Christmas Day creates a fantastic opportunity to create memories and a treasure hunt for the places that actually will open on the day that marking one of the longest standing and widely celebrated religious traditions in our nation’s history.
Whether you're planning on attending a service at one of the many churches in the greater North Sacramento or are spending time traveling highways and byways to get to some loved one's get-together, EVERYONE gets hungry! Some restaurants stay open for business on the holiday.
NOT FOUND: sizzler.jpgGenerally, the many fast food options in the neighborhood are easy to find, anything from burritos to burgers. Many places though including Adalberto's, Silver Garden and Brookfield's are closed on Christmas. (Call beforehand to get special Christmas Eve hours though many places are shuttered or close early on the 24th)
Below are some of the old stand bys and some new spots to tickle your taste buds:
Staying local?
Sizzler surprise! Lunch and early dinner options can be found at the Sizzler on Madison Avenue. They open at 11 a.m.
NOT FOUND: lumberjacks.jpgLumberjacks is for big eaters and hours are big time even with the holiday: 7 am - 8 p.m. The restaurant is located in Carmichael right off of Madison Avenue. A special Holiday dinner was served for Thanksgiving and it was such a success they are doing it again! Call to get an idea of the menu. 349-9848
Denny's off of Watt and I-80 has great service...and it's open all day. And if you've never had the nachos...well it's time to say Feliz Navidad! Order it between friends as a nearly guilt free appetizer.
IHOP is open on Madison Avenue so have a rutti, tutti, fresh and fruity, wonderful Christmas Day. If you're a health nut, try the Harvest Grain and Nut pancakes but BYOS. (bring your own syrup and butter substitute). If you know that Christmas Day after includes a 5 mile run and a shopping marathon, live a little and get the boysenberry syrup. Mmm..mmm..good.
Looking for a Christmas brunch?
If you're willing to try something off the beaten path...try Orphan Breakfast House in East Sacramento off of C Street and 35th. The restaurant advertises that it stays open 365 days a year and 8 am - 2 pm on Christmas Day.
They also started selling lunch this month! Look for more Latin, Asian infused yumminess.
Wontons in Winter?
Now I can tell you for some of the best Chinese -- in a nice, "sit down" atmosphere" check out Koi Palace inside the Thunder Valley Casino..though it may be extremely packed!
You don't have to be a gambler to dine inside. Though you have to take a very brief walk into the casino and there is some smoking allowed nearby. It's like going to a fancy restaurant where the food is served family style. It's authentic and fresh.
Sushi and Cocoa to go
NOT FOUND: seven eleven.jpgSo you have a hankering for unagi, but sadly, Mikuni's is closed. If you've spent all your Christmas funds but crave a California roll - oh, thank heaven for 7 Eleven. The mini mart has rolls in their fresh food section and offers a hot chocolate buffet to rival any barista bar. Plus there is a red box at the Elkhorn Blvd location in North Highlands. Can we say dinner and a movie for under 7 bucks?
Rather have a "Greasy Spoon"?
Try Cornerstone restaurant in Citrus Heights off of San Juan and Greenback Lane. You can get two huge pancakes, 2 eggs and bacon for less than 4 bucks. Hours are from 7 am - 2 p.m for Christmas Day.
To Grandmother’s house we go?
If your destination is down Interstate 5 heading out to the Central Valley or towards Los Angeles, stop by Andersen's Pea Soup. The tourist attraction is full of kitchy décor and home style cooking. Here's the info - try calling closer to the holiday to find out when they are closed - they said times are subject to change but they do open at 7 am.
12411 S Hwy 33, Santa Nella, California (209) 826-1685
One stop shopping for how to find a full list of restaurants open on Christmas Day? Try opentable.com.
The best part of Christmas Day is a warm meal, a warm smile from the host or wait staff and if you're going to be with family and friends, a comfortable place to enjoy their company. The greatest gift of all is enjoying the relationships that make many a season bright. The second best gift ... not having to do the dishes.
Let us know how you and your family spent the holidays together by emailing us your fondest memories and pictures to submit@northsacnews.com.