Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24, 2026) is one of the most festive nights to eat out in Toronto, and many restaurants mark it with special set menus. Here’s what to look for and how to book.
Types of Christmas Eve dinners
Hotel holiday feasts
Toronto’s grand hotels put on Christmas Eve dinners and buffets in their restaurants, often with live music and festive décor. A safe choice for a traditional turkey or prime rib dinner. Best hotels for Christmas
Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes
Italian restaurants across the city and in Woodbridge serve seafood-focused Vigilia menus on or before Christmas Eve. Italian Christmas in Toronto
Festive set menus
Many fine-dining and neighbourhood restaurants offer one-night tasting menus with seasonal dishes. Expect fixed prices and limited seatings.
Early dinners before a service or show
If you’re heading to midnight mass, a candlelight service or The Nutcracker (which runs through December 31), book an early seating nearby. Christmas services · The Nutcracker
Christmas Eve dinner traditions in Toronto
Toronto’s diversity shows on Christmas Eve, when many families follow the traditions of their heritage:
- Italian families gather for the Feast of the Seven Fishes, with dishes like baccalà, fried calamari and seafood pasta.
- Polish families share Wigilia, a meatless supper that begins when the first star appears, with pierogi, barszcz and carp.
- Ukrainian families celebrating on December 24 or January 6 share Sviata Vechera, the twelve-dish Holy Supper.
- Filipino families gather for Noche Buena after the final Simbang Gabi Mass, with ham, queso de bola and sweets.
- French Canadian families may enjoy a réveillon feast after midnight Mass, with tourtière.
- Many Latin American families celebrate Nochebuena with a big late-night meal.
Christmas Eve dinner at home
Not eating out? Order a Christmas Eve feast from a caterer, bakery or specialty grocer, or cook a simple seafood dinner. Visit St. Lawrence Market or your local fishmonger early in the week for the best selection, as seafood counters get very busy on December 23 and 24. See Christmas dinner takeout and St. Lawrence Market at Christmas.
After dinner
Walk off your meal with a stroll through the lights, attend a late Christmas Eve service or midnight Mass, or head home to watch a classic Christmas movie. See Christmas Eve in Toronto and Christmas church services.
Christmas Eve dinner: FAQ
Are restaurants open on Christmas Eve in Toronto? Many are, often with special set menus and earlier closing times. Book ahead.
When should I book Christmas Eve dinner? By mid-November for popular restaurants and larger groups.
Booking tips
- Book by early December; Christmas Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year.
- Ask about deposits and cancellation policies for set menus.
- Check closing times; some restaurants close early on Christmas Eve so staff can be home with family.
- Plan transit home; service runs, but evening frequency can be lighter. TTC holiday schedule
More: Christmas Eve in Toronto · restaurants open on Christmas Day · Christmas dining in Toronto
