Working in a kitchen for hours isn’t most people’s idea of a merry little Christmas, according to Escoffier. Fewer Americans are willing to cook big holiday dinners and more are interested in dining out or ordering in, according to a report from the culinary school, which draws on such sources as the National Restaurant Association and Mastercard sales reports. About 89% of people surveyed prefer to order their main courses and 66% percent are willing to order their entire meal, the report says. Restaurant chains are willing to oblige. Many are offering takeout feasts during the last weeks of the year. Nearly all of them need to be ordered in advance and picked up before Christmas Day, which falls on a Wednesday this year. Most feasts include an entrée such as turkey, ham or prime rib, potatoes, vegetables and bread. Some include pie or another dessert. Many restaurants sell takeout sides and desserts separately as well. Heat-and-serve meals usually require two to three hours to warm up, which involves time in the kitchen but less than starting from scratch. To find out what restaurant chains have to offer, visit their websites and if there is no display on the home page, check for a catering tab. The following restaurants have announced holiday feasts on their websites, on social media or in news releases. Prices may vary by location. Black Angus Steakhouse: Restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve, serving dishes for dine-in and takeout, including cooked Prime Rib for 4 at $189.99. blackangus.com Claim Jumper Restaurant & Saloon: Holiday platters serve six to eight people and feature roasted turkey, smoked ham or both with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables and pie. Contact your local restaurant for more information. claimjumper.com Coco’s Bakery Restaurant: What’s available for takeout varies by location. The diner’s website lists “seasonal favorites” such as individual ham, turkey dinners or prime rib dinners for takeout at $18.99-$23.99. Customers can also order brunch bundles that feed four for $39.99-$49.99. To find out what’s possible, click on the “order” tab and select your local restaurant. cocosbakery.com Corky’s Kitchen & Bakery: Holiday feasts with turkey breast serve six start and cost around $134.99. To order, click on the blue button in the top left corner of the chain’s web page and select your location. Corky’s usually is closed on Christmas Day. corkyskitchenandbakery.com Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Heat-and-serve ham dinners cost $149.99 for four to six people and $209.99 for eight to 10 people. Prime rib dinners for four to six people cost $174.99. They are available for pickup Dec. 21-28. Customers who schedule pickup on Dec. 22-23 can get a free digital gift card. crackerbarrel.com Denny’s: Turkey bundles cost $54.99 and feed four people. They are available Dec. 16-23 and must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance. dennys.com Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Heat-and-serve feasts for 12 people include the choice of ham, smoked turkey, Cajun turkey or prime rib. The price range is $133-$280. The deadline for placing Christmas orders is Monday, Dec. 16, according to a Facebook post. dickeys.com El Torito Mexican Restaurant: Tamales to go are available at $28 per dozen through Jan. 2. Choices are carnitas, chicken and sweet corn. Customers need to order 24 hours in advance. eltorito.com Marie Callender’s Restaurant & Bakery: Holiday feasts with turkey or prime rib serve six to eight people. The price range is $164.99-$244.99. Pickup is Dec. 22-24. Restaurants are closed Christmas Day. mariecallenders.com Mimi’s Cafe: Take-home feasts feature turkey, ham or both and serve six to 10 people. The price range is $179.99-$219.99. Feasts can be picked up through Dec. 24. mimiscafe.com Norms Restaurants: Holiday family meals that serve four are available through Jan. 6. They include turkey and ham or pie for $99.99. Pickup is between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. norms.com Polly’s Pies: Feasts with turkey, ham or prime rib cost $102.99-$235.99. Pickup dates are Dec. 23-24. Polly’s is also taking preorders for pies. pollyspies.com Urban Plates: Holiday feasts available through Jan. 8 include short rib and steak. The price range is $65.95-$67.95 for four people to $195-$205 for 10 people. tendergreens.com Related Articles Restaurants Food and Drink | Taco Bell launches a beverage concept called Live Más Café Restaurants Food and Drink | Dine 909: Cava and 5 other eateries open now or coming this week to the Inland Empire Restaurants Food and Drink | Recipe: Make this pepper-infused vinegar to give as a gift Restaurants Food and Drink | Winter can be a time of culinary abundance. Experts share tips on eating nutritiously Restaurants Food and Drink | Downtown Disney’s Paseo ranked one of Yelp’s best new U.S. restaurants of 2024