Holiday dining in Wisconsin calls for hearty family favorites, over-the-top desserts and plenty of wine for toasting to loved ones, near and far. From brunches with Santa to posh prix-fixe feasts, check out a few local standouts for enjoying your holiday meal.
Click here for 2023 holiday events in Wisconsin.
Cento
Madison
The dining room at Cento in Madison will be abuzz with holiday spirit, serving a delicious Christmas Eve menu as well as specials. On the list: porcini pappardelle, lobster mac and cheese, pistachio-crusted lamb rack, Beef Wellington and much more. Plus, Sommelier Eugen Mitreanu will find you the perfect bottle of wine to celebrate the season.
For more information: www.centomadison.com.
Joey Gerard’s – A Bartolotta Supper Club
Milwaukee
Joey Gerard’s – A Bartolotta Supper Club welcomes back its annual Santa Brunch on Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The holiday brunch buffet will include breakfast favorites alongside chef-carved prime rib, BBQ ribs, dessert stations and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance for photos, and there will be a cookie-decorating station for kids. (The restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day.)
Cost: $70 per adult; $25 per child, ages 12 and under.
For more information: www.bartolottas.com.
1878 on the Lake
Delavan
For Christmas Eve dinner or an elegant Christmas Day brunch, 1878 on the Lake at Lawn Resort offers a duo of ways to enjoy holiday dining in Wisconsin. For dinner, from 4 to 9 p.m., savor a three-course prix-fixe dinner with entrees like twin lobster tails, prime rib of beef and more. During the Grand Yuletide Christmas Day Brunch, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., dig into a bountiful selection of your favorite brunch bites and delectable festive eats. Standouts include the shrimp ice tower, the carvery and traditional desserts like yule log and figgy pudding.
Cost: $80 per person (dinner); $66.95 per adult, $22.95 per child, ages 6 to 12 years (brunch).
For more information: www.lakelawnresort.com.
Bar Corallini
Madison
Impress holiday guests at home with an expertly crafted lasagna by Chef Giovanni from Bar Corallini in Madison. Order a take-and-bake lasagna, that serves six to eight, for carryout only, as well as a slew of other Italian classics. Think antipasti board and Negroni cocktails. Pick-up is available Dec. 22 and Dec. 23.
Cost: $85 per ticket (for lasagna).
To order: www.exploretock.com.
The Ingleside Hotel
Pewaukee
During Brunch with Santa on Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lake Country Ballroom at The Ingleside Hotel, savor a delicious buffet filled with sweet and savory favorites. The holiday dining event will be rounded out with family-friendly activities, like photo opportunities with Santa, arts and crafts, cookie decorating and more.
Cost: $40 per adult; $22 per child, ages 12 and under.
For more information: www.theinglesidehotel.com.
The Pfister Hotel
Milwaukee
The Pfister Christmas brunch, starting at 9 a.m. on Christmas Day, begins with a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary in the hotel’s elegantly decorated ballroom. Then, for some serious holiday dining in Wisconsin, guests dig into an elevated buffet featuring a delicious assortment of fresh seafood, Wisconsin’s finest cheeses, carved meats, omelets made to order, customized pastas, holiday salads and starters, mouthwatering entrées and decadent desserts.
Cost: $85 per adult; $30 per child, ages 3 to 10.
For more information: www.exploretock.com/the-pfister-hotel.
Camp Social at Wilderness Resort
Wisconsin Dells
Make plans now to join in the holiday fun at Wilderness Resort’s Camp Social on Christmas night, served from 4 to 9 p.m. This all-you-can-eat option for holiday dining in Wisconsin includes honey ham, top sirloin, homemade stuffing, corn casserole, delightful desserts, kid’s offerings and much, much more. This festive dinner is just one of the exciting Christmas at the Wilderness events, which includes Elf Packages, visits with Santa and rides on The Polar Express, to name a few.
Cost: $28.99 per adult; $14.99 per child, ages 4 to 12.
For more information: www.wildernessresort.com/holidays/christmas-at-the-wilderness.
Sanford
Milwaukee
Sanford is giving the gift of an easy heat-at-home holiday meal. The mouthwatering menu kicks things off with a slow-roasted prime rib with garlic and thyme. The main course will be complemented with sides of roasted market root vegetables, duck fat potatoes topped with parmesan bread crumbs, and, of course, rolls with butter. And just when you thought things couldn’t get any better, the holiday meal will be complete with a classic fruit cake with white chocolate and brandied cherries for dessert. Pick-up time is Dec. 23 from noon to 3 p.m. Reheating instructions will be provided.
Cost: $250 per package. Serve four guests.
To order: sanfordrestaurant.com.