If your family is on the other side of the country (or even the world) or your job doesn’t allow you to take time off, or you simply don’t like cooking, the traditional home-cooked Christmas dinner might not be an option.
Yet skipping the preparations or being away from home doesn’t mean you have to miss out on festivities. While many restaurants are closed on Christmas Day and the choices may be limited, there are several venues across the city that offer ample dinner and even entertainment for the occasion. Here are five Christmas dinners and buffets you can treat yourself (and your family) to, on Dec. 25.
If you’re looking for a truly festive experience, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald offers a decadent seven-course dinner in the vibrant Harvest Room, complete with live entertainment. The hotel also hosts a Christmas Celebration Brunch and the Dinner Buffet in the Empire Ballroom on Dec. 25. The buffet will feature bountiful comfort cravings, savoury carving stations and a large dessert selection.
10065 100 St., 780-424-5181,fairmont.com/macdonald-edmonton
Putting together a Christmas party for the whole family doesn’t have to be stressful. Skip the cooking and planning, and head to the Westin. Besides a Christmas buffet with carving, the hotel will offer a range of activities for the entire family, entertainment for kids and even a craft corner. The event will open with some bubbly cocktails and feature a cash bar.
10135 100 St., 780-426-3636, marriott.com
Can’t decide what to have for Christmas dinner? At Buffet Royale Carvery, you don’t have to pick one menu. Besides its regular selection, the buffet will offer turkey and prime rib for Christmas Day. You can indulge and sample everything from shrimp, sushi and Ukrainian specialties to Asian cuisine and homemade soups.
Four locations in Edmonton and Sherwood Park,buffetroyale.com
For anyone looking for a hearty, classic Christmas meal in downtown, Madison’s Grill offers a six-course dinner that you can enjoy in the stylish and spacious dining room. Inspired by timeless traditions of the season, the menu incorporates your favourite holiday ingredients, serving dishes like Butternut Squash Bisque and Turkey Duo, and Eggnog Cheesecake or Ginger Spiced Cake for dessert.
10053 Jasper Ave., 780-401-2222, unionbankinn.com/madisons-grill
For all Chinese food lovers, the Emperor’s Palace offers an equally filling alternative to a traditional Christmas dinner. If turkey and stuffing are not for you, the venue will serve you an abundance of dim sum, seafood, spring rolls, duck and noodles, all in a contemporary banquet hall.
10638 100 St., 780-757-2288, emperorspalaceedmonton.com
