7 Places Open For Christmas Eve Dinner In Ocean County

Here are 7 bars and restaurants in Ocean County that are open for an early dinner on Christmas Eve this year, Tuesday December 24th.

Although I found more than just these seven bars/restaurants that will be open for some portion of Christmas Eve this year, I narrowed it down to these places because they span a large portion of the county and vary from fine dining, to casual, to great pub grub.

After my male gene kicks in and I do my really important Christmas shopping the morning and early afternoon of December 24th, I rally my wife and kids to get showered, dressed and ready for our little family tradition. It's a tradition I began when our kids grew too old to be rushed home to bed in anticipation of Santa's arrival.

First we hit church. Now, before you have that warm grin come over your face, truth be told we don't go to church much more than Christmas Eve and not nearly enough as my mother in law says we should on her weekly phone calls to us from Florida! Having said that, the whole family really enjoys the late afternoon/early evening services at The Presbyterian Church Of Toms River.

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So after an hour or so of some good music and a good message, I'm hankering for some Christmas Eve chow and a holiday cocktail or two. We like to keep it pretty local, and stay in our home town of Toms River. In past years we've enjoyed night before Christmas dinners at Water Street Pub, The Office Lounge, and the Toms River location of B2 Bistro. If you read any of my local foodie stories, you know those three places are already in my regular rotation throughout the year when I go out to eat in town. Therefore, I didn't put them on the list this year, but wanted to highlight them, nonetheless.

No matter where you go if you are heading out for Christmas Eve dinner this year, have fun, don't drink and drive, tip well, and above all take the time to really enjoy this special time of year with your loved ones sitting across the table from you. Then get your ass home and start wrapping!

This, I believe was the first place I ever went to at the Shore for Christmas Eve. It's old school vibe and elegance is fantastic. The dining room is busy and lively,  and the bar is something out of a Christmas movie. Plus, they serve the menu below, OR their famous Holiday Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet. That's my fav! 

Not far from the Captain's Inn is The Waterfront. There are three levels to the Waterfront, the Rising Tide restaurant, the Luminary Lounge, and the 200 seat Ballroom. Their website says all three will be open on Christmas Eve. 

This Toms River staple offers up delicious food and seasonal in house brewed beers. Their 80 dollar, 3 course Christmas Eve dinner will also be served on New Year's Eve. With favorites like their Christmas Eve Salad, and Boneless Short Ribs, the only thing you have to ponder is what beer to pair them with! 

We mentioned these folks in last year's list, and they are back at it again! With a Christmas Eve menu offering many affordable options, this seems like a great place to go if you are towing along some kids. Burgers, BLT, Pasta, and Meatloaf are more regular fare that the kids can enjoy, while you have yourself a festive holiday Pork Shank or Limoncello Chicken dish. 

I went here last year and had a great time! They make a killer Old Fashioned, and their elevated bar food is always a winner. Be forewarned, I called about this year and the lovely woman on the phone told me last call for the kitchen is 7pm and they're "kickin' everybody out at 8"! Gotta love the Miracle!!! 

The Original Biagio's Trattoria is very popular all year long in the Lanoka Harbor area for their awesome Italian fare. Their limited Christmas Eve 4 course dinner not only sounds delicious, the $60 a person price is hard to beat! 

They have a nice upscale menu for Christmas Eve, chock full of pasta and seafood dishes. Or, you can just go with one of their hand made rustic pizzas.

Find the Christmas Eve menu here.