If you prefer to leave the cooking to someone else for Christmas, 2024, and focus on family (or maybe on pie), consider ordering your Christmas dinners from a grocery store, caterer, or restaurant.
We’ve putting together a list of restaurants, grocery stores and caterers in the Triangle where you can order a full-cooked Christmas dinner, with sides, in advance. In many cases, you’ll pick up the meal in advance, and you’ll heat it up yourself. In all cases you need to order in advance.
These meals definitely save time, and for most of them the price per person isn’t too bad.
You just need to heat everything up.
When these deals are announced, you’ll want to order quickly, as these deals are subject to selling out. Make sure to follow each link to see the details, including the deadline for ordering for Christmas.
You’ll typically get a turkey or ham, gravy, stuffing, and several sides. You might want to supplement the meal with extra sides.
If you’d rather dine out for Christmas, we’ll be putting together a list of restaurants in the Triangle open on Christmas. Don’t delay in making reservations. Many of these restaurants will also offer takeout or delivery, so you’ll have another way of enjoying somebody else’s cooking at home.
Note: The prices or offerings for the to-go meals might vary by location.
Where to order your Christmas or holiday dinner
Bob Evans
Bob Evans
Multiple locations in the Triangle area
Bob Evans has a selection of packed cold meals to choose from this holiday season. Here is an example of the Premium Farmhouse Feast that serves up to 10 for $159.99, and includes:
- Slow-roasted turkey
- Hickory-smoked ham
- Bread and celery dressing
- Corn
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Fresh rolls
- Green beans with ham
- Cranberry relish
- Macaroni and cheese
- Pumpkin bread
- Pumpkin pie
- Double-crust apple pie
There are many other meal options available, as well as desserts and sides available for purchase a la carte.
More information on meals and ordering here.
The Butcher’s Market
The Butcher’s Market
Locations in Cary, Raleigh, Holly Springs, and Wake Forest
Pre-order a variety of holiday dinner mains such as turkey, prime rib, tenderloin roast, hams, pork, and more. They are also offering a selection of prepared sides such as gravies, cranberry sauces, casseroles, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and more.
Order here now.
Cafe Root Cellar
Cafe Root Cellar
Locations in Chapel Hill and Pittsboro
Cafe Root Cellar is offering a Holiday Meal for Four that includes:
- Choice of oven-roasted turkey, wild mushroom lasagna, or rosemary garlic prime rib
- Choice of three sides
- Choice of pumpkin pie or apple pie
Price varies based on entree selection. There is also a meal for one, holiday brunch dishes, desserts, and a la carte options.
All orders must be placed here by 2 p.m. on December 19, 2024. Pickup will be on December 24, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at chosen locations.
City Barbeque
City Barbeque
Multiple locations
City Barbeque is offering a variety of holiday meal options that feed anywhere from 2 to 24 people. Here is an example of the Medium Holiday Ham Meal that feeds 8 to 10 people for $99.99:
- Half a boneless ham
- Choice of two sides
- 12 sandwich buns
There are a variety of entree options for the meals, including turkey and prime rib. Classic sides and desserts are also available a la carte, including collards, baked mac and cheese, apple cobbler, and more.
Order here now. The holiday menu is available for pickup from December 18, 2024 to January 1, 2025.
Cracker Barrel
Photo courtesy of Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel
Multiple locations
Cracker Barrel is offering several Heat N’ Serve Holiday options: the Holilday Feast that serves 8 to 10 people for $174.99 and the Holiday Family Dinner that feeds 4 to 6 people for $119.99.
Here is what is included in the Thanksgiving Feast:
- Whole Sugar Cured Ham
- Cornbread dressing
- Roasted gravy
- Cranbery relish
- Macaroni and cheese
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Sweet yeast rolls
- Apple Streusel Pie
- Pecan Pie
Pre-orders are open now here, and pickup is from December 21 and 28, 2024. If you pre-order and schedule your pickup date for the 22nd or 23rd, you will receive a free $10 bonus card.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Multiple locations
Firebirds is offering a Prime Rib Feast for $199.95 which includes:
- 4lb prime rib with au jus and horseradish sauce
- Parmesan mashed potatoes
- Choice of salad
- Asparagus with garlic butter
- Bananas foster bread pudding
- Bread and butter
Note that the meal will involve some cooking with provided instructions.
Entrees, sides, desserts, and more are available for purchase a la carte.
Order here by December 18, 2024. Pickup will be December 23, 2024 and December 24, 2024.
The Fresh Market
The Fresh Market
Multiple locations
The Fresh Market is offering a variety of holiday meal options. Here is an example of their Traditional Holiday Meal that serves 8 to 10 for $99.99:
- Turkey
- Whipped potatoes
- Herb stuffing
- Homestyle turkey gravy
- Cranberry relish with walnuts
- Dinner rolls
There are many other meal options, as well as a la carte entrees, sides, and desserts. Reheating instructions are available on the website.
Order here by December 22, 2024. Pickup is from December 21, 2024 to December 24, 2024.
Golden Corral
Photo courtesy of Golden Corral
Golden Corral
Multiple locations
Golden Corral is offering two Thanksgiving meal options that serve 6 to 8 people. The Holiday Glazed Ham Meal and the Holiday Bone-In Pork Roast Meal. All meals include:
- The selected meat
- Mashed potatoes
- Gravy
- Stuffing
- Cranberry sauce
- A dozen yeast rolls with honey butter
- A whole pie (your choice)
- One homestyle side (your choice)
Each meal option is available cold to heat and enjoy, or hot and ready to serve. Orders must be placed 72 hours in advance, and Holiday meals can be picked up as early as Monday, November 4, 2024 (pick-up ends at 9 p.m.). More information is available here.
Harris Teeter
Harris Teeter
Multiple locations
Harris Teeter is offering several dinner options for the holiday season, including a turkey dinner, a ham dinner, and a prime rib dinner. Here is what is included in the turkey dinner that serves 8 to 10 for $79.99:
- Butterball turkey
- 16 oz turkey gravy
- 16 oz cranberry orange sauce
- Cornbread stuffing
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Roasted fall vegetables
All of the entrees are also available a la carte and priced by the pound.
Order here now. Orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance of pickup date.
Irregardless
Irregardless
901 W Morgan Street, Raleigh, NC
Irregardless is offering a Christmas Package that serves 4 to 6 for $195 and includes:
- Choice of cajun-rubbed turkey, beef bourguignon, holiday wellington, or mushroom bourguignon
- Choice of three sides
- Choice of chocolate chess pie, apple & chestnut crisp, or snickerdoodle cheesecake
Order here now. Pickup will be December 24, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Locals Seafood
Locals Seafood
530 Foster Street, Durham (in the Durham Food Hall)
Locals Seafood is offering a Feast of the 7 Fishes Dinner Bundle this holiday season. For $199, it feeds about 4 people and includes:
- 1 dozen raw oysters
- 6 oz smoked fish dip
- 1 pound shrimp cocktail
- Bottarga
- Housemade crab cakes
- 2 quarts fisherman’s chowder
- 3 pounds whole stuffed and trussed bass
Order here now. Pickup will be at a variety of farmers markets from December 21, 2024 to December 24, 2024. A list of all pickup options is available through the ordering link.
Madison Ave. Caterers
Madison Ave. Caterers
Delivery
Madison Ave. Caterers is offering a variety of holiday dishes this year. Here are just a few examples of what they are offering:
- Annette’s crab dip ($22)
- Crab stuffed mushrooms ($18)
- Fruit and cheese platter ($26)
- Roasted, all-white turkey breast ($17.95/lb)
- Honey baked ham ($17.95/lb)
- Macaroni and cheese ($16.95)
- Glazed baby carrots ($16.95)
- Mashed potatoes ($16.95)
- More!
View the Facebook post of their full menu here.
For Christmas catering, orders must be placed via email (Madisonavecaterers@gmail.com) by December 20, 2024. Delivery will be on December 23, 2024.
Mama Dip’s Kitchen
Mama Dip’s Kitchen
408 West Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Mama Dip’s Kitchen has a variety of meals and a la carte items on their holiday menu this year. Here is what is included in their solo Ultimate Holiday Meal for $32.95:
- Roasted turkey
- Baked ham
- Cornbread dressing
- Choice of sides
- Gravy
- Cranberry sauce
- Yeast roll
- Choice of dessert
There is also a family meal for $145 and a variety of desserts and a la carte items available.
Order here by December 21, 2024 at 2 p.m. Orders must be picked up by 2:30 p.m. on December 24, 2024.
Metro Diner
Metro Diner
6325 Falls of Neuse Road #73, Raleigh, NC
Metro Diner is offering a heat-and-serve Christmas Feast that has the option to feed 1 ($16.79), 4 ($63.99), or 8 ($125.49) people. Here is what is included:
- Choice of baked ham or roasted turkey
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Steamed green beans or street corn
- Savory cornbread stuffing or macaroni and cheese
- Cranberry sauce
- Hawaiian dinner rolls
Solo sides and desserts are also available for purchase.
Order here by December 23, 2024.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
4509 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is offering a selection of holiday meals, sides, and appetizers. Here is an example of their Holiday Feast for 4 for $169:
- Prime rib with au jus
- Soup or salad
- Two family-style sides
They have many GF options, but be sure to contact your store when placing orders with food allergies.
Preorders are open now here. Pickup is available December 24, 2024 and December 31, 2024.
Poppyseed Market
Poppyseed Market
8801 Leadmine Rd., Raleigh, NC
Poppyseed Market is offering a complete Christmas Dinner that serves 6 to 8 people for $275. This meal includes roasted boneless prime rib, potatoes au gratin, roasted haricot vert, and Parker House rolls.
There are also a variety of breakfast items, sides, entrees, and desserts a la carte.
Fill out this form and send it to catering@poppyseedmkt.com by December 18, 2024 at 8 p.m. Pickup is December 24, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Publix
Publix
Multiple locations
Publix is offering a wide variety of holiday meals, a la carte sides, desserts, and more!
Here is an example of the Ham Dinner that serves 3 people for $49.99:
- 2.7 lb. slow-roasted Boar’s Head sweet Slice Ham
- 1 lb. of Publix Deli Sweet Potato Casserole
- 1 lb. of Publix Deli Green bean Casserole
- 14 oz. of Publix Deli Marshmallow Delight
Order here. Make sure to note how many days ahead you need to order. Heating instructions can be found where you order.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Multiple locations
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is offering a selection of holiday sides that serve 12 to 15 people. Here is what they have this year:
- Steakhouse salad ($40)
- Ceaser salad ($40)
- Sweet potato casserole ($49)
- Creamed spinach ($49)
- Au gratin potatoes ($49)
Place orders here now.
Sam Jones BBQ
Sam Jones BBQ
Multiple locations
Sam Jones BBQ is offering a Christmas Heat n’ Serve Meal Package that serves 8 to 10 for $148.99. Here is what is included:
- Whole smoked turkey breast
- Bottle of Sam Jones BBQ sauce
- Macaroni and cheese
- Baked beans
- Green bean casserole
- 12 sweet potato muffins
- Whole pecan pie
They are also selling the whole smoked turkey breast a la carte for $67.99.
Orders must be placed here by December 20, 2024. Pickup will be December 24, 2024 before 4 p.m. Each item will come with its own reheating instructions.
Table & Twine
Photo by Table & Twine
Table & Twine
5000 Departure Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616
Table & Twine is offering several to-go packages for Christmas. Find all details here. If you order a Christmas package by November 30, 2024, you’ll get $25 off.
Time-Out
Time-Out
201 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Time-Out has an extensive holiday catering menu that includes two dinner bundles: for $176.99 you can get the Regular Holiday Bundle that serves 4 to 6 people and for $305.99 you can get the Large Holiday Bundle that serves 8 to 12 people. Both bundles include:
- Turkey (roasted or fried)
- Choice of sides
- Gravy
- Stuffing
- Rolls or cornbread
- Sweet or unsweet tea
- Choice of pie
Please order at least 48 hours in advance here.
Union Special
Union Special
2409 Crabtree Blvd Suite 102, Raleigh, NC
Union Special is offering a variety of holiday snacks and desserts this year. Here are just a few examples of what they have:
- 6-pack baked ham and cheese sliders ($18)
- 12 sausage balls ($16)
- Garden vegetable quiche ($32)
- Stollen ($14)
- Butterscotch pecan pie ($32)
- Mixed dozen holiday cookies ($25)
- More!
Order here now. Pickup will be December 23, 2024 and December 24, 2024.
Weaver Street Market
Weaver Street Market
Multiple locations
Weaver Street Market is offering a selection of complete holiday dinners this year. Here is an example of their Complete Turkey Dinner that serves 6 to 8 for $154.99:
- Roasted turkey
- Apple pecan stuffing
- Crunchy sweet potato bake
- Roasted sweet potatoes, rutabagas, and carrots
- Mashed potatoes
- Turkey gravy
- Cranberry relish
- Dinner rolls
There are many other meals, vegetarian options, sides, and desserts available for purchase.
Orders must be placed here by 9 p.m. on December 21, 2024. Orders containing whole turkeys will only be available for pickup from December 22, 2024 to December 24, 2024. All other order orders will be available from pickup from December 18, 2024 to December 26, 2024.
Wegmans
Wegmans
Multiple locations
Wegmans is offering office appetizer party platters as well as complete holiday dinners. Their Hand Carved Turkey Dinner serves either 6 for $118 or 12 for $208 and includes turkey and your choice of 4 sides. Many other entree options are available.
Reheating instructions are available on their website.
Order here by December 22, 2024 at 3 p.m. Pickup will be December 23, 2024 and December 24, 2024.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods
Multiple locations
Whole Foods is offering a selection of Christmas and Hanukkah catering. Here are a few examples of what is available for both:
- Roast turkey meal for 4 ($89.99)
- Maple bourbon ham meal for 8 ($159.99)
- Lemon-herb roasted chicken meal for 4 ($89.99)
- Stuffed cabbage meals for 4 ($79.99)
- More!
Order here now. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours in advance. Christmas ordering is available until December 22, 2024, and Hanukkah ordering is available until December 29, 2024.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
- Signing up for Triangle on the Cheap’s daily email
- Free events this week
- Day by Day list of holiday events
- Best Christmas Lights in the Triangle
- Christmas tree farms and lots near the Triangle
- Free pictures with Santa in the Triangle
- Holiday Markets in the Triangle
- Christmas Trains in North Carolina
More Holiday Events in the Triangle
Check out our big list of holiday events in the Triangle, or look at a few of them here:
Margaret Toman says
These holiday meals for families look wonderful. Not everyone has a family, however. Many of us elderly folks would enjoy a delicious catered meal for one that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Thank you.
Jody Mace says
Hi Margaret, we’ve listed two, at least, in this post that do have individual meals — Wegman’s ($14) and Weaver Street Market (starting at $8.99.) I suspect others on the list, like Cracker Barrel and Boston Market, will also have individual meals available. I’d definitely recommend calling the ones on the list that you find interesting, and seeing if they’ll do it!