A holiday cooking or baking class is a fun night out, a great team activity and a thoughtful gift.
Popular holiday classes
- Christmas cookies and decorating
- Gingerbread houses
- Holiday dinner skills: roasting a turkey, gravy and sides. See buying a Christmas turkey.
- Traditional treats: Italian Christmas baking, tourtière, shortbread, panettone and more. See Italian Christmas in Toronto.
- Pasta and dumpling making: popular year-round and great for groups.
Where to look
- Cooking schools and kitchen stores across Toronto run seasonal classes.
- St. Lawrence Market has hosted cooking classes in its market kitchen.
- Evergreen Brick Works has offered holiday workshops at its winter market.
- Community centres and libraries offer low-cost options.
Types of holiday classes
Baking classes are the most popular in December: Christmas cookies, shortbread, butter tarts, yule logs, gingerbread and holiday breads. They’re relaxed, hands-on and you usually go home with a box of treats.
Holiday dinner classes teach the skills to host with confidence: roasting a turkey or a prime rib, making gravy from scratch, preparing sides ahead of time and plating a festive dessert.
Global holiday cooking explores traditions from around the world, such as Italian Christmas Eve seafood, Filipino Noche Buena dishes, Polish pierogi, or Indian sweets for festive gatherings.
Pasta, dumplings and sushi classes aren’t Christmas-specific but are hugely popular for group outings and date nights.
Kids’ and family classes focus on decorating cookies, gingerbread houses and simple holiday treats.
How classes work
Most classes run two to three hours. Some are demonstration-style, where you watch a chef and taste the results, while others are fully hands-on, where you cook at your own station or in small teams. Ingredients and equipment are usually included, and many classes end with a shared meal. Check whether wine or other drinks are included or available.
Group and corporate bookings
Cooking classes make excellent office holiday parties and team-building events. Many studios offer private bookings, custom menus and options for dietary needs. Book early, as December dates go quickly. See office Christmas party ideas.
What to bring
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes.
- Hair ties for long hair.
- A container to take leftovers home, if allowed.
- Allergy and dietary details, shared when you book.
Cost
Prices vary by venue, length and menu. Community centre and library programmes are the most affordable; private chef-led classes and wine-paired dinners cost more. A class for two makes a memorable experience gift. Experience gifts
Christmas cooking classes: FAQ
When should I book a December cooking class? In October or early November for weekend dates.
Are there kids’ baking classes in Toronto? Yes. Look for family and kids’ classes at cooking schools, community centres and libraries.
Can I take a class as a gift? Yes. Many schools sell gift cards or vouchers.
Give it as a gift
A gift certificate for a class makes a great experience gift.
Tips
- Book in November; December classes sell out.
- Ask about allergies and dietary options when booking.
