Holiday dining in Arizona is bringing out its festive best this winter, wrapping the season in flavor, flair and festive imagination. From prix-fixe feasts and Italian coastal traditions to holiday pop-ups, brewery celebrations, spirited cocktail menus and community gatherings, restaurants across the state are giving locals and travelers plenty of reasons to celebrate. 

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Need more? Read more: 15-plus Arizona hotels and resorts with the ‘ho, ho, ho’ holiday spirit

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The best holiday dining in Arizona starts here…

Arizona’s culinary scene is celebrating the season with festive menus, dazzling cocktails, themed pop-ups and special holiday experiences from Scottsdale to Flagstaff. Here are the 12 must-try holiday dining events across the state.

Christmas Eve at The Americano (Scottsdale, Arizona)

Festivities: The Americano brings refined holiday dining to North Scottsdale with a luxurious four-course prix fixe Christmas Eve menu crafted by celebrity chefs Beau MacMillan and Peter McQuaid.

• 12/24 — Christmas Eve Prix Fixe Dinner: Enjoy elevated shareable starters including Fresh Baked Parker House Rolls with honey-whipped ricotta and White Truffle Arancini. Appetizers feature dishes such as Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras with sticky toffee pudding or Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Ravioli with charred kale and black trumpet mushrooms. Entrée selections include Colorado Lamb Shank with porcini-braised lentils and Slow-Roasted Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast with coffee spice, candied quince and wild rice. A selection of decadent desserts concludes the evening. Dinner is $165 per person; reservations available at theamericano.com.

Website: opentable.com/r/the-americano-scottsdale

Holiday Dining at The Italiano (Scottsdale, Arizona)

Festivities: The Italiano celebrates the holiday season with the traditional Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes, served throughout December, along with a festive Christmas Day buffet featuring carving stations, chilled seafood towers and an elaborate dessert spread.

• 12/1–12/24 — Feast of the Seven Fishes: Guests can enjoy Chef Joey’s elevated seafood dishes, including Mussels Fra Diavolo, Polenta-Crusted Crab Cakes, Stuffed Calamari, Crab-Stuffed Prawns and the signature Seven Fish Risotto.
• 12/25 — Christmas Day Buffet: Celebrate Christmas with a buffet showcasing carving stations, chilled seafood towers, entrées and a seasonal dessert display. Pricing is $99 for adults, $39 for children ages 5–12 and complimentary for children under 5.

Website: theitaliano.com

COURSE: 12 Days of Christmas Tasting Menu (Scottsdale, Arizona)

Festivities: COURSE brings back its beloved 12 Days of Christmas Tasting Menu from December 12–27, this time inspired by the holiday classic A Christmas Story. Executive Chef Cory Oppold transforms Ralphie’s misadventures into a whimsical, cinematic fine-dining journey filled with festive nostalgia and creative culinary storytelling. 

• December 12–27: Evening seatings run Tuesday–Saturday from 5–9 p.m.
• You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out: Bigeye tuna with winter melon, yuzu and masaga arare for a bright, delicate bite.
• Secret Decoder: Each table receives a decoder key to reveal the dish hidden behind a string of numbers: lamb topped with a delicate lattice, buttery beans, leek, rosemary and rich jus.
• Turkey Junkie: Confit turkey thigh with golden stuffing, caramelized Brussels sprouts and gravy worth celebrating.
• I Hate Meatloaf: An elevated Wagyu meatloaf with pommes mousseline, tender red cabbage and a classic sauce.
• Oh, Fudge!: Decadent chocolate fudge accented with coconut, toasted almond, lime leaf and curd for a playful finale.

Website: courserestaurantaz.com

Holiday Dining at Mastro’s (Scottsdale, Arizona)

Festivities: Mastro’s City Hall, Mastro’s Ocean Club and Mastro’s Steakhouse offer a luxurious holiday dining experience with premium seafood, USDA Prime steaks, live entertainment and seasonal enhancements available Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

• December — Holiday Dining at Mastro’s: Guests can enjoy dishes featuring the freshest seafood selections and high-quality steaks in an upscale atmosphere designed for celebration. Seasonal highlights include the Cinnamon & Pecan Butter Cake and the limited-time holiday-inspired Under the Mistletoe cocktail. Live entertainment completes the festive experience.
• Notes: All Mastro’s Scottsdale locations are open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Reservations are highly recommended

Website: mastrosrestaurants.com

Feast of the Seven Fishes at The Sicilian Butcher (Multiple Arizona Locations)

Festivities: The Sicilian Butcher celebrates the holiday season with its annual Feast of the Seven Fishes, offered December 15–24 at all three Valley locations in Chandler, Phoenix and Peoria. Guests may enjoy dishes a la carte or opt for the full tasting menu for $180, with wine pairings available upon request.

• 12/15–12/24 — Feast of the Seven Fishes: The limited-time menu features Italian coastal favorites including Lobster Bisque with brandy, cream and basil oil; Seared Jumbo Shrimp over Risotto Milanese; PEI Mussels in ’nduja butter with Calabrian chili and saffron brodo; Spaghetti allo Scoglio with clams, mussels, shrimp and calamari; and Pasta Fra Diavolo with a San Marzano–saffron butter sauce. Entrée highlights include oven-roasted Branzino with caper berries and charred lemon and Baked Salmon wrapped in puff pastry with artichoke-spinach and mustard sugo.
• 12/24 — Christmas Eve Service: The full Feast of the Seven Fishes menu will be available on Christmas Eve before the restaurant closes for Christmas Day.

Website: thesicilianbutcher.com

Holiday Events at Dark Sky Brewing Co. (Flagstaff, Arizona)

Festivities: Dark Sky Brewing Co. brings holiday cheer to downtown Flagstaff with seasonal beer releases, creative workshops, festive celebrations and community-focused events throughout December.

• December — Flannel Buddies Release: The popular Imperial stout brewed with cinnamon roasted pecans, Mexican coffee, cocoa nibs and maple syrup returns in collaboration with Goldwater Brewing Co. Available in cans and on draft while supplies last.
• 12/13 — Parade of Lights: Enjoy seasonal brews and food while watching one of Flagstaff’s favorite holiday traditions from 6–8 p.m.
• 12/14 — Paws with Claus: From noon–3 p.m., capture pet photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, create keepsake pet ornaments and meet adoptable dogs. Donations benefit High Country Humane.

Website: darkskybrewing.com

Hanukkah Gathering at The Delicatessen (Phoenix, Arizona)

Festivities: The Delicatessen, Chef Joey Maggiore’s newest concept, celebrates Hanukkah with a special gathering featuring traditional bites and a community menorah lighting. Known for its modern take on classic New York deli flavors, the restaurant offers an elevated, energetic setting for the holiday occasion.

• 12/16 — Hanukkah Celebration: The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with passed bites including potato latkes and mini jelly doughnuts. A menorah lighting will take place at 6:15 p.m.
• Notes: The Delicatessen features a Build-Your-Own Bagel Bar with fresh-baked bagels, hand-whipped spreads, artisanal toppings and classic deli favorites, available daily for breakfast, lunch and catering.

Website: thedelicatessen.com

Holiday Offerings at North Italia (Multiple Arizona Locations)

Festivities: North Italia is celebrating the season with festive cocktails, limited-time holiday menus and seasonal promotions available now through the end of the year.

• 11/28–12/31 — Bar North Pole: Participating locations transform for the holidays with a special menu featuring eight seasonal beverages, including six themed cocktails and two zero-proof options. Drinks are available for $10 each during launch weekend from Nov. 28–30. Cocktail highlights include Sweater Weather, Jingle Bell Rock, Sleigh Ride, Santa’s Nightcap, Rudolph’s Replacement and The Naughty List. Zero-proof offerings include White Elephant Gift and Cocoa Claus.
• Now–12/23 — $25 Holiday Lunch Prix Fixe: Guests can enjoy a small plate and entrée duo for $25, available daily from open until 4 p.m. The menu includes favorites such as Sunday Night Lasagna and Arancini, along with exclusive seasonal dishes including Chicken Parmigiana Verde, Bruschetta Duo and Brussels Sprout & Medjool Pizza.

Website: northitalia.com

Culinary Dropout Holiday Programming (Multiple Arizona Locations)

Festivities: Culinary Dropout brings back its spirited holiday celebrations with festive cocktails, seasonal bites and the return of Bar Blitzen at select locations.

• 11/19–1/3 — Bar Blitzen Holiday Pop-Up: Bar Blitzen returns to The Coop in Gilbert and Tempe, transforming the space with over-the-top décor, indulgent holiday cocktails and seasonal bites. Menu highlights include the Espress Ho Ho Ho Tini and Dropout & Mrs. Mint, along with Wagyu Pigs in a Blanket and BBQ Pork Belly Nachos. Guests can also enjoy yard games and live music outside The Coop.
• Saturdays Ongoing — Saturday Soundcheck at Scottsdale Waterfront: Guests can enjoy live music every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., paired with $7 brunch cocktails including Bubbles & Mimosas, Giddy Up Espresso Martini and Aperol Spritz.

Website: culinarydropout.com

Doughbird Holiday Feasts To-Go (Arizona Locations)

Festivities: Doughbird makes holiday dining effortless with special Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve offerings.

• 12/24 — Christmas Eve Prime Rib To-Go: Prime Rib To-Go ($80 for two; $150 for four) includes creamy horseradish dauphinoise potatoes, broccolini and caramelized onion, Caesar salad, peppercorn thyme au jus and butterscotch cream cake. Orders accepted Dec. 3–23 with pickup Dec. 24.

Website: eatdoughbird.com

Blanco Cocina + Cantina Holiday Cocktails (Multiple Arizona Locations)

Festivities: Blanco Cocina + Cantina celebrates the season with festive, limited-time cocktails and shareable holiday beverage experiences.

• 11/28–12/31 — Holiday Cocktails & Margarita Trees: Highlighted cocktails include Primo Eduardo’s Eggnog, Goodnight Mrs. Santa’s Sister and Don Juan’s Spiced Cider. Margarita Trees offer four mix-and-match margaritas or espresso martinis, ideal for groups and celebrations.

Website: blancococina.com

The Henry Holiday Cocktail Menu (Phoenix, Arizona)

Festivities: The Henry debuts a lineup of limited-time seasonal cocktails at its Arcadia and Uptown Phoenix locations.

• 11/28–12/30 — Holiday Cocktails: Menu offerings include Whiskey & Doughnuts with Tincup bourbon and spiced apple, and the Spiced Pear Cosmopolitan made with Belvedere vodka and cranberry reduction.

Website: thehenryrestaurant.com

Swizzle Inn: Merry Queermas & Holiday Events (Phoenix, Arizona)

Festivities: Swizzle Inn embraces the season with expanded décor, festive programming and a continued commitment to supporting the local community. This year marks the launch of Merry Queermas, a new initiative benefiting one·n·ten to support LGBTQ+ youth. 

• 12/1–12/12, guests can donate gifts using an in-bar QR code linking to an Amazon wish list shipped directly to the organization. 
• From 12/1–12/24, the bar will also collect nonperishable food items for the Merry Queermas food drive.
• December — Holiday Ornament Decorating & Holiday PJ Party (12/11, 5–8 p.m.): Guests are encouraged to wear holiday pajamas for this festive evening of ornament decorating. Ornaments are provided, though personal ornaments may be brought. Each decorated ornament earns a penny drink, with holiday movies playing all night. Seasonal sips include $4 eggnog and $5 boozy hot chocolate. Three standout ornaments will win prizes, and all ornaments will be displayed inside the bar during future holiday seasons.

Website: theswizzleinnphoenix.com