When the temperatures drop, nothing beats a glowing buffet line piled high with comfort dishes and festive favorites.
Minnesota turns into a wonderland of holiday spreads that warm your hands and your heart with every carving station and cookie tray.
Whether you crave Nordic classics, Midwestern comfort, or a splash of European cheer, these buffets deliver twinkling ambiance and generous plates.
Come hungry, leave joyful, and make a cozy memory that lasts all winter.
Grand View Lodge – Nisswa
Step into Grand View Lodge and you are greeted by the scent of pine, roast drippings, and hot cocoa drifting through a timbered hall. The Christmas Day buffet feels like a postcard, with carving stations for prime rib and ham, plus a seafood spread that gleams under soft lights. You move from salads dressed in cranberry vinaigrette to buttery rolls and herbed vegetables, your plate filling faster than you planned.
The chefs here know how to balance tradition and surprise. Tender cuts of meat sit beside maple glazed carrots, wild rice pilaf, and mash with rich pan gravy that you will want to spoon over everything. Then there are the seafood stations, showcasing chilled shrimp, smoked salmon, and sometimes crab legs that make the whole room buzz with delight.
Save room for the dessert parade, because it is unapologetically grand. Think pecan tartlets, peppermint mousse, chocolate yule logs, and pies that taste like home if home had a pastry team. You can linger by the hearth with coffee or cider, planning a second pass while the carols and clinking glasses roll on.
What makes this buffet special is how it wraps you in warmth without fuss. Rustic beams, friendly staff, and a holiday energy that feels sincere make lingering feel natural.
If your idea of a perfect winter night includes a great meal, glowing lights, and laughter rising over plates that never feel empty, this is the place to anchor your holiday tradition.
Cragun’s Resort – Brainerd
At Cragun’s Resort, the lakeside view sets the mood before you even reach the buffet. Snow drifts along the shoreline while inside, carving knives glide through rosy prime rib and honey glazed ham. You will find classic sides in abundance, from green bean casserole to whipped potatoes, plus bright salads that cut through the richness.
One of the pleasures here is pacing yourself. The buffet invites a leisurely strategy, starting with crisp greens and seasonal fruit before moving to roasted turkey, gravy, and stuffing that tastes like a treasured family recipe. Warm rolls arrive, butter melts, and you realize you are leaning in for seconds without hesitation.
Desserts deliver big comfort and bigger nostalgia. There are pumpkin pies, sugar cookies decorated with sprinkles, cheesecake slices, and chocolate brownies that feel like a warm hug. Coffee and cocoa stations make it easy to settle in, sip, and admire the lights reflecting off the lake.
It is family friendly without losing polish, perfect for grandparents, toddlers, and everyone in between. Staff keep the line moving and the platters abundant, so plates never look lonely for long.
Come for the buffet, stay for the easy winter magic of a Minnesota resort dressed in its holiday best.
Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter – Stillwater
The Santa Buffet at Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter turns Stillwater into a slice of alpine cheer. You step inside to the sound of holiday music and the clink of steins, and suddenly schnitzel and spaetzle feel like the only sensible way to stay warm. Platters of sausages, tangy red cabbage, and gravy rich pork dishes make the buffet line smell like a Christmas market.
What stands out is the balance of hearty and festive. You can load up on crispy schnitzel and brats, then add a ladle of mushroom gravy and a scoop of warm spaetzle that soaks it all up. Pretzels, mustard, and pickled treats add brightness, while potato pancakes with applesauce bring a sweet counterpoint.
Kids and adults both get the fun side. Santa makes the rounds, the music invites a sway, and desserts lean European with apple strudel, Black Forest cake, and cookies dusted in sugar. It is the kind of meal where you share bites across the table and laugh at powdered sugar on your sweater.
The atmosphere really sells the holiday spirit. Wooden beams, candlelit windows, and friendly servers make lingering feel easy, and you never feel rushed even when the room is full.
If you want a warm, German inspired spin on a Minnesota holiday, this buffet makes winter feel festive, cozy, and wonderfully delicious.
Black Bear Casino Resort – Carlton
Black Bear Casino Resort turns holiday dining into an event, and the buffet sits at the center of the celebration. You can taste the season in every corner, from carved ham and turkey to classic casseroles and sparkling salads. Then there is the unmistakable Upper Midwest flair that shows up with proud confidence.
Yes, lutefisk appears, flanked by butter, cream sauce, and lefse so you can build the bite that suits your courage level. If that is not your lane, there is plenty to love, including roast beef, glazed carrots, and mashed potatoes swimming in gravy. Seafood options often pop up, keeping the spread feeling generous and varied.
Desserts bring a casino sized sense of abundance. Trays of bars, cakes, and cookies feel endless, and there is usually something peppermint, something chocolate, and something citrus to finish strong. Grab coffee or a cocktail and wander back for seconds without fear of missing out.
The vibe is lively, full of clatter and cheer, and perfect if you want energy with your comfort food. Service keeps things moving so you spend more time at your table than in line.
For a buffet that blends local tradition with big holiday flair, this spot knows how to turn winter nights into warm memories.
IKEA Julbord – Bloomington
The IKEA Julbord in Bloomington serves Scandinavian holiday spirit at an approachable price, and it is a total mood. Picture long tables, red runners, and a tidy spread that highlights Swedish tradition without fuss. You start with breads, cheeses, and crispbread, then move to salmon, gravlax, and herring that sparkle with dill and lemon.
Swedish meatballs anchor the hot line, cozy under cream sauce and next to lingonberry jam that cuts right through. There are potatoes, beet salads, and warm vegetables that keep the plate colorful and comforting. You can pace a tidy smorgasbord of flavors and return for your favorites without judgment.
Desserts lean playful and nostalgic. Think saffron buns, ginger cookies, almond cakes, and little squares that pair perfectly with coffee. It is an easy, upbeat way to invite friends, swap stories, and try a little of everything without feeling overstuffed.
The vibe is cheerful, efficient, and unmistakably Nordic. Staff keep trays refilled and lines tidy so you can focus on clinking glasses and picking the best bite of salmon.
If a minimalist, bright, and deeply satisfying holiday buffet sounds right, this Julbord brings winter warmth with a Scandinavian twist.
Afton House Inn Holiday Brunch Buffet – Afton
The Afton House Inn sets a picture perfect stage for a holiday brunch buffet. You will find turkey and carved ham alongside brunch favorites, which means you can layer savory and sweet without choosing sides. Seasonal vegetables, stuffing, and creamy potatoes sit comfortably next to pastries and fruit.
Start with a crisp salad and a warm roll, then glide toward the carving station for generous slices. Add roasted squash, cranberry sauce, and a buttery mash that feels like the hug you needed. If brunch calls your name, you might add eggs, breakfast potatoes, or a sweet bite to balance the plate.
Desserts invite lingering and conversation. Expect cheesecakes, pies, and cookies that taste like the holidays in bite sized pieces. Coffee service is smooth, and a mimosa never feels out of place as light filters through the windows onto snowy streets.
It is charming, calm, and perfect for a relaxed celebration. The staff moves with easy grace, the decorations sparkle, and the buffet remains plentiful even during rush.
For a riverside brunch that feels intimate yet festive, this Afton tradition warms you from the first slice to the last spoon of dessert.
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill – Maplewood
Golden Corral in Maplewood is the reliable crowd pleaser when you want holiday comfort without complication.
The carving station dishes out turkey and roast beef, while the hot line keeps the classics coming. You can build a plate that feels like a holiday sampler, no matter your cravings or schedule.
There is a long salad bar for freshness and crunch, plus warm sides like mac and cheese, stuffing, green beans, and mashed potatoes with gravy. You can circle back for fried chicken, corn bread, or seasonal specials that appear this time of year. It is flexible, affordable, and easy to navigate with kids or a big group.
Dessert is playful and abundant. Expect cakes, pies, soft serve, cookies, and sometimes a chocolate fountain that turns everyone into a kid again. Grab coffee or cocoa and take your time, because the flow is casual and friendly.
The vibe is upbeat and practical, perfect for family gatherings where variety matters. Staff keep the trays refreshed and the dining room tidy, which makes seconds feel welcome. If you need a simple, satisfying buffet that still feels festive, this Maplewood standby delivers warmth by the plateful.
Manny’s Steakhouse Minneapolis
Manny’s Steakhouse flips the script on December 25 with a Christmas Day Brunch Buffet that replaces the regular brunch menu. You can expect big steakhouse energy translated into stations that gleam with prime cuts, seafood, and refined sides. Think carved beef, perhaps lamb or ham, alongside eggs, smoked salmon, and crisp salads.
The quality shows in small details. Sauces are silky, vegetables are perfectly cooked, and breads arrive warm with butter that melts instantly.
You can compose a plate that shifts from breakfast to lunch effortlessly, adding a slice of prime rib next to an elegant omelet and roasted potatoes.
Desserts lean rich, worthy of a steakhouse finale. Cheesecake, chocolate tortes, and seasonal pies wait under glass, begging for a fork and a little coffee. The room glows with city holiday sparkle, making every bite feel celebratory and chic.
Service is polished but friendly, and timing is handled with care so the buffet stays pristine. If you want Christmas in the city with a gourmet angle, this is your stop. Dress up a little, bring an appetite, and savor the rare thrill of a steakhouse buffet done right.
Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters- Grand Marais
Up the North Shore, Gunflint Lodge wraps Christmas Day in pine scented coziness. The Dinner Buffet runs from noon to early evening, giving you plenty of time to snowshoe, warm up, and then feast. Carved meats anchor the spread, and hearty sides bring the kind of fuel that makes winter adventuring feel easy.
Expect roasted turkey or beef, gravy with depth, and vegetables that celebrate the season. Wild rice and cranberries often appear, which tastes exactly like northern Minnesota on a plate. Fresh salads and warm breads round things out so your second pass feels as tempting as the first.
Desserts are rustic and comforting, perfect with coffee by the fire. Pies, bars, and a few chocolate treats invite you to slow down and savor the glow. The staff is warm and unhurried, nudging you toward another slice or spoon without pressure.
What sticks with you is the setting. Through the windows, pines wear snow like lace, and the lodge hums with happy conversation.
If you want a true Northwoods Christmas that tastes like comfort and looks like a snow globe, this buffet makes the long drive more than worth it.
Water Street Inn of Stillwater
At the Water Street Inn, Breakfast Buffet with Santa turns Stillwater into a living holiday card. You arrive to a glittering tree, warm plates, and a cheerful buzz as kids line up for photos. The buffet keeps things seasonal, mixing brunch favorites with cozy sides that fit the festive mood.
Expect eggs, breakfast potatoes, and sausages, paired with pastries and fruit for a bright start. There might be carved ham or turkey, plus pancakes or waffles that beg for syrup and whipped cream. Coffee flows, cocoa steams, and parents actually get to finish a plate while little ones explore.
Activities keep spirits high. Cookie decorating, Santa visits, and small crafts turn breakfast into a mini celebration that feels effortless. You will look around and see that every table holds a story, from first Santa photos to three generations sharing sticky buns.
The riverfront setting adds charm you cannot fake. Snow on the rooflines, lights on Main Street, and Victorian details make the whole morning sparkle.
If you want a memory your family will talk about next year, this buffet packs joy, comfort, and sweet moments into one happy Stillwater tradition.
St. James Hotel – Red Wing
The St. James Hotel in Red Wing makes Christmas Eve feel cinematic. You step into a historic ballroom dressed in garlands and candlelight, and the buffet answers with a lineup worthy of the setting. Slow roasted prime rib, carved ham, and a polished seafood selection anchor the feast.
The salad bar sparkles with crisp greens, vinaigrettes, and seasonal fruit, the perfect counterpoint to rich roasts. Sides arrive classic and confident, from creamy potatoes to simply prepared vegetables. You can build a plate that reads like tradition without feeling heavy, then circle back for your favorite cut.
Desserts lean elegant. Petite cakes, pies, and chocolate forward bites invite a slow finish with coffee or a glass of wine. The staff glide through the room, keeping everything refreshed so you feel cared for without interruption.
What makes this buffet sing is the hotel’s sense of history. You feel part of a long running story, toasting the season beneath high ceilings while the river town glows outside.
If you crave a refined yet generous holiday table, this Christmas Eve tradition shines like a lantern on a snowy night.
Granite City Food & Brewery- Maple Grove
Granite City in Maple Grove leans into the season with a Holiday Brunch Buffet and a Breakfast with Santa event. You can expect a mix of hearty breakfast items and classic carvery favorites that make second helpings feel inevitable. The room buzzes with brewery warmth, tanks gleaming behind garland and lights.
Start with eggs, bacon, and breakfast potatoes, then pivot to carved meats with gravy and roasted vegetables.
Add a salad for crunch and a warm roll to mop up the good stuff. Seasonal touches like cranberry sauces or sweet casseroles show up to keep things playful and bright.
Desserts keep families smiling. There are bars, cookies, and cakes that pair nicely with coffee or hot chocolate. When Santa visits, the magic dials up, and you get the photos and giggles that make holiday breakfasts priceless.
The staff keep lines moving and plates refreshed, so it is easy to relax and settle in. Whether you are gathering a big group or planning a simple treat, the buffet provides range without stress. If you want brewery comfort wrapped in holiday sparkle, this Maple Grove stop pours on warmth with every plate.