The hot spots to celebrate Christmas
There is no better place to celebrate Christmas and the festive season than Cambridge. We’ve rounded up the best foodie experiences throughout December for delicious festive celebrations, including special openings, festive menus, fabulous cocktails, and indulgent afternoon teas.
Dine at Grantchester
Revitalised and reopened in August 2024, The Rupert Brooke is an independent, stylish pub and restaurant in the pretty Cambridgeshire village of Grantchester. Nestled alongside the River Cam, it is just a couple of miles from the centre of Cambridge, one of the best spots to celebrate one of the most festive days of the year.
This year’s Christmas Day – 5 Courses – £120 p.p., which includes a selection of canapes on arrival. Treat yourself with 4 Classic Oysters – £15 Supplement.
Arrival at 12.30 pm to be seated at 1 pm. Children under 12 years – £60
Festive Dining at Parker’s Tavern
It’s the season to gather with loved ones and indulge in festive feasting. This Christmas, celebrate the 25th of December with a true festive feast. Parker’s Tavern invites you to indulge in a five-course menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients, served in the heart of our beautifully decorated restaurant. Embrace the spirit of the season and make this Christmas Day one to remember.
Borne of feasting yet of our time, Parker’s Tavern Christmas à la carte menu celebrates the comfort of tradition and the pleasure. Enjoy the Winter’s Feast à la Carte menu from 17 November until the 23rd of December. Alternatively, opt for their regular menu and enjoy 2 courses from £21 and 3 courses from £27 between Monday and Saturday, 12-6pm.
Christmas Day menu – From £159 per person
Festive Afternoon Tea
There is still a chance to celebrate Christmas at Parker’s Tavern with their festive Afternoon Tea, featuring a delicious selection of savouries and sweets created by their pastry team, traditional festive finger sandwiches and cranberry scones, and a pistachio Christmas tree with a mince pie filling, plus a Mandarin & Champagne cheesecake.
Served Monday – Sunday 12:30-5pm. £45 from 22 November until 3 January.
Boxing Day Brunch and Jazz at Parker’s Tavern
Savour a relaxed Boxing Day with a leisurely brunch accompanied by the smooth sounds of live jazz. Indulge in festive flavours, unwind, and make the most of the holiday season in style.
£ 65 per person
Michelin Star Festive Dining at Restaurant 22
Throughout December, Restaurant 22 will be open additionally on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday lunchtimes. They will also be open for a festive Sunday special on Sunday, 22nd December! The restaurant will then be closed so their team can enjoy the festive period with their loved ones from Monday, 22 December, reopening for dinner on Friday, 2nd January.
Dining at an award winning restaurant
On New Year’s Eve 2024, the restaurant will be open for lunch as usual, and on NYE, you can celebrate 2026 over a fine dinner till 11 pm.
Fancett’s is a small, independent French-influenced bistro located on Mill Road in Cambridge, offering a prix fixe menu for lunch and dinner. The setting is relaxed, personal and intimate, with seasonal menus based on the best available produce. They are proud and humbled to be recommended in the Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide for 2024.
Enjoy delicious food cooked over fire
The Provenance team has some exciting news! Due to high demand, they’re now opening bookings for Wednesday evenings in December only.
In 2019, Kate and Greg opened Brix + Mortar in Whittlesford, just outside of Cambridge, their first restaurant. Local suppliers and seasonal produce are key to the monthly changing menus. We like to keep it simple, so at the heart of Brix + Mortar is a brick-built wood-fired hearth serving the best cuts of locally sourced meats, wood-fired fish, and vibrant vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Throughout December, they’ll be serving their regular menus alongside our festive Christmas set menu. Please note that the set menu is pre-order only. Just let us know when you make your booking, and we’ll send you the menu along with an easy-to-use pre-order form.
Get in touch with your plans soon, dates are filling up fast!
Celebrate Christmas at the Plough in Coton
Join the team of the Plough in Coton for a delicious Christmas Day menu. You can look forward to Partridge Pie, Salmon Tartare, Turkey, Roast Beef and Baked Turbot, a few samples of their Christmas Day Menu. Finish with one of their festive desserts for a perfect Christmas Lunch.
And ring in the New Year with our 3-course festive meal followed by DJ until late—the perfect way to celebrate and see in 2026! Delicious food, dancing, and a night to remember. – Let’s toast to new beginnings together!
Festive Dining at the Orator – Cambridge Union
The Orator, part of the Cambridge Union, is one of the hidden gems in Cambridge, tucked away behind the Round Church. The newly refurbished Cambridge Union Bar and Restaurant (previously 1815 bar) is a unique place for your festive dining and celebrations.
During the Christmas period, from the 24th of November through to the New Year, their Festive Three Course Set Menu is the perfect treat to get yourself into the festive spirit.
A delicious Indian vegetarian feast at Namaste Village
This Christmas, celebrate the festive season with India’s rich culinary heritage, handcrafted menus, cosy ambience, heart-warming hospitality, and boldly inspired flavours crafted with care. Their epic Christmas Celebration Menu runs daily throughout November and up to Christmas Eve with the option to select individual dishes (prices vary), or enjoy it as a five course feast (£35.95).
Curated by Chef Urmila Jetani, whose culinary roots lie in the vibrant flavours of Gujarat, this fully vegetarian and vegan menu is infused with the warmth and spirit of the season. Drawing inspiration from festive ingredients and winter traditions, she has crafted a refreshingly innovative selection, rich with her uniquely created spices and celebratory flavours.
Charity runs deep in Namaste Village’s roots and is enriched with Indian values. Aiding to solve World Hunger is a cause the team are very passionate about, so much so that they have their own in-house initiative Dosa on the Wall. Customers are encouraged to donate £5 (or more if they wish). Namaste Village matches each donation equally to make it one free meal, roughly the price of their Masala Dosa, spreading support for others and good karma. For every donation made, a sticker is displayed on the restaurant window and anyone in need of a meal can use it to claim a free meal. This person could be from all walks of life, simply in need of a meal, without losing his/her dignity.
Head over to their website for more information and click the link at the top of the homepage.
Celebrate Christmas at the Market House
Planning for the Festive Season? The Market House would love to welcome you to Market House — one of Cambridge’s favourite independent eateries, set within a beautifully restored Grade II listed building in the heart of the city.
Festive Dining, Whatever the Occasion. Spread across five stunning floors, Market House offers a space for every kind of celebration:
- Relaxed gatherings in our stylish first-floor restaurant
- Cosy dinners in our candlelit Wine Cellar
- Private parties in our elegant dining rooms
Christmas Set Menu — 3 Courses from £48
Festive opening times at the Fin Boys on Mill Road
The Fin Boys will be open as usual at No.2 up until Saturday, 21 December, before they switch things up, and open for a festive Sunday lunch on Sunday the 21st and open for Christmas Eve with bookings available between 12noon and 4 pm.
Perfect for getting together with friends over a few celebratory glasses of bubbly, with plenty of oysters and fish dishes. They will be closed from 25 December until 6 January, when we reopen on Tuesday, 7 January.
Add a Tokyo Twist to your Christmas celebrations
Japanese-inspired festive feasts, indulgent sharing menus, seasonal specials, and party-ready platters to go.
This Christmas, swap the usual turkey and trimmings for something a little more unique. KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar is bringing a touch of Tokyo to the festive season, with special sharing menus, seasonal chef’s specials, and Japanese platters perfect for home or office celebrations.
Available from 17th November to 31st December, KIBOU’s festive offering is all about good food, good company, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, whether you’re joining in the fun at the restaurant or taking the celebration away with you.
Festive Sharing Menus – Designed for groups of four or more and perfect for bringing everyone together around the table, our festive menus are available to pre-book and come in two options: Classic £ from £35pp and Tokujo Sharing Menu – £75pp.
Throughout the season, we’ll be serving a selection of festive chef’s specials. For entertainment at home, they offer Party Platters for Easy Entertaining and alongside the food at KIBOU, enjoy a festive cocktail or a Japanese whisky flight – ideal for raising a glass together.
Festive Dining and Brunch at Amelie at Ben’s Yard
Their Festive Christmas Menu runs from 20th November to 4th January — enjoy three delicious courses for just £38.50. Bring your friends and family to soak up the atmosphere, browse the shops, let the little ones run wild in the outdoor play area, or take a winter walk — and make a day of it at Ben’s Yard.
It launches just in time for the Park & Ride starting at Ben’s Yard for Ely Cathedral, and it’s the menu we’ll be serving for the late night shopping on 28th November.
Bubbles & Brunch
Amelie is kicking off the festive season in style at Amelie! Join us for breakfast and enjoy a complimentary glass (or three) of French sparkling wine with any dish from our main breakfast menu. Prefer a mimosa? We’ve got orange juice, too! Start your day with a touch of elegance—because breakfast deserves a little sparkle.
Every day | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM – November carrying on into the New Year. Check out their website for more details.
Pint Shop British fayre feasting
Chef Benny and his jolly crew of culinary elves have cooked up a festive menu that’s sure to bring joy to your holiday cheer! Starting from Thursday, November 20th and twinkling all the way to Christmas Eve, our delightful Christmas Menu is ready for you to book. Let the feasting begin!
The Scotch Egg is like the twinkling star atop the Christmas tree—an all-time favourite! It is Stuffed Turkey with Curry Butter Sprouts, what we like to call a festive miracle—truly next level! And our Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding? Well, it’s so delightful that you’ll want to leave out extra reindeer food just for a chance to taste the magic yourself!
Lots of Christmas fun at the Fellows House
This year, Fellows House decided to celebrate the festive season with a series of events. They not only invite you to indulge in a culinary journey like no other or a Festive Afternoon Tea but will be offering a carvery to celebrate Christmas Day in style at The Folio Bar & Kitchen on Thursday, 25th December 2025. The traditional carvery lunch features a welcome glass of prosecco or festive mocktail followed by a hearty three-course carvery lunch, and a decadent selection of desserts. Alongside the delightful lunch, our experienced bar staff will surprise you with signature cocktails, timeless spirits and wines sourced from all over the world.
Check out their website to find out more about these exciting events and to book your table.
Festive Indian Fine Dining at Navadhanya
Experience a Festive Feast with our 3-Course Taster Christmas Menu!
Available now until 24 December, this culinary journey is designed to celebrate the season with flavours from across India. It features dishes like the Chettinadu Taco and Prawn Moilee, plus a delicious vegetarian option for each course!
£35.00 per person — with an optional wine flight at £19.95 per person.
Open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Festive feast and a great Indian vibe – the Permit Room
Why not celebrate your Christmas party at the Permit Room? There’s turkey, cranberries, and festive hats. But it tastes a little different here. Imagine Turkey – Biryani – layered and layered with nice aromatic rice, under a golden puff pastry casing. Tables overflow with good food and high spirits. Snacks, Savouries, Small Plates shared by all. Gather the crowd. Let’s get festive. It’s deliciously different.
Christmas Feast
The Permit Room are doing a festive set menu for £39.50 per person available for groups of four or more people, with a choice of vegan, vegetarian or meat options. Including: turkey and cranberries however this time cooked in the traditional Indian raan style until meltingly tender. As well as samosas and chaats, snacks, savouries and rich curries to suit everybody’s taste. Perfect for sharing, celebrating Permit Room style. Running from 17th November to 24th December, and our bookings are now OPEN!
Christmas Breakfast special
Introducing: Seema’s Merry Breakfast Naan Rolls. Their friend Seema Pankhania has sprinkled festive magic over our Breakfast Naan Rolls to make them extra craveable. Xmas dinner faves – honey-glazed pigs-in-blankets or rich vegan stuffing. Available 17th November – 24th December, ’til 11.45am.
Skip the pigs in blankets – the Permit Room has got Samosas and Chaats. Bring the crowd. It’s that time of the year to have a party.
Sparkling English Wine Supper Club at Saffron Grange
Their good friends from Saffron Fish Co will be coming back to Saffron Grange to bring you a Festive Seafood Supper Club on Saturday, 6th December. The Supper Club will take place in their Cellar Door Shop & Tasting Room at Saffron Grange Vineyard.
The evening will commence from 7.00pm, with food served between 7.15pm-7.30pm finishing at 10:00/10:30pm. The menu consists of a canapé followed by 3 delicious seafood-based courses and then a dessert all prepared and introduced by Chef Matt Gurnett from Saffron Fish Co. Four of the courses will each be paired with a different Saffron Grange Sparkling Wine.
Please note advance booking is essential. The Saffron Fish Co events are always popular and spaces are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are non-refundable.
Regrettably, due to the small number of covers for this event, we are unable to cater to special dietary restrictions.
Festive Tasting Menu with Saffron Fish Co – Saturday 6th December – £90 (per person)
Christmas at Scottsdales is not only about the garden
Join Scottsdale at Great Shelford, Horningsea or Fordham in the Greenhouse Café this Christmas for festive menus. Each menu offers a selection of tempting winter warmers that the whole family will love it, but hurry —they’re only available for a limited time!
They’ve given your favourite hot beverages a festive twist this season, and fall in love with warming gingerbread, spiced pumpkin, cosy salted caramel, fluffy marshmallow and zesty orange. Regular and luxury hot chocolate is available at all Sunflower Cafes
Selected festive flavours are available while stocks last
For a festive celebration, enjoy three tiers of treats, including a selection of sandwiches, homemade scones served with clotted cream & jam, a selection of cakes and a regular hot drink per person.
Or, for a sweet treat to share, tuck into our cream team for two offer. It includes a homemade scone served with clotted cream and a pot of jam and a regular hot drink each.
The hot spots to celebrate New Year’s Eve
Start the New Year right and celebrate the start of the new year in Cambridge. Visit one of the many parties, casual or posh dinners or join an English sparkling wine tasting. Cambridge is one of the most popular cities in Europe, so why not celebrate the New Year with our excellent list of options for keeping it low-key or going top-notch? Here is our selection of events to end the year with a bang.
The perfect foodie gift for Christmas
Lost for ideas? Looking to surprise a foodie friend or loved one? Their kitchen is probably already completely kitted out, and a hamper is unlikely to thrill them. Fear not, though, we have the perfect gift – joining one of our award-winning Cambridge Food Tours!
Cambridge is a food lover’s dream! Joining one of our food walking tours is the only gift that lets you take a bite out of Cambridge as you eat your way through the city, guided by local food blogger Gerla de Boer. She even keeps surprising locals with exciting places which are often in plain sight.
She works closely with Cambridge’s food suppliers, restaurants, bars, cafes, and market vendors. On these food tours, you will be taken to areas many visitors never get to see, and you’ll sample some of the best food and drink in Cambridge.
Blow the cobwebs away on a Boxing Day walk
One of the best ways to cure your hangover the day after the big party is to hit the commons for fresh air and end up at a pub for a bite to eat or a drink. If the countryside is not your kinda thing, we suggest a scenic leisurely stroll through the historic centre.
Are you not quite sure where to go for a celebratory drink or lunch? Check out the link below, which includes places for a good cup of coffee and cocktails, too.
Have a great time!
Have a great time over the festive season!
Gerla
