Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurants Open on Christmas
Please note: This list will likely grow and we’d love your feedback! Know an establishment that’s open Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day? Email CristyG@experiencecu.org.
Whatever the holidays look like for you, they can be magical, meaningful, and…honestly? Exhausting. Between travel, family time, and group chats, the idea of cooking (and all the dishes that follow) isn’t everyone’s idea of joy. But good news! Plenty of Champaign-Urbana area restaurants are either open or offering catering—whether you’re celebrating Christmas, opting out, or just craving a great meal. From your friends at Experience Champaign-Urbana, here’s to good food and good tidings done local!
Oh, one more thing: We recommend calling in advance to confirm holiday hours—staffing and/or inclement weather may affect openings.
DINE IN
Champaign
Baxter's Grille
100 Trade Center Dr., Ste. 101, Champaign | 217-239-9299
Christmas Eve: 3–8pm
Christmas Day: closed
Kohinoor Indian Restaurant & Lounge
6 E. Columbia Ave., Champaign | 217-552-1384
Christmas Eve: 11am–3pm, 4:30–9:30pm
Christmas Day: 11am–3pm, 4:30–9:30pm
Pekara Bakery & Bistro
811 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign | 217-607-8179
Christmas Eve: 7am–2pm
Christmas Day: closed
BARS/ENTERTAINMENT
Champaign
Bentley’s Pub
419 N. Neil St., Champaign | 217-359-7977
Christmas Day: 7pm-2am
Christmas with DJ Belly starting at 10pm
Urbana
Rose Bowl
106 N. Race St., Urbana | 217-367-7031
Christmas Day: 8–11pm
Christmas at the Piano with Kurt Reeder
CATERING (ORDER AHEAD)
Champaign
Hamilton Walker's
201 N. Neil St., Champaign | 217-350-0363
Step up your holiday game by planning a Hamilton Walker’s feast! Order before December 20 for pickup on December 23.
Maize Mexican Grill
100 N. Chestnut St., Champaign | 217-355-3611
Christmas tamales plus delicious sides and drinks are available for online pre-order by noon on Saturday, December 20. Pickup is Tuesday, December 23, 2–6pm.
Papa Del's Pizza
1201 S. Neil St., Champaign | 217-359-7700
Before the holiday arrives, grab your favorite frozen Papa Del’s pizza to bake on Christmas Eve or Christmas. (When you order, let 'em know you'd like it frozen.) Pizzas take about a day to thaw in the fridge or a few hours to thaw on a countertop in a warm kitchen. And if you know an out-of-towner who loves Papa Del’s as well, they ship their pies nationwide!
Urbana
Hickory River Smokehouse
1706 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana | 217-337-1656
Hickory River Smokehouse’s meats from "The Pit"—turkey, ham, and pork loin—are available and hand sliced when you’re ready to pick up. Call 217-337-1656 for more details and ordering options.
Piato Café
804 E. Main St., Urbana | 217-344-9015
Piato Cafe has your Christmas dinner covered with vegetarian and gluten-free options and delicious desserts. All orders must be placed by noon on Saturday, December 20, with pickup on Wednesday, December 24, 10am–1pm. To order, call 217-344-9015 or email info@piatocafe.com.
Arthur
Pauly's BBQ
310 E. Columbia St., Arthur | 217-543-2400
Perfect for gatherings big or small, Pauly's BBQ offers two meal package sizes, which include choice of meat (turkey, ham, or brisket), three sides, cornbread, and dessert. Call 217-543-2400 to place your order by Monday, December 15. Pickup is Wednesday, December 24 by 2pm.