Event planners are designing 2025 holiday celebrations in Toronto that feel meaningful, thoughtful and distinctly Canadian. The focus has shifted from scale to story: menus that celebrate local ingredients, mindful service, and inclusive experiences that leave a lasting impression.
At elle cuisine, we’ve seen firsthand how these trends are shaping holiday catering in Toronto. From locally sourced menus to immersive event formats, here’s what planners are prioritizing, and how we’re helping hosts bring it all to life.
1. Local First: A Taste of Canada
This year, “local” means more than proximity to the farm; it means pride. Across the country, event planners are choosing Canadian-made ingredients that highlight the country’s regional diversity and quality craftsmanship.
Canadian ingredients are front and center; it’s a celebration of the country’s agricultural richness and the producers who bring it to life. Our farmers, fishers, cheesemakers, and winemakers’ products are the star attraction on holiday tables in Toronto.
- East Coast oysters: fresh and briny, perfect for elegant hors d’oeuvres.
- Ontario root vegetables: roasted, pureed, or dressed simply to showcase their natural sweetness.
- Quebec artisanal cheeses: rich and distinctive, ideal for charcuterie and canapés.
- Saskatchewan grains: hearty and wholesome, featured in breads, sides, and vegetarian mains.
- BC wines and ciders: bright, balanced pairings for festive dinners.
2. Delicious AND Sustainible
People want events that can feel indulgent yet responsible, with eco-conscious choices woven through every detail.
It’s showing up in menus that follow the seasons, kitchen practices that reduce waste, and service models that minimize environmental impact without compromising presentation.
What Toronto planners are prioritizing:
- Waste reduction: Smaller portions, reusable materials, and composting programs.
- Low-impact logistics: Centralized prep, efficient transport, and partnerships with nearby venues.
- Eco-conscious presentation: Recyclable linens, natural décor, and elegant reusable serveware.
3. Inclusivity and Wellness on Every Plate
Holiday catering menus should reflect how people want to eat: balanced, mindful, and accessible to every guest at the table.
2025 sees inclusivity as the foundation of design, not an afterthought. From the first canapé to the final dessert, holiday catering should accommodate all dietary preferences while keeping flavour and presentation front and center.
- Expanded dietary variety: Vegan and plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, Halal, and Kosher-style dishes are standard across Toronto events.
- Balanced choices: Fresh greens and lighter sides offset rich mains for satisfying, guilt-free dining.
- Wellness-forward flavours: Fermented or functional ingredients like kombucha vinaigrettes and spelt-based pastries can add some unique freshness and depth.
- Sober-friendly refreshments: Sophisticated mocktails, kombucha spritzes, and botanical infusions make non-alcoholic options just as memorable.
4. Immersive Experiences Redefine Holiday Dining
Gone are the days of formal, fixed seating. Events in 2025 are about flow that invites movement, conversation, and genuine interactions. Caterers in Toronto are building experiences that feel alive, where guests can explore rather than sit still.
Popular ideas include:
- Chef-attended carving or risotto stations
- Build-your-own hors d’oeuvre or dessert tables
- Grazing boards styled with Canadian seasonal produce
- Themed experiences like cozy après-ski or winter market soirées
5. Convenience and Flexibility for Modern Hosts
Holiday parties will look different in 2025. Hybrid work, tighter budgets, and smaller teams mean hosts are seeking flexible catering options that are polished without being complicated.
Corporate caterers are responding with models that bring professional catering into every kind of space, from cozy Christmas gatherings at home to multi-office celebrations.
- Smaller, more intentional gatherings: Companies are trading long programs for shorter, high-quality experiences that feel relaxed and personal.
- Flexible formats: Midday luncheons, cocktail receptions, and themed stations create flow while keeping budgets predictable.
- Smart service models: Pre-set delivery menus and partial-service packages help hosts manage time and scale without compromising polish.
For elle cuisine, flexibility is built into everything we do. The goal is simple: make hosting feel effortless.
How elle cuisine Brings Holiday Catering Trends to Life
Every year, our team builds menus that reflect how people want to celebrate: locally inspired, inclusive, and elegantly executed. The trends Toronto planners are discussing for 2025, sustainability, creativity, and connection, have always been at the heart of how we work.
Here’s how we bring it all together:
- Locally sourced, Canadian-first ingredients
- Inclusive and health-conscious menu design
- Interactive, chef-led catering formats
- Seamless coordination from kitchen to venue
From downtown corporate soirées to intimate home dinners, our role is to make each event feel polished, personal, and easy.
The Best Holiday Catering in 2025
Toronto’s holiday events are changing in all the right ways: smaller, smarter, and built on care. elle cuisine is proud to help shape that shift, designing events that blend sustainability, creativity, and true hospitality. Connect with elle cuisine today to plan your holiday catering in Toronto.
