Across Wisconsin, holiday buffets have become a dependable part of December routines for many families. When schedules fill quickly, these meals offer familiar comfort dishes, generous spreads, and an easy way to gather without extra planning.
Year after year, locals return knowing what to expect — warm dining rooms, seasonal favorites, and a pace that fits the holidays. Here are 13 Wisconsin holiday buffets families work into their December traditions.
The Old Fashioned Holiday Brunch, Madison
Arrive early to swap a parking scramble for an easy stroll down the Capitol Square, then warm up with a Wisconsin-style old fashioned at the bar. Expect prime rib carved to order, eggs cooked how you actually like them, and cheesy hash browns that vanish quickly. Kids usually make a beeline for cinnamon rolls and fruit.
Ask about reservation windows, because the midday slot disappears first. Pro tip: share plates so you can sample the bratwurst alongside flaky walleye. Save room for cranberry bread pudding that tastes like a postcard from the Northwoods.
The Packing House Holiday Buffet, Milwaukee
Glowing with midcentury Milwaukee charm, this buffet leans into classics that keep locals loyal. Start with shrimp cocktail and chicken noodle soup, then let the carving station set the pace. The staff keeps au jus hot, popovers airy, and butter flowing like a small miracle.
Reservations are essential on Packers Sundays and recital weekends. Ask for a booth if you have little ones who wiggle. Consider splitting a dessert flight so everyone gets cheesecake and peppermint torte. Parking fills early, but complimentary valet during peak hours can save the day.
Schwarz’s Supper Club Holiday Buffet, St. Anna
Country roads lead to a feast that feels like visiting relatives who actually cook. The buffet leans hearty, with broasted chicken, tenderloin tips, and potatoes that beg for gravy. Salad bar traditionalists will love pickled beets, three-bean salad, and creamy coleslaw.
Plan a twilight arrival to catch farm fields dusted with snow. Coats go on a crowded rack, so tag yours. Plates are sturdy because portions are generous. Ask about the night’s pie lineup before committing to seconds, or you will regret bypassing the cherry crumb. Cash remains king for speed at checkout.
Ishnala Supper Club Holiday Brunch, Lake Delton
Picture floor-to-ceiling pine, lake views, and holiday garland reflecting off windows like ornaments. The brunch leans upscale without feeling stiff, with carved beef, smoked salmon, and delicate pastries that reward patience at the line. Mimosas and brandy old fashioneds share equal billing.
Arrive early for parking near the entrance, especially after a snowfall. Seasonal hours change, so confirm the date and price by phone. Keep a sweater handy because lakeside breezes can follow you indoors. For dessert, mini cheesecakes and chocolate mousse squares deliver a sweet sendoff without overdoing it.
The Del-Bar Holiday Buffet, Lake Delton
Midcentury architecture meets polished hospitality here, with a buffet that favors prime rib, crab legs, and buttery rolls worth seconds. Service runs like a practiced orchestra, keeping plates hot and glasses topped. Families appreciate the kid-friendly picks tucked between seafood and salads.
Parking gets tight after church lets out, so book earlier than you think. Ask for a booth near the fireplace if you want quieter conversation. Dessert trays rotate features like pecan tartlets and peppermint brownies. For a smart strategy, split seafood first, then return for meats to keep flavors focused.
HobNob Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge Holiday Brunch, Racine
Crystal chandeliers and lake breezes set the tone for a brunch that dresses up the season. Expect ham with clove-studded aroma, omelets to order, and waffles crisp enough to carry whipped cream without collapse. The cocktail lounge shakes bright holiday spritzers and classic martinis.
Photo ops happen by the tinsel-trimmed windows, so plan outfits accordingly. Reservations are smart for larger groups, especially multi-generational tables. Ask about gluten-aware options before you queue. Finish with peppermint ice cream and a coffee, then take a short lakeside drive to walk off the happy fullness.
The Union House Holiday Buffet, Genesee Depot
A charming brick building anchors a buffet that balances small-town warmth with thoughtful seasonal dishes. Roasted root vegetables share space with herb-roasted turkey and gravy that should not be skipped. The cheese display highlights Wisconsin makers, so snag samples before the rush.
Street parking is limited, so carpool if your group can. Staff is excellent with dietary questions when you ask early. Dessert shooters keep portions tidy without missing flavor. If you like quiet, aim for the first seating and a corner table, then linger over coffee while the second wave gets settled.
Feil’s Supper Club Holiday Buffet, Randolph
This is comfort-food country, where carving stations meet family recipes that have earned their weekend lines. Look for roast beef, ham, mashed potatoes, and gravy that does real work. The salad bar brings cottage cheese cups, marinated cucumbers, and deviled eggs that disappear first.
Arrive with cash as a backup in case the card machine gets busy. Staff handles large groups well, but call ahead for highchairs. Keep desserts in sight so you can time your plate; the chocolate cake moves fast. A thermos of hot cocoa in the car makes the snowy drive home even nicer.
Norwood Pines Supper Club Holiday Buffet, Minocqua
Pine beams, red plaid, and the scent of fireplaces make this Northwoods favorite feel like a cabin gathering. Expect prime rib, walleye, and mashed sweet potatoes, plus a relish tray that nods to old traditions. The cocktail list keeps brandy and cranberry flavors in focus.
Snow boots pile up by the door, so wear warm socks. If you want quiet views, ask for a window table and watch the pines dust in white. Dessert leans homey: pecan pie, pumpkin bars, maybe gingerbread. Bring a camera for that postcard shot at twilight.
Black Otter Supper Club Holiday Buffet, Hortonville
Known for serious cuts of meat, this spot delivers a holiday buffet for hearty appetites. Prime rib anchors the spread, with broasted chicken, stuffing, and buttery corn rounding things out. The salad bar stacks high with classic toppings and creamy dressings.
Go early if your group loves booth seating. Servers move quickly, so have drink orders ready. Kid plates thrive with fruit and rolls while adults chase horseradish heat. Ask about the dessert lineup before your second plate; cheesecake often wins. The drive back through farm country feels right with a thermos of coffee riding shotgun.
Oneida Casino – Pine Tree Grill Buffet Events, Green Bay
Here the calendar drives the offerings, with themed buffet events that change across December. Expect prime rib nights, seafood features, and breakfast-for-dinner runs that keep regulars checking schedules. Slots hum nearby, but the dining room stays family-aware at early seatings.
Join the players club for discounts that cover a round of desserts. Parking is straightforward, and lines move briskly. Keep an eye on allergy signage, then verify with staff if needed. After plates and pie, grab a quick photo by the oversized tree before heading back to the game floor or the hotel corridor.
Chula Vista Resort Holiday Buffet, Wisconsin Dells
Families come for the waterpark and stay for the holiday buffet loaded with crowd-pleasers. Carved meats, mac and cheese, and salad options keep picky eaters happy without sacrificing flavor. Service is used to big groups and big appetites.
Confirm buffet location at check-in since venues rotate across the resort. Early seatings pair nicely with evening wristbands for the slides. Dessert stations stack brownies, cookies, and seasonal pies at kid-eye level. Bring a tote for wet gear so you can head straight from dining to activities without returning to the room.
The Heidel House Holiday Brunch, Green Lake
Lakeside calm pairs with polished service for a brunch that feels like a seasonal postcard. You will see smoked salmon, prime rib, tender pastries, and fresh fruit presented with hotel-level precision. Coffee arrives promptly and stays hot.
Book a window table to watch winter light sweep across Green Lake. Check for live piano on select Sundays, which adds a cheerful soundtrack. Gluten-aware and vegetarian plates are easy to assemble with guidance from staff. Before you leave, walk the shoreline path and let the cold air set the memory of cinnamon and pine.