The busiest season in catering is just around the corner and for many planners and culinary teams, holiday event prep is already underway.
Whether you’re organizing a black-tie winter wedding, a corporate celebration, or a festive community gathering, Q4 is full of high-pressure, high-reward opportunities. But with shifting client expectations and new event formats, success this season will depend on your ability to adapt.
Here are the top holiday catering trends to watch for the 2025 season and beyond and how to start preparing now.
Seasonal Sophistication, With a Twist
Clients are craving elevated comfort food that feels festive but not clichéd. Think warm, indulgent, and sharable, but with a modern edge.
Trending menu features:
• Upscale versions of holiday classics (roasted root veggie galettes, mini beef wellingtons, miso-maple Brussels sprouts)
• Seasonally-inspired grazing boards with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and festive fruit
• Unexpected pairings: chestnut hummus, pomegranate-glazed wings, spiced pear chutney
Prep Tip: Menus with modular components, like build-your-own crostini or hot cocoa stations, offer interaction and ease of service.
Extended Holiday Booking Windows
The December party rush is real, but the season is expanding. More clients are scheduling events in early November and even January to avoid calendar traffic and off-peak pricing.
Why it matters:
• Flexible menu planning: Offer tiered or seasonal menus that scale across a 10-week span.
• Staffing strategy: Stagger labor demands with prep-ahead menus and designated holiday crews.
• Client retention: Consider loyalty perks or early-bird incentives for repeat holiday clients.
Corporate Events with Heart
Companies are rethinking the purpose of end-of-year events; it’s less about formal dinners, more about community, appreciation, and shared experience.
Popular formats:
• Immersive team-building food experiences (chef-led stations, cook-offs)
• Casual, high-impact lunches with branded packaging or take-home treats
• Holiday-themed cocktail hours with passed bites and festive beverages
Planning Tip: Focus on menus that serve well at standing events and scale with hybrid/remote attendees in mind.
Winter Weddings Are Heating Up
With summer dates booked out and fall costs rising, many couples are turning to off-season celebrations, making winter weddings one of the fastest-growing event segments heading into 2026.
Winter wedding catering considerations:
• Rich, hearty flavors and layered courses
• Hot cocktail pairings (e.g., mulled wine, Irish coffee bars)
• Elegant, seasonal dessert stations (gingerbread trifles, cinnamon crème brûlée)
Don’t forget about logistical challenges like weather-dependent deliveries and venue heating needs. Planning for indoor/outdoor flexibility is key.
Sustainability Is Still a Priority
Even in the rush of the holidays, clients are asking questions about eco-friendly practices.
Ideas to incorporate:
• Compostable or reusable serviceware
• Waste-reducing menu formats like family-style service or portion-controlled bento kits
• Seasonal sourcing to reduce food miles and showcase local produce
Pro Tip: Prep your team with language to discuss sustainability confidently; it’s not just good practice, it’s a sales differentiator.
Final Thoughts: Plan Now, Execute Smoothly
Last-minute requests will still happen. But your ability to plan now, with flexible menus, clear staffing plans, and scalable logistics, can make the difference between burnout and your most successful season yet.