Christmas Dinner Planner Canada

Plan Christmas dinner 2026 the Canadian way, with Health Canada's thawing guidance, a safety buffer for the 82°C (180°F) whole-bird target, and room for the tourtière and butter tarts.

What's inside

• Turkey calculator: suggested size from your guest list, days to thaw in the fridge (24 hours per 2.5 kg / 5 lb, Health Canada), the day to move it to the fridge, roasting time and the exact time it goes in the oven.
• Oven & Hob planner: one oven? Every dish gets a heat source, temperature and start time, and it flags clashes (two dishes at very different temperatures, or more than your oven holds) before the day.
• Christmas Day timeline: set your dinner time and every task gets a real clock time, from "turkey out of the fridge" to "Christmas dinner is served". Edit tasks to match your recipes.
• The countdown: what to order, buy and prep in the weeks before, with real dates.
• Menu planner: turkey, tourtière, sides, butter tarts and Nanaimo bars, who's making what and what needs the oven.
• Shopping list: quantities, store and estimated cost against your budget in Canadian dollars (CA$), with tick-off.
• Guest list: RSVPs, adults and kids, dietary needs and who's bringing what.

Formulas are protected, so you can't break the maths by typing in the wrong box.

Works with

Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets (free) and Apple Numbers. Desktop, tablet or phone.

Food safety: Health Canada recommends the thickest part of the breast reaches 82°C (180°F) for a whole bird. Use a digital food thermometer, not touching bone.