As Christmas approaches, many Northwest Indiana families are already planning their holiday meal. Strack & Van Til offers Christmas dinner catering with fully prepared holiday meals available for pickup or delivery.

Whether you’re ordering Christmas dinner to go in Crown Point, Hammond or Merrillville, here’s what comes in the meal, what it costs and how to order before the deadline.

Where can you get Christmas dinner to go in Northwest Indiana?

Quick answer: Find fully cooked, heat-and-serve Christmas dinners at your neighborhood Strack & Van Til Food Market. Choose from ham, turkey, turkey breast and prime rib main courses with side dishes and serve from four to eight people.

The Strack & Van Til Deli Department near you takes Christmas dinner orders for pickup at participating Lake and Porter County locations, as well as for delivery.

Choose the dinner package size that fits your gathering, select your main course and place your order before the holiday deadline. Your meal is prepared in advance for pick up or delivered cold. When it’s time to eat, simply heat and serve.

For reheating instructions and preparation timelines see Heat and Serve Holiday Meals.

What comes in a Christmas dinner to go?

Strack & Van Til Deli Department Christmas dinner catering packages are fully cooked and provide the essentials for a complete holiday meal.

The centerpiece is typically a ham, turkey or a beef roast. Alongside the main course, holiday meals to go include classic side dishes. Depending on the package selected, this may include:

• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• A vegetable
• Stuffing or dressing
• Green bean casserole
• Cranberry relish
• Rolls

For larger gatherings or families with favorite holiday traditions, order extra sides by the pound or a second main course.

Christmas Dinner Packages at a Glance

What does Christmas dinner cost and when do you order?

Price: Strack & Van Til Deli Department Christmas meals cost from $10 to $20 per person, about the same or less than purchasing all the ingredients separately.

Order deadline: Strack & Van Til orders must be placed by Wednesday, Dec. 16. Order in-store, by phone at 219-961-9119 or online through SVT To Go at strackandvantil.com/catering.

Pickup date: Wednesday, Dec. 23

Delivery information: Delivery orders must be prepaid in full, and all dinners are available for delivery between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 23. Cold, ready-to-heat dinners require a $25 delivery fee.

Cold storage: Prepared dinners travel cold and can be stored in the refrigerator until reheating.

Most heat-and-serve holiday dinners require roughly two hours from refrigerator to table. For a detailed reheating schedule, refer to Heat and Serve Holiday Meals .

Frequently asked questions about Christmas dinners to go

Where can I order Christmas dinner to go in Northwest Indiana?

Order at Strack & Van Til for pickup at Lake and Porter County locations.

What comes in a Christmas dinner to go?

A typical Christmas dinner package includes a choice of main course, along with holiday side dishes.

Can I order Christmas dinner online?

Yes. Christmas dinners can be ordered through SVT To Go at strackandvantil.com or at the deli counter.

How far in advance should I order Christmas dinner?

Christmas dinner orders must be placed by Wednesday, Dec. 16.

When do I pick up my Christmas dinner?

Pickup is Wednesday, Dec. 23.

Is Christmas dinner picked up hot or cold?

Prepared Christmas dinners are picked up cold and stored in the refrigerator until needed.

Can I serve a Christmas dinner to go on Christmas Eve?

Yes. Many families celebrate with their main holiday meal on Christmas Eve.

Can I add extra side dishes to my Christmas dinner order?

Yes. You can add extra sides, desserts or even a second entree.

How much does a prepared Christmas dinner cost?

Pricing varies based on the package size and entree selected.

Holiday dinners, desserts and trays from the Strack & Van Til

In addition to Christmas dinner catering, Strack & Van Til offers deli sides, desserts and party trays for holiday gatherings. Learn more in Party Trays in Northwest Indiana and Ordering Sandwich Trays for 10, 25, or 50 Guests .

Order before the week fills up

A prepared Christmas dinner offers a straightforward way to serve a holiday meal without spending the entire day cooking.

Order before the deadline, select the package that fits your gathering and enjoy your Christmas holiday dinner made easy from Strack & Van Til.

By Karyn G. Zafran