Ho ho ho, who wants to be in the kitchen on Christmas Day? Because after all that elf-ing, you deserve a break. But TV dinners are about as merry as traffic jam and leftovers just won’t cut it when your mother-in-law’s involved. So, if you’re looking for a spot to indulge in some stress-free, kitchen-free dining, here are some best bets for Sonoma County restaurants that are open on Christmas Day…
Black Point Grill at Sea Ranch Lodge: Slow-roasted turkey, seafood pot pie, yule log cake. Got a service dog? They’ve got a menu, too. Roast beef tips in gravy or duck jerky for your working canine. Noon to 8p.m., reservations at 800-732-7262, 60 Sea Walk Dr., Sea Ranch.
Saddles Steakhouse: Christmas eve and Christmas Day dinners include roasted chestnut soup, filet mignon, cider-brined pork chop, day boat scallops, pear baklava. $75pp, 5-7:30p.m. Christmas Eve, 2-7:30p.m. Christmas Day. 29 East MacArthur Street, Sonoma, 707-933-3191.
Sam’s Social Club: Three-course prix fixe menu featuring scallops, prime rib, duck, and more. $95pp, seatings from 4:30pm-5:15pm and 7:15pm-8:00pm. 707-942-4969 for reservations. 1712 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga.
Sante Restaurant at the Sonoma Mission Inn: Christmas buffet with live entertainment. Dozens of gourmet items include Liberty duck pork terrine, jumbo shrimp cocktail, charcuterie, smoked fish, winter chicory salad, carving stations with goose and prime rib, Maine lobster risotto, porchetta, caramelized Brussels sprouts, Buche de Noel, gingerbread tosca, raspberry Linzer torte. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, 100 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma, 707- 939-2415.
Dickens Dinners at Madrona Manor: Madrona Manor’s highly acclaimed Dickens Dinners include a Christmas Day dinner. Twelfth Night Singers dressed in 19th-century garb carol throughout the dining rooms delighting all. $170pp, two Christmas Day seatings at 1:30p.m. naed 6:10p.m.1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 800.258.4003.
Equus Restaurant: Special Christmas Day prix fixe dinner menu from 2-6p.m. includes spiced pear and arugula salad, lobster bisque, brown sugar and bourbon pork tenderloin, prime rib, eggnog cheesecake. $59pp. Children’s menu available. 101 Fountain Grove Parkway, Santa Rosa, 707-578-0149.
Carneros Bistro: Christmas day holiday buffet, seating available at 1, 4 and 7p.m., $70pp. Includes mushroom bisque, cheese display, bourbon ham, salt crusted prime rib, mini desserts. Reservations strongly recommended. 1325 Broadway, Sonoma, 931-2010.
Spoonbar at the h2hotel: Four courses for $69 from 4 to 9:30p.m. Menu includes roasted potatoes, sauteed scallops, roasted loin of beef, dark chocolate pave. 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 433-7222.