December in Kentucky tastes like cinnamon, carved ham, and the happy hush before a buffet line opens.
Families return to familiar dining rooms where twinkling lights meet steaming sides and sugared pies.
Whether you want classic turkey and dressing or a surprise plate of spicy curry, these festive buffets make gathering easy and memorable.
Bring a big appetite and a bigger sense of tradition, because these spreads are ready for seconds.
Emzara’s Buffet — Williamstown
When you walk into Emzara’s Buffet near the Ark Encounter, the warm glow of holiday lights makes the long buffet line feel like a true family gathering. You find platters of roasted turkey, glazed ham, and buttery rolls that are perfect for piling high. Kids circle the dessert station while you scout sweet potato casserole with pecans and a gravy boat that never runs dry.
What makes this spot special is the family style comfort that feels crafted for December. You can settle into a roomy table and share seconds without anyone blinking. The staff moves with kind efficiency, keeping trays refreshed so you never arrive to a picked over pan or lukewarm sides.
Seasonal touches pop up everywhere, from cinnamon kissed apples to cranberry relish that brightens a savory plate. If you crave hearty greens, you will spot green beans and seasonal roasted vegetables ready for balance. Save space for pie, because the coconut cream and pumpkin slices look like they came from a favorite aunt’s kitchen.
Large groups find it easy to coordinate here, especially with relatives visiting the Ark Encounter for a full day of festive photos. You can plan an early dinner to avoid crowds or arrive late for a calmer turn through the line. Either way, you get a reliable spread that tastes like the holidays without the sink full of dishes.
Prices stay family friendly, and you will appreciate the steady service during peak weekends. There is usually plenty of seating, but holiday weekends can swell, so a flexible timing strategy helps. When everyone is tired and hungry, this buffet turns into the kind of place where conversation softens, plates clink, and traditions quietly expand.
Golden Corral — Lexington
Golden Corral in Lexington becomes a holiday playground for everyone who loves classic comfort food. You can glide from the carving station to the sides line, building a plate with turkey, ham, cornbread dressing, and gravy that tastes like a family table. The dessert spread is a winter wonderland of pies, brownies, and soft serve crowned with sprinkles.
What you will enjoy most is the freedom to sample a bite of everything without kitchen chaos at home. You can try a spoonful of green bean casserole, swap in mac and cheese, then circle back for cranberry sauce. If your group includes picky eaters, the variety solves the problem before anyone even sits down.
Holiday weekends draw a crowd, but the staff keeps pans replenished so the line moves at a steady clip. Visit earlier in the day to find the freshest batch of stuffing and the crispiest rolls. You will stumble across seasonal extras like sweet potato casserole and cinnamon apples that feel especially festive.
There is a low stress joy in not counting oven timers, and you can linger with coffee while kids dart for the chocolate fountain. It is easy to make it a tradition to gather here after shopping or a neighborhood lights drive. With room for large groups, grandparents and cousins can all find seats without rearranging half the dining room.
You will leave full and content, with enough variety to satisfy both traditionalists and adventurous eaters. If you crave seconds of ham or need a quick salad to reset, it is all right there. The whole experience feels like a cheerful buffet version of a December potluck, minus the dishwashing and plus a lot more pie.
Yoki Buffet — Louisville
Yoki Buffet in Louisville turns the holidays into a colorful parade of flavors, especially if you love a mix of Chinese favorites and seasonal surprises. You can build a plate with sesame chicken, lo mein, and dumplings, then add roasted veggies or even holiday themed specials. It is the kind of place where soy glazed warmth meets cinnamon tinged desserts.
Families appreciate how the buffet stretches beyond tradition without abandoning comfort. You can pair sushi with a spoonful of fried rice, then swing by for honey chicken that satisfies even picky kids. On December weekends, the spread usually grows, and you may spot shrimp, seasonal soups, or a special carving tray.
The dining room keeps a lively pace, and you will want to time your visit around peak dinner hours for the freshest rotations. Staffers are quick to refresh trays, which means crispy items stay crisp and soups steam invitingly. You will also find fruit and salads for balance when the plate needs a lighter note.
If your group includes relatives craving the familiar, there is always white rice, simple grilled items, and a dessert table with cakes and puddings. The beauty of Yoki is how you can design a plate that feels festive without being locked into turkey and stuffing. You get the spirit of celebration with bright flavors and generous portions.
Settle in with tea, trade tastes with family, and go back for that one dish you wish you had tried first. The price point stays friendly, turning this into a low stress way to gather between shopping and lights. You will leave full and grinning, with leftovers of conversation rather than containers to carry home.
King Buffet — Louisville
King Buffet brings a steady stream of Louisville families together for December feasts that feel both familiar and a little festive. You will find classic Asian American buffet staples like General Tso’s, broccoli beef, and egg rolls alongside soups that warm you from the first spoonful. Around the holidays, the selection often widens with shrimp, roast options, and extra desserts.
What works beautifully here is the balance of crispy fried treats and gentler steamed items. You can start light with miso or hot and sour soup, then build toward noodles, fried rice, and saucy entrees. If you love variety, this layout lets you taste widely without feeling rushed by long lines.
Bring a crew that wants choices, because the buffet makes it easy to satisfy kids, grandparents, and everyone in between. There are simple sides for traditionalists and bolder flavors for anyone craving a break from turkey. You can pull together a holiday plate that still leaves room for cheesecake squares and fruit.
Service is quick, and the staff keeps a close eye on rotation, so fresh pans arrive before you even think to ask. The dining room is spacious enough for groups, though a call ahead during peak weekends is wise. Expect holiday touches like twinkling lights and maybe seasonal music that nudges the celebration along.
As you finish, sip tea and chat while kids eye the soft serve machine. The mood stays relaxed, which makes it a welcome pause during a busy month. You will leave satisfied, carrying the small comfort of hot, flavorful food that did not require your own stove.
Hibachi Buffet — Louisville
Hibachi Buffet in Louisville is tailor made for a December crowd that refuses to choose between sushi, grill, and comfort classics. You can hand a plate to the hibachi cook, add noodles and vegetables, then swing by for carved meats or fried chicken. The variety fits a multigenerational table where everyone wants something different yet equally festive.
Holiday weekends bring extra trays, from buttery corn and mashed potatoes to seasonal shrimp and soups. You can make a winter ready plate with hot rice, crisp veggies, and a slice of glazed ham if you are feeling classic. Dessert stations usually feature cakes, puddings, and fruit that cut through rich flavors.
The pace is lively, but the line flows well because stations are spread out. If you go early, you will catch the best sushi rotation and the freshest grill sear. Staff keeps tables cleared quickly, which lets conversations stretch without balancing plates and empty cups.
Bring friends after a lights tour or drop in with family after shopping for gifts. You can pair soy bright dishes with buttery sides and call it a holiday fusion that tastes like your own tradition. Kids love watching the grill action, and you will appreciate how easy it is to tailor each plate.
Prices are reasonable for the breadth of choice, especially when you want a celebratory meal that feels generous. The dining room is big enough for groups, but calling ahead on Christmas week is smart. You will leave warm, full, and happy that your holiday calendar has room for a buffet that does it all.
Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Golf Resort & Spa — Lexington
The holiday buffet at Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate feels like stepping into a Kentucky postcard with white tablecloths and twinkling wreaths. You can glide past a carving station with prime rib or turkey, then gather sides that bring holiday comfort. Seafood displays, salads, and artisan breads round out plates that look as polished as the dining room.
Brunch service is especially cheerful, with eggs made to order near pastries that smell like butter and spice. You can sip coffee or a mimosa while a live or softly curated playlist adds sparkle without drowning conversation. Staff guides you easily, which helps big families find seats and feel at home in an upscale space.
What sets this buffet apart is consistency and a touch of ceremony. Plates arrive hot, carving stays tender, and desserts feel crafted rather than mass produced. Expect seasonal pies, petite cakes, and perhaps a crème brulee that cracks perfectly under your spoon.
Dress smart casual and plan to linger. The resort setting invites photos by the tree before and after the meal, which turns the buffet into part of the day, not just a stop. If you are hosting relatives, this makes a refined alternative to cooking at home.
Reservations are essential around Thanksgiving and Christmas, so call ahead and ask about seating waves. Pricing reflects the elevated experience, but the memory payoff is generous. You will leave with a content glow, a few elegant snapshots, and the feeling that December deserves this little bit of polish.
33 Staves — Lexington
33 Staves leans into the season with a thoughtful buffet that celebrates Kentucky flavors without overcomplicating the experience. You will likely see roasted turkey, heritage ham, and sides that feel farm inspired and fresh. The space is warm and modern, which makes sitting down with family feel calm and unhurried.
Expect composed salads with bright vinaigrettes, roasted root vegetables, and mac and cheese that keeps its creamy pull. The dessert table usually features pies, cakes, and cookies that taste homemade rather than overly sweet. You can build a plate that balances richness with greens and still returns for seconds without regret.
Brunch or dinner service depends on the holiday, so check dates and seatings early. Staff is attentive, offering drink refills and clearing plates smoothly so conversation never stalls. If you have kids, the open layout makes it easy to guide small hands through the line.
What you will love most is the relaxed confidence of the menu. It is seasonal, local leaning, and comforting, exactly what December dining should be. You can make it a tradition after a morning at the tree farm or before an evening lights tour.
Prices align with quality, and reservations help lock in your preferred time. Ask about any chef carved specials or vegetarian features so everyone at your table feels included. Leaving here, you carry that quiet holiday satisfaction that comes from being well fed in a beautiful room.
The Brown Hotel — Louisville
The Brown Hotel turns holiday buffets into grand occasions, with the lobby glowing and garlands curling along balconies. You can expect carving stations with prime rib and turkey, refined sides, and a dessert display that reads like a patisserie. The setting alone makes families sit taller and talk softer, as if the building itself is hosting.
Service is polished without being stiff, and attendants help you navigate stations so your plate stays neat and hot. You will taste careful seasoning in vegetables, creamy potatoes, and sauces that feel classic. The dessert trolley or buffet shines with tarts, pies, and petite sweets begging for a second pass.
Make a reservation early, because December dates go quickly, especially for brunch. Dress up a bit and arrive a little early to wander the tree lined spaces and snap photos. When you settle in, coffee and conversation pair perfectly with the quiet hum of a historic hotel in celebration.
Kids feel the magic here, and adults appreciate the pacing that lets a meal stretch into an event. You will leave with more than a full stomach, carrying a holiday mood that lasts. It is the kind of place you return to every year because the experience feels both familiar and special.
Prices reflect the elegance, but the quality makes it easy to justify for a milestone family gathering. Ask about seating near windows for natural light and a relaxed view. By the last bite, you will have a new tradition that sparkles as brightly as the lobby lights.
High Stakes Rooftop Grill — Louisville
High Stakes Rooftop Grill brings a breath of crisp air to holiday buffets with skyline views and seasonal menus. You will find carving stations, seafood trays, bright salads, and desserts that shine under twinkle lights. The rooftop setting makes even a simple plate of turkey and potatoes feel celebratory.
Because these are special events, dates and times vary, and reservations are a must. You can plan Christmas Eve or Thanksgiving Day here, building a timeline that includes sunset photos and a leisurely meal. Staff keeps the flow smooth, so you can return for seconds without weaving through crowded corners.
The menu often balances classic comfort with fresh, lighter touches that play well before a long winter night. Think roasted vegetables, herbed stuffing, and a seafood selection that surprises with its quality. Desserts favor seasonal flavors and a mix of petite bites so you can sample more without overdoing it.
Dress warmly for the terrace moments between courses, because the view begs for a few minutes outside. Inside, the vibe is relaxed and modern, ideal for families who want an occasion without formality. You can toast the season, snap photos, and linger while city lights flicker on.
Pricing aligns with the event nature and the setting, and you will want to confirm details when booking. It is a smart pick when out of town guests arrive and you want Louisville to show off a little. You leave with happy plates and a skyline memory that becomes part of your December story.
General Butler State Resort Park — Carrollton
General Butler State Resort Park delivers the kind of holiday buffet that feels like a warm lodge hug. You can expect turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, and the pie lineup everyone secretly measured their appetite for. Rustic decor and park views make the dining room feel like a seasonal postcard.
Reservations are typically required for Thanksgiving and other peak dates, so plan early. You will appreciate how the team spaces seatings to keep lines moving and food fresh. For families, this is a low fuss, high comfort way to gather without juggling ovens and timers.
Sides often include green beans, sweet potatoes, rolls, and gravy that ties everything together. You can build a plate that hits every tradition and still circle back for a new favorite. Desserts lean classic, with pecan, pumpkin, and apple pies anchoring the end of the meal.
Afterward, take a quick stroll to settle dinner and soak in winter views around the lodge. Kids burn off energy while adults swap stories and warm up with coffee or cocoa. It is the kind of day that slows down holiday rush and replaces it with small, lasting moments.
Pricing is family friendly, and the setting adds value you can feel in the calm around your table. Call the park for exact times and any special menus during December. You will leave content, with the quiet joy that only a state park and a full plate can deliver.
Oak & Ember — Bardstown
Oak & Ember at The Trail Hotel in Bardstown leans into Southern warmth for its Thanksgiving buffet. You will find classics like roasted turkey, country ham, cornbread dressing, and creamy potatoes that taste like family. The dining room glows with bourbon country charm, making even a simple roll feel special.
Sides bring balance and flair, from braised greens to sweet potato casserole and seasonal salads. Desserts spotlight pies and cobblers that pair perfectly with coffee or a post meal stroll downtown. If you want tradition without the kitchen marathon, this buffet carries the load gracefully.
Because it is a hotel restaurant, seating tends to be comfortable for groups, and service keeps plates cleared so the table looks fresh. You can linger and talk while kids sample desserts in measured bites. Ask about any bourbon spiked sauces or glazes that nod to Bardstown’s heritage.
Reservations are wise, especially for mid afternoon seatings popular with families. The team usually communicates timing clearly, which helps you plan around parades or lights. You can build a plate that hits every holiday note and still leaves room for a final slice of pie.
Prices reflect the seasonal menu and the convenience of a well run operation. For travelers, staying on site simplifies everything from parking to timing. You will leave warm and satisfied, carrying a mellow Bardstown glow into the rest of your holiday plans.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park — Cadiz
Lake Barkley State Resort Park turns December into a lakeside celebration with festive buffets and twinkling decor. You can plan lunch or dinner and expect turkey, ham, comforting sides, and a reliable dessert spread. The view across the water adds a quiet magic that makes simple plates feel elevated.
Families appreciate the easy parking, roomy lodge seating, and a pace that never feels rushed. You can take a pre meal stroll by the windows or a post meal walk to breathe in cold air and lights. Staff keeps pans stocked and coffee flowing so the experience stays steady and warm.
Seasonal touches appear across the buffet, from cranberry sauces to cinnamon spiced yams and roasted vegetables. If you need balance, salads and fruit help you build a plate that does not weigh you down. Kids will find familiar favorites, and you can sneak in a new side without drama.
Expect holiday events around the park, which can turn your meal into a full day. Check dates and call ahead for seatings because popular weekends fill fast. The value here is time together, not just the food, and it shows in relaxed conversation and long views.
Prices are family friendly, and the lodge team knows how to handle crowds with calm efficiency. Bring a camera for the tree and the big windows, because the lake makes every snapshot look cinematic. You will head out content, with a gentle holiday spirit that lingers like the last light on the water.
The Miller House — Owensboro
The Miller House in Owensboro hosts a Christmas buffet that feels like stepping into a historic home dressed for the season. You will see garland draped mantels, polished wood, and tables set for families to linger. The buffet favors holiday classics with a Kentucky accent that reads cozy and gracious.
Expect turkey, ham, dressing, and sides that taste lovingly made, along with salads for a bit of brightness. Desserts might include bourbon kissed sweets, pies, and cakes that bring smiles with every slice. Coffee pours freely, and the pace encourages conversation that stretches beyond dessert.
Because dates can vary, you will want to check Facebook or call for menu details and reservations. The house setting means rooms can feel intimate, and larger parties benefit from planning. Staff moves smoothly through narrow passages, keeping plates cleared and glasses filled.
Kids get a kick out of the old house atmosphere, and adults appreciate the elegance without stuffiness. You can build a plate that honors tradition and still try something new from the chef’s seasonal lineup. Afterward, a quick walk outside under lights completes the experience.
Prices are fair for the charm and quality, and the memory value is high. Book early, because these dates draw loyal regulars. You leave with full plates, warm hearts, and a sense that Christmas lives comfortably inside this gracious Owensboro landmark.
Saffron Indian Cuisine — Bowling Green
Saffron Indian Cuisine offers a daily lunch buffet that becomes a smart holiday stop for visitors craving something different. You can dive into fragrant curries, tandoori chicken, saag, and lentils, then scoop up everything with soft naan. The spice warmth fits December perfectly and gives your buffet tour a welcome twist.
Vegetarians and gluten sensitive diners find plenty to love, from chickpea dishes to rice pilafs and salads. You can balance rich butter chicken with bright pickles or chutneys and finish with a small bowl of kheer. It is a satisfying break from heavy roasts while still feeling celebratory and abundant.
The dining room is casual and friendly, making it easy for families to share plates and compare favorites. Staff refills trays often, and the buffet size feels manageable, so you can sample widely without decision fatigue. If you have never tried certain dishes, start with small portions and circle back for the winners.
Because this buffet runs regularly, you can plan it around shopping, museum visits, or a road trip pause. Ask about holiday hours and any seasonal specials that might pop up in December. With warmth from the tandoor and spice on the palate, you get a festive mood without the usual trimmings.
Prices are kind to groups, and the experience travels well if someone prefers takeout. You will walk out warmed through, ready to tackle more holiday errands with a smile. It is a flavorful way to widen your Kentucky buffet traditions beyond turkey and ham.