Free Grocery Store Cooking Classes Before Christmas

Yes, free grocery-store cooking classes are available before Christmas. Fareway offers free monthly live Zoom classes, and Stop & Shop lists a free Dec. 15 holiday session.

These classes are dietitian-led virtual demonstrations. A registered dietitian is a food and nutrition professional who teaches recipes and wellness skills online.

Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 06, 2026.

Which free classes can you join now?

Fareway says its registered dietitians host free monthly What's Cooking live Zoom classes on culinary skills, real-food recipes and wellness education, according to the Fareway dietitian services page. Each class includes a giveaway for home cook-along participants. That giveaway is a chance to win, not a guaranteed item.

Stop & Shop Nutrition Partners offers free 30-minute virtual In the Kitchen cooking demonstrations led by registered dietitians, according to the Stop & Shop nutrition class listing. The listing includes a noon Healthier Holiday Entertaining session on Dec. 15 focused on balanced holiday spreads.

Both options are virtual, so eligible shoppers in the chains' service areas can join from home.

What do holiday sessions cover?

Holiday sessions focus on lighter seasonal cooking and party planning. The Dec. 15 Stop & Shop session centers on balanced holiday spreads for entertaining.

Past December programs show the same pattern. In its Nov. 29, 2022 announcement, Hy-Vee said dietitians hosted Wednesday noon Wellness Wednesday classes on Healthier Holiday Desserts, Healthy Holiday Eating, Easy Dishes to Pass and Leftover Makeover with better-for-you swaps, according to the Hy-Vee December press release.

The 2025 Safeway-sponsored Homemade Cooking class taught spatchcock chicken with caramelized vegetables repurposed into curry chicken puffs.

How do you sign up and cook along?

Advance online registration is required for each session. Classes are held virtually via Zoom and have limited capacity, so sign up early. Home cook-along participants can take part in the Fareway class giveaway.

Entry is tied to class participation, not to purchase.

• Check the Fareway or Stop & Shop class page for the December schedule
• Register online for the specific date you want
• Save the Zoom link and join from your kitchen at class time
• Cook along at home and download or print recipes when offered

Who can join and what are the limits?

These programs are aimed at household shoppers in the chains' service areas. You need internet access and a Zoom-ready device. Sessions are 30 to 60 minutes.

Capacity limits are the main barrier before Christmas. The Giant Co. and Stop & Shop registration materials note limited seats and advance sign-up for each holiday dietitian class, according to the Giant Company holiday registration details.

If your preferred date fills, look for another monthly or weekly time. Printable recipes and dietitian tips are provided during class for home use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the classes really free, or do I need to buy something?

The listed Zoom classes are free to attend. A purchase is not listed as required for registration.

Will I get recipes to use after class?

Yes. Fareway and Hy-Vee program materials describe real-food recipes, printable recipes and better-for-you swaps shared during class.