Christmas Day restaurant menus in the UK typically cost £60 to £120 per person for a multi-course set menu, with pub-restaurant chains at the cheaper end and premium restaurants considerably higher. Booking early is essential, since Christmas Day sittings sell out months in advance at popular chains. Here’s how UK Christmas Day restaurant pricing works.
Christmas Day menus UK at a glance
| Pub-restaurant chains | £60 to £85 per person |
|---|---|
| Mid-range restaurants | £85 to £120 per person |
| Deposit required | Usually yes, per person, non-refundable |
| Best time to book | September to October for December 25th |
| Last updated | July 2026 |
How Christmas Day restaurant pricing works in the UK
Christmas Day menus almost always run as a set multi-course format rather than the usual a la carte menu, with pricing reflecting the special sitting rather than the restaurant’s normal weekday pricing. Pub-restaurant chains, including carvery-format venues, tend to sit at the more affordable end of Christmas Day dining, while destination and premium restaurants charge considerably more for the same day. Nearly every restaurant taking Christmas Day bookings requires a non-refundable deposit per person at the time of booking, factored into the final bill.
How to get the best value on Christmas Day
Booking as early as possible, often as soon as a restaurant opens its Christmas booking window in late summer or early autumn, is the main way to secure a good time slot and avoid missing out entirely, since popular sittings sell out fast. Checking exactly what’s included in the set price, drinks, service charge, and whether it’s optional extras, avoids surprises on the day. Lunchtime sittings are sometimes priced lower than evening slots at the same restaurant, so it’s worth comparing before booking.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Christmas Day meal out cost in the UK?
Typically £60 to £120 per person, with pub-restaurant chains at the lower end and premium restaurants higher.
When should I book a Christmas Day restaurant table?
As early as possible, ideally September to October, since popular sittings sell out months in advance.
Do restaurants require a deposit for Christmas Day?
Yes, almost all require a non-refundable deposit per person at the time of booking.
Is lunch cheaper than dinner on Christmas Day?
Sometimes, some restaurants price lunchtime sittings slightly lower than evening slots, so it’s worth comparing.
Why Christmas Day booking windows open so early
Christmas Day dining slots at popular restaurants and pub-restaurant chains routinely sell out months before the actual date, with many venues opening their booking windows as early as August or September for a sitting that happens in December. That extended lead time exists because Christmas Day represents one of the highest-demand single dining days of the entire year, concentrated into a handful of sittings rather than spread across a normal working week. Restaurants also need significant advance planning for Christmas Day specifically, given the specialised menu, staffing on a public holiday and the sheer volume of covers most venues aim to serve.
What to check before booking a Christmas Day table
Confirming exactly what the deposit covers, and whether it’s fully non-refundable even if your plans change, avoids an unwelcome surprise closer to the date. Checking whether children are charged the same as adults or at a reduced rate matters if you’re booking for a family group, since policies vary between venues. Asking about the sitting length, since many Christmas Day bookings have a set time limit given how many covers a restaurant needs to serve that day, helps set realistic expectations for how relaxed or rushed your meal will feel.
More frequently asked questions
When do Christmas Day booking windows typically open?
Many venues open bookings as early as August or September for the following December, given how quickly popular sittings sell out.
Do Christmas Day sittings have a time limit?
Many do, given how many covers a restaurant needs to serve that day, so it’s worth asking about sitting length when you book.
Checking current information before you go
Confirming opening hours, current pricing and any relevant policies directly with the venue or via its official app remains the most reliable way to avoid a wasted trip, since details can change without much notice. Calling ahead is worth doing for anything time-sensitive or involving a group, rather than relying solely on a website listing that may not be fully current. Keeping a note of the relevant contact details handy on the day means you can quickly check or adjust plans if something changes unexpectedly.
Planning around your specific circumstances
Being clear about any specific requirements when booking or ordering, rather than mentioning them only once you’ve arrived, gives the best chance of things going smoothly. Checking for any current offers or promotions relevant to your visit before you go is always worth the extra couple of minutes, since these change regularly. Considering timing carefully, particularly around weekends or peak periods, can make a genuine difference to availability and overall experience.
Should I confirm details directly before visiting?
Yes, confirming hours and current policies directly remains the most reliable way to avoid a wasted or disappointing trip.
Is timing worth considering carefully?
Yes, particularly around weekends or peak periods, since timing can make a genuine difference to availability and experience.