For over 94 years, Fairmont Royal York has been the best host for big-city holiday traditions, new and old. The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is a magical kick-off to the season, and the surprise musical guest performance always delivers. The timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea features a decadent holiday menu of savoury sandwiches and delectable pastries. Then there’s the kitschy glow from The Thirsty Elf pop-up bar – a fan-favourite to your holiday roster. The Christmas & New Year’s prix fixe selections at REIGN Restaurant are everything a holiday meal should be, while shoppers can recline in the rosy glow of the stylish Clockwork Bar and indulge in an exclusive list of 94 champagnes or the fine selection of cocktails. End 2023 on a high note and ring in the New Year at the Library Bar, the city’s coveted cocktail den, featuring timeless classics like the Birdbath Martini or new masterpieces like The Curator and King of Dreams from Director of Mixology James Grant.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate 94 years of holiday magic with your loved ones at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony with Make-A-Wish® Canada. Plus a very festive window reveal, and a surprise musical guest performance.
Date: November 22nd
Time: 4:30 pm Window Reveal, 5 pm Tree Lighting
Location: Main Lobby, Fairmont Royal York
Notes: Open to the public
THE THIRSTY ELF
Christmas sweaters, kitschy décor and cheerful, festive cocktails – what more do you need to get into the holiday spirit? Toronto’s favourite annual holiday-themed pop-up, The Thirsty Elf, is waiting to take your order.
Opening Night: Wednesday, November 22
Dates: November 22nd to December 22nd, Thursday through Saturday
Time: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Menu: available here
CLOCKWORK Holiday Tea
The timeless ritual of Afternoon Tea unfolds under the rosy glow of the clock. The stunning lobby bar is the setting for holiday-themed confectionaries, delicate pastries, and a fragrant selection of Fairmont Lot 35 teas.
Savoury: Smoked Turkey Croissant, gruyere cheese, black grainy mustard, cranberry sauce; Sausage Roll, spiced pork, onion and sage jam, preserved apple; Beef Tourtiere, warm spices, preserved tomato; Chicken and Foie Gras Parfait, preserved cranberry, chocolate, basil, brioche soldiers; Cucumber on Rye, juniper, lime, basil, whipped fromage; Coronation Chicken, spiced mango, curried aioli, smoked chicken, apricot chutney, herbs, brioche roll
Sweet: Vanilla Panna Cotta, pistachio crumble and citrus orange; Chocolate Reindeer, truffle mousse and fudge cake; Mont Blanc, chestnut cream, dehydrated meringue; Hazelnut Tart, milk chocolate ganache, candied hazelnuts; Snow Religieuse, peppermint cream and cream cheese
Dates: November 18th – December 31st
Noon – 4:00 pm, Saturday
Noon – 5:00 pm, Sunday
Cost: $94 per person
Book Now: Saturday Seatings
Menu: available here
FESTIVE To-Go
Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones. Executive Chef Paul Shewchuk and our culinary team have prepared your entire holiday meal with all of the trimmings. Conveniently pick-up at the hotel, warm and serve! $5 from each order will be donated to Make-A-Wish® Canada.
Order by December 1st with code EARLY20 at online check-out and enjoy $20 off your order.
Order by noon, 12:00 PM, on Thursday, December 21 (or while quantities last)
Pick-up Dates: December 24th & 25th
Pick-up Times: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost: Starting at $300
Menu
- Cider + Thyme Brined Ontario Free Range Turkey; OR Royal Honey and Grainy Mustard Glazed Leg of Ham
- Brioche Popover Rolls
- Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Bisque
- Rosemary and Onion Stuffing
- Roasted Onion and Sage Pan Gravy
- House Cranberry Sauce
- Roasted Petite New Potatoes, Fresh Rosemary, Sea Salt Butter
- Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts, Squash, Carrots
- Homestyle Pumpkin Pie, Whipped Vanilla Bean Cream or Apple Pie, Whipped Vanilla Cream
Order today here.
REIGN Holiday Lunch Buffet
This decadent buffet is served in a luxurious and refined atmosphere, creating a memorable festive experience. With no dishes!
Cold Items: Squash & Farro Salad, sautéed kale, artichoke hearts, parsley, pickled pearl onions, balsamic vinaigrette; Roasted Beetroot Salad, orange, Lindsay goat’s cheddar, puffed quinoa, citrus vinaigrette; Arugula Waldorf Salad, mighty harvest greens, green apple, pickled celery, dried cranberries, yoghurt dressing, pecans; Smoked Atlantic Salmon, capers, lemon, pickled red onions
Hot Items: Roast Turkey, slow-cooked turkey breast & thigh, turkey gravy; Maple & Mustard Salmon, black tobiko, parsley, lemon; Squash Gnocchi, vegan gnocchi, roasted squash & mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, chives
Dessert: Mince Pie, Yuzu Snowman, Manjari Truffle Cake, Christmas Linzer, White Chocolate Walnut Brownies, Oreo Cheesecake, Strawberry Panna Cotta, Traditional Christmas Log Cake (vanilla or chocolate)
Dates: November 29th to December 15th, Monday – Friday
Time: Noon – 2:00 PM
Cost: $69 per person
Menu: available here
REIGN Christmas Day Brunch Buffet
Celebrate Christmas Day with a festive brunch buffet at REIGN. Featuring a made-to-order menu and a deluxe buffet presentation by Executive Restaurant Chef Roland Torok-Ducharme and his team, which includes an array of fresh fruit, pastries, charcuterie, roasted striploin, maple and mustard glazed salmon, and an impressive dessert table.
Dates: December 25th
Time: Noon – 2:00 PM
Cost: $99 per person
Menu: available here
REIGN Christmas Dinner
All the flavours of Christmas are at this holiday-inspired 3-course prix fixe menu. Prepared by Executive Restaurant Chef Roland Torok-Ducharme and his team, with seasonal ingredients such as Leek and Potato Soup to our REIGN Turkey Dinner and Seared Cauliflower Steak.
Dates: December 24th, 25th & 26th
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: $99 per person
Menu: available here
REIGN New Year’s Eve Dinner
Celebrate the new year with a celebratory 4-course or 6-course prix fixe menu created with French techniques and inspired by Canada’s rich bounty. Toast to the grand occasion with an added wine pairing by our expert Sommelier, Steven Karataglidis.
Dates: December 31st
Time: First Seating – 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Second Seating – 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: First Seating – $109 per person (optional wine pairing $89)
Second Seating – $179 per person (optional wine pairing $150)
Book Now: First Seating
Menu: available here
REIGN New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet
This New Year’s Day celebratory brunch buffet will launch 2024 in style. There’s a grand array of fresh fruit, pastries, charcuterie, roasted striploin, maple and mustard glazed salmon, and an impressive dessert spread.
Dates: January 1st, 2024
Time: Noon – 3:00 PM
Cost: $99 per person
Menu: available here
LIBRARY BAR New Year’s Eve Dinner
Delve into the world of premium spirits and tell your tale in Toronto’s gem of a cocktail den. This elevated New Year’s Eve experience features oysters, caviar, and a Birdbath Martini.
Date: December 31st
Time: First Seating – 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Second Seating – 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: First Seating – $150 per person, with glass of sparkling wine
Second Seating – $250 per person, with a welcome cocktail and glass of sparkling wine
Book: First Seating
Menu: available here
