The Chilterns — a patchwork of rolling hills, charming villages and cosy country inns — comes alive at Christmas. Here, festive lunches aren’t just about food: they’re about community spirit, warming hospitality and local produce celebrated from farm to table. Whether you’re planning a relaxed family lunch, a get-together with friends or a traditional Christmas Day meal, the Chilterns offers memorable dining experiences that reflect the best of British seasonal cooking and warm countryside charm.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top 10 restaurants and pubs in the Chilterns serving Christmas and festive lunches, all of which take bookings and most of which are kid-friendly. From traditional roasts and hearty pub classics to refined seasonal menus, there’s something for every festive appetite.

1. The Coach House — Classic Country Dining with Seasonal Flair

Where: Wooburn Green, High Wycombe
Why It’s Festive: A local favourite with a welcoming atmosphere, The Coach House offers a warm setting for festive meals, combining classic winter dishes with locally sourced ingredients.
What to Expect: Traditional lunch portions, hearty mains that suit the colder season, and friendly service. Ideal for families and groups, and advisable to book early for December weekends.

2. The Boot — Gastropub Comfort Meets Festive Flavours

Where: High Wycombe
Why It’s Festive: This popular gastropub adds seasonal touches to pub classics, making festive lunches both relaxed and special.
What to Expect: Roast mains, festive starters and comforting desserts — perfect for kids and adults alike. Booking for December and Christmas Eve is recommended.

3. Nags Head - Great Missenden — Village Pub with a Festive Heart

Where: Great Missenden
Why It’s Festive: A quintessential Chilterns village pub offering seasonal menu highlights and a cosy atmosphere by the fire.
What to Expect: Pub favourites and festive specials around Christmastime — suit groups and families, with occasional children’s options on the menu.

4. The Chequers Inn — Charming Country Inn Dining

Where: Weston Turville, Aylesbury
Why It’s Festive: The Chequers Inn pairs a classic country setting with quality seasonal dishes that feel both homely and celebratory.
What to Expect: Seasonal starters and mains with local produce, a menu that suits different age groups, and friendly service — ideal for festive lunches throughout December.

5. The Three Oaks — Award-Winning Gastropub Style

Where: Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross
Why It’s Festive: Elegant yet unpretentious, The Three Oaks brings a quality gastropub experience to Christmas festivities, making it great for family lunches or group celebrations.
What to Expect: Festive set menus, roast options and seasonal desserts — bookings fill up early so secure dates soon.

6. The Grange Restaurant at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People — Good Food with a Purpose

Where: Saunderton, Princes Risborough
Why It’s Festive: This welcoming restaurant combines great food with a meaningful mission, making it a heart-warming choice for festive dining.
What to Expect: Seasonal lunches and pub classics with locally inspired twists — family-friendly and community-oriented. Booking recommended for holiday dates.

7. The Artichoke — Fine Dining Christmas Option

Where: Amersham
Why It’s Festive: For those seeking a refined experience, The Artichoke blends contemporary cuisine with seasonal ingredients — ideal for a special festive lunch.
What to Expect: Creative mains, elegant plating and attentive service. Best suited for older children and adults, and reservations well ahead are encouraged.

8. The Griffin — Stylish, Relaxed Seasonal Meals

Where: Amersham
Why It’s Festive: A cosy choice with a village feel, The Griffin presents a welcoming festive menu and great drinks list.
What to Expect: Seasonal mains, home-style classics, and a comfortable dining space — family-friendly with early December availability.

9. The Black Horse — Pub Celebrations & Seasonal Menus

Where: Lacey Green, Princes Risborough
Why It’s Festive: The Black Horse blends snug pub charm with festive cheer, offering seasonal menus and special offers over the Christmas period.
What to Expect: Comforting seasonal lunches, festive drinks and a lively but family-friendly environment.

10. Hampden Arms — Classic Chilterns Pub Tradition

Where: Great Missenden
Why It’s Festive: A traditional pub with a strong local following, ideal for a relaxed festive lunch full of comforting classics.
What to Expect: Seasonal roasts, classic mains and a welcoming atmosphere — best to book for Saturday and December festive menus.

What to Expect From Festive Dining in the Chilterns

Booking & Festive Menus

Across the Chilterns pubs and restaurants, festive menus range from seasonal set lunches to traditional roast dinners with all the trimmings. Many places begin offering these in late November through to Christmas Eve. Popular venues often require bookings in advance, especially for December weekends and Christmas Eve.

Kid-Friendly Options

While celebration menus vary, most pubs and restaurants in the Chilterns are kid-friendly, offering lighter portions or children’s menus. Checking directly with the venue about children’s options and dietary needs is always a good idea when you book.

When to Book

December is a busy season — many festive menus will take reservations from early November. For Christmas Day or peak mid-December weekend slots, reservations weeks (if not months) ahead are advisable.

FAQs

Q: Are restaurants in the Chilterns open on Christmas Day?
A: Select restaurants and country houses may offer Christmas Day lunch, but availability is limited and bookings are essential. Many places focus on festive menus throughout December rather than Christmas Day itself.

Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: Early booking is strongly recommended — especially for December weekends and Christmas Eve. Festive menus are popular, and tables fill up quickly.

Q: Are there vegetarian or vegan options at festive lunches?
A: Most places now offer vegetarian options, and many can cater to vegan and dietary requirements if notified at booking.

Q: Can I take children to these festive lunches?
A: Yes — most pubs and restaurants are family-friendly, though menus differ. Always confirm children’s options when booking.

Conclusion — Enjoy a Festive Feast in the Chilterns

From cosy country pubs and village restaurants to refined dining options, the Chilterns serves up a rich variety of Christmas and festive lunch experiences for families, friends and groups. The region’s local ingredients and welcoming hospitality add a special touch to seasonal classics — so book early, check menus, and enjoy a memorable festive lunch.

If you’re welcoming guests to your Chilterns property this festive season, Pass the Keys can help manage bookings, guest communications and turnover — letting you savour the magic of the season without the hosting stress.