Christmas is enough work already, so let the experts take care of the cooking (and serving, and cleaning). Book a table at one of these restaurants for a stress-free holiday meal.
1606 Restaurant at the Beauport Hotel, Gloucester
For a celebration with a view, book a table at 1606. The Christmas Day prix fixe menu includes choices like spiced chestnut bisque garnished with cranberry granola; pan-seared halibut topped with lump crab and hollandaise; and eggnog pot de creme with salted caramel and gingersnap. Check out the menu and make a reservation online.
55 Commercial St., Gloucester, 978-491-5090, 1606restaurant.com
Hawthorne Hotel, Salem
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the historic and charming Hawthorne Hotel will serve its traditional grand Christmas buffet, with a menu featuring a variety of brunch and dinner options ranging from vegetable frittata and pumpkin pie French toast bake to chicken with shallot-fig jus and brown sugar baked ham. The Tavern restaurant will open at 6 p.m., serving its regular dinner menu and Christmas specials including prime rib and Mission fig risotto with brie and thyme.
18 Washington Square W., Salem, 978-744-4080, hawthornehotel.com
Fogo de Chão, Burlington
If traditional is not your thing, visit Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão for a nearly never-ending feast of savory seasoned meats sliced directly at your table. A buffet of Brazilian sides, salads, and soups, and the bold cocktail list complete the effect, for the perfect out-of-the-box holiday meal.
Burlington Mall, Burlington, 781-382-0222, fogo.com/Burlington
Karma, Andover, Burlington, and Winchester
Or explore yet other flavors and try the Asian fusion menu at Karma’s locations in Andover, Burlington, or Winchester. Stick with the a la carte menu for delights like duck bao buns, garlic chicken in a hot clay pot, and ocean-fresh sashimi, or book an omakase meal, six or 15 courses of food impeccably curated by the chef. Complement your meal with a cocktail from the creative and extensive drink list (perhaps a lychee-infused martini?).
209 North Main St., Andover, 978-809-3075, karmaandover.com
75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, 781-365-0660, burlington.karmaasianfusion.com
16 Thompson St., Winchester, 781-570-2207, winchester.karmaasianfusion.com