Christmas Party Restaurants for Rent in Austin, TX

“Okay, but how do I pick the ideal restaurant to rent for my Christmas dinner?” you may ask. And we’re here to answer! There are a few key things you should consider when booking a restaurant for your annual festivities. Let’s go over these details together:

• Budget – No event can happen without a budget, so let’s tackle this dreaded subject first. Perhaps you’re already working with a specified budget, or maybe you need to plan it yourself. If the latter is the case, remember to think about everything that goes into the Christmas dinner. The most important parts are the rental fee and the costs of catering. If you go for an all-inclusive holiday package, you won’t have to pay for these separately. You may also want to buy some Christmas-themed decorations or organize some kind of entertainment for your guests. Doing all the calculations will help you understand which Austin restaurants lie within your range! No matter the budget, there are both premium, fine-dining eateries as well as affordable Christmas restaurants in the city, so you'll find something fitting!  

• Date – Pick the date, and do it fast, because ‘tis a busy season! You’re not the only one who’s planning a holiday gathering in December. There are plenty of other groups who are also looking into booking restaurants, so act fast if you want to have some good options to choose from. In fact, some people start thinking about Christmas parties as early as August! When it comes to choosing the date and time of your dinner, it’s a good idea to involve your guests in the process in order to pick a date that doesn’t collide with other engagements. If you're planning with your family, you can probably pick a restaurant that's open on Christmas Day, while a party outside of the holidays will work better for other arrangements.
• Number of guests – To plan a festive dinner and book a restaurant with the perfect capacity, you need to know how many people will be attending the event. So once the date is set, ask everyone you’d like to invite to confirm whether they’ll be able to make it. Even an estimated number of guests will be a good hint that will help you find the perfect space. If you’re a small group, look for Austin restaurants that offer private dining rooms. And if you’re inviting quite a large crowd, you can think about booking an entire restaurant for your exclusive use!
• Location – When choosing the location, prioritize the convenience of your guests. They need to be able to get to the venue, preferably without spending hours in traffic. Consider commute times and whether there are enough parking spaces for everyone. Alternatively, find out whether the restaurant is also accessible via public transportation. Maybe you could even find a place that’s situated within walking distance? On Tagvenue, you'll find restaurants from South to North Austin, including a great selection in Downtown!
• Menu – And now for the most important part of renting a restaurant for a Christmas dinner in Austin: food! What do you want to serve? Perhaps you want to stick with traditional favorites, like turkey or ham. Or maybe you want to take an entirely different direction and try something more out of the ordinary? Another thing to consider is how you want to serve the food. Some of the best restaurants in Austin offer holiday buffet menus, while others offer à la carte service, which gives guests more choice when ordering their meals. Keep in mind your guests and their needs, too. Are there any dietary requirements you need to cater to? Are you looking for a buzzing eatery for all-adult holiday drinks or a fun family-friendly Christmas restaurant with options for the little ones?

Full-Service Restaurants with Holiday Menus

These venues offer a sit-down meal with full service, often with the option of custom holiday menus or minimum spend setups.

Lonesome Dove Austin – Downtown
A rustic yet elegant option with multiple private dining spaces. Their team is known for accommodating custom menus, making it great for both casual groups and high-end corporate dinners. The space has several room sizes, so you can book just what you need, from intimate parties to 150-guest banquets.

It's Italian Cucina – Zilker
This Zilker venue is ideal if you want a classic sit-down Christmas dinner with upscale Italian fare. The entire venue is available for private events, and minimum spend packages keep things simple. It’s well-suited to medium to large groups looking for quality food in a polished setting.

Zaika Indian Cuisine – North Burnet
A good fit for groups looking to break from the usual turkey-and-stuffing fare. The North Burnet location offers excellent value with per-person pricing, making it ideal for budget-conscious planners who still want flavour-packed festive meals.

Private Hire Venues for Catered or BYO Events

These venues are blank canvases where you can bring in your own catering or work with in-house partners. Ideal for teams or groups who want flexibility.

The Eleanor – Downtown
A classic Austin space with multiple room sizes and configurations, perfect for holiday parties that include dinner, speeches, and dancing. You can go fully custom with décor and catering, which makes it a favourite for company events.

RichesArt Gallery – Holly
For those who want art on the walls and a non-traditional venue feel, this downtown-adjacent gallery brings colour and flexibility. It works well for groups looking to combine dinner with music, mingling, or entertainment.

Ao5 Gallery – Citywide
Another art venue with a large open-plan layout. Ao5 lets you bring in your own caterer or select from recommended partners. It’s well suited for groups of 50 or more and can be transformed for more formal or themed celebrations.

Zilker Lodge – Barton Hills
Tucked into green space and minutes from downtown, Zilker Lodge is ideal if you're planning a family-style dinner followed by holiday games or outdoor activities. It’s used often by schools and organisations but works just as well for casual private dinners.

Tips for Planning a Christmas Dinner in Austin

• Book Early: November is your last good window to secure popular spots. After that, expect limited availability.
• Know Your Numbers: Most venues offer tiered pricing based on guest count. Smaller groups can often find good value in weekday slots or afternoon bookings.
• Ask About Packages: Many venues offer Christmas catering, décor, or entertainment options—even if they don’t advertise it. Always ask.
• Parking Can Be Tricky: If your venue is in Downtown, arrange for ride shares or valet when possible. Neighborhood venues tend to have easier parking.
• Weather Flexibility: With Austin’s mild winters, outdoor patios and semi-open venues are still usable in December—just confirm heating options.