Where to Buy a Fresh Christmas Turkey in Toronto

A fresh, well-raised turkey is the centrepiece of Christmas dinner. Here’s where to buy one in Toronto, when to order and how much to get.

Where to buy

St. Lawrence Market butchers

The market’s butchers and poultry counters take Christmas orders for fresh turkeys (including free-range and heritage birds), plus hams, roasts and geese. It’s also the best one-stop shop for everything else on the table. St. Lawrence Market at Christmas

Neighbourhood butcher shops

Toronto’s independent butchers, such as Cumbrae’s and Sanagan’s Meat Locker in Kensington Market, source birds from Ontario farms and take pre-orders for Christmas. Order early; popular sizes sell out.

Grocery stores

Major grocery chains sell fresh and frozen turkeys in December, and many take pre-orders for fresh birds. Specialty grocers also offer brined and oven-ready options.

Farm-direct

Some Ontario farms sell turkeys directly, often with pick-up at farmers’ markets.

When to order

• Order by early December for a fresh turkey from a butcher.
• Pick up on December 22 or 23 to avoid the Christmas Eve rush, and remember most shops close early on December 24.
• Frozen turkeys need about one day in the fridge for every 2 kg to thaw.

How big?

Plan on about 0.5 to 0.75 kg (1 to 1.5 lb) per person for a whole turkey, more if you want leftovers.

Fresh or frozen?

Fresh turkeys have never been frozen, so they’re ready to cook once you pick them up. They’re usually ordered from a butcher or market for pick-up a day or two before Christmas. Many cooks feel they have better texture.

Frozen turkeys are widely available at grocery stores and often cost less, but they need plenty of time to thaw safely in the fridge, roughly a day for every 2 kg (about 5 lb). A large bird can take four or five days, so plan ahead.

Types of turkeys

• Conventional: the most common and affordable.
• Free-range or organic: raised with outdoor access or to organic standards, usually at a higher price.
• Heritage breeds: older breeds with richer, darker meat; order early, as supplies are limited.
• Kosher and halal turkeys: available from specialty butchers and grocers in many Toronto neighbourhoods.
• Turkey breasts or rolled roasts: ideal for small gatherings.

Turkey cooking tips

1. Take the bird out of the fridge about an hour before roasting.
2. Pat it dry and season generously.
3. Roast at a moderate temperature, basting or tenting with foil if the skin browns too quickly.
4. Use a meat thermometer: the thickest part of the thigh should reach a safe internal temperature (Health Canada recommends 82°C / 180°F for whole poultry).
5. Rest the turkey for at least 20 to 30 minutes before carving.
6. Save the bones for stock.

Alternatives to turkey

Not a turkey family? Toronto butchers also sell hams, prime rib, beef tenderloin, goose, duck and lamb for the holidays. Vegetarian mains like a mushroom wellington or nut roast are available from many caterers and bakeries.

Christmas turkey: FAQ

When should I order a fresh turkey in Toronto? By late November or early December for the best selection.

How much turkey per person? Plan for about 0.5 to 0.75 kg (1 to 1.5 lb) of whole turkey per person, more if you want leftovers.

Can I buy a cooked turkey dinner? Yes. See Christmas dinner takeout in Toronto.

Not cooking this year?

See Christmas dinner takeout and catering in Toronto or restaurants open on Christmas Day.

More: grocery store holiday hours · Christmas dining in Toronto