Christmas Eve a busy night for Philly restaurants: 'People do want to relax, have someone else cook'

OLD CITY - Dining out is apparently a thing on Christmas Eve. It is a big night for many restaurants, like Parc, in Rittenhouse.

"We have some oysters, some beer, some lovely baguettes and have a nice time," said Jim Naughton. He, his wife Cynthia, and their daughters were out Tuesday night and say coming to Parc is what they have been doing every year on Christmas Eve for the past 20 years.

"It became a tradition because my daughter was visiting our other daughter, who was not living in town, at college and we had nothing do on Christmas Eve," he said.

This year, Christmas and the start of Hanukkah fall on the same day. David Stutman was out with his friend Sean and says it is also nice meeting others.

"I met a couple people earlier at the bar that were here with their child and a couple other people that I had never met before and they were going to do Christmas things later, but they came out here and they were having an awesome time," said Stutman.

Lauren Shandelman is the general manager. "I think that places that are open do find themselves packed," she said. She says it has also been a busy night for last-minute pastry pickups. Customers were in line at the boulangerie for to go orders.

"Many guests get their bread needs, cranberry walnuts, their baguettes and holiday macarons and our special holiday dessert. Many of the guests came yesterday and today," Shandelman explained.

At Amina Philly, in Old City, manager and server Anyae Wilson was busy taking calls for reservations. "We're booked fully to capacity for tonight," she said.

Wilson says Christmas Eve is busy for many reasons. "The holiday is tomorrow; people do just want to relax and have someone else cook for them as well and just be able to chill and get ready for their festivities the next day with their families." She says some do not have family and Christmas Eve offers them a chance at some holiday spirit.

"So, they often like to fill the void and come out and join others, to feel included in what's going on for the holiday. To still be around love, great vibes and energy," said Wilson.