Eating with cherished friends and family is what the holidays are all about. Battling the crowds at the grocery stores, catering to everyone's unique food allergies, and doing the massive pile of dishes after the meal — not so much. To have the best of both worlds, here are some places to have a delicious Christmas meal where the culinary burden doesn't fall on your shoulders. From the pricey to the affordable, there are options in the city and the suburbs. But make sure to call or email quickly to reserve a spot for Christmas and breathe easy for the holiday.
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A Dozen Places to Dine on Christmas

1. Bistro Vivant
McLean, VA 22101
For a Christmas meal in McLean, Bistro Vivant will have a $59 per person lunch and dinner menu for its patrons. Call to score a reservation.
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2. Blue Duck Tavern
Washington, DC 20037
A favorite for Thanksgiving dining, Blue Duck Tavern will be hosting a Christmas brunch feast from 1030am-330pm for $95 per person. Call the restaurant or visit its website to make a reservation.
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3. Bourbon Steak Washington DC
Washington, DC 20007
For a meaty meal on Christmas Day, head to the Georgetown destination for steak, bourbon, and so much more.
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4. Cafe Dupont
Washington, DC 20036
Open from 7am-230pm, Cafe Dupont will be serving up a Christmas brunch. Call (202) 797-0169 or check out OpenTable to lock down a reservation.
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5. Corduroy
Washington, DC 20001
Christmas at Corduroy is $55 per person with several selections per course. The offerings run from the traditional to the modern and contemporary.
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6. Founding Farmers
Washington, DC 20006
The downtown destination will be serving its full regular menu on Christmas Day from 12-8pm. Farmers Fishers Bakers and the Montgomery County restaurant will also be open.
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7. Legal Sea Foods
McLean, VA 22102
Legal will be open on Christmas, as will the Crystal City and downtown locations, and will be serving up its a la carte menu.
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8. Piola Washington DC
Washington, DC 20009
Brunch it up at Piola from 11am-11pm (the restaurant does unlimited pizza). Don't forget to add a brunch cocktail or two.
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9. Rosa Mexicano
Washington, DC 20015
At both the Chevy Chase and Penn Quarter spots, Rosa Mexicano is offering a $35 prix fixe menu from 12-9pm.
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10. Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro
Reston, VA 20191
A respite in the suburbs, Vinifera will be having a 4-course for $55 per person. The dining room will be open from 5-10pm. Call for reservations.
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11. The Goodstone Inn & Estate
Middleburg, VA 20117
For a bit of a retreat, Middleburg's Goodstone Inn has a special holiday menu being served on both Christmas Eve and Christmas day. For $85 per person (multiple courses) choose from such dishes as roast duck breast and prime rib.
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12. The Grille At Morrison House
Alexandria, VA 22314
The Grille at Morrison House will serve a special Christmas Day Brunch ($55 per person, $25 for kids, free of charge for children under 5.) There will be holiday items, the restaurant's regular duck-press brunch items, beignets and more.
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