Here’s a look at Christmas Toronto 2023 featuring special offerings by restaurants and local businesses.
Christmas Eve is Sunday, December 24 and Christmas Day is Monday, December 25.
Please reach out to me [email protected] if you are a restaurant/business that wants to be featured. Provide all the details of your holiday offering in your message. For faster processing, please provide a ready to copy and paste excerpt in paragraph form in a similar format to the restaurants featured below.
Christmas Toronto 2023: Dinner, Turkey to Go, Restaurants
This list is not exhaustive and is updated as information becomes available. I try to feature as much as I can but certainly this is not all that is out there. If your favorite restaurant is not on the list, contact them to see what they are offering.
REIGN
REIGN is offering a Christmas Day brunch on December 25, offering everything from traditional breakfast hot and cold buffet items, seafood table, made-to-order eggs, roast turkey and hot turkey sandwiches, Canadian AAA striploin, maple-glazed salmon and more. Reservations are available from 12 pm to 1:30 pm. Priced at $99 per person.
They are also serving a 3-course dinner for Christmas Day on December 25. Reservations are available from 5 pm to 9:30 pm. Priced at $99 per person.
12Tables
12Tables (North York) is offering a $99 three-course menu for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Fairmont Royal York
For over 94 years, Fairmont Royal York has created iconic holiday traditions as the city’s Home for the Holidays. Discover the magic of the holiday season as The Thirsty Elf pop-up bar and our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony returns, featuring a surprise musical guest performance in the grand hotel’s lobby at 5pm on November 22. Indulge in an elevated dining experience from Executive Restaurant Chef Roland Torok-Ducharme with Christmas & New Year’s prix fixe selections at REIGN Restaurant, the city’s dining room. Indulge in the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea with a decadent serving of Holiday themed savoury sandwiches, and a range of delectable pastries – an experience amidst the rosy glow of the Clockwork Champagne & Cocktails. Immerse yourself in a new chapter as we toast to the New Year in Library Bar, the city’s coveted cocktail den, and enjoy timeless classics like the Birdbath Martini or discover new masterpieces like The Curator and King of Dreams.
CLOCKWORK Holiday Tea: Rediscover the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea under the rosy glow of the clock. Delight in our stunning lobby bar for a special feature of Holiday themed confectionaries, delicate pastries, and a fragrant selection of Fairmont Lot 35 teas.
Savoury: Smoked Turkey Croissant, gruyere cheese, black grainy mustard, cranberry sauce; Sausage Roll, spiced pork, onion and sage jam, preserved apple; Beef Tourtiere, warm spices, preserved tomato; Chicken and Foie Gras Parfait, preserved cranberry, chocolate, basil, brioche soldiers; Cucumber on Rye, juniper, lime, basil, whipped fromage; Coronation Chicken, spiced mango, curried aioli, smoked chicken, apricot chutney, herbs, brioche roll
Sweet: Vanilla Panna Cotta, pistachio crumble and citrus orange; Chocolate Reindeer, truffle mousse and fudge cake; Mont Blanc, chestnut cream, dehydrated meringue; Hazelnut Tart, milk chocolate ganache, candied hazelnuts; Snow Religieuse, peppermint cream and cream cheese
Dates: November 18th – December 31st
Noon – 4:00 pm, Saturday
Noon – 5:00 pm, Sunday
Cost: $94 per person
THE THIRSTY ELF: Christmas sweaters, kitschy décor and cheerful, festive cocktails – what more does one need to get into the spirit of the Festive Season! We’re making spirits bright this season at Toronto’s favourite annual holiday-themed pop-up, The Thirsty Elf.
Opening Night: Wednesday, November 22
Dates: November 22nd to December 22nd, Thursday through Saturday
Time: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Menu: available here
Walk-ins only. Must be 19+. 1 hour seating time.
REIGN Holiday Lunch Buffet: Gather your peers and loved ones to indulge in an extravagant feast. Our decadent buffet is served in a luxurious and refined atmosphere, creating a memorable festive experience.
Cold Items: Squash & Farro Salad, sautéed kale, artichoke hearts, parsley, pickled pearl onions, balsamic vinaigrette; Roasted Beetroot Salad, orange, Lindsay goat’s cheddar, puffed quinoa, citrus vinaigrette; Arugula Waldorf Salad, mighty harvest greens, green apple, pickled celery, dried cranberries, yoghurt dressing, pecans; Smoked Atlantic Salmon, capers, lemon, pickled red onions
Hot Items: Roast Turkey, slow cooked turkey breast & thigh, turkey gravy; Maple & Mustard Salmon, black tobiko, parsley, lemon; Squash Gnocchi, vegan gnocchi, roasted squash & mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, chives
Dessert: Mince Pie, Yuzu Snowman, Manjari Truffle Cake, Christmas Linzer, White Chocolate Walnut Brownies, Oreo Cheesecake, Strawberry Panna Cotta, Traditional Christmas Log Cake (vanilla or chocolate)
Dates: November 29th to December 15th, Monday – Friday
Time: Noon – 2:00 PM
Cost: $69 per person
REIGN Christmas Day Brunch Buffet: Join them on Christmas Day for a festive brunch buffet in the city’s dining room. Featuring a made-to-order menu and a deluxe buffet presentation by Executive Restaurant Chef Roland Torok-Ducharme and his team, that includes an array of fresh fruit, pastries, charcuterie, roasted striploin, maple and mustard glazed salmon, with an impressive dessert table.
Dates: December 25th
Time: Noon – 2:00 PM
Cost: $89 per person
REIGN Christmas Dinner: Savour the flavours of Christmas with a holiday inspired 3-course prix fixe menu. Prepared by Executive Restaurant Chef Roland Torok-Ducharme and his team, featuring seasonal ingredients such as Leek & Potato Soup, to our REIGN Turkey Dinner and Seared Cauliflower Steak.
Dates: December 24th, 25th & 26th
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: $99 per person
Festive-to-Go: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones. Executive Chef Paul Shewchuk and the culinary team have prepared your entire holiday meal with all of the trimmings. Conveniently pick-up at the hotel, warm and serve! $5 from each order will be donated to Make-A-Wish® Canada. Order by December 1st with code EARLY20 at online check-out and enjoy $20 off your order.
Order by noon, 12:00 PM, on Thursday, December 21 (or while quantities last)
Pick-up Dates: December 24th & 25th
Pick-up Times: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pre-order: OpenTable
Cost: Starting at $300
The Cottage Cheese
The Cottage Cheese is offering the following from Dec 22 – 24 and priced at $58 per person:
TOCA – The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
TOCA is offering a Christmas Brunch buffet on December 24 and 25. Featuring a seafood bar, live action stations, dessert cave and more. Reservations are available at 12 pm and 2:30 pm. Priced at $185 per adult and $70 per child 12 and under.
They are also offering a Holiday brunch buffet from November 26 to December 17, featuring a seafood bar, live action stations, dessert cave and more. Reservations are available at 12 pm. Priced at $150 per adult and $70 per child 12 and under.
TOCA also has Christmas Turkey to-go packages for preorder. Packages for 4 people are priced at $398 and packages for 6-8 people are priced at $598. Pre-order deadline is December 20 at 12 pm (noon). Pickup is available on December 24 and 25 from 2 pm to 5 pm.
EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace – The Ritz-Carlton Toronto
EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace is hosting their Festive Afternoon Tea on December 24 from 11 am to 3:30 pm, December 25 and 26 from 2 pm to 3 pm. Priced at $80 per person, and $40 per child.
Old Mill Toronto
Old Mill is offering their traditional Christmas Brunch or Dinner Buffet on Dec 24, 25 and 26. Reservations are available from 10:30 am to 8 pm. Priced at $75 per adult, $30 for children 4-11, and free for children 3 and under.
Café Boulud
- Available every Saturday and Sunday in December from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, Saturday, December 2 – Sunday, December 17
- Three-course Festive Brunch $90
Holiday Brunch
- Available Saturday, December 23 to Tuesday, December 26 and Monday, January 1 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Brunch fixed menu CAD 130
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Café Boulud
- Available for dinner service on Sunday, December 24 and Monday, December 25 from 5:30 to 10:00 pm
- Three-course prix fixe Christmas Menu $145 per person
d|bar by Chef Daniel Boulud
- Available every Saturday and Sunday, December 2-17 and January 6-7, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm and daily from December 23 to 31 from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
- Festive Afternoon Tea $105 per person
d|bar Festive Fondue Board
- Available Saturday, December 23 to Tuesday, December 26, from 4:00 to 10:30 pm
- Minimum two guests
- Traditional Fondue Board $75
- Yorkville Fondue Board $120
Quest Restaurant & Bar
Quest Restaurant & Bar (Mississauga) is offering a brunch and a dinner buffet on December 25. Reservations are available from 11:30 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 8 pm. Priced at $55 for adults, $21 for children 6-11, and free for kids 5 and under.
Minami Restaurant
Minami Restaurant is offering a holiday tasting menu for all of December, except for Christmas Day December 25. Reservations are available from 4 pm to 9:30 pm.
The appetizer trio boasts Atlantic salmon crudo with yukke and goma ae sauces, Aburi maguro crudo with wasabi masatake, and Aburi Oyster with Miku sauce. The sushi selection includes Minami roll, Aburi salmon oshi, Aburi ebi oshi, Aburi hamachi oshi, and chef-selected Aburi nigiri. The main course stars beef tenderloin, seared foie gras, garlic mushrooms, charred carrot, and shichimi garlic butter. Finish with a Dark Chocolate Almond Cake paired with silken tofu dark chocolate cream, mango passionfruit curd, sorbet, and genmai tea cacao nib tuile.
Barrel House Korchma
Barrel House Korchma is hosting a traditional twelve-dish Ukrainian Christmas Eve dinner on December 24, called Sviata Vecheria (Holy Supper). Dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Christmas caroling. Following the tradition, no meat (except fish) and dairy are added to the dishes. We will be serving Kutia, Borsch, Pickled herring, Beet vinaigrette salad, Marinated mushrooms, Mushroom gravy, Varenyky with potatoes, Varenyky with cabbage, Fried Fish, Sauerkraut, and Uzvar. Tickets are $85 per adult, $65 for children. Pre-orders for takeout boxes are also available.
Fairmont Royal York
Toronto’s favorite holiday-themed pop-up bar is returning this year to Fairmont Royal York. Located on the Mezzanine Level, “The Thirsty Elf” officially opens the night before Thanksgiving and will keep the drinks flowing until December 22. Offering a thoughtfully curated holiday-themed menu of festive cocktails (such as “The Naughty List” featuring Crown Royal, Benediction, Apple Cider, Spider Maple, Orange and Whipped Cream), the twinkling pop-up bar features kitschy and cheery décor and is guaranteed to make your spirits shine bright.
Joni Restaurant
Joni Restaurant is offering a holiday afternoon tea on Christmas Eve on December 24. Reservations are available from 11 am to 3:30 pm. Choices include:
- Pastry at the park – a selection of sweets from Joni pastry kitchen, paired with an artisanal selection from Sloane Tea $128 for two
- Tea at the park – a progressive assortment of sweets and savory bites, perfectly paired with two sommelier-selected creations from Sloane Tea $188 for two
- Indulgence at the park – a skillfully crafted tea experience, featuring sweets & indulgent savory bites, two Sloane Teas, and two glasses of Dom Perignon $588 for two
They are also offering a 3-course prix-fixe brunch menu on December 23, 24, 25, and 26. Reservations are available from 11 am to 2:30 pm. Priced at $95 per person.
Joni is also offering a 4-course prix-fixe dinner menu on December 23, 24, 25, and 26. Reservations are available from 5 pm to 9:30 pm.
CLOCKWORK
CLOCKWORK is offering a Saturday holiday tea till December 30. Celebrate your festive moments with our timeless afternoon tea under the rosy glow of the clock. Enjoy housemade buttery scones, savory sandwiches, and delectable pastries while you sip on Fairmont-curated quality teas.
LOUIX LOUIS
LOUIX LOUIS is hosting their Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Priced at $175 per person. Dine on an array of seasonally inspired dishes with an elevated twist. Awaken your palette with an amuse bouche before your next course, choosing from decadent offerings like wagyu carpaccio with truffle, or poached pear & gorgonzola. For your main course, treat yourself to choices like Canadian lobster with squid ink pasta, AAA tenderloin and wagyu short rib, or the vegetarian delight of mushroom pithivier. Finish your holiday feast with dessert, like the bûche de noël, or the renowned King’s Cake with a rich chocolate ganache.
Oyster Boy
Oyster Boy is offering seafood for pick up for Christmas Eve on December 24. Offerings include Seafood Towers, Lobster Boil Dinners and Caviar Platters, Cold Seafood and Sides a la carte, wines, pre shucked oyster platters are available as well as unshucked oysters.
Shizuku
Shizuku is celebrating holidays with a special menu on December 25 and 26. This menu includes 21 varieties of appetizers, sashimi, nigiri, soup and dessert. Priced at $250 per person with a reservation deposit of $100 per person.
12 Tables
12 Tables is serving a 3-course set menu on December 25. Priced at $99 per person.
Gatsby by Windsor Arms
Gatsby by Windsor Arms is hosting a Christmas Eve dinner buffet on December 24. Priced at $115 for adults and $55 for children 10 and under.
They are also serving a Christmas Day buffet on December 25. Priced at $125 for adults and $65 for children 10 and under.
Hemingway’s
Hemingway’s is open for service for Christmas Day. Enjoy brunch, lunch or their famous Christmas Turkey Dinner.
- Brunch: 11 AM – 3 PM
- Lunch/Dinner: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Turkey Dinner with all the fixin’s and a slice of pumpkin pie for dessert for $23: 11 AM – 11 PM
Fox on John
Fox on John is celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a fresh Turkey Dinner with a slice of freshly baked pie for $25. Turkey dinner includes fresh house-roasted Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, garlic mash, caramelized carrots with a slice of pie.
Essence of Unionville
Essence of Unionville is offering a Mistletoe lunch buffet on December 7, 8 and 13-15. Priced at $52 for adults and $26 for children 5-10.
They are also offering their Festive Season Afternoon Tea on December 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, and 24. Priced at $55 for adults and $24 for children 5-10.
They are serving a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner buffet. Items include Christmas turkey with all the holiday trimmings, a magnificent array of international cuisines, oyster bar, succulent beef carving station, the freshest seafood dishes and an amazing selection of delightful desserts to complete the festive menu. Priced at $89 per person.
The same menu is also available for Christmas Day brunch.
Auberge du Pommier
Auberge du Pommier is serving their holiday lunch on December 10, 17, and 24. Reservations are available from 11:30 am to 2 pm. Priced at $125 per person. The prix-fixe menu includes elevated takes on cold-weather favourites. From the rich flavours of Lobster Bisque, to handmade Ravioli à la Ricotta and an elegant take on Canard à l’Orange.
Drake Hotel
Drake Hotel is offering their Holiday Edition of High Tea + High Tops on December 10, 17, and 24. Priced at $55 per person. It is a festive feast of sweet and savoury delights by Chef Taylor McMeekin in collaboration with Foodpreneur Labs, teapot cocktails, and bottomless mimosas while you sing along to Double The Treble’s holiday sounds. For that extra cheer, enjoy a complimentary toast of bubbles and a smile photobooth coupon.
The Toronto Beach Club
The Toronto Beach Club is hosting their Santa’s Sunday Brunch on December 3, 10, 17 and 24. Reservations are available from 11 am to 4 pm. Priced at $75 per person. Bring a new, unopened toy donation and get a complimentary photo with Santa (normally $15.00 per child)
bosk at Shangri-La Toronto
bosk at Shangri-La Toronto is hosting their Holiday dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Reservations are available from 5 pm to 9:30 pm. Priced at $125 per person. Their features imaginative takes on classic dishes like a traditional yule log with spruce and cherries.
Holts Café Bloor
Holts Café Bloor is hosting their holiday afternoon tea on Saturdays and Sundays in December. Reservations are available from 11 am to 4 pm. Priced at $65 per person.
Staycation / Getaway Deals
Fairmont Royal York
Experience holiday magic at Toronto’s two iconic festive destinations! The Distillery Winter Village Package is available until January 7th, 2024. Discover @distilleryto shops and restaurants as you wander the cobblestone streets under the glimmering lights, then retreat to a luxurious overnight stay with breakfast in REIGN.
Offer Inclusions:
- Two (2) Express Entry Tickets with skip-the-line access per stay to The Distillery Winter Village (only required Friday to Sundays starting at 4:00 pm).
- Two (2) Hot Chocolate Vouchers per stay (to be redeemed at The Distillery Winter Village)
- Breakfast for Two (2) in REIGN Restaurant or In-room dining, daily
- Complimentary WiFi
A 1-night, non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking and package must be booked at least 1 day in advance of stay.
Booking Details: Visit fairmont.com/toronto-royal-york
Booking Dates: October 25th, 2023 to January 6th, 2024
Stay Dates: Begins November 15th, 2023 to January 7th, 2024
Things to Do
Fairmont Royal York
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony: Celebrating 94 years of holiday magic at Toronto’s landmark hotel! Spread holiday cheer with your loved ones at our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Make-A-Wish® Canada and festive window reveal, with a surprise musical guest performance.
Date: November 22nd
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Main Lobby, Fairmont Royal York
Notes: Open to the public
Gingerbread Way: Last year, Chef Andrew Wilson and his team constructed a laneway lined with gingerbread in the East Lobby with over 8500 freshly baked gingerbread bricks, real icing and twelve kinds of candy. This year our Gingerbread Way returns and will be revealed November 22.
DIY Christmas Toronto 2023 Meal Ideas
Whole Foods
Whole Foods offers a variety of Christmas Feasts, Prime Rib Dinners, Beef Wellington Dinners, sides, sauces and more. You will need to select for the specific location to find out the offerings.
Holiday entertaining tips
Here are some tips on holiday entertaining including charcuterie board tips, how to cook the perfect turkey like a Chef, and virtual holiday party ideas.
Captions about Family
Looking for captions about family for your social media post? Check out my post on 105+ creative and original captions for family pictures.
Check back later as more offerings are added.