KANSAS CITY — Restaurants are adding more ‘merry’ to their menus with new festive foods and seasonal sweets to celebrate the holiday season.

Christmas has crept onto Krispy Kreme’s menu with the chain’s four holiday-themed donuts. The Santa Belly Donut and Snowman Donut are frosted to look like their respective holiday characters, while the Red Velvet Cake Donut and Holiday Sprinkles Donut feature Christmastime colors.

“Whether you’re fueling up for holiday shopping or stocking up for a holiday gathering, these fun, delicious offerings are a perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season,” said Tony Thompson, president and chief executive officer of Krispy Kreme.

Inspired by the seasonal tradition of mulling cider, Starbucks is introducing The Holiday Spice Flat White. The drink features two ristretto shots of Christmas Blend Espresso Roast steeped with a holiday mulling spice blend and finished with steamed whole milk. The spice blend includes ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, clover, sugar and a touch of tangerine.

IHOP is offering a sleigh-full of festive flavors with its new holiday lineup. Diners may celebrate the festivities first-thing with breakfast offerings like the Banana Bread French Toast or Pumpkin Spice Waffle, curb their seasonal sweet tooth with the Pumpkin Waffle Sundae, or take in a traditional holiday meal with the Roasted Turkey and Fixings.

“Holidays are special times,” said Marie Grimm, vice-president of culinary innovation at IHOP. “We always look forward to helping make these occasions special with new dishes that really capture the magic of the season,”

Click for a slideshow of more new holiday menu items.