Cambridge is a city that sparkles in winter — historic colleges dusted with frost, elegant streets lit up at dusk and cosy eateries offering festive warmth that perfectly complement the season’s ambience. Whether you’re planning a pre-Christmas lunch with friends, a Christmas Day feast with family, or a festive bite during your visit to the Christmas markets, Cambridge restaurants and pubs cater to every appetite and mood.

Many restaurants here release special festive menus throughout December, and several take advanced bookings (often with deposits or pre-orders) — so planning ahead is key if you want to secure the best tables. You’ll find everything from relaxed, kid-friendly pubs and brasseries to elegant hotel lunches and more refined set menus for special occasions.

Below is our top-10 guide to Christmas and festive lunch options in and around Cambridge, with details on what each offers, why it’s worth visiting, and how family-friendly it is.

1. The Gonville Hotel — Christmas Day Lunch in Style

2. Parker’s Tavern — Festive Ballrooms & Classic Menus

For a classic Christmas Day banquet overlooking iconic Parker’s Piece, Parker’s Tavern serves a traditional festive lunch with all the trimmings.

Why it’s special: A grand setting with hearty festive classics and seasonal sides.
Kid-Friendly: Yes — suitable for family celebrations.
Booking tip: Full pre-payment may be required when you book.

3. The Cambridge Belfry — Christmas Day Lunch with Festive Flair

At The Cambridge Belfry, you’ll find a three-course Christmas Day lunch complete with a special kids’ menu — perfect for a family-friendly festive feast.

Why it’s special: A hotel restaurant experience that balances quality with a relaxed atmosphere.
Kid-Friendly: Yes — dedicated kids’ lunch menu available.
Bookings: Recommended via phone or email.

4. King Street Brewhouse — Casual Festive Lunch & Drinks

For a more relaxed, laid-back festive lunch, King Street Brewhouse combines seasonal dishes with craft beer and winter warmers. They’re open across much of December, including Christmas Day (with set opening hours and festive menus).

Why it’s special: Family-friendly atmosphere with bold seasonal dishes and drinks.
Kid-Friendly: Yes — options geared towards families and larger groups.
Bookings: Strongly advised due to limited space in peak days.

5. The Cambridge Chop House — Classic British Festive Menu

A popular city-centre choice for those seeking classic British comfort food and a festive set menu in December.

Why it’s special: Seasonal classics and hearty dishes with a warm atmosphere right in the heart of town.
Kid-Friendly: Generally welcoming — best to check if children’s portions are available at Christmas.
Booking tip: Reserve early for December weekend lunches.

6. Browns Cambridge — Festive Brasserie with Great Central Location

A long-standing choice for pre-Christmas lunch gatherings and a venue that usually offers a seasonal prix-fixe or festive menu.

Why it’s special: Stylish brasserie feel, good for families and group bookings.
Kid-Friendly: Very — children’s menu available year-round.
Booking tip: December weekends fill fast.

7. MillWorks — Seasonal Brasserie & Festive Lunch

Set by the river in Newnham, MillWorks has seasonal menus and space to unwind with family and friends during December.

Why it’s special: River views and a cosy winter vibe make it excellent for festive days out.
Kid-Friendly: Yes — relaxed menu and welcoming service for families.
Bookings: Recommended for peak festive dates.

8. Fancett's — Contemporary Festive Dining

A stylish neighbourhood favourite that often participates in festive menu offerings, ideal for those wanting a modern twist on seasonal cooking.

Why it’s special: Creative dishes set in a relaxed yet refined space.
Kid-Friendly: Family-friendly but best to check children’s options.
Booking: Advance booking recommended through December.

9. North Star Restaurant — Boutique Seasonal Experience

This intimate restaurant is perfect for festive celebrations with a slightly elevated, experiential menu.

Why it’s special: Elegant seasonal dishes and a warm, welcoming interior.
Kid-Friendly: Best for older children — check menu ahead of booking.
Bookings: Essential for Christmas-period lunches.

10. Parker's Tavern — Grand Ballroom Christmas Feast

Often featured among Christmas Day dining destinations, Parker’s Tavern offers a spectacular festive lunch in its grand setting overlooking Parker’s Piece.

Why it’s special: Classic festive roast and pudding in one of Cambridge’s most atmospheric spaces.
Kid-Friendly: Yes — suitable for families and groups.
Booking: Essential — fully prepaid bookings often required.

What to Expect from Festive Dining in Cambridge

Booking & Deposits: Many Cambridge venues take bookings well ahead, especially for Christmas Day and pre-Christmas weekends. Some require deposits or full pre-payment when you reserve your table — so plan early.

Festive Menus: Expect seasonal starters and mains, traditional roasts, vegetarian or plant-based options and festive desserts. Most places also offer special menus from late November through December.

Kid-Friendly Options: Many restaurants and pubs provide children’s menus or portions — always check when booking so expectations align. Casual places like King Street Brewhouse and brasseries often have the widest family-friendly options.

Christmas Day Availability: While many pubs and restaurants in Cambridge open on Christmas Day, tables can go very quickly. Larger hotels and established lunch venues are more likely to have dedicated Christmas Day lunch offerings with set menus.

FAQs

Do Cambridge restaurants offer Christmas Day lunch?

Yes — several hotels and larger venues like The Gonville Hotel and The Cambridge Belfry provide dedicated Christmas Day lunch menus with festive courses.

When should I book?

The earlier the better. Many venues open reservations as soon as their festive menus are announced, and Christmas Day tables often sell out months in advance.

Are kids welcome at festive lunches?

Most restaurants and pubs are family-friendly, especially brasseries and gastropubs. However, children’s menus may vary by venue — it’s wise to confirm when booking.

What if I want something casual rather than formal?

Places like King Street Brewhouse and city-centre brasseries offer more relaxed vibes, lunch menus and festive plates that appeal to all ages.

Conclusion — Celebrate Christmas in Cambridge

Cambridge’s festive food scene blends tradition, seasonal creativity and welcoming atmospheres — from refined Christmas Day feasts to relaxed lunching spots perfect for family groups. Book early, check booking terms, and think about the mood you want (formal, cosy, lively) when choosing your venue.

If you’re hosting guests during the festive period and juggling bookings, turnover and guest communications, Pass the Keys Cambridge can look after your property logistics — so you can enjoy this magical season without the stress.