Dinner Before A Christmas Carol at the Paramount: Family Friendly Dining in Downtown Aurora

A Christmas Carol opens at the Paramount Theatre in Downtown Aurora on November 11, 2026 and runs through January 3, 2027. Giardino Trattoria & Pizzeria is at 12 N. River Street, a short walk from the theater at 23 E. Galena Boulevard, which makes it a practical choice for dinner before the show.

Pre-Theater Dinner Near the Paramount Theatre in Downtown Aurora

Giardino is a Neapolitan pizzeria and Italian trattoria in the historic Hobbs Building on River Street. The menu includes Neapolitan pizza, house made pasta, salads, soups, entrees, cocktails, and wine.

Reservations are open at eatatgiardino.com/reservations. For a pre-theater dinner, we suggest a table that starts at least 90 minutes before curtain. Performance times vary by date, so check the Paramount Theatre's schedule, then mention your curtain time when you reserve.

Family Friendly Dining Before A Christmas Carol

Ticket listings for A Christmas Carol show an all ages recommendation, and many families plan a dinner around the show. Giardino welcomes families, and the menu is easy to share. Neapolitan pizza works for the whole table, with pasta, salads, and soup added alongside it.

Giardino has also hosted kids events, including Build Your Own Pizza nights for kids 12 and under, and posts upcoming family events on this blog and on social media.

Weekend matinees and the weeks closest to Christmas are busy times downtown, so families should reserve ahead. Plan to be seated early enough to order, eat, and walk to the theater before curtain.

November Specials at Giardino

These specials are on the menu through November 30, which covers the opening weeks of the show.

Veal Involtini

Veal rolls stuffed with portobello mushrooms and provolone cheese, served with mashed potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and a demi-glace reduction sauce.

Pear Salad

Roasted pear, caramelized walnuts, grapes, and Gorgonzola cheese over spring mix, with balsamic dressing.

Italian Wedding Soup

Meatballs and spinach in chicken broth with celery, carrots, onion, and acini di pepe.

Autumn Nightcap

The November cocktail special is the Autumn Nightcap, made with Licor 43, Banane du Brésil, Bumbu XO, and espresso.

Specials change each month. See the current menu at eatatgiardino.com.

Marley's Chains: Our Cocktail for A Christmas Carol

Jacob Marley is the first ghost to visit Scrooge in Dickens' story, and he arrives wearing a heavy chain. Our cocktail for the run of the show takes his name.

Marley's Chains is made with Basil Hayden Toast bourbon, cacao, Averna, lemon, and house made gingerbread syrup. Averna is a Sicilian amaro, which ties the drink to Giardino's Italian menu.

Marley's Chains is available for the run of A Christmas Carol, November 11, 2026 through January 3, 2027, and is served to guests 21 and over. Order it with dinner before the show.

Weeknight Shows: Happy Hour at Giardino

For Tuesday through Thursday performances, Giardino's Happy Hour includes half off select appetizers, plus cocktail specials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I eat before A Christmas Carol at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora?

Giardino Trattoria & Pizzeria is at 12 N. River Street in Downtown Aurora, a short walk from the Paramount Theatre. Reserve a table at eatatgiardino.com.

When does A Christmas Carol run at the Paramount Theatre?

Performances run November 11, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Check the Paramount Theatre's website for showtimes and tickets.

How early should I reserve dinner before the show?

We suggest a reservation that starts at least 90-120 minutes before curtain. Mention your curtain time when you book and to your server.

Is Giardino family friendly?

Yes. Giardino welcomes families and serves Neapolitan pizza, pasta, salads, and soup as well as a full kids menu.

What is in Marley's Chains?

Basil Hayden Toast bourbon, cacao, Averna, lemon, and house made gingerbread syrup.

Reserve Your Table Before A Christmas Carol

Book dinner before the show at eatatgiardino.com/reservations. Giardino Trattoria & Pizzeria, 12 N. River St., Downtown Aurora.