PHIL SKINNER, PSKINNER@AJC.COM

This month, Santa will leave his elves to the toy-making as he breaks bread with families all around Atlanta at these events hosted by area restaurants.

Buckhead Diner

The Coca-Cola polar bear, Atlanta Ballet ballerinas in Nutcracker costumes, Rudolph and the elves will be on hand to welcome Santa as he arrives by fire truck to attend this breakfast. After visiting with Santa, families will dine on chocolate chip waffles, ham steak and eggs Benedict, and hot chocolate. 8:30-11 a.m. Dec. 8 and 9. 3073 Piedmont Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-262-3336. $39, 2 and under free.

One Midtown Kitchen

At this holiday event, the kiddos can take photos with Santa and parents can feast on the breakfast buffet. The menu will include french toast bites, ham and cheese croissants, chicken Waldorf salad and other breakfast favorites. Four seatings from 9 a.m. – noon, Dec. 8. 559 Dutch Valley Road, Atlanta. 404-892-4111. $20 adults, $10 children.

Village Tavern

This Alpharetta restaurant will once again offer its annual breakfast with Santa. The big man himself will arrive by fire truck and read “The Night Before Christmas.” A breakfast buffet will be served and mimosas and Bloody Marys will be available for adults. 9 am. – 11 a.m. Dec. 8 and 15. 11555 Rainwater Dr., Alpharetta. 770-777-6490. $15 adults, $10 children under 12.

Wahoo! Grill

This Decatur spot will offer photos with Santa during their brunch buffet. Signature holiday cocktails will be available for adults. 10 a.m. – noon Dec. 8. 1042 West College Ave., Decatur. 404-373-3331. $19 adults, $14 children 12 and under.

Southern Art & Bourbon Bar

Chef Art Smith will be in the house for the children’s holiday party at Southern Art & Bourbon Bar. Children can meet Santa and his reindeer, decorate cookies with Smith and partake in the hot chocolate bar. The event is free for families who have brunch at the restaurant that day. Noon – 3 p.m. Dec. 16. 3315 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. 404-946-9070. $10 for event without brunch.

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

Every Friday – Sunday through Christmas, The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead offers tea with Santa. Santa oversees the celebration, which includes caroling by the Dickens Singers. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. seatings on multiple December dates. 3434 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-240-7035. $52 adults, $47 children 5-12, under 5 free.

St. Regis Atlanta

Here, you’ll have tea and a private visit with both Santa and Mrs. Claus. The children’s tea menu includes specialties like almond butter and jelly sandwiches, chocolate peppermint cookie sandwiches and gingerbread. 2 -5 p.m. multiple dates. 88 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta. 404-563-7797. $52 adults, $38 children.

–by Jenny Turknett, Food and More blog