2026 Holiday Menu Live
Panera Bread Christmas Menu 2026
Festive Treats, Secret Hacks & Catering Deals
The 2026 holiday secret sauce is here. Peppermint Mochas, Candy Cane Crinkle Cookies, Holiday Cookie Tins, and the catering hack that saves you 20% on party trays. This is the only Christmas menu guide you need, straight from someone who has tested every seasonal item this December.
12+
Seasonal Items
$14.99
Cookie Tin
48 hrs
Catering Lead
20%
Bulk Savings
Holiday 2026
Seasonal soups, festive pastries, and peppermint drinks — the full Christmas lineup
The 2026 Christmas Menu Lineup
Every seasonal item worth ordering this December
Let's be real: Panera does not label anything "Christmas menu." But every November, a wave of seasonal items quietly lands in the bakery case and drink station. These rotate out by mid-February, and the best ones sell out by mid-December. Here is what is on the board for 2026 and what each item actually costs.
Seasonal Soups & Bread Bowls
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
$7.59Creamy, cheesy, loaded with broccoli and carrots. The undisputed #1 seller every December.
Turkey Chili
$7.59Seasonal exclusive. Hearty turkey, beans, and spices. Gone by mid-February every year.
Autumn Squash Soup
$7.59Pumpkin and butternut squash blended smooth with apple juice and cinnamon. Returning fan favorite.
Bistro French Onion
$7.59Caramelized onions, rich beef stock, topped with melted gruyere. Perfect winter warmer.
Bread Bowl Upgrade
+$2.49Any soup served inside a hollowed-out Sourdough loaf. The holiday move.
Group Soup Tub
$24.99Feeds 4 to 6. The smartest catering move for Christmas Day leftovers. Order by Dec 23rd.
Festive Bakery Treats
Candy Cane Crinkle Cookie
$3.49Peppermint chocolate crinkle. Seasonal exclusive that sells out by 11 AM in most locations.
Kitchen Sink Cookie
$3.49Chocolate, caramel, pretzels, flaky salt. Year-round but peaks at Christmas gifting season.
Gingerbread Muffie
$3.29The muffin top only. Warm ginger and molasses. Limited run, late Nov through early Jan.
Cranberry Orange Muffin
$3.59Tart cranberries, zesty orange glaze. Peak holiday flavor for Christmas morning breakfast.
Holiday Cookie Tin
$14.99Dozen assorted cookies in a festive box. Best gift option. Mix of seasonal + signature flavors.
Cinnamon Crunch Bagel
$1.59Year-round legend. Pair with Hazelnut cream cheese for the ultimate Dec 25 breakfast at home.
Holiday Drinks & Sips
Peppermint Mocha
$5.49Espresso, dark chocolate, peppermint syrup, steamed milk. The #1 holiday drink at Panera.
Holiday Cookie Latte
$5.49Buttery cookie flavor with espresso and steamed milk. Tastes like a sugar cookie in a cup.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
$4.29Caffeine-free option. Rich hot chocolate with peppermint. Perfect for kids and evening sipping.
Cinnamon Crunch Latte
$5.49Inspired by the legendary bagel. Cinnamon sugar and espresso. Available year-round.
Hazelnut Coffee
$2.79Drip coffee with hazelnut. Budget play: covered by the Unlimited Sip Club.
Charged Lemonade
$4.29Year-round but pairs well with catering orders. 260mg caffeine per large. Sip Club eligible.
2026 Festive Value: What to Gift vs. What to Skip
Not every holiday item is worth the price tag. Here is the honest breakdown.
| Item | Price | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Cookie Tin (12 ct) | $14.99 | Gift It | $1.25 per cookie vs $3.49 individual. Best value by far. |
| Group Soup Tub | $24.99 | Gift It | Feeds 4-6 people. Cheaper than 4 individual bowls ($30+). |
| Pastry Ring | $18.99 | Gift It | Muffins + scones. Feeds 6-8 for breakfast. Great office gift. |
| Family Feast Bundle | $35.99 | Gift It | 4 sandwiches + chips + drinks. About $9/person. Hard to beat. |
| Individual Catering Add-Ons | $5-$8 each | Skip | Per-item catering add-ons are overpriced. Buy bundles instead. |
| Single Cookies (Walk-In) | $3.49 each | Skip | Buy the Cookie Tin if you need 3+. Saves $4-$6 instantly. |
Holiday Cookie Tin Gift It
$14.99
$1.25/cookie vs $3.49 individual. Best value gift.
Group Soup Tub Gift It
$24.99
Feeds 4-6. Cheaper than 4 individual bowls.
Family Feast Bundle Gift It
$35.99
4 sandwiches + chips + drinks. About $9/person.
Individual Add-Ons Skip
$5-$8 each
Per-item catering add-ons are overpriced. Buy bundles.
Single Cookies (Walk-In) Skip
$3.49 each
Buy the Cookie Tin if you need 3+. Saves $4-$6.
The 2026 Baker's Shortcut Hack
Insider Tip: Panera's holiday pastries (like the Peppermint Crinkle) often sell out by 11 AM in December. Hack: Order a "Dozen Bundle" on the app 24 hours in advance. Not only do you lock in the supply, but the "Bulk Discount" usually saves you $4 to $6 compared to individual morning-of purchases. Here is why you should skip the standard cookie box and pre-order instead: the app lets you pick your exact mix of flavors, and the pickup shelf means zero wait time on Christmas Eve morning.
Best Christmas Morning Combos
Stock up on Dec 24th. Reheat on Dec 25th. Three tested combos.
The Early Riser
Cinnamon Crunch Bagel + Hazelnut Cream Cheese + Large Dark Roast. Total: ~$6.50. The classic Panera breakfast that reheats perfectly in a toaster oven on Christmas morning.
The Family Spread
Baker's Dozen Bagels + 2 Cream Cheese Tubs + Pastry Ring. Total: ~$32. Feeds 6-8 people. Order on the 23rd, pick up the morning of the 24th.
The Cozy Night In
Group Soup Tub (Broccoli Cheddar) + Whole Sourdough Loaf + Holiday Cookie Tin. Total: ~$44. The ultimate Dec 25th dinner-and-dessert without leaving the house.
Christmas Catering: The Smart Way
Three rules that save you money and guarantee your food arrives on time
The truth is, most people order Panera catering wrong during Christmas. They add items one by one, pay full price, and scramble when the pickup window is already booked. Here is the shortcut: always order bundles, always book 48+ hours ahead, and always pick up before noon on Dec 24th. The kitchen slows down after lunch, and late pickups risk missing items.
Book 48 Hours Early
Dec 24th slots fill by the 20th. Place your catering order the moment you finalize your guest count.
Choose Bundles Only
Family Feast ($35.99/4 people) or Group Soup Tub ($24.99/6 people). Individual add-ons are a money trap.
Pick Up Before Noon
Morning pickups guarantee freshness. Afternoon slots risk sold-out soups and stale bread. Morning is the move.
The Christmas Gift Card Hack
Insider Tip: Every December, Panera runs the "Buy $50, Get $10 Free" gift card bonus. The bonus card is valid January through February, which means you get a free lunch just for buying stocking stuffers. Buy the cards on Christmas Eve, hand them out as gifts, and keep the bonus for your own January meals. Stack it with a Sip Club free drink and you are looking at two covered meals for essentially nothing out of pocket.
Christmas Menu Questions, Answered
The 10 most-searched Panera holiday questions, with real answers
What seasonal items are on the Panera Christmas menu 2026?
The 2026 winter lineup includes Peppermint Mocha, Holiday Cookie Latte, Candy Cane Crinkle Cookie, Gingerbread Muffie, Cranberry Orange Muffin, Turkey Chili, and the returning Autumn Squash Soup. Most seasonal items launch late November and rotate out by mid-February.
Are Panera's holiday pastries limited-time only?
Yes. Items like the Peppermint Crinkle Cookie and Gingerbread Muffie are strictly seasonal. They typically appear in late November and disappear by mid-January. Once they sell out at your location, they do not restock until the following year.
How much does Panera's Holiday Cookie Tin cost?
The Holiday Cookie Tin runs around $14.99 for a dozen assorted cookies. It includes a mix of seasonal and signature flavors like Kitchen Sink, Chocolate Chipper, and Candy Cane Crinkle. It is one of the best value gift options during December.
Can I order Panera catering for a Christmas party?
Yes. Panera Catering handles sandwich platters, salad bowls, soup tubs, and bakery boxes for holiday events. Place your order at least 48 hours ahead. Christmas Eve pickup slots fill up fast after December 20th, so book early.
What is the best Panera drink for Christmas?
The Peppermint Mocha is the most popular holiday drink. It combines espresso, steamed milk, dark chocolate, and peppermint syrup. For a caffeine-free option, the Peppermint Hot Chocolate is equally festive. Both are available in all sizes.
Does Panera offer holiday gift card deals?
Yes. Panera runs a holiday gift card promo every December: buy $50 in gift cards and get a $10 bonus card free. The bonus card is typically valid in January and February. You can also send instant e-Gift Cards through the app.
What is the cheapest way to feed a group at Panera during Christmas?
The Group Soup tub ($24.99, feeds 4 to 6) paired with a whole Sourdough loaf ($4.49) is the best budget move. A Family Feast bundle with sandwiches, chips, and drinks for 4 starts at $35.99. Both are cheaper than ordering individually.
Are Panera's Christmas cookies good for gifting?
The Holiday Cookie Tin is designed for gifting. It comes in a festive box with a dozen assorted cookies. The Kitchen Sink Cookie and Candy Cane Crinkle are the standouts. For a larger group, the Pastry Ring ($18.99) adds muffins and scones to the mix.
Does the Unlimited Sip Club work with holiday drinks?
Yes. The Sip Club covers holiday drinks including Peppermint Mocha, Holiday Cookie Latte, and seasonal teas. One free drink every 2 hours, 365 days a year. It is the single best way to try every seasonal drink without paying per cup.
When do Panera's Christmas menu items become available?
Most holiday items launch in the last week of November, right after Thanksgiving. Availability depends on your location. The Panera app shows which seasonal items are currently stocked at your nearest cafe in real time.
About the Author
Marcus Cole — Restaurant Industry Analyst
Marcus has tracked Panera's seasonal menu launches for over 6 years. He personally tests every limited-time item and catering bundle each holiday cycle. His work has been cited by food industry outlets covering fast-casual dining trends. When he is not timing cookie sell-out windows, he is running calorie audits on the Nutrition Calculator.
Your 2026 Holiday Menu Game Plan Starts Here
Pre-order the Cookie Tin, book catering 48 hours early, and grab the gift card bonus before Dec 24th.
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