Christmas Eve in Las Vegas is a spectacle of lights, energy, and entertainment. But for those seeking a traditional, meaningful dining experience, the search can be a challenge. You aren’t just looking for a restaurant that is open; you are looking for a place that honors the spirit of the holiday.

Specifically, many are searching for where to eat seafood on Christmas Eve, a nod to the beloved Italian tradition of “La Vigilia,” or the Feast of the Seven Fishes. It is a night defined by abundance, family, and the finest catches from the sea.

So If you are wondering, “Which restaurants are open Christmas Eve in Las Vegas for a traditional feast?”, the answer lies in the heart of the Venetian Hotel. Nestled in the bustling St. Mark’s Square, Mercato della Pescheria provides the perfect solution. We offer an Italian seafood experience that transports you straight to the coast of Italy without leaving the Strip.

The “Feast” Experience at St. Mark’s Square

Location is the first ingredient of a memorable meal. Dining on our patio overlooking St. Mark’s Square sets a festive tone that no standard dining room can match. Surrounded by the architecture of Venice, the sound of singing gondoliers, and the lively energy of the “piazza,” you are immersed in a setting that feels like a European holiday.

This isn’t just dinner; it’s a getaway. It is the ideal backdrop for an Italian seafood feast on Christmas Eve, allowing you to celebrate the holiday with the vibrancy and joy that Italian culture is famous for.

A Menu Built for “La Vigilia”

While we celebrate the spirit of fresh seafood every day, our menu is perfectly designed for you to curate your own holiday feast. Whether you are strictly following the tradition of the seven fishes or simply craving a lighter, sophisticated alternative to the heavy holiday roasts, our stations offer the freshest options in Las Vegas.

Start with the Crudo (The Raw Bar)

Begin your vigil with pristine selections from our Crudo / Raw Bar.

• Seafood Tower: Nothing says “celebration” like a towering display of the ocean’s best. Featuring Maine lobster, East Coast oysters, tiger prawns, and salmon tartare, it is the ultimate communal starter for a holiday group.
• Tuna Tartare: For a sophisticated bite, try our Ahi Tuna with spiced pistachios, cucumber, and Calabrian aioli. It’s a modern, flavorful start to the meal.
• Octopus Carpaccio: Razor-thin slices of octopus dressed with shaved celery, fennel, and pink peppercorn offer a delicate, refreshing introduction to your feast.

The Shellfish Course

No seafood feast is complete without shellfish. Our Saffron Mussels, steamed in a rich broth with garlic, tomatoes, and onions, are a warming, aromatic dish. The broth is perfect for dipping grilled bread and sharing stories over. For a classic Italian touch, our Spicy Shrimp, coal-roasted with baby heirloom tomatoes and Calabrian chiles, brings a welcome heat to the winter evening.

The Main Event: Pasta and Pescheria

For the centerpiece of your table, Mercato delivers the “wow” factor.

• Linguine Frutti di Mare: This is the quintessential holiday pasta. Loaded with jumbo shrimp, scallops, octopus, mussels, clams, and calamari in a rich seafood broth, it is a feast in a single bowl.
• Whole Fish: For a truly authentic experience, visit our Pescheria station. Order a Whole Branzino or Whole Red Snapper, fresh and coal-roasted in our Josper Oven. Served with a spicy roasted tomato sauce or a lemon vinaigrette, it delivers that authentic, fire-kissed flavor of a true Italian market.
• Seafood Stew: For those seeking comfort, our stew combines clams, mussels, swordfish, shrimp, and octopus, all simmered with fingerling potatoes in a rich broth.

Why Choose an Italian Seafood Feast?

Choosing an Italian seafood dinner for Christmas Eve is more than just a meal choice; it’s a lifestyle choice. It honors a centuries old tradition of abstaining from meat before the Christmas Day feast, but it does so with indulgence rather than restriction. It is lighter, fresher, and often more communal than a steak dinner, leaving you energized for the rest of your Las Vegas night.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where can I eat a seafood feast for Christmas in Las Vegas? A: Mercato della Pescheria at the Venetian offers an extensive seafood menu perfect for a Christmas Eve feast, featuring raw bars, whole roasted fish, and seafood pastas in an authentic Italian setting.

Q: Do you have non seafood options for guests? A: Absolutely. While we specialize in seafood, our “Macelleria” (Butcher) station offers premium steaks like Filet Mignon and Bone-In Ribeye, and we have a variety of pastas and pizzas to please every guest.

Q: Do I need a reservation for Christmas Eve? A: Yes. Christmas Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year on the Las Vegas Strip. We strongly recommend making a reservation in advance to secure your table on the patio or in our main dining room.

This Christmas Eve, skip the turkey and embrace the bounty of the sea. Whether you are observing tradition or simply love exceptional food, Mercato della Pescheria is your destination.

Book your table for an Italian seafood feast!