The holiday season in Southwest Florida brings sun, family gatherings — and the annual question: what’s open to eat on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Whether you’re visiting family, hosting out-of-town guests, or just skipping cooking this year, here’s your local guide to restaurants welcoming diners over the holidays in Naples and Marco Island.

🎄 Open on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24)

Many restaurants around Naples and Marco Island will operate on regular or slightly modified hours on Christmas Eve. This is a great night to enjoy a festive meal before the holiday arrives:

  • BALEEN Naples — beachfront seasonal dining offering Christmas Eve dinner with festive coastal plates and elevated cocktails.

  • Hogfish Harry's Restaurant + Bar – Waterfront seafood & casual eats.

  • Bellini Italian Restaurant And Bar – Italian classics along Tamiami Trail.

  • Osteria Tulia – Italian & pizza on Fifth Ave S.

  • Mimoto – Highly rated sushi & seafood.

  • Seventh South Waterfront – Waterfront New American/seafood (call for holiday hours).

Breakfast / Brunch / Casual Options

  • The Rooster – Breakfast & brunch spot (good Christmas morning option).

  • Naples Brunch – Casual brunch choice.

✔️ TripAdvisor locals mention places like Watermark Grill and Bicyclette Cookshop as open on Christmas Day, with Watermark typically opening around midday

🍗 On Christmas Day (Dec. 25)

Christmas Day is quieter for dining — but plenty of great local spots are open if you plan ahead:

📍 Naples

According to reservation listings, dozens of Naples restaurants are accepting Christmas Day reservations, including:

  • Molto Trattoria – Italian favorites with wine pairings

  • Hogfish Harry’s Restaurant + Bar – waterfront seafood and casual fare

  • Brio Italian Grille – Waterside – classic Italian and seasonal specials

  • Vergina – Mediterranean-inspired plates

  • Sails Restaurant – seafood & steaks with golf course views

Plus, local favorites frequently mentioned by residents include places like Watermark Grill (opens midday) and Bicyclette Cookshop — though reservations are suggested well in advance.

📍 Marco Island

OpenTable shows ~20 restaurants on Marco Island serving Christmas Day meals, including:

  • Tesoro – refined Italian & seafood

  • Osteria Capri (Isles of Capri) – cozy Italian dining

  • Molto Trattoria (Marco location) – festive holiday service

  • Sushi Thai Marco Island – sushi and Thai favorites

  • Sails Restaurant – island-side dinner options

Yelp lists additional local favorites that historically serve meals on the 25th (hours vary): The Boulevard, Sami’s Marco Island, DaVinci’s, The Oyster Society, Snook Inn, CJ’s on the Bay, and Little Bar Restaurant.

Important: Holiday hours vary significantly by restaurant and year — call ahead or check reservation platforms for exact times.

📞 Reservations & Planning Tips

  • Book early: Many Naples and Marco restaurants limit seats or fill up weeks in advance for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

  • Call to confirm: Chains and local spots may change hours late in the season. Local guests report mixed experiences when assuming standard holiday hours.

  • Go early or midday: Lunch and early dinner service on Christmas Day often has more availability than classic dinner hours.