These 14 California Holiday Buffets Capture The Essence Of Classic Christmas
In California, the holiday season brings more than twinkling lights and festive music; it brings buffet tables piled high with flavors that feel like Christmas itself.
From roasted turkeys to decadent desserts, these spots capture the warmth, abundance, and joy of the season.
The scent of cinnamon, sage, and fresh baked bread fills the air as families and friends gather to share hearty meals.
Every plate tells a story of tradition, celebration, and indulgence, turning dining into a cherished ritual.
In California, these holiday buffets transform Christmas into an experience that’s as comforting as it is delicious, making every bite feel like a festive gift.
1. Laurel Court, Fairmont San Francisco — San Francisco, CA
Stepping into this grand space feels like entering a holiday movie set, complete with soaring ceilings and ornate architectural details that date back over a century.
The buffet here showcases roasted prime rib, honey-glazed ham, and seasonal seafood that would make any Christmas table jealous.
Chefs carve meats tableside while guests pile their plates high with Brussels sprouts, garlic mashed potatoes, and cranberry relish.
Located at 950 Mason Street in San Francisco, CA 94108, the Fairmont sits atop Nob Hill with stunning city views.
The Laurel Court dining room features marble columns and elaborate chandeliers that sparkle even brighter during the holidays.
Fun fact: this hotel survived the 1906 earthquake and opened just one year later, making it a true San Francisco survivor.
Dessert lovers should save room for the peppermint cheesecake and gingerbread cookies displayed on tiered stands.
2. Garden Court, Palace Hotel — San Francisco, CA
Nothing compares to dining beneath a breathtaking stained glass dome that towers seven stories high and floods the room with natural light.
Garden Court serves up a holiday spread featuring slow-roasted turkey, glazed ham, and an oyster bar that keeps the coastal vibe alive.
Guests rave about the truffle mac and cheese, roasted root vegetables, and the carving station where chefs slice beef tenderloin to order.
You will find this gem at 2 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, right in the heart of downtown.
The Palace Hotel opened in 1875 and has hosted presidents, royalty, and celebrities ever since.
Its Garden Court remains one of the most photographed dining rooms in America, especially when decked out with garlands and twinkling lights.
Do not skip the dessert buffet, which includes chocolate yule logs and eggnog panna cotta.
3. Storytellers Cafe, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa — Anaheim, CA
Families flock here because Mickey Mouse and friends show up in their holiday finest to pose for photos and spread cheer.
The buffet lineup includes classic roast turkey, prime rib, and kid-approved favorites like macaroni and cheese and chicken tenders.
Seasonal touches such as cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, and stuffing round out the traditional fare.
Located at 1600 South Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802, this restaurant sits inside a stunning Craftsman-style hotel inspired by early 20th-century California architecture.
Soaring wooden beams, cozy fireplaces, and rustic details make the space feel both elegant and welcoming. Fun fact: Disney’s Grand Californian includes an entrance with direct access to Disney California Adventure Park.
Children adore the holiday cookies shaped like snowmen and reindeer, while many grown-ups appreciate the carving station and other seasonal drink options.
4. Hotel del Coronado — Coronado, CA
Beachside elegance meets Victorian charm at this iconic resort, where holiday buffets feature fresh seafood, prime rib, and all the traditional trimmings you crave.
Guests love the shrimp cocktail station, carving boards loaded with ham and turkey, and sides like green bean almondine and scalloped potatoes.
The culinary team also includes local touches such as California citrus salads and artisan breads baked fresh daily.
Find this historic beauty at 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118, just across the bay from downtown San Diego.
Built in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado boasts distinctive red turrets and white wooden facades that have appeared in countless films.
Its grand ballrooms and dining spaces glow with holiday lights and garlands every December.
Save space for the dessert spread, which includes peppermint bark, chocolate truffles, and seasonal pies that disappear quickly.
5. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa — San Diego, CA
Polynesian vibes mix with Christmas cheer at this waterfront resort, where the holiday buffet includes island-inspired dishes alongside classic favorites.
Expect to find roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, and a seafood station with crab legs and peel-and-eat shrimp.
Chefs also serve up coconut rice, tropical fruit platters, and grilled vegetables that add a California twist to the traditional spread.
Located at 3999 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92109, the Catamaran sits right on Mission Bay with stunning water views.
Tiki torches, lush gardens, and bamboo accents give the property a laid-back island feel, even when decked out for the holidays.
Fun fact: the resort features a resident population of colorful koi fish and tropical birds that delight guests year-round.
Dessert lovers should not miss the coconut cream pie and macadamia nut cookies that blend island flavors with festive spirit.
6. Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music (Half Moon Inn) — San Diego, CA
Music lovers appreciate that this spot combines live entertainment with a festive holiday feast, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a party than a meal.
The buffet features prime rib, roasted turkey, and a seafood bar with fresh oysters and shrimp.
Guests also enjoy seasonal sides like butternut squash, garlic mashed potatoes, and cranberry chutney that bring traditional flavors to the table.
You will find Humphreys at 2241 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, right on the waterfront with gorgeous marina views.
The restaurant sits adjacent to a famous outdoor concert venue that has hosted legendary performers for decades.
Its open-air design and nautical touches create a relaxed California vibe, even during the holiday season.
Check out the dessert station for eggnog cheesecake and chocolate peppermint brownies that pair perfectly with after-dinner coffee and live jazz.
7. Grapefruit Basil, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa — Indian Wells, CA
Desert elegance shines at this resort restaurant, where the holiday buffet blends California coastal flavors with traditional Christmas dishes.
Roasted turkey, prime rib, and grilled salmon headline the spread, while sides like herb-roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans, and wild rice pilaf round out the menu.
Chefs also incorporate fresh citrus and local produce that give every dish a bright, seasonal twist.
Located at 45000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA 92210, the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort sits in the heart of the Coachella Valley.
Mediterranean-inspired architecture, lush courtyards, and swaying palm trees create a vacation vibe that feels worlds away from winter weather.
Fun fact: the resort features fireplaces and cozy seating areas that make holiday dining feel warm and intimate despite the desert location.
Do not leave without trying the key lime tart and tropical fruit trifle from the dessert bar.
8. The Meritage Resort and Spa — Napa, CA
Napa Valley holiday magic comes alive when this resort transforms its dining spaces into a holiday wonderland complete with garlands, candles, and festive cheer.
The buffet showcases roasted prime rib, herb-crusted turkey, and a carving station that keeps lines moving quickly.
Guests also enjoy Napa Valley touches such as local cheeses, artisan breads, and seasonal vegetables sourced from nearby farms.
Find this beautiful property at 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, CA 94558, nestled among rolling vineyards and scenic hillsides.
Tuscan-inspired architecture, stone accents, and a sprawling estate create an elegant backdrop for holiday celebrations.
The resort even features underground caves that guests can tour before or after their meal.
Pair dinner with something refreshing from the drink menu, then finish with chocolate fondue and gingerbread cookies from the dessert station that cap off the experience.
9. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel — Dana Point, CA
Ocean breezes and luxury service combine at this cliffside resort, where the holiday buffet features the finest ingredients and impeccable presentation.
Roasted turkey, prime rib, and fresh seafood including lobster tail and crab legs anchor the spread.
Chefs also prepare seasonal favorites like truffle mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and cranberry compote that bring comfort and elegance to every plate.
Located at 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629, this resort perches dramatically above the Pacific Ocean with breathtaking coastal views.
Mediterranean-style architecture, manicured gardens, and multiple terraces create a sophisticated atmosphere that feels both grand and welcoming.
Fun fact: the property sits on a 150-foot bluff and offers some of the best sunset views in Southern California.
Save room for the dessert buffet, which includes yule logs, peppermint macarons, and a chocolate fountain that keeps guests coming back for more.
10. The Langham Huntington, Pasadena — Pasadena, CA
Old Hollywood glamour meets holiday tradition at this historic hotel, where the Christmas buffet delivers both elegance and abundance.
Roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, and beef tenderloin headline the carving stations, while sides like sweet potato casserole, green beans almondine, and stuffing satisfy traditional tastes.
Chefs also include California touches such as fresh salads, seasonal fruits, and artisan breads baked on-site.
You will find this gem at 1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106, set on 23 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.
Built in 1907, the Langham Huntington has hosted countless celebrities and dignitaries over the decades.
Its grand ballrooms feature soaring ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and architectural details that transport guests to a more refined era.
Finish your meal with treats from the dessert spread, including eggnog panna cotta, gingerbread houses, and chocolate truffles that add sweetness to the celebration.
11. catalina kitchen, Terranea Resort — Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Perched on dramatic coastal bluffs, this resort restaurant offers stunning Pacific views alongside a holiday buffet that celebrates both land and sea.
Roasted turkey, prime rib, and a lavish seafood station with oysters, shrimp, and crab legs give guests plenty of options.
Seasonal sides like roasted root vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, and cranberry relish bring traditional Christmas flavors to the table.
Located at 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, Terranea Resort sprawls across 102 oceanfront acres with walking trails, tide pools, and breathtaking vistas.
Mediterranean-inspired architecture, multiple pools, and lush landscaping create a resort experience that feels both luxurious and relaxed.
Fun fact: the property sits on land once home to Marineland of the Pacific, a beloved marine park from the 1950s through 1980s.
Do not skip the dessert bar, which features peppermint brownies, seasonal tarts, and a chocolate fountain that delights kids and adults alike.
12. The Revere Room, Rosewood Miramar Beach — Montecito, CA
Coastal sophistication defines this beachfront resort, where the holiday buffet combines California freshness with classic Christmas traditions.
Roasted turkey, prime rib, and fresh seafood including lobster and halibut anchor the menu, while seasonal vegetables, artisan cheeses, and house-made breads add local flavor.
Chefs prepare everything with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each dish looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Find this stunning property at 1759 South Jameson Lane, Montecito, CA 93108, right on the sand with panoramic ocean views.
Spanish Colonial architecture, lush gardens, and elegant courtyards create an atmosphere of refined relaxation.
The Rosewood Miramar Beach opened in 2019 and quickly became one of California’s most sought-after luxury destinations.
Dessert offerings include chocolate yule logs, lemon tarts, and seasonal cookies that provide a sweet ending to an unforgettable meal by the sea.
13. Tenaya at Yosemite (Grand Ballroom) — Fish Camp, CA
Mountain magic fills the air at this resort near Yosemite, where the holiday buffet brings warmth and cheer to a winter wonderland setting.
Roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, and beef tenderloin lead the carving stations, while hearty sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and stuffing satisfy hungry guests.
Chefs also incorporate local ingredients and seasonal touches that reflect the Sierra Nevada surroundings.
Located at 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623, Tenaya at Yosemite sits just two miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park.
Rustic lodge architecture, soaring timber beams, and stone fireplaces create a cozy mountain retreat atmosphere.
The Grand Ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of towering pines and snowy peaks.
Save space for the dessert buffet, which includes apple pie, chocolate cake, and holiday cookies that taste even better after a day exploring the great outdoors nearby.
14. The Front Yard at The Garland — North Hollywood, CA
Retro vibes meet holiday cheer at this mid-century modern hotel, where the Christmas buffet brings together classic flavors and vintage California cool.
Roasted turkey, prime rib, and glazed ham anchor the spread, while sides like green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce deliver traditional comfort.
Chefs also add California touches such as fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and artisan breads that keep the menu feeling current.
You will find The Garland at 4222 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91602, in the heart of the San Fernando Valley.
The property’s story begins in 1970, when Beverly Garland and Fillmore Crank created the hotel and its old-Hollywood-leaning escape vibe.
Fun fact: major studios sit nearby, and industry travelers have long made it a convenient base.
Finish the meal with desserts like pumpkin pie, chocolate mousse, and holiday cookies that add a sweet note to the nostalgic experience.