Want a Christmas feast without the cooking marathon? Toronto has plenty of ways to get a full holiday dinner to go, from grocery-store turkey dinners to restaurant meal kits and caterers.
Options
Grocery and specialty food stores
Many Toronto grocers and specialty food shops offer pre-cooked or oven-ready holiday dinners in December: roast turkey or ham with stuffing, gravy, vegetables and dessert, sized for small or large groups. Order online or in store, usually with a pick-up window around December 23 and 24.
Restaurant meal kits
Some restaurants sell heat-and-serve holiday meal kits, from classic turkey dinners to Italian feasts and global spreads. Watch your favourite restaurants’ social media in November.
Caterers
For bigger gatherings, caterers can deliver a full spread, sometimes with staff. Book in November for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Mix and match
Roast your own bird and buy the sides, or cook the sides and pick up a turkey or ham. St. Lawrence Market is great for prepared sides, cheese and dessert. St. Lawrence Market at Christmas
What’s usually included
A typical takeout Christmas dinner package includes:
- A main: roast turkey (whole or sliced), ham, prime rib, or a vegetarian main like a nut roast or wellington.
- Sides: mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce and gravy.
- Bread or rolls.
- Dessert: pumpkin or apple pie, Yule log or Christmas pudding.
Some packages serve two to four people; others feed 10 or more. Check portion sizes and reheating instructions before you order.
When to order
| Timeline | What to do |
|---|---|
| Early November | Look at menus from your favourite grocers, butchers and restaurants |
| Mid-November | Place orders for popular spots, which can sell out |
| Early December | Last call for many caterers |
| December 22 – 24 | Typical pick-up days |
Reheating tips
- Read the instructions that come with your meal, and give yourself extra time.
- Bring food to room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating, if the instructions allow.
- Cover meats with foil to keep them moist.
- Reheat gravy slowly on the stovetop.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure reheated poultry reaches a safe internal temperature.
Global holiday feasts to go
Toronto’s food scene means you’re not limited to turkey. Consider ordering:
- A Filipino lechon or party trays for Noche Buena.
- Italian seafood platters for the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
- Caribbean feasts with ham, jerk chicken and black cake.
- Chinese barbecue or roast duck from Chinatown.
- Middle Eastern or South Asian family platters.
Christmas dinner takeout: FAQ
Can I get a Christmas dinner delivered in Toronto? Some restaurants and caterers deliver; others offer pick-up only. Check when you order.
Are there vegetarian Christmas dinners to go? Yes. Many caterers and specialty shops offer vegetarian and vegan options.
More: buying a Christmas turkey in Toronto · Christmas dining in Toronto
Tips
- Order early: popular dinners sell out by mid-December.
- Check pick-up times; most are on December 23 or 24, and stores close early on Christmas Eve.
- Confirm reheating instructions and oven space.
- Ask about dietary options like vegetarian, gluten-free and halal.
More: where to buy a fresh turkey · restaurants open on Christmas Day · Christmas bakeries
1 Comment
Pingback: Christmas Eve Dinner in Toronto (2026)