Note: This story was originally posted in 2024 and updated in 2025.
Maybe your family is in town and you're searching for a way to show them the beautiful city you call home.
Maybe you can't make it out to your family on the east coast for the holiday and you're searching for a good place to eat.
Or maybe you decided to prepare Christmas dinner and the ham overcooked in the oven or you realized you're missing a key ingredient and it's now too late to head to the store.
Whatever the case, we put together this list (which is not comprehensive) of local spots open on the holiday. Let us know if we missed your favorite spot and we'll get it added to the list.
Keep in mind: For restaurants, reservations may be recommended or required, so call ahead of time.
Arizona Beer House — This east-side beer house will be open on Christmas Day, from 4 to 10 p.m.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum — Tucson's beloved Desert Museum is open 365 days a year, welcoming visitors to enjoy the desert flora and fauna.
Casa Video and Film Bar — Casa Video and Film Bar and will be open for their regular business hours. Grab a drink or a movie for your Christmas festivities.
Catalina Brewing Company — This Marana brewery will be open on Christmas Day.
Chef Wang — Find Northeastern Chinese food at Chef Wang, which is staying open this Christmas.
Cielos at Lodge on the Desert — From 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Christmas Day, Cielos will be offering a buffet. Their dinner service will be from 5-9 p.m.
The Coronet — The Coronet and its cafe will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress — Make your reservation now for Christmas Day at Cup Cafe.
Fiesta Lanes — Take the family bowling from 3-9 p.m.
Great Village Chinese Restaurant — This east-side Chinese spot will be open on Christmas.
Golden Dragon — The Oracle location will be open on Christmas Day
Govinda's Natural Foods — Govinda's is offering a vegan Christmas menu from noon to 5 p.m. that includes lentil croquettes, vegetable soup, stir fry pasta and apple berry crisp.
Guilin Chinese Restaurant — Get Chinese favorites from 11-9 p.m. Christmas Day.
Hacienda del Sol — The Grill at Hacienda del Sol will be open from 4-9 p.m. on Christmas eve and Christmas day. Their four course prix fixe dinner will be $110.
High Sierra Theatres — Catch a movie at this Sahuarita movie theater.
Hilton El Conquistador — This resort is offering Christmas brunch from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., all other hours will be regular.
Jewel's Noodle Kitchen — We love this hidden gem. Good news: They'll be open on Christmas.
Jun Dynasty — Get traditional Szechuan items from Jun Dynasty on Christmas this year.
Kabul Corner — Tucson's only Afghan restaurant will be open on Christmas.
Kotu Korean BBQ — This popular Korean barbecue spot will be open on Christmas.
The Loft Cinema — Tucson's independent movie theater will be open for Christmas with showings of films such as "Hamnet," and "Frankenstein."
Nattha's Bann Thai Asian — Spend Christmas Day, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with Thai and Cantonese dishes like pad see ew and walnut shrimp.
Piazza Gavi— Dine at Piazza Gavi for pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salads.
RA Sushi — This sushi spot in La Encantada will be open Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saffron Indian Bistro — Dine at Saffron from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Christmas Day. Their Christmas buffet will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sher-e-Punjab — Order curry and samosas this holiday.
Sullivan's Steakhouse — Get steak, cod and lobster risotto from Sullivan's this Christmas.
Taegukgi Korean BBQ House — Head to Taegukgi for all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights — Head to the Winterhaven neighborhood 6-10 p.m. to walk through twinkling lights and holiday displays.
