Planning a merry meal in Toronto with kids this December? Here’s a handpicked guide to the city’s most welcoming spots for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day—brunches, buffets, and prix-fixe dinners that make parents’ lives easier and keep little tummies happy. Expect festive menus, flexible seating times, and plenty of holiday sparkle. 🎄
Key Takeaways for Travelers
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- Book early: Popular hotel restaurants and buffets sell out in early December.
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- Go for first seatings: Earlier times are quieter and more kid-friendly.
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- Buffets win with picky eaters: Wide choice and quick service mean fewer meltdowns.
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- Check holiday pricing and cancellation policies before you commit.
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- Transit > parking: Subways and streetcars are your friend near downtown venues.
Best Family-Friendly Holiday Dining (Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)
REIGN at the Fairmont Royal York
This landmark hotel goes all out with a three-course festive dinner on December 24–25 and a holiday brunch December 25–28—great food, elegant but relaxed vibe, and central location beside Union Station. Dinner is listed at $145 per person; brunch runs multiple days if you’re staggering celebrations.
Joni at Park Hyatt Toronto
For a calmer dining room and live piano, Joni offers a Holiday Brunch Buffet on December 24–26 and January 1 (10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.) plus a four-course Holiday Dinner December 24–26 (from 5:00 p.m.). Pricing at time of writing: $125 adults / $65 children for brunch; $145 for dinner. High on polish, low on stress.
Old Mill Toronto
A Toronto tradition in a storybook setting. The Christmas Buffet runs December 24–26 with carvery, seafood, and kid-approved desserts. Their buffet page notes festive pricing and child rates; families love the space and ambiance. 🎅 Chocolate fountain = instant win.
TOCA at The Ritz-Carlton
Two family-friendly options downtown: a Christmas Eve & Christmas Day brunch buffet (seatings midday; note premium pricing) and an Italian-inspired Christmas dinner on December 24–25. Expect live stations and a dessert “cave” that kids will remember.
bosk at Shangri‑La Toronto
Upscale but welcoming, with a Christmas Day à la carte brunch and a four‑course dinner on December 24–25 (listed at $145 per guest for dinner). If you’re celebrating at home, their Turkey‑To‑Go feeds a crowd.
360 Restaurant, CN Tower
For skyline wow‑factor, 360’s prix‑fixe format includes Observation Level access—fun for teens and grandparents alike. Minimum spend applies; reserve well ahead for holiday dates. If you’re in town earlier, the Tower hosts a Breakfast with Santa on December 6 and 13. 🎁
Mandarin Buffet (multiple locations)
Reliable, roomy, and holiday-friendly. Several Greater Toronto locations operate with holiday pricing on December 24–26; buffets are crowd-pleasers for kids and multi‑generational groups. Confirm the hours for your nearest branch and reserve by phone. 🍤
Dragon Pearl Buffet (North York)
This spacious buffet runs a Holiday Celebration from late November to early January and specifically notes service on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (think AYCE crab legs and plenty of kid faves).
Pearl Harbourfront & Chinatown Dim Sum
Dim sum is a beloved December 25 tradition in Toronto. Waterfront favorite Pearl Harbourfront lists daily hours from late morning, and Chinatown staple Rol San runs long hours—great for flexible family schedules. Always call ahead for holiday seating. 🥟
Budget‑Friendly Picks (great with kids)
Chelsea Hotel: Market Garden & Elm Street Bar & Lounge
Right by Yonge–Dundas, the Chelsea plans a Christmas buffet at Market Garden (recently advertised from $35) and an à la carte or special prix‑fixe holiday dinner at Elm Street Bar & Lounge. The hotel also runs kids’ cookie‑decorating and lobby Santa moments on select dates—easy add‑ons for families.
How to Choose the Right Spot
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- Buffet vs. prix-fixe: Buffets are faster and offer more choice; prix-fixe dinners feel special and paced.
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- Location matters: For strollers and winter gear, hotels near subway stations make exits smoother.
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- Noise level: Big rooms (buffets) absorb kid noise better than intimate dining rooms.
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- Accessibility: Ask for high chairs, booster seats, or space for a stroller when booking.
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- Allergies: Large hotel kitchens handle dietary notes well—flag them in your reservation.
Helpful Booking Tips
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- Lock in early seatings (around 5:00–6:00 p.m.) for calmer rooms and earlier bedtimes.
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- Confirm kids’ pricing and cancellation windows—special holiday menus often have stricter policies.
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- Pair with kid fun: If you’re in town earlier in December, consider Breakfast with Santa at the CN Tower before your festive meal plans.
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- Know stroller rules at attractions you might visit pre‑ or post‑meal (some holiday light trails restrict strollers).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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- Assuming every restaurant is open on December 25—many aren’t. Choose venues that explicitly list Christmas service.
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- Waiting for walk‑ins; holiday dining is reservation‑driven.
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- Skipping transit; parking by the big hotels and attractions can be limited.
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- Over‑scheduling; kids do better with a single anchor activity and one meal event.
Nearby/Alternative Ideas
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- Festive lights first, dinner after: Casa Loma’s Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights (select dates) pairs nicely with a hotel dinner downtown.
FAQs
Which family-friendly restaurants in Toronto are serving Christmas dinner on December 25, 2025?
Top options include REIGN at the Fairmont Royal York (festive dinner), Joni at Park Hyatt (holiday dinner), TOCA at The Ritz‑Carlton (brunch and dinner offerings), bosk at Shangri‑La (four‑course dinner), Old Mill Toronto (buffet), and large buffets like Mandarin and Dragon Pearl. Always reserve early.
Are there Christmas Day brunches in Toronto that work well for kids in 2025?
Yes—REIGN hosts festive brunch December 25–28, Joni offers a Holiday Brunch Buffet on December 24–26, and TOCA lists Christmas Eve/Day brunch buffet seatings. Buffets are great for variety and quicker service.
What’s a good budget option for a family meal on Christmas Eve or Day in Toronto?
The Chelsea Hotel’s Market Garden has promoted a lower‑priced Christmas buffet, and several Mandarin locations operate with holiday pricing on December 24–26. Book early and confirm hours.
Do any Toronto attractions offer festive kid experiences to pair with a holiday meal?
Earlier in December, the CN Tower runs a Breakfast with Santa. Casa Loma’s Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights also make a magical add‑on around your meal day.
Are big buffets open on December 25, 2025, in Toronto?
Dragon Pearl explicitly lists Christmas Eve and Day service during its Holiday Celebration, and Mandarin locations note holiday buffet pricing Dec 24–26 (check your local branch for hours).
Is the CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant a good choice for families on Christmas Day?
It’s memorable for teens and grandparents thanks to the rotating view and Observation Level access included with dining. Minimum spend applies; confirm availability for your exact date.
Where can we find a traditional turkey buffet in a classic setting?
Old Mill Toronto’s Christmas Buffet (December 24–26) is a long‑running local favorite with carving stations and lots of dessert options.
Conclusion
Toronto makes celebrating with kids delightfully easy—from grand hotel feasts to cozy buffets that welcome the whole crew. Pick your vibe, reserve your slot, and let the city’s chefs handle the cooking while you make the memories. Happy holidays and bon appétit! ❄️🍽️
