Where to Eat, Drink, Party: Philadelphia Guide to Christmas Eve/Day and New Year's Eve/Day

Still looking for the perfect place to ring in the New Year, or a cozy spot to carb up the next day before you head down to 2nd street? How about a gourmet Christmas meal that you don't have to stress about? From champagne toasts to holiday roasts, our client's have you covered this year! Check out our list of the best places to spend the holiday's this year in Philadelphia. 

SPECIAL DINNERS AND HOLIDAY HOURS: 

Fine Palate
231 S. 15th, Philadelphia
In Rittenhouse
267-318-7971
http://www.finepalategroup.com/

Christmas Eve
Feast of the Seven Fishes

Fine Palate celebrates an old time Philadelphia Christmas Eve tradition with Feast of the Seven Fishes featuring Osetra Caviar, Salt Roasted Oyster, Mediterranean Octopus Salad, Scungille San Marzano, Spaghetti Vongole, Escabeche and Spanish Lobster Paella. Dessert is also included. Reservations are available for $65 per person by calling 267-318-7971. Hours -- Fine Palate will be closed for lunch on Christmas Eve and open for dinner service at 5pm. Fine Palate is closed for Christmas Day.

New Year’s Eve
Five Course Prix Fixe Dinner with Complimentary Champagne

Fine Palate hosts a five course prix fixe dinner on New Year's Eve complete with complimentary champagne from 6:00pm to 11:00pm. Highlights include Artichoke Soup with Black Truffles, Yellowtail Toro Tartar with Caviar, Black Truffle Risotto, Mediterranean Blue Lobster and Buffalo Fillet Mignon. Advance reservations are available for $95 per person by calling 267-318-7971.  The bar and lounge will also open at 6:00pm and remain open until at least 1:00am. Hours -- Fine Palate will be closed for lunch on New Year's Eve and open for dinner service at 6pm. Fine Palate is closed on New Year’s Day. Fine Palate is one of the only restaurants on the East Coast sourcing exotic rare Blue Lobster for New Year’s Eve.

The Little Lion
243 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
In Old City District
(267) 273-0688
https://thelittlelionphilly.com/

Historic Philadelphia is the perfect spot to celebrate Christmas Eve with your family! The Little Lion at 3rd and Chestnut Streets is decked from top to bottom with twinkling lights, holiday greens and a giant Christmas tree on the top of the foyer. This Old City new-comer in 2016, named after Alexander Hamilton, offers an upscale casual setting celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year with your family. The dramatic 6,500 square foot restaurant is housed in a former 1847 bank building that boasts two floors, 25 foot ceilings, eight-foot original window panes, a grand staircase, balcony, interactive chef's counter, two bars and five unique dining spaces. Look for hints of revolutionary inspiration throughout - both on the menu and in the decor. As you enjoy the striking views, holiday buffets, champagne cocktail pairings and more. The Little Lion is open every day of the holidays for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Eggnog Cheesecake
By popular demand from Thanksgiving Dinner, The Little Lion is taking orders for house-made Eggnog Cheesecake untilDecember 22, 2016, for pick-up by December 24 by calling (267) 273-0688.

Christmas Eve
Family Style Prix Fixe Dinner

The Little Lion serves up your Southern and American comfort food favorites for Christmas Eve with a family style dinner that includes prime rib, smoked glazed ham, blackened catfish and kale pesto pasta. The trimmings include five cheese macaroni and cheese, charred brussel sprouts, roasted tomato soup, cheddar grits and greens, kale caesar, Lion salad and more. End on a sweet note with eggnog cheesecake, banana bread pudding or chocolate mud jars. Christmas Eve is $40 per guest that includes your choice of three sides and salads, two entrees and individual desserts. The regular menu will also be available for a la carte orders. Hours -- The Little Lion will open on December 24 for weekend brunch and bar service from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Dinner and evening bar service will begin at 4:00pm.

Christmas Day
Christmas Brunch Buffet and
Christmas Day Dinner Buffet with Raw Bar

Celebrate a new family tradition as The Little Lion is open on Christmas Day! After the presents are open, start the day with a holiday brunch buffet with made-to-order omelets, eggs benedict station, Prime Rib and St Louis Pork Ribs, cornbread hoecakes, red velvet cheesecake stuffed french toast, buffalo chicken biscuits with sausage gravy, mini pecan sticky buns with bourbon icing, mini quiches, cheddar grits and mustard greens, house cured bacon, house-made peanut butter granola, fresh fruit, ham club sliders, honey comb, salads and more. Start the year on a sweet note with a desserts display featuring all in-house baked brownies, blueberry cheesecakes, creme brulee, mud jars, bread pudding, Christmas cookies and more. Buffet includes fresh squeezed orange juice, coffee, artisanal tea, soda and all non-alcoholic beverages. At the bar look for specials on the Lion’s Bloody Mary, Brunch Punch and spiked Egg Nog. The Christmas Day Brunch is $40 per person (12 and under/ $15, 6 and under/ free). Hours -- The Christmas Day Brunch Buffet and daytime bar service runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

At 5:00pm, The Little Lion presents a special Christmas Day Dinner Buffet that includes Little Lion’s famous Southern Fried Chicken, plus a raw bar, pasta station, carving station, other hot entrees, salads and a dessert display. Enjoy Prime Rib and St Louis Pork Ribs, East and West Coast Oysters, Shrimp Cocktail, Charred Brussel Sprouts, Braised Short Rib, Fried Chicken with dizzled honey, Smoked Wings, BBQ Chicken Thigh, Blackened Catfish, Kale Caesar, Lion’s Salad, and all the trimmings. Buffet includes fresh squeezed orange juice, coffee, artisanal tea, soda and all non-alcoholic beverages. The Christmas Day Dinner Buffet is $45 per person (12 and under/ $15, 6 and under/ free). Hours -- The Christmas Day Dinner Buffet and night bar service runs from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. On Christmas Day, the regular a la carte menu will not be available during either service.

New Year’s Eve
Four Course Prix Fixe Champagne Cocktail Dinner

The Little Lion breaks out the bubbly for the final toast of the year with a prix fixe champagne cocktail dinner that includes speciality champagne cocktails paired with four courses from the kitchen. First course pairs a Lemon Fizz with Lobster Consume. Second course includes a Ginger Blueberry Hibiscus with choice of Tri Color Beet Salad, Potato Fondue, Roasted Tomato Soup or Kale Caesar Salad. Third course includes a Elderflower Collins with choice of Grilled Ribeye, Whole Bronzino, Cauliflower Risotto or Pork Tenderloin. End the night with a Lavender Drop and choice of raspberry cheesecake, chocolate mud jar or espress creme brulee (made with beans from local roaster Peddler Coffee). The Little Lion’s regular menu will also be available during New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve is $75 per person. Hours -- The Little Lion will open on December 31 for weekend brunch and bar service from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Dinner and evening bar service will begin at 4:00pm.

New Year’s Day
Holiday Brunch Buffet

Ring in the new year with all of your Southern comfort food favorites! The Little Lion serves up a full brunch buffet on New Year’s Day for $40 per person (12 and under/ $15, 6 and under/ free) starting at 10:00am. Come hungry before or after the Mummer’s Parade for made-to-order omelets, eggs benedict station, Prime Rib and St Louis Pork Ribs, cornbread hoecakes, red velvet cheesecake stuffed french toast, buffalo chicken biscuits with sausage gravy, mini pecan sticky buns with bourbon icing, mini quiches, cheddar grits and mustard greens, house cured bacon, house-made peanut butter granola, fresh fruit, ham club sliders, honey comb, salads and more. Start the year on a sweet note with a desserts display featuring all in-house baked brownies, blueberry cheesecakes, creme brulee, mud jars, bread pudding, Christmas cookies and more. Buffet includes fresh squeezed orange juice, coffee, artisanal tea, soda and all non-alcoholic beverages. At the bar look for specials on the Lion’s Bloody Mary, Brunch Punch and other cocktail offerings. Hours -- The Little Lion will be open 10:00am to 4:00pm for New Year's Day Brunch Buffet and bar service. A limited regular brunch menu will also be available for those wishing to order a la carte. The Little Lion will open at 4:00pm for standard dinner and bar service.

Revolution Chop House
Valley Forge Casino Resort
1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia
Main Line
610-768-5003
www.vfcasino.com/dining/revolution-chop-house/

Christmas Eve and Day
Revolution Chop House will be open with standard a la carte menu and bar service on Christmas Eve from 5:00pm to 9:00pm and Christmas Day from 3:00pm to 9:00pm.

New Year's Eve Four Course Dinner
Executive Chef Les Bender presents a four course prix fixe menu at Revolution Chop House at Valley Forge Casino Resort. Offerings will include Scallop Ceviche, Lobster Bisque, Thick Cut Bacon, Crab Cake, Halibut with Orange Tamarind Emulsion, 12 oz Prime Strip (with Bone Marrow Bordelaise), Twin Lobster Tails (with Lemon Tarragon Butter), Maple Leaf Duck Breast (with Kabocha Squash, Amarena Cherry, Grand Marnier Sauce), Tomahawk Chop and Surf and Turf (with Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail, Truffle Potatoes, Foie Gras Butter) and Opera Torte (Almond Cake, Mocha Butter Cream, Raspberry Coulis). Guests at Midnight will receive a complimentary glass of champagne for a New Year's toast. Four courses are $100 per person. Reservations are available on Open Table. Standard a la carte menu is not available.

Bridget Foy’s
200 South Street, Philadelphia
South Street Headhouse District
(215) 922-1813
www.bridgetfoys.com

Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner with the perfect view of the Headhouse Square Christmas Tree! Bridget Foy’s, at 2nd and South Street, offers a special holiday a la carte menu from 4:00pm to 9:00pm both days. Enjoy Prime Rib, Glazed Ham, Seared Swordfish, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Spiked Hot Cocoa and much more.

New Year’s Eve
Bridget Foy’s, at 2nd and South Street, offers a special holiday a la carte menu on New Year’s Eve from 3:00pm to 11:00pm. Enjoy dinner with a view of the Headhouse Christmas Tree, plus don’t miss the Fireworks at Penn’s Landing just feet away (at 6:00pm and Midnight). Enjoy Prime Rib, Glazed Ham, Seared Swordfish, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Spiked Hot Cocoa and much more.

Brauhaus Schmitz
718 South Street, Philadelphia
South Street Headhouse District
(267) 909-8814
www.brauhausschmitz.com

New Year’s Eve
Brauhaus Schmitz rings in 2017 with a New Year’s Eve Haus Party on South Street from 9:00pm until 1:00am with grand buffet, open bar, Champagne “Prost” at Midnight, DJ and more. Tickets are $95 a person (including tax/gratuity). Menuy includes Prime rib carving station, Chicken Paprikash, Crabmeat stuffed flounder, Baked ham with bourbon brown sugar glaze, Parsley new potatoes, Braised green beans and tomatoes, Spanakopita, Bacon wrapped scallops, Shrimp Cocktail, Mixed greens salad and more.  

Valley Tavern
Valley Forge Casino Resort
1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia
Main Line
610-768-5003
www.vfcasino.com/dining/revolution-chop-house/

New Year’s Eve Three Course Dinner
Valley Tavern rings in the new year with a special three-course dinner for only $45.00 per person including choice of Asparagus Bisque or Chef’s Field Greens, Roast Prime Rib with Crab Stuffed Shrimp, and Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch with Grand Marnier Anglaise. Free champagne toast at Midnight.

Valley Forge Casino Resort
1160 First Avenue, Kind of Prussia
Main Line
610-768-5003

New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet
Valley Forge Casino Resort kicks off the New Year with a special New Year’s Day Brunch from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Watch the Mummer’s Parade from the big screens while you eat smoked bone-in ham with maple sherry glaze, exotic fresh fruit display, international cheese display, fresh baked goods, omelette station, western scrambled eggs, country home fries, crispy bacon, country sausage, buttermilk pancakes with nutella sauce, cinnabon royal french toast and sweets display. Tickets available on Ticketmaster for $25.00 each:
http://www1.ticketmaster.com/new-years-day-brunch-2017-king-of-prussia-pennsylvania-01-01-2017/event/02005181ED518671?artistid=2313974&majorcatid=10005&minorcatid=0
 

Nick’s Bar and Grille in Old City
16 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 928-9411
www.nicksroastbeefbarandgrille.com

New Year’s Eve
The fireworks at Penn’s Landing are only a few feet away! Come to Nick’s Old City for food, drinks and good times before or after the 6:00pm and Midnight shows in Old City. Enjoy a champagne toast, noisemakers and more. New Year’s Day hours 11:00am to 2:00am.

New Year’s Day
Enjoy Nick’s Old City annual New Year’s Day party with Joey Dog’s family recipe pork and sauerkraut, plus Mimosa, Bloody Mary and cocktail Specials. Warm-up on your way to Two Street with special Italian and Irish coffees. Open11:00am to 2:00am.

Taproom on 19th

Christmas Eve - Open 11:00am to 2:00am with special entree seafood and steak specials.
Christmas Day - Open from 4:00pm to 2:00am with a limited menu of light snacks and finger foods.
New Year’s Eve - Taproom on 19th rings in the New Year with a free champagne toast at Midnight, $3.00 Chesterfields and $2.50 Miller High Lifes/Lites. Chef will offer New Year’s Eve menu specials.
New Year’s Day - Celebrate 2017 bright and early with brunch from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Kitchen and bar will remain open regular hours all day. Plus game day specials 1/2 price wings , $2.50 Miller High lights and Lites.

Bainbridge Street Barrel House
625-627 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia
South Street Headhouse District
(267) 324-3553
http://bainbridgestreetbarrelhouse.com/

Christmas Eve open for brunch and bar service 10:00am to 3:00pm, followed by dinner service and bar until 2:00am.
New Year’s Eve open for brunch and bar service 10:00am to 3:00pm, followed by dinner service and bar until 2:00am(with complimentary champagne toast at Midnight).
New Year’s Day open for brunch and bar 10:00am to 3:00pm, followed by dinner and bar until Midnight.

CONCERT AND PARTIES: 

CONCERT AND PARTIES

New Year's Eve Concert - Sublime with Rome
Valley Forge Music Fair

Valley Forge Casino Resort (1160 First Avenue) presents Sublime with Rome on Saturday, December 31, 2016 for a New Year’s Eve CHILL-ebration as part of Valley Forge Music Fair. The chart-topping Ska Punk band hopes to bring the love and passion of their first two studio albums to their fans with this live tour stop. Showtime is 10:00pm, with doors opening at 9:00pm. General admission tickets are $60 each and on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. Meet and Greet packages as well as overnight stays are also available, for more information visit https://www.vfcasino.com

U-Bahn
1320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-800-1079
eyeswideshut.ticketleap.com

Eyes Wide Shut Masquerade New Year’s Eve
For just one night, you can be anyone. No name, no face, just one of many looking to let it go for the night as you wait for the new year to dawn. Escape underground below the streets of Midtown Village for U-Bahn’s first New Year’s with U-Bahn’s second black-tie masquerade party from 9:00pm to 2:00am.  Enjoy five hours of premium open bar, live music and DJ, hors d'oeuvres and more. Tickets are $85.00 general admission and $129.00 for VIP including table service, upgraded beverages and other perks to help you ring in 2017 like a boss. Tickets are available at http://eyeswideshut.ticketleap.com.
 

The Vault
Valley Forge Casino Resort
1160 1st Ave, King of Prussia, PA 19406
610-354-8118
www.vfcasino.com

New Year’s Eve: A Little Party Never Killed Nobody
The Vault hosts “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody” New Year’s Eve party with three hour open bar, food buffet, champagne toast at Midnight, live entertainment and more. Doors open at 8:00pm with Hot D performance at 9:00pm. Tickets are on sale now starting at $55 at www.vfcasino.com/entertainment. Table reservations and bottle service available by request. Hotel packages are also available. Must be 21+

BRU Craft & Wurst
1318 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Midtown Village
(215) 800-1079
www.bruphilly.com

New Year’s Eve at BRU Craft & Wurst
Schnitzel, tinsel and more, Brü Craft & Wurst pulls out all the stops in authentic German Bier Hall style this New Year’s Eve. Featuring amenities like a five-hour premium open bar and a live DJ performance, ring in the new year, exclaiming “Prostit Neujahr” which translates to “May the new year turn out well” and raise a pint to the year past, present and yet to come. Tickets are $59-119 and include five hour premium open bar (9pm-2am), buffet-style hors d’oeuvres, live DJ performance, live DJ countdown, complimentary champagne toast, table/bottle service options for VIP ticketholders. Prost! Make this New Year’s Eve one you’ll remember—or at least, want to remember—by ringing in the New Year at Brü Craft & Wurst. Tickets:
http://nyephilly.com/events/bru-craft-wurst-philadelphia-new-years-eve-event

Finn McCool’s Ale House
118 S. 12th Street
Midtown Village
(215) 923-3090
www.finnmccoolsphilly.com

New Year’s Eve at Finn McCool’s Ale House
Finn McCool’s hosts its annual New Year’s Eve Party with 5-hour premium open bar (9pm-2am), buffet-style hors d’oeuvres, live DJ performance, live DJ countdown, complimentary champagne toast, table/Bottle service options and access to the exclusive Room 12 Lounge for VIP ticketholders. Score the luck of the Irish in addition free-flowing libations and live entertainment at Finn McCool’s Ale House this New Years. Tickets are $59-89 and available:
http://nyephilly.com/events/finn-mccools-ale-house-philadelphia-new-years-eve-event
 

Valley Tavern
Valley Forge Casino Resort
1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia
Main Line
610-768-5003
www.vfcasino.com/dining/

New Year’s Eve Karaoke Party and Free Champagne Toast
Valley Tavern rings in the new year with a New Year’s Eve Karaoke Party from 9:00pm to 2:00am, including a complimentary champagne toast at Midnight. Come early for a special three-course dinner menu.

Center Bar
Valley Forge Casino Resort
1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia
Main Line
610-768-5003

Around the World New Year’s Eve Party
Valley Forge Casino Resort celebrates an Around the World New Year’s Eve sweepstakes from 7:00pm to 1:00am where you can count down with cities around the world.  Every hour, one winner will be announced from 7:00pm-Midnight to win a pair of luxury his and her watch sets. Must be present to win. Countdown starts in London, England at7:00pm; Azores, Portugal at 8pm; Praia, Cape Verde at 9pm; Nuuk, Greenland at 10pm; Buenos Aires, Argentina at11pm and Philadelphia at Midnight. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.