Brunch is the most relaxed way to celebrate in Toronto at Christmas, whether it’s a hotel buffet on Christmas Day, brunch with Santa for the kids or a lazy Boxing Day eggs Benedict. Here’s where to look.
Christmas Day brunch
Most restaurants close on December 25, but hotel restaurants and some upscale spots serve special Christmas Day brunches. In 2025, Nobu Toronto ran an all-you-can-eat holiday brunch. Book well ahead. Restaurants open on Christmas Day
Brunch with Santa
- Miracle on Harbourfront (Boxcar Social, 235 Queens Quay West) has expanded its Brunch with Santa for 2026, on select weekends from November 20. Christmas pop-up bars
- Ripley’s Aquarium, Hotel X and the Chelsea Hotel run breakfast-with-Santa events. Breakfast with Santa
Festive weekend brunch
- Drag brunch at Miracle on Bloor on Saturdays (19+), November 20 to December 28.
- Hotel brunches in December often add holiday menus, carollers and festive cocktails.
- Neighbourhood favourites in Leslieville, Ossington and Queen West add seasonal specials.
Boxing Day and New Year’s Day brunch
Boxing Day (Saturday, December 26) and New Year’s Day (Friday, January 1) are big brunch days. Many restaurants open, but book ahead or go early.
Where to find a great holiday brunch
Hotel buffets are the go-to choice on Christmas Day itself, with carving stations, seafood, pastries and festive desserts. Many downtown and Yorkville hotels host them; book early, as December 25 sells out.
Neighbourhood brunch spots in Leslieville, the Junction, Ossington and Queen West are perfect for the weekends of December and Boxing Day, when they reopen with festive specials like eggnog French toast or gingerbread pancakes.
Dim sum is a beloved holiday tradition for many Toronto families, especially on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, when Chinatown and suburban dim sum restaurants are often open and busy.
St. Lawrence Market is a classic Saturday brunch stop, famous for its peameal bacon sandwiches. St. Lawrence Market at Christmas
Host a Christmas brunch at home
If you’d rather stay in your pyjamas, try these easy, make-ahead ideas:
- An overnight breakfast casserole or strata.
- Cinnamon rolls from a local bakery, warmed in the oven.
- A bagel board with Montreal or Toronto-style bagels, smoked salmon and toppings.
- Fresh fruit salad with pomegranate seeds for colour.
- Hot chocolate or coffee bar with toppings.
Pick up treats from Toronto’s Christmas bakeries and place orders early.
Christmas brunch: FAQ
Are restaurants open for brunch on Christmas Day in Toronto? Some are, mostly hotel restaurants and a few independents. Book ahead.
What’s a good place for brunch on New Year’s Day? Many brunch spots and dim sum restaurants open on January 1. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Tips
- Reserve early for any holiday brunch.
- Check for set menus and minimum spends on Christmas Day.
