How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Private Chef for Holiday Catering and Dining in Chicago?
Red Bell Pepper Consomme, Ricotta filled Spinach and Egg Raviolis, Seasonal Mushrooms
The holidays are a time for gathering, indulgence, and celebration, but they’re also a season that can easily become overwhelming. Between hosting, cooking, and cleanup, many Chicago hosts are choosing to elevate their celebrations with the help of a private chef. If you’ve ever wondered about the cost to hire a private chef in Chicago for a holiday dinner or how it compares to traditional catering, here’s a transparent breakdown of what you can expect.
The Value Behind a Private Chef Experience
Hiring a private chef is more than just having someone cook dinner—it’s a curated dining experience that rivals fine dining restaurants, all in the comfort of your own home. You’re not just paying for the food. You’re investing in:
Unique, seasonal menus created around traditional holiday ingredients with Chef David’s culinary expe
Professional Serving Staff trained to deliver fine dining restaurant service
Beautiful Presentation, from table décor to printed menus
Complete Cleanup, including hand-washing your china and leaving your kitchen spotless
A Personalized Experience that allows you to actually enjoy your own event
These elements come together to create a seamless evening where everything feels effortless for you and your guests.
Holiday Personal Private Chef Pricing in Chicago
Private chef pricing for holiday dinners in Chicago typically ranges between $140 and $350 per person, depending on the menu style, number of courses, and level of service. Below is a transparent look at several luxury holiday dining experiences currently offered by one of Chicago’s premier private chefs.
Sinterklaas Dutch-Spanish Holiday Dinner — $180 per person*
A unique European tradition brought to the table with artistry and warmth.
What’s Included:
3-Course plated dinner
Bottled spring or sparkling water
Custom printed menu
Table décor and professional serving staff
Warm towel service
Full cleanup and kitchen sanitation
Menu Highlights:
Creamy Shrimp and Pumpkin Bisque with Spanish Prawns and Saffron Rice Beans
Grilled Beef Tenderloin Filet with aged Gouda Croquette and Spanish Paprika Sauce
Dutch Chocolate Tart with Almond Crust and Chestnut/Rum Ice Cream
Minimum of 4 guests. 20% service fee applies. Gratuity not included.
Winter Solstice Gathering — $350 per person*
An exquisite 5-course fine dining experience celebrating winter’s bounty.
What’s Included:
Full seasonal tablescape and elegant plating
Complementary Salmon-Billecart Champagne Toast
Our team brings all china, service ware, linens, and elegant stem ware
Professional serving staff
Warm towel service
Hand washing of all serviceware
Kitchen cleaned and sanitized
Menu Highlights:
Trio of Seafood Delights with Quail Egg and Salmon Caviar, Shrimp Remoulade, and Tuna Tartare
Lobster and Pumpkin Bisque with Vanilla Oil and Puff Pastry Twist
Roasted Beef Entrecôte with Potato Gnocchi, Truffled Gouda Veloute
Mosaic of Seasonal Ice Creams enrobed in a Baked Alaska Terrine, flambéed tableside
Minimum of 6 guests. 20% service fee applies. Gratuity not included.
Family Style Turkey Feast — $140 per person*
Perfect for families who want the comfort of a traditional holiday dinner without lifting a finger.
What’s Included:
Family-style platters and serving utensils
Signature holiday plated soup or salad choice to start
Rinsing and reloading of all dishware
Kitchen cleaned and sanitized
Menu Highlights:
Roast Turkey Breast and Smoked Turkey Leg Roulade
Whipped Potatoes and Celery Root/Turkey Sausage Stuffing
Sweet Potato Hash with roasted Pistachios and Brown Butter
Apple and Caramel Tartlets …..Pumpkin Ice Cream
Children under 12: $65 per person. Minimum of 8 guests. 20% service fee applies.
Holiday Grazing Buffet — $230 per person*
An elevated buffet perfect for large gatherings or cocktail-style events. An abundant selection of delicious dishes unique to the winter solstice and the holidays.
What’s Included:
Custom-decorated tablescape and buffet display
Professional serving staff
Cleanup and kitchen sanitation
Menu Highlights:
Balinese Spiced Shrimp with Sambal Dipping Sauce
Mini Stroopwafels with aged Gouda and Tomato Chutney
Carved Porchetta Roast Pork with smoked Eggplant and Chard
Chocolate Yule Log and Dutch Spiced Poached Pears
Minimum of 8 guests. 20% service fee applies. Gratuity not included.
Why Chicago Holiday Catering and Dining is Worth the Investment
When you compare the holiday catering cost in Chicago to the price of a personal private chef, the difference comes down to experience and exclusivity. With a private chef:
You enjoy restaurant-quality, fine dining without leaving home.
Your event reflects your personal style and menu preferences.
Every detail from plating to cleanup is handled for you.
You gain back hours of your time to focus on what truly matters: enjoying the holidays.
Book your 2025 Holiday Catering and Dining Experience in Chicago
If you’ve been searching for a personal private chef pricing for a holiday dinner in Chicago, expect to invest between $140–$350 per guest, depending on the level of service and menu. What you receive in return is an unforgettable dining experience where every course, every plate, and every moment is designed for comfort and celebration.
When the holiday season feels too busy to breathe, hiring a private chef isn’t just a luxury, it’s a way to reclaim your time and truly savor the season.
With advance notice of at least two weeks, we are able to accommodate bookings on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day. For those special days, Chef de Quay charges a 30 % service fee to compensate our excellent staff to work on the holidays listed above. Gratuity is not included in that, but is always most welcome.