Where to Get Take Out Christmas Dinner in Ottawa

Farm Boy

This has been one of our go-tos for take out Christmas dinner in Ottawa for the last several holidays. Order online now and pick up December 22nd, 23rd, or 24th. The meal comes with the option of turkey or ham, and all meals come with potatoes, stuffing, carrotss and Brussels sprouts (don’t knock them! Farm Boy does GREAT Brussels sprouts!) With excellent packing and heating directions you can rest easy Christmas Day and throw everything in the oven to prepare to serve. This meal feeds 6-8 people. Serving extras? When you pick up your meal head to the prepared meal section and grab some extra sides that are ready to go!

Rutherfords Burger & BBQ

Head over to Wakefield for an amazing holiday dinner option that includes smoked chicken, savoury herbed stuffing, maple mustard glazed ham, house made sausages, scalloped potatoes, brown butter roasted vegetables, pecan praline sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy and yummy dessert.  Reheat for an hour and you have a delicious meal on your table that everybody will love. An all time family favourite this is a go to for any holiday and….well….any day!

Whole Foods

Head to Whole Foods and choose from a large variety of holiday meal options including vegetarian and vegan options.  Choose from a variety of meal sizes from 2 people to 12 and enjoy a holiday meal that fits your families tastes and meal desires. There are also a variety of holiday appetizers and a la carte entrees which are great to have on hand for when guests pop in or you want an easy meal after the holidays.

Chances R

ChancesR has turkey takeout options for one, two, four, or six people at a great price point and you can also add on other items for some yummy appetizers or to round out your holiday dinner. Enjoy chefs salad, roast turkey, seasonal vegetables, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries and of course gravy! Follow it all up with your choice of cream pie or skor cheesecake.

Next

Michael Blackie, world renowned chef, is cooking up a holiday meal that is price savvy AND delicious! A 4-course plated dinner that is delivered right to your home and easy to reheat/plate? WIN! Your dinner crowd will be pleased from first bite all the way until the yummy pineapple and sweet potato pudding.

Meatings

With a great Christmas Dinner Feast and lots of add on options Meatings is a crowd pleaser! Smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted root vegetables, gravy, and of course cranberry sauce can all be yours if you order by December 19th! Ready for pick up on December 23rd and 24th. Ps- consider ordering their Mac and Cheese as an addition…you won’t be disappointed

Bytown Catering

A fully loaded take out Christmas dinner in Ottawa that’s made from scratch with all the fixings for a great price? Bytown Catering has you covered with a large slow roasted turkey, chefs meat pie, traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted honey glazed root vegetables, field green salad with roasted apples and butternut squash, antipasto appetizer, fresh rolls and a chocolate Christmas log. With lots of extras to add on should you wish this is one of the most versatile holiday take out dinners in Ottawa.  Order now to reserve your dinner.

Swiss Chalet

Don’t knock it….the Swiss Chalet Festive Special is a holiday favourite of many Canadian families and if you haven’t grabbed one before you are missing out! Whether it’s for your holiday dinner or for a fun and easy family night around the holidays Swiss Chalet has you covered. Hot right to your door enjoy a quarter chicken, stuffing, your choice of side (fries, mashed potatoes, baked potato, salad and more!), bun, and of course Swiss Chalet sauce!

Here’s to savouring the special moments surrounded by family and not in the kitchen prepping, cooking and cleaning up!

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While not quite as many restaurants are offering Christmas dinners to-go as in years past (but Lakeview’s famed deep-fried turkey is BACK), there’s still a nice selection of spots where you order your meal.

Below, we round up some Toronto-based caterers and restaurants that are serving up multi-course Christmas dinners to-go. While turkey is the star of most of these meals, we’ve made sure to feature a few other main course options, as well as try to provide options for a variety of price points and crowd sizes.

Where to Order Take Out Christmas Dinner in Toronto

Corbin Catering & Foods

1670 Kingston Rd., Toronto

Customers return year after year to snap up Corbin Catering & Foods’ delicious takeout turkey dinner. For $60 a person (minimum two-person order), you get slow roasted turkey breast and thigh, mixed herb roasted potatoes, holiday vegetable medly, spiced cranberry sauce, and more, including a flourless chocolate cake for dessert. Want something other than turkey? Corbin cooks up a couple of other options, including a braised beef short rib or baked ham dinner. Enjoy delivery or convenient pick-up from December 21st to 24th with Christmas Eve orders ready by noon.

Farm Boy

Various Locations

While most of the big grocery store brands now offer some version of a pre-made Christmas turkey dinner, the consensus from local Facebook parenting groups is that Farm Boy offers the superior grocery store meal. For $199.99, enjoy either a roast turkey or glazed ham and an assortment of sides including cranberry apple sausage stuffing, chive mashed potatoes and roasted shredded Brussel sprouts. Either protein option will feed six to eight people. and will take around two hours to reheat. Order online or in-store by Tuesday, December 16 for pickup Tuesday December 23 or Wednesday December 24, follow the heating instructions, and enjoy!

L-Eat Catering’s The Great Gobbler

3829 Bathurst St., Toronto

Here’s a great option for big family gatherings where the guests want to bring sides, but no one is brave enough to do the turkey. The Great Gobbler has various packages that will feed anywhere from 8 (for $160) to 30 (for $405) people with a whole turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce. There are also options for a package that comes with your choice of four classic sides, as well as salad, soup, and dessert add-ons. Basically, there’s something for every turkey-loving family here. The Great Gobbler offers complete turkey dinners year-round in the Toronto area. They require 72 hours notice, and they frequently sell out.

The Lakeview Diner

1132 Dundas St. W, Toronto

On The Lakeview‘s Instagram, the famed deep-fried turkey dinner was in-house for Thanksgiving. And it looks like they’ll be making a Christmas announcement very soon! Past specials fed 6-8 hungry friends with a whole deep-fried turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, cranberry sauce, and lots and lots of turkey gravy for $175. Email Hello@thelakeviewdiner.com to conform Christmas dinner service and to reserve yours.

Louix Louis

St. Regis Hotel, 325 Bay St., Toronto

Looking to splash out on Christmas dinner? Then you have to check out Louix Louis’ Festive Feasts. For $455 you get a whole roasted local organic turkey (15lbs), roasted Brussels sprouts with double smoked bacon, buttermilk and parmesan mashed potatoes, maple caramelized heirloom carrot, hazelnut crumble, roasted acorn squash, rosemary focaccia stuffing, cranberry sauce, and turkey gravy, along with apple crumble and vanilla ice cream. Enjoy add-ons lobster mac and cheese, vegetable lasagne, and chef salad. This feast is perfect for 4-6 people and is available for pick up on December 24th and 25th. Order asap! There’s also a dry aged prime rib roast to go feast. YUM.

McEwan Catering

38 Karl Fraser Rd., Toronto

Looking for selection? Then you need to check out what well-known McEwan Catering has on offer. Go for the classic Cooked Turkey dinner, which starts at $345 for eight to 10 people and comes with roasted root vegetables, spring mix salad, freshly baked bread, homemade stuffing and more. Or change things up and opt for one of the many other holiday dinner packages that are built around such proteins as salmon, maple glazed ham, and lamb. You can also easily add on supplementary products from McEwan’s extensive pantry. Whatever you select, make sure to place your order at least 72 hours prior to when you want to pick it up. You can also opt to cross one more thing off your to-do list and have your meal delivered.

Mr. Good Meats

If you’re after that classic turkey dinner, Mr. Good Meats has what you need. Its Deluxe Christmas Dinner costs $369.99, feeds at least 10 people and features carved white and dark slow-roasted turkey meat over traditional sage stuffing, whipped Yukon gold potatoes, a winter greens salad and more. The bundle even includes an assortment of “festive tarts and squares.” Not into poultry? That’s fine; swap the turkey for a slow-cooked AAA roast beef with traditional au jus. Mr. Good Meets also other, non-holiday specific options, if that works better for your family. No pickup option is available; instead, Mr. Good Meats will deliver your meal to your door.

The Old Mill

9 Old Mill Rd., Toronto

While the Old Mill is best known for its tasty brunches and buffets, its festive take-home menu is also packed with flavour. Turkey, ham, or prime rib roast packages are available and are accompanied by a ton of sides including roasted tomato bisque, herb focaccia stuffing and your choice of a bouche de Noël or eggnog cheesecake. All packages feed four to six people and pricing starts at $420. An appetizer platter is also available, to help take your Christmas feast up a notch. Last call for orders is Sunday December 21 at 1pm.

Reign

Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front St. W

Here’s another decadent option from one of Toronto’s leading hotels. From the acclaimed Reign at the Fairmont Royal York, choose from either a cider and thyme-brined Ontario free-range turkey or a royal honey and grainy mustard glazed leg of ham. Each protein is accompanied by a cornucopia of sides including butternut squash and sweet potato bisque, brioche popover rolls, maple glazed vegetables, and even a choice of pumpkin or apple pie. Each meal is designed to serve either four or eight people, with pricing starting at $350. You can also easily add on additional menu items. Order before noon on December 19 for pick-up December 24 or 25 between 10am and 4pm.

Smokin Bones Barbecue & Catering

707 Dundas W St., Toronto

Expecting a big crowd? Then Smokin Bones’ assorted holiday dinners available, all of which serve a minimum of 10 people (and then go up by increments of five).. Four different packages are available, each serving a minimum of eight people. The $21.95 per person ‘Tis the Season option included sliced white and dark roasted Ontario turkey meat and all the traditional sides, such as apple and sage stuffing, buttered green beans, and Yukon gold mashed potatoes, are included. The $25.95 per person Season of Giving package features all of that tastiness, plus a baked holiday ham with glazed pineapple. HALAL meats available upon request at no extra charge. Orders should be placed asap and delivery is possible on certain dates.

Summerhill Market

446 Summerhil Ave., Toronto

Summerhill Market’s takeout Christmas dinner is so beloved that it’s actually available year-round. Known for its generous portions, each meal comes with a mix of dark and light turkey, French green beans, maple roasted butternut squash, buttermilk smashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Everything is packaged for a quick and easy warmup in your oven and are priced at $42 per person. Orders must be placed at least four days in advance of your preferred pick-up date, which can include the morning of December 25 (please note that no delivery is available on this date). Summerhill Market also offers a $55 per portion beef tenderloin version of the above dinner, for those looking for something a little meatier, as well as large trays of most of the aforementioned food items, in case you have a big crowd to feed.

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Here’s our one-month-out Christmas countdown checklist that’s been created with real Canadian families in mind. Let’s stay organized, on budget, and actually present for all of the holiday magic.

Week-by-Week Christmas Countdown Prep

4 Weeks to Go: Set the Foundation

• Make your holiday budget (for real)
  Factor in gifts, food, outings, Secret Santas, and the inevitable “last-minute Amazon panic purchase.” A simple note on your phone works—don’t overthink it.
• Create (or update) your gift list
  Kids, grandparents, teachers, coaches, nieces, nephews, the neighbour who always brings cookies… jot down everyone.
• Order anything personalized
  Stockings, name ornaments, photo books, calendars, and custom gifts often have a 2–3 week turnaround.
• Confirm travel or hosting plans
  Book flights, finalize driving dates, and check passports if you’ll be travelling somewhere warm.
• Decorate the house
  Lights, tree, wreath, garland and all the good stuff. Kids love being involved, and this is the perfect weekend activity. Prep your Elf on the Shelf!

3 Weeks to Go: Start the Gathering

• Shop sales strategically
  Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and early December deals are your best friends.
• Stock the stocking stuffers early
  Small things add up quickly. Grab essential items now to avoid the December 23rd drugstore dash.
• Hide gifts in plain sight
  Use an unmarked bin in a closet or locked in the trunk of your car. (Bonus: kids rarely check the laundry room.)
• Book holiday haircuts and Santa photos
  Salon schedules fill up fast, and so do mall Santa sessions.

2 Weeks to Go: Lean Into the Festive Fun

• Plan holiday meals and baking
  Make a list of freezer-friendly dishes and cookies you can prep now.
  Tip: Double your weeknight dinners and freeze half for those busy mid-December evenings when the activities haven’t yet shut down for the winter break.
• Buy teacher, coach, bus driver, and other gifts
  Gift cards (local coffee shops, Indigo, Amazon) are always appreciated and stress-free and you can’t go wrong with edible gifts.
• Do a quick winter-gear check
  It’s gonna be a busy couple of weeks with lots of opportunities for outdoor play. Mittens missing? Boots too small? Now’s the time to sort that out.

1 Week to Go: Prep for Peak Chaos (Lovingly)

• Wrap gifts as you go
  Eke out some time every evening to wrap presents. Do NOT leave wrapping until Christmas Eve unless you enjoy pain.
• Assemble any big-ticket items
  If something requires tools, directions, or “adult supervision,” give yourself the time now.
•  Stock the kitchen with holiday essentials
  Hot chocolate, cider, baking staples, charcuterie supplies, juice boxes for cousins who appear out of nowhere.
• Write out the holiday schedule
  Write it out old-school with highlighted entries. Include school events, potlucks, family visits, and days off work. Post it on the fridge.

Final Stretch: 2–3 Days Before Christmas

• Charge all devices, load up portable power sources, clear storage
  Photos, videos, FaceTime with relatives… your phone will be working overtime.
• Give the house a light tidy
  Think “company’s coming” without the anxiety and rage cleaning… wipe counters, add fresh towels, quick vacuum.
• Put out the gifts from you-know-who
  Hide the wrapping paper evidence.
• Plan a you moment
  Schedule a lovely cup of tea with a favourite Christmas movie, a long walk, or an early bedtime. You’ve earned it.

December is about presence. Don’t worry about perfection. Time spent together. Cookies that turn out “fine.” Kids who still get excited about holiday lights. A house that’s lived-in, not set up for the ‘gram. You’ve got this!

The post Christmas Countdown: 1 Month to Go Before the Big Day appeared first on SavvyMom.

Oh how naïve we were back then.

One particular day began like most others, with me manically running around, trying to get everyone ready for daycare and me to work on time (well, more or less on time.) On this day I felt totally in control, so I was a little smug on the inside.

I had our Christmas presents bought, a plan for all the family visits, a schedule of all the Christmas parties, and a smile on my face because I was in control.

And this day was going to be extra special. Our daughters’ daycare was going to be putting on a Christmas concert, so I left work early. I went into the daycare and couldn’t help but notice that everything was so well put together by our wonderful daycare lady. She made treats, and she taught the kids songs. It was a perfect Christmas scene, with decorations and delicious smells of cookies baking. The way she pulled it all together made it look like she hired Martha Stewart. Her tree was up and decorated much better than the tree at our own house and she had way more little hands to keep away from it.

We loaded up on food and then settled in to watch as the Christmas program started. It began and went on beautifully… for a little while at least. My eldest daughter sang like an angel and used the props they had made flawlessly.

Then it took a turn.

When they were on the second to last song, I started to notice my youngest daughter becoming agitated. She kind of looked like a cornered animal, searching for a way out. And when I saw her turn and look at the little girl next to her, I remember thinking ‘uh-oh’. Before I could do much else, she made some sort of battle cry or shriek of anger. Then she slapped the little next to her. The girl was maybe 3. Her face showed what all of us felt… extreme surprise and shock.

I am embarrassed to say that I didn’t react fast enough. She hit her again and then again. I sat there in shock thinking surely this can’t be happening… my child would never do that (and also this is not on the schedule!!!)

Finally, I got up to grab her and told her to apologize. She ended up giving the little girl a big hug and apology. I think we all held our breath waiting to see if her hug was just a clever fake out to put her in a submission hold. But it proved to be a true hug.

I learned something that day. Sometimes the holidays will hit you upside the face no matter how great your plans seem. Sometimes you have to disengage in the planning ahead and really be in the moment. In case you have to save someone from your raging 2-year-old daughter.

So, even when you think you have everything planned out and you’re totally in control, you likely aren’t. It’s best to just enjoy the moments and the people around you, because you never know what’s coming next.

The post If You Think You Have Any Control Over Christmas, You’re Wrong appeared first on SavvyMom.

10 Secrets for Polite Kids

1. When the Gift Isn’t Great

To avoid outbursts like ‘I don’t like it!’ or ‘Where’s the toy?’ a little role-playing can help hit the point home about being polite. Practise the appropriate response (‘thank you’ works) no matter what the gift is. Some say it’s faking it however we say it’s acknowledging kindness.

2. When There Is No Gift…

“What did you get me?!” You can’t fault kids for thinking every person at the door is a potential purveyor of a wrapped present but you can temper the expectation. Prepare children in advance that just because a guest comes over, a gift isn’t automatic. So their genuine delight if it does happen is almost thanks enough (but obviously still requires the appropriate response… see #1).

3. When They Want to Open the Present NOW…

Struggling with instant gratification isn’t anything new (watch them squirm while a new app quickly downloads) but kids need to know there is a place and time for everything and this includes waiting for their turn, or even waiting for a few hours, to unwrap gifts.

4. Opened Box = Shared Toy

A gift opened in front of the cousins is fair game, so before they tear open the box to get their hands on the goods, remind them that if they open it in front of friends, they must share it happily or it’s put away for another day.

5. When the Guests Arrive…

If they can walk and talk, they can answer the door and greet people with a smile. Encourage little ones to help with guests’ bags/coats/gloves and to shake hands with everyone as they arrive. This requires a lot of practise with handshakes and direct eyeball-to-eyeball contact. Practise ‘hands and eyeballs’ and repeat often.

6. Let Them Clear the Table

Brace yourself for the inevitable spill, but feel the thrill as the table is cleared by your kids. On average, children aged five and up are capable of carrying their own plates to the kitchen, and older kids can help clear everyone else’s too.

7. If They Go Crackers Over the Crackers

Paper hats and tiny toy tokens are hard to resist, so set the ground-rules early for the big pull. One cracker per person (if that is your preference), no pulling anyone else’s, and you get what you get and you don’t get upset. Now everyone’s ready to party on.

8. No Toys, Screens, or Phones at the Table

Kids can find it hard to keep distractions at bay during a long meal. (This applies to adult family members as well.) Make it clear that, at the table, the only communication accepted is conversational. (But allow kids with clean plates to escape after a reasonable time.)

9. If They Are Afraid of the “Elders”

No one should expect a three year old to be completely captivated by a more sedate senior. But sending the kids in to say ‘hello’ to older relatives (alongside you or a sibling, if necessary) and to share with them their new favourite toy will say (and mean) so much to grandparents and other guests.

10. When Saying ‘Goodnight” Isn’t Always Right…

Bedtime can bring out your kids’ best—or worst—depending on how worn out they are. If the children are still capable of saying ‘good night’ good-naturedly, head them off to bed after a quick au revoir to the relatives. For kids who are at their limit, let them leave the party privately and quietly.

If these secrets to polite kids fail, keep it simple by feeding them something without sugar before you go to a party. And bribe, if necessary!

It’s all part of the season of joy for parents of little rock stars.

The post 10 Secrets to Having Polite Kids Over the Holidays and Beyond appeared first on SavvyMom.