Even though we will stuff ourselves on Christmas Eve with limitless portions of turkey, roast and mashed potatoes, it doesn't mean we won't get hungry once the 25th rolls around. But instead of digging into those leftovers, consider stepping out on the town and letting someone else do the cooking. Plus, you're probably desperate to leave your apartment, now being occupied by family members all too excited to see you. Rally up some friends (they will probably thank you for interupting their "family time") and choose between Spanish, French and all-American flavors. 

The recently-opened Bar Basque is a hommage to futuristic restaurant design and modern Basque cuisine. The five-course menu ($75) is served family style with the option of adding a wine pairing ($125), all Spanish wines, of course. The Christmas Day menu begins with an octopus terrine with preserved lemon, followed by black truffle poached eggs. The soup course is a chicken and foie gras consommé. The roasted Berkshire pork chop served with braised red cabbage is perfectly paired with a Veratón Garnacha Campo de Borja. And for dessert, Frozen Gingerbread Spiced Mousse. Bar Basque 839 6th Avenue, New York, NY (646) 600-7150 

You won't be left feeilng hungry at A.O.C. Bistro. The generous portions of classic French fare is exactly what you need come Christmas Day. You can start the diet on January 1st. For now, indulge in a creamy wild mushroom soup and oysters Rockefeller. Choose between the turkey ballotine drenched in truffle gravy or the salmon en croute with tomato bérnaise sauce. The croustillant aux pommes is made with a hint of rosemary and topped off with green apple sorbet and caramel sauce. The Christmas menu is $45 a person. 
A.O.C. Bistro 259 5th Ave. Brooklyn, NY (718) 788-1515 

Entering the Aspen Social Club is like being transported to a cozy, yet modern, ski lodge. Chef Steven Giambrone prepares comfort food with Colorado flair. His $45 Christmas menu features winter classics. Start off with the duck confit with carmelized onions or the lighter frisée, pear and gorgonzola salad. Main dishes include a rack of lamb accompanied by a white bean ragout and a grilled whole rainbow trout. And keep the party going all the way to New Year's Eve. Gather up your posse and party the night away at Aspen Social Club. Aspen Social Club 157 West 47th Street New York, NY 10036 (212) 221-7200