Locals Guide: Where to Eat and Drink in St. Pete on Christmas Day

Christmas Day in St. Pete looks a little different than a normal week, but the city does not fully shut down. Each year a mix of restaurants, hotel dining rooms, and neighborhood bars stay open, giving locals and visitors options beyond cooking at home.

This guide highlights St. Petersburg restaurants and bars that are commonly open on Christmas Day, based on recurring holiday schedules and long-running local roundups. Because Christmas hours can change year to year, confirming directly with each business before heading out is always recommended.

Downtown Restaurants Often Open on Christmas Day

These downtown spots are frequently mentioned as reliable Christmas Day options.

Cassis St. Pete
Located on Beach Drive, Cassis is one of the most consistent Christmas Day restaurants in the city. It is often open throughout the day and works well for brunch, dinner, or a later evening stop along the waterfront.
https://www.cassisstpete.com

Tap Room at the Hollander Hotel
The Tap Room has a long history of staying open on holidays, including Christmas Day. Its relaxed atmosphere and central downtown location make it a familiar choice for locals.
https://www.hollanderhotelstpete.com/dining

The Galley
Situated near the downtown waterfront, The Galley has appeared in Christmas Day dining guides over the years and is commonly checked by visitors staying nearby.
https://thegallerystpete.com

Hotel and Destination Dining to Check on Christmas

Larger hotels and destination properties are more likely to operate on major holidays, sometimes with limited menus or adjusted hours.

The Vinoy Restaurants
Dining outlets at The Vinoy are often open on Christmas Day, particularly for guests staying downtown. Availability can vary by restaurant within the property, so confirming which dining rooms are operating is important.
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/piesi-the-vinoy-resort-and-golf-club/dining

Bars Commonly Open on Christmas Day and Night

Many St. Pete bars open later on Christmas Day, especially in the afternoon or evening. These spots frequently appear in local holiday bar roundups.

Lost and Found
Often listed as open on Christmas night, Lost and Found typically opens later and stays open into the early morning hours.
https://lostandfoundstpete.com

Five Bucks Drinkery
A longtime Central Avenue staple that is commonly open on Christmas Day, particularly in the evening.
https://www.fivebucksdrinkery.com

Concrete Jungle
Concrete Jungle regularly shows up on lists of Christmas Day bars and is worth checking for a casual downtown stop.
https://concretejunglestpete.com

Mandarin Hide
Frequently mentioned in holiday bar guides, Mandarin Hide is often open on Christmas Day, usually later in the afternoon or evening.
https://mandarinhide.com

Park and Rec DTSP
Park and Rec is another downtown spot that commonly opens on Christmas Day, especially for a laid back afternoon or evening crowd.
https://parkandrecdtsp.com

Neighborhood Favorites Often Open on Christmas

Some longtime St. Pete neighborhood institutions also tend to keep their doors open.

Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish
Often cited as open earlier in the day on Christmas, Ted Peters is a classic option for locals looking for a no-frills meal.
https://www.tedpetersfamoussmokedfish.com

Mastry’s Brewing Co.
Mastry’s is frequently included in Christmas Day bar lists, typically opening later in the day.
https://mastrysbrewing.com

TIP LIKE YOUR SANTA CLAUS!

If you are dining or drinking out on Christmas Day, remember that staff are choosing to work the holiday so others can enjoy it. Service may be lighter than usual, menus may be smaller, and waits can be longer. Tipping generously goes a long way and is always appreciated.

Pro Tips for Planning Ahead

Christmas Day hours are rarely business as usual. Checking official websites, Instagram stories, or calling ahead the day before is often the easiest way to confirm who is open and when.

Reservation platforms like OpenTable can help identify restaurants actively taking Christmas Day bookings, but direct confirmation with the restaurant is still the safest approach.