Christmas Day Lunch Out 2026: What’s Included and How to Choose

No peeling sprouts at 7am, no turkey timetable, and nobody stuck at the sink while everyone else plays charades. Christmas Day lunch out is the treat that lets the whole family enjoy the day. Here’s what to expect, how to pick the right venue and when to get your enquiry in.

Browse Christmas Day lunch packages across the UK

What’s usually included?

Most Christmas Day packages are a set menu served over a long, relaxed lunch. Exactly what you get varies by venue, but you’ll often find:

• A drink on arrival, often fizz or mulled wine
• Three, four or five courses, with a classic roast and a vegetarian main
• Christmas pudding, mince pies or a festive dessert, then tea, coffee and chocolates
• Crackers, hats and a table dressed for the day
• Some venues add a visit from Santa for younger guests, live music or a children’s menu

Prices are usually per person, with reduced prices for children at many venues. Each listing shows a starting price, and the venue confirms the full price when it replies to your enquiry.

How to choose the right venue

Think about who’s coming. A country house hotel suits a big family gathering with grandparents who’d like a comfortable lounge afterwards. A city restaurant might suit a smaller group who want to make an afternoon of it.

Check the timings. Christmas Day lunches often run in sittings, with an earlier and a later slot. If you have little ones or older relatives, ask which suits them best.

Ask about dietary needs early. Venues plan Christmas Day menus well in advance. Mention vegetarian, vegan, gluten free or allergy needs in your first enquiry.

Consider getting there and home. Public transport is limited on Christmas Day in most of the UK, so a venue within walking distance, with parking, or with bedrooms can make the day far easier.

When should you enquire?

As early as you can. Christmas Day is a single date and the most popular venues have a fixed number of tables, so the best ones fill first. If you’re reading this in November, it’s well worth sending enquiries now. If it’s December, try a few venues at once: you can save several to your shortlist and send one enquiry to all of them.

Christmas Day lunch near you

• Christmas Day lunch in Manchester
• Christmas Day lunch in Birmingham
• Christmas Day lunch in Cardiff
• Christmas Day lunch in Edinburgh
• All Christmas Day packages

Prefer to go out the day after? See our Boxing Day packages.

Christmas Day lunch FAQs

How much is Christmas Day lunch out?
It depends on the venue, the number of courses and what’s included. Each listing on ChristmasVenues.com shows a starting price per person, and the venue sends you full prices when it replies.

Do I pay a deposit?
Most venues ask for a deposit to secure Christmas Day tables. Ask about the deposit and cancellation terms when the venue replies.

Can children come?
Many Christmas Day lunches welcome families, and some offer children’s menus or prices. Check the listing or mention children in your enquiry.

Does it cost anything to use ChristmasVenues.com?
No. Browsing and enquiring are free. Your enquiry goes straight to the venue, and you book and pay the venue directly.

Written by the ChristmasVenues.com team. Last updated October 2026.