When the mountain air turns crisp and a soft dusting of snow settles on the peaks above Highlands, Cashiers, and Lake Toxaway, the Plateau takes on a magic all its own. Lights glimmer through evergreens, woodsmoke drifts from stone chimneys, and the scent of something wonderful fills the air.
Whether you’re a year-round local planning your holiday feast or a visitor savoring a mountain Christmas, the Plateau’s restaurants and markets rise to the season with warmth, creativity, and good cheer. From traditional dinners served fireside to gourmet take-home spreads for your own table, our culinary community makes sure no one goes hungry—or un-delighted—this Christmas.
Here’s your guide to who’s open, what’s cooking, and where to find your perfect holiday meal this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Take-Out Options
Dusty’s Rhodes Superette: Open Half-day on Christmas Eve (closing about 3:00 P.M.); closed Christmas Day. Special prepared holiday sides serving 4–6 ($18 each), plus prime ribs and steaks ready to cook. 493 Dillard Rd, Highlands (828) 526-2762
Rosewood Market: Closing for the season December 20, but accepting special holiday orders for pickup prior to closing. Call for details. 117 Franklin Road, Highlands (828) 526-0383
The Kitchen CarryAway and Catering: Offering a special Christmas menu for pickup on Tuesday, December 24, from 10:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M. (Orders due by December 13, 2:00 P.M.; no turkeys.) 350 South 5th Street, Highlands (828) 526-2110 | thekitchenofhighlands.com
Whole Life Market: Pre-order organic or non-GMO frozen turkeys. Open Christmas Eve until 4:00 P.M.; closed Christmas Day. 680 N. 5th Street, Highlands (828) 526-5999 | wholelifemarket.com
Kettlerock Bakery: Offering a variety of delicious desserts and sides. Order by December 19, Pick up by December 24 before 1:00 P.M. 2254 Dillard Road, Highlands (828) 200-5704
Duck Hawk Provisions: Take-home meal featuring spiral ham, sides, and dessert for 6–8 guests, with heating instructions. Pickup December 23; closed Christmas Eve and Day. 281 US 64W, Cashiers (828) 547-3225 | duckhawkprovisions.com
Happ’s Place: Offering complete “take and bake” Christmas dinners. Order by December 20; pickup December 24.
5914 Hwy 107 N, Glenville | happsplace.com
Moondance Wine Bar: Order smoked tenderloins and holiday sides by December 15; pickup until noon on Christmas Eve. Closed Christmas Day. Dine-in “Feast of the Seven Fishes” December 21–22 (limited seating).
13481 Rosman Highway #4, Lake Toxaway | moondancewinebar.com
Dine-In Restaurants
Madison’s at Old Edwards Inn: Christmas Eve: Breakfast 7:00–10:00 A.M..; Lunch 11:30 A.M.–2:00 P.M.; Dinner 6:00–9:00 P.M. (reservations required).
Christmas Day: Breakfast 7:00–10:00 A.M.; Lunch Noon–6:00 P.M., $92++ ($45 for ages 12 and under).
445 Main St, Highlands | (828) 787-2525 | oldedwardshospitality.com/madisons
Hummingbird Lounge:
Christmas Eve: Lunch 11:30 A.M.–2:00 P.M.; Light Fare 2:00–6:00 P.M.; Dinner 6:00–9:00 P.M.; Bar open 11:30 A.M.–10:00 P.M., with live music.
Christmas Day: Light fare and bar service Noon–9:00 P.M.
Old Edwards Inn, 445 Main St, Highlands | oldedwardshospitality.com
Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar:
Christmas Eve: Open 11:00 A.M.–9:00 P.M.;
Christmas Day: Open from 4:00 P.M. (last seating 9:00 P.M.), full menu.
465 Main St, Highlands | oldedwardshospitality.com/four65
Highlands Burrito: Open Christmas Eve 11:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.; closed Christmas Day. 226 S 4th St, Highlands (828) 526-9313 |highlandsburrito.com
Highlands Supper Club: Open Christmas Eve 4:30–9:00 P.M. with a special menu; closed Christmas Day. 130 Log Cabin Ln, Highlands (828) 271-9620 | thehighlandssupperclub.com
Highlands Smokehouse: Open Christmas Eve, serving lunch 11:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.; closed Christmas Day. 595 Franklin Rd, Highlands (828) 526-3554 | highlandssmokehouse.com
Ruffed Grouse Tavern at Highlander Mountain House:
Christmas Eve: Open 5:30–9:00 P.M. Christmas Day: Open 2:00–7:00 P.M. with regular menu and Christmas specials.
270 Main St., Highlands (828) 526-2590 | highlandermountainhouse.com
Stubborn Buddha: Open Christmas Eve from 5:00 P.M.; closed Christmas Day.
332 Main St., Highlands (828) 200-0813 | thestubbornbuddha.com
Stubborn Bull: Open Christmas Eve from 5:00 P.M.; closed Christmas Day. 445 N 4th St., Highlands (828) 200-0813 | the-stubborn-bull.com
Restaurant Paoletti: Open Christmas Eve 5:00–9:30 P.M.; closed Christmas Day. 440 Main St, Highlands
(828) 526-4906 | paolettis.com
Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge:
Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 4:00–8:00 P.M. 470 Skyline Lodge Rd, Highlands | oaksteakhouserestaurant.com/location/oak-steakhouse-highlands
Grand Olde Station: Open Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day. 502 Blue Ridge Rd, Lake Toxaway
(828) 996-4242 | grandoldestation.com
The Greystone Inn:
Christmas Eve: Special dinner 5:00–9:00 P.M. (reservations required).
Christmas Day: Brunch 8:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M. (reservations required); à la carte dinner 5:00–9:00 P.M.
Guests may reserve for the special holiday menus by calling (828) 966-4700. For regular dinner reservations, call (828) 885-4135.
220 Greystone Ln, Lake Toxaway | greystoneinn.com
On the Verandah: Open Christmas Day, 5:30- 9:00 P.M. Closed Christmas Eve. 1536 Franklin Rd, Highlands
(828) 526-2338 | ontheverandah.com
Calders Coffee Cafe: Open Christmas Eve, 7:00- 12:00 P.M. Closed Christmas Day. 384 Main St., Highlands
(828) 200-9308 | calderscoffeecafe.com
Ugly Dog Public House: Open Christmas Eve, 11:30 A.M.-10:00 P.M. Closed Christmas Day. 249 S 4th St., Highlands
(828) 526-8364 | theuglydogpub.com
The High Dive: Open Christmas Eve, 11:30 A.M.-10:00 P.M. Closed Christmas Day. 476 Carolina Way, Highlands
(828) 526-2200 | highlandsdive.com
Osteria Del Monte: Open Christmas Eve 5:00–9:30 P.M.; Regular menu and The Feast of the Seven Fishes (Italian Tradition); closed Christmas Day. 19131 Rosman Hwy., Sapphire (828) 883-2551 | osteriadelmonte.com
Los Vaqueros: Open Christmas Eve 11:00 A.M.–9:00 P.M.; closed Christmas Day. 30 Dillard Rd, Highlands; 9 Toxaway Falls, Lake Toxaway
(828) 482-7040
Las Margaritas: Open Christmas Eve 11:00 A.M.–9:00 P.M.; closed Christmas Day. 127 US-64, Cashiers
(828) 745-6900
Casa Amigos: Open Christmas Eve 11:00 A.M–till.; closed Christmas Day. 3638 US-64, Sapphire, (828) 866-3144
Zookeeper Bistro: Open Christmas Eve for breakfast 7:30–11:00 A.M.; closed Christmas Day. 45 Slab Town Road, Cashiers (828) 743-7711
Whatever your holiday plans, there’s no shortage of warmth, welcome, and good food on the Plateau this Christmas. From candlelit dinners to cozy take-home feasts, our mountain kitchens are ready to make the season delicious.
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