Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

By any chance are there restaurants open on christmas day or Christmas Eve night?

Finding restaurants open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in Ellijay and the surrounding Gilmer County area can be a bit tricky, as many local businesses close to allow their staff to celebrate the holidays. However, there are a few options you may want to consider for dining during this time. It’s a good idea to call ahead or check online to confirm if a specific restaurant will be open, as hours can vary from year to year. Here are a few potential options:

1. Local Chains and National Restaurants: Some national chain restaurants, especially those located in nearby towns or larger cities, may be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. While this is not guaranteed, it’s worth checking with locations that are part of larger chains like:

  • Cracker Barrel: Typically open on Christmas Day, serving a special holiday menu.
  • Waffle House: Known for being open 24/7, it may be a reliable option for a meal on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, though it can get busy.
  • Denny's: Another 24-hour chain that may be open on Christmas Day, though again, it’s always best to check first.

2. Local Dining Options in Ellijay: Ellijay is a small town, so many of the local, independent restaurants may be closed for the holidays. However, there could still be a few options depending on the year. You may want to look for:

  • River Street Tavern: It’s worth calling ahead to see if they plan to open on Christmas Eve or Day. They often offer a nice atmosphere and traditional southern fare.
  • The Blue Ridge Grill: Located a bit further out in Blue Ridge, this place is known for good food, and sometimes they offer holiday specials. Again, confirm if they’re open.
  • La Cazuela Mexican Grill: Depending on the year, some Mexican restaurants stay open on Christmas Eve, so it might be worth checking if this local spot in Ellijay offers any availability.

3. Nearby Areas (Blue Ridge, Jasper, etc.): If you're willing to drive a little outside of Ellijay, other towns like Blue Ridge or Jasper might have more dining options open during the holidays. In these larger areas, you may find a few more local restaurants or chain locations that remain open. A few places to check in Blue Ridge or Jasper could include:

  • Mercier Orchards: This orchard and restaurant in Blue Ridge is popular during the holiday season, and they sometimes offer special holiday meals or treats. It’s best to confirm if they’re open during Christmas.
  • The Blue Ridge Community Theater: Sometimes hosts special holiday performances, and certain dining spots nearby may be open around the holidays.

4. Takeout or Special Holiday Meals: If you’re not able to find a sit-down restaurant open, many local spots offer special takeout meals or holiday catering. You might want to check if there are any holiday takeout or catering options in Ellijay, where you can pick up a festive meal to enjoy in the comfort of your cabin or rental.

Conclusion: While dining options in Ellijay may be limited on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, there are a few places that could be open, especially if you’re willing to check with national chains or make the short drive to nearby towns like Blue Ridge or Jasper. Make sure to call ahead to confirm, as holiday hours can vary, and be prepared for potentially limited availability or special hours for the holiday season.


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