Holiday Meals Four Different Ways

Eating is such a wonderful part of the festive season, but it doesn’t have to be delegated to just one giant meal that results in a tryptophan-induced food coma. We found four fun ways to celebrate, including brunch with Santa, a fancy-schmancy high tea, a retro nibbles ‘n’ drinks pop-up and traditional turkey dinner to take home. —Catherine Dunwoody

Kids will lose it over Mr. and Mrs. Claus hosting Christmas brunch at Glowbal Restaurant on December 17 and 18. From 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on both days, families can enjoy a buffet of fresh seafood, omelet and carving stations, classic egg dishes, pastas, and desserts, all set in a winter wonderland setting done by Faux Floral. Parents will appreciate a Brandy Alexander or gingerbread eggnog for some grownup cheer amongst the Christmas chaos.

Every Saturday and Sunday until December 25, The Westin Bayshore’s H Tasting Lounge Festive Afternoon Tea is served and makes for a great girlfriend-gathering or place to treat mom after a day of holiday shopping. Pastry Chef Martha Ebro is whipping up orange almond cake, chocolate peppermint cream puffs, ham and gruyere quiche, roasted butternut squash crostinis and more—all served on their signature gold Ferris wheel. Teas from O-Five and TEALEAVES pair beautifully with this sweet and savoury experience.

Rosie’s BBQ & Smokehouse has paired up with Dalina in Chinatown to bring us A Christmas Cocktail Story. This retro-themed holiday pop-up features throwback cocktails from Scotty Marshall (Mamie Taylor) and Ron Oliver (Mamie Taylor, Boneta, Diamond, etc.) plus food from Chef Karl Gregg of Rosie’s BBQ. Sip a Christmas old fashioned, hot buttered rum and the Christmas in Mazatlan cocktail colours us intrigued.  Throwback snacks like pigs in a blanket, devilled eggs and holiday cheese ball round it all out. Like hanging out in your grandparents’ rumpus room and never been more festive.

Order a complete traditional turkey or plant-based, gluten-free dinner for four from Truffles Fine Foods with their Holiday Heat at Home meals. Both served with dessert and sides aplenty, and delivery or pickup options are available.