏰ 1:00–8:00 PM | 🎟️ $110
Looking for something elevated? Ajax is serving a three-course Christmas dinner with luxe options like petite filet, lamb ragu, smoked pastrami short rib, and decadent desserts. A great pick for a special occasion meal.
🎅 Holiday Menu at Simms Steakhouse
⏰ Christmas Eve 12–8 PM | Christmas Day 11 AM–8 PM
Classic steakhouse vibes with a holiday twist — center-cut filet mignon, pan-seared salmon, miso-glazed sea bass, and more. Perfect for those who want a traditional, hearty Christmas dinner.
🌿 Christmas Brunch & Dinner at Urban Farmer
⏰ Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | 🎟️ Brunch $85 / Dinner $95
Chef-curated prix fixe menus featuring a raw bar, lobster omelets, cinnamon apple French toast, and cozy winter dinner dishes like short rib gnocchi and prime rib. Festive, refined, and very Denver.
✨ Christmas Brunch at Ellyngton’s at The Brown Palace
📍 321 17th St. | ⏰ Christmas Day
An elegant holiday brunch with carving stations, decadent desserts, and classic Christmas flair inside one of Denver’s most iconic spaces. Ideal for making the day feel extra special.
Whether you’re going big with a buffet or keeping it cozy with a plated brunch, Denver’s got plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas without touching a sink full of dishes. 🎄🍽️
🌆 Mile High Happenings
Wednesday, December 24
Where are you heading this week? Tag us in your adventures! 🚀
Real Talk ☕
What’s Happenin’ is 100% free and independently run (yep, it’s just us). If this newsletter helps you discover cool things around town, your support helps keep it going and growing. We truly appreciate any and all love. Thank you for being part of the community.
💼 Local Jobs Worth Checking Out
You asked for it — we delivered. In our recent poll, a big chunk of you said you want a small job board in the newsletter, so here it is! We believe great communities connect people to great opportunities. Here are a few roles submitted by readers and local businesses:
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Local Happenings
🦖 DIA’s ‘Jurassic’ Garden Is Headed for Removal
That jungle-style art installation in Concourse C at Denver International Airport is one step closer to coming down.
The Interior Garden, designed in the 1990s by artist Michael Singer, has long struggled with leaks and high maintenance — especially since it sits above the airport’s train system. Real plants were replaced with plastic in 2022, and full removal is now planned.
What’s next: a new hanging art piece called Suspended Summits, featuring 53 panels inspired by Colorado’s fourteeners.
Timeline: still unclear — likely years out.
For now, the Jurassic vibes survive.
🍽 Not sure where to eat tonight?
Our Restaurant Finder takes the guesswork out of dining by showing you the best local restaurants based on real reviews and vibes, not just ratings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a date-night spot, we’ve got you. No endless scrolling, no decision fatigue...just solid recs.
🧠 Need a brain break?
Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.
☕ Who’s Brewing the Best Cup in Denver?
From oat-milk artistry to espresso shots strong enough to fix your whole week, Denver’s coffee scene does not play. We’re putting the city’s best cafés head-to-head to find out who really rules the roast. ☕🔥
✨ See You Soon
Whether you’re celebrating big or keeping things low-key, we hope your Christmas is filled with warm plates, full glasses, and zero dishes. Thanks for spending part of your holiday week with us — we’ll be back soon with more ways to enjoy the tail end of the season around Denver. 🎄❤️
💬 Got ideas for making What’s Happenin’ Denver even better?
I’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply — I read every message and always respond when I can.
— Ben
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