Festive Flavors Set Sail: Holiday Menus, Teatime Traditions and Cheer On Board

This holiday, Santa can expect more than milk and cookies aboard Holland America Line ships. From a special Nutcracker Teatime to feasts with all the trimmings, guests are in for festive bites and beverages that make the season merry and bright.

Showcasing the flavors of the holidays, the main Dining Room will feature Christmas Eve and Christmas Day themed dinners. Guests who want a more casual holiday dining experience can head to Lido Market, which will feature similar items to the Dining Room, along with decorative holiday cakes and cupcakes for Christmas Day lunch. Stollen bread — a traditional European fruit bread — will be served in both the Dining Room and Lido Market for breakfast on Christmas Day, and eggnog will also be available in Lido Market for breakfast on Christmas Day.

Guests seeking a truly distinctive holiday dining experience can reserve a table at Canaletto for its Italian-inspired Christmas Eve celebration, highlighted by the Feast of the Seven Fishes Risotto — a nod to the classic tradition of seafood-rich holiday feasts. For those craving bold flavors, Tamarind introduces a new Christmas menu featuring an elegant, Asian-inspired lineup of dishes served family-style, blending festive warmth with vibrant culinary artistry. Both specialty dining experiences promise to elevate the holiday spirit with menus crafted for memorable moments at sea.

“Cruising with us during the holidays should feel like stepping into a festive celebration at sea filled with the flavors and comforts of home that guests cherish most,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. “This year’s menus and experiences are all about delight, and guests can expect memorable moments shaped by exceptional food and warm hospitality.”

A highlight of the December culinary festivities will be a Nutcracker Teatime in the Dining Room once per cruise. Guests can savor tea and festive treats while enjoying live music, as onboard musicians perform excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet. Each tiered stand will feature a Santa Hat Cupcake, holiday-themed Pate a Choux, Grinch Truffle and Reindeer Chocolate Tarte — along with traditional teatime scones, mini Gugelhuph and savory sandwiches.

The bars and lounges on board are serving up holiday cheer one festive sip at a time. Guests can cozy up with velvety hot chocolate cocktails and toast the season with playful creations inspired by holiday treats. Whether it’s a minty elf martini, spiked eggnog latte or a margarita that even Rudolph would approve of, every drink is crafted to make spirits bright.

Beyond culinary experiences, ships will dazzle with twinkling décor and whimsical gingerbread villages made from scratch by the onboard pastry team. Each village takes about 30 hours to craft, using approximately 2,350 pounds of gingerbread mix across the fleet and up to 150 pounds of icing sugar. Guests can also enjoy seasonal live music and hot chocolate during holiday gatherings, while a Dutch‑inspired turn‑down touch on Christmas Eve remains a festive surprise.