Dining out on Dec. 25 doesn't have to be relegated to a helping of scattered, smothered and covered hashbrowns and "Jingle Bell Rock" on the jukebox at the corner Waffle House.

Several metro area restaurants are offering meals on Santa's big day. We've made a list, so no need to check it twice.

CHARLOTTE B. TEAGLE/AJC STAFF (ENLARGE)

Jennifer Keselowsky dances at the Moroccan mainstay Imperial Fez.

HOLIDAY GUIDE How not to be the jerk of the party  Northside's top stories in 2007  New Year's resolutions shrinking  A how-to for the perfect thank-you

– Jon Waterhouse

ATLANTIC STATION

Lobby at Twelve

While some folks will be digging through their stockings on Christmas morning, this sprawling eatery on the ground floor of Atlantic Station's Twelve hotel and residency kicks off with breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. Its Christmas buffet follows at 11 a.m. and runs all day and into the night, until 9 p.m. The staff will be slicing turkey, prime rib and ham at a carving station. Yuletide sides like spicy sausage and bread stuffing, whipped sweet potatoes and more help fill plate space. Pizzas, seafood and kiddie fare round out the selection. Grown-ups gorge for $44 a pop, and kids are $17 each. Who needs a Christmas tree with the restaurant's amazing view of the Atlanta skyline?

• 361 17th St., 404-961-7370, www.lobbyattwelve.com.

BUCKHEAD

Imperial Fez

It's business as usual on Christmas Day at this Moroccan mainstay. Forget the turkey and dressing. Guests will be eating couscous with their hands while belly dancers jingle their own bells in the dining room. Have a seat on a pile of pillows and choose between a five-course ($65) or three-course ($45) dinner. Lamb, cornish hen, an orange blossom almond dessert pastry, Moroccan hot mint tea and more are for the taking.

• 2285 Peachtree Road, 404-351-0870, www.imperialfez.com.

MIDTOWN

Nan

This swanky Thai joint offers another alternative to typical holiday fare. Instead of candy canes, grab a chicken satay and dip it in peanut sauce. A variety of curries are available as are chef specialties like Gaht Yang, barbecue lamb chops with a side of papaya and sticky rice. Although we're not exactly sure how Santa works his magic, it's no secret how the cooks at Nan do their thing. Diners watch as their dinners come to life in the open kitchen.

• 1350 Spring St., 404-870-9933, nanfinedining.com.

BUCKHEAD

Au Pied de Cochon

Au Pied de Cochon delivers French food 24 hours a day in the lobby of the InterContinental Buckhead hotel. The lavish chandeliers suspended from above have their own answer to Christmas ornaments with colorful blown glass fruit attached. French-inspired murals splash upon the walls and cozy romantic booths with their own curtains offer a private, romantic rendezvous. Eaters can take it light and less expensive with a bowl of traditional French onion soup or a hamburger, or shoot the moon with the Fruits of the Sea platters. The latter includes combinations of shrimp, crab, mussels, lobster and more.

• 3315 Peachtree Road, 404-946-9070, www.aupieddecochonatlanta.com.

DOWNTOWN

Sear

The new signature restaurant at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis has a fire theme, but don't expect roasting chestnuts on Christmas Day. Instead, the snazzy contemporary spot with the open kitchen serves breakfast until 2 p.m., a few light items from the lunch menu from 2-5:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30-10 p.m. Filet mignon, low country-style barbecue shrimp and grilled portobello 'shrooms are just a few of the dinner entrees. Guests can toast the holidays with one of the 140 varieties of wine Sear keeps in its vaults.

• 265 Peachtree Center Ave., 404-586-6134, www.searatlanta.com.