Struggling to put together a spread for your holiday gatherings? We’ve got you covered.
Arizona is a state of grand fortune, with scores of local farms and farmers markets from which to source all of our necessary produce. We also have reputable farms for turkeys, ample bake shops for pies and cookies, and a couple of places that are willing to cook the entire meal! Looking for a restaurant that’s open on Christmas? We’ve got you covered there, too.
The Best Farm-Fresh Turkeys in Arizona
“Jenny-O and Butterball, who?” is all you will say after trying a farm-raised turkey, as they just taste better! While your local butcher shop is a great place to stop by for a turkey, there are only two farms in Arizona this year that are raising turkeys to sell to shops and individuals.
Chiricahua Pasture Raised Meats
1144 N Pinto Lane, Cochise
Several local meat shops, including Arcadia Meat Market, sell Chricahua’s turkeys, but you can also call and place your order directly. They will accept orders until they are sold out—AKA first come, first served.
Ridgeview Farm
Paulden, AZ
928-6377-8265
“Home of the Happy Chickens” is also home to year-round turkeys. To order a holiday turkey, call or email owner Alex as soon as possible. He only raises so many turkeys, though, so the sooner you order, the better! Catch him at the Prescott and Uptown farmers market year-round, selling chicken, quail, duck, turkey, and eggs.
The Best Holiday Bakeries in Arizona
While it is convenient to buy from Costco or Whole Foods, ordering pies and sides from one of these Arizona businesses means supporting your local economy while ensuring higher-quality food.
The Best Holiday Bakeries in Phoenix
Beckett’s Table
3717 E Indian School Rd
Started by a chef and sommeliers, Becketts Table is a sophisticated stop for good eats and well-paired wine. Lucky for you, they are also willing to cook the sweets for your holiday feast. Desserts available include fig and pecan pie ($48) and citrus zest cream cheese ice cream ($17 per pint). Each order feeds about 6 people.
Mamma Toledo’s The Pie Hole
15414 N 7th St #6
Apple pies, cherry pies, nut pies, vegan pies–oh my! You can fill your pie hole for right around $25 per sweet treat.
The Best Holiday Bakeries in Tucson
Sydney’s Sweet Shoppe
8969 E Tanque Verde Rd Ste 209
Made in-house with award winning flaky butter crust, Sydney’s Sweet Shoppe is the place for pie. With a convenient drive-through, you can pick up your perfect pie the day before the holiday; just be sure to order soon to ensure your sweets. Pies here are around $30 each.
Beyond Bread Bakery & Cafe
6260 E Speedway
Our readers rave about Beyond Bread’s focaccia, but, as the bakery says, “Bread is just the beginning.” They offer plenty of pastries to satisfy any sweet tooth, from chocolate mousse torte to key lime tart.
READ MORE: The 6 best bakeries in Arizona
The Best Premade Holiday Meals in Arizona
Maybe you don’t want to lift a finger in the kitchen. If that’s the case, we’ve found a few Arizona businesses that will do all the cooking for you.
Miracle Mile Deli
4433 N 16th St, Phoenix
Offering turkey, sides, and pie, this family-owned restaurant wants to help with your holiday feast. For example, you can put together.a custom meal of chopped salad, a fruit tray, vegetables & dip, a cheese platter, 20 assorted cookies, and bread pudding for under $300. Locals know that even simple dishes here are fantastically delicious.
Arcadia Farms Cafe
7025 E 1st Ave, Scottsdale
Available sides and sweets here range from traditional to spectacular, including brie cheese wheels and flourless cakes! Arcadia Farms Cafe has been a boutique cafe staple for over 30 years and strives to provide high-quality food worth gathering for. It just may be the right pick for your holiday meal!
Bashas’
Since 1932, Bashas’ has been an Arizona grocer with a commitment to quality at a good price. Every year, they offer holiday meals at fair prices. Go to your local Bashas’ deli counter to pre-order a holiday meal that can serve 2-12 people and can include a feast of turkey with sides and sweets ($80), turkey dinner for two ($30), spiral ham dinner with sides and sweets ($80), a full turkey feast for 12 ($140), rib roast dinner with sides and sweets ($100), and a hot tamale tray with sides ($35/dozen). Pickups and availability vary by location, so get your order in ASAP to ensure a simplified yet satisfying holiday meal.
Arizona Restaurants Open on Christmas
Not everyone is putting together an elaborate spread for Christmas. Some folks just want to go out for a quick bite. That’s why we compiled a list of a few well-reviewed restaurants you can visit on Christmas Day.
Four Peaks 8th Street Pub
1340 E 8th St #104, Tempe
In addition to serving Four Peaks Brewing specialty beers, the 8th Street Pub has a variety of appetizer, dinner, and dessert options. Choose from items on their standard menu, or check out their December Specials if you want something a little different for your holiday meal. All menu items can be found here.
Arriba Mexican Grill
Multiple locations, including Phoenix, Glendale, and Gilbert
Arriva Mexican Grill has been operating in the Valley since 1995. They have a range of fresh made dishes, including enchiladas, burritos, tamales, tacos, and more. To check out their full menu, click here.
The Italiano
9301 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale
The Italiano is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. It’s recommended that you book your reservation in advance by following this link. Their dinner menu includes items like seafood salad, lobster ravioli, and imported burrata.