Orlando really is your home for the holidays with special events for family dining, New Year’s Eve extravaganzas, special menus (solid and liquid) and lots of family-friendly fun and activities.
Check out this roster of Rudolph-ready, metrowide merriment!
Boxi Park: Happenings are happening in Lake Nona with themed weekends filled with holiday spirit. Dec. 12-14, bring Rover for Paws & Claus, a pet-friendly celebration perfect for families and furry companions. Dec. 18-21, hit ’em up for Jingle Jam offering music-filled nights and plenty of seasonal flair. And Dec. 25-28 it’s Holiday Fiesta, a Latin-themed celebration. More info: boxiparklakenona.com.
BRIO Italian Grille: Open Christmas Day at the Mall at Millenia, BRIO invites guests to experience Northern Italian flavors with options for dining in and catering packages. More info: brioitalian.com/holiday.
Café Tu Tu Tango: Christmas Day Brunch & Dinner offer holiday cheer and bold flavors. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. enjoy bottomless brunch featuring a carving station with prime rib, rosemary-garlic lamb shoulder, orange-cranberry glazed turkey, Parker House rolls and seasonal sides — plus sweets like peppermint bark cheesecake — for $39.22 per person. Dinner goes from 4-10 p.m., where the vibrant regular menu and artistic atmosphere continue the celebration with shareable plates and creative cocktails. For the New Year, Café Tu Tu Tango will feature global small plates and New Year’s Eve beverage specials including Torresella Prosecco and Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé, plus live entertainment throughout the night. On New Year’s Day keep the celebration going with another bottomless brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed by dinner through regular business hours. New Year’s Eve hours 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. New Year’s Day hours 11 a.m. to midnight. Reservations: opentable.com/r/cafe-tu-tu-tango-orlando.
Caribe Royale Orlando: Come for the Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes at The Venetian Chop House (5-9:30 p.m.) where guests can enjoy seven distinct courses of seafood including chilled cold-water lobster tail, Ahi tuna poke, jumbo shrimp and more. $95 for two people, $185 for four. A la carte specials like prime rib with a Boursin cheese double baked potato ($54) and a black forest yule log for dessert ($18) are available, as well, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For Christmas Day brunch at Tropicale (1-6 p.m.) savor brunch favorites with a full buffet including omelet station, sushi, fresh seafood, carving board with prime rib and more plus desserts like gingerbread pecan cheesecake and, of course, holiday cookies. $78 for adults, $25 for children ages 4-10. Stadium Club opens 4 p.m. Christmas Day with specials in addition to its full regular menu. More info: cariberoyale.com
The Castle Irish Pub & Restaurant: They’re always cooking up craic here in College Park but a new holiday cocktail menu featuring sips like the Sugar Cookie and Fireside Old Fashioned mean there’s extra holiday-centric fun going on. More info: thecastleirishpub.com.
Ceiba: Hit the Conrad Hotel for a thrilling New Year’s Eve party on the roof featuring dazzling nearby fireworks and a buffet dinner with chef-led stations showcasing caviar and Champagne, a carving station, taco station, ceviche and aguachile bar, desserts and select spirits and cocktails. Champagne toast at midnight and live entertainment as you count down to 2026. 21+, cocktail/formalwear recommended. $245 per person. More info: ceibaorlando.com/upcoming-events/new-years-eve-at-ceiba.
Columbia Restaurant: Guests at all Columbia locations can enjoy a festive feast on Christmas Day with special dishes, in addition to the dinner menu, served all day. Entrees are $30 each and a children’s dinner is $8 (beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Entrees include Lechón Asado “1905,” a Hernandez-Gonzmart Christmas favorite of pork shoulder marinated in traditional Cuban garlic-citrus sauce, slowly roasted until tender and served with yuca, Moros y Cristianos and platanos maduros and baked glazed Compart Family Farms ham, sugar-glazed, sliced and served with mashed potatoes, candied yams, fresh vegetables and orange sauce. Reservations encouraged at locations in Tampa, Sarasota, St. Augustine, Clearwater and Celebration — available online at ColumbiaRestaurant.com or by calling restaurant directly. (Columbia Cafe at Tampa Bay History Center is closed Christmas Day.) The restaurants also will be offering takeout dinners for 8 to 10 people for Christmas Eve pickup from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $195 plus tax. At all locations takeout dinners will feature Lechon Asado, Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad, yuca con mojo, Moros y Cristianos, platanos, Cuban bread and flan. Additional glazed ham option available at Ybor City location only. Deadline for ordering takeout feasts is 2 p.m. Dec. 19. More info: columbiarestaurant.com.
Duffy’s Sports Grill: Now through Dec. 31, Duffy’s has all kinds of holiday offerings including crab-stuffed mushrooms starting at $12.99, a crab cakes platter starting at $21.99 and a 16-ounce bone-in ribeye starting at $26.99. Fun drinks like the Mistletoe Margarita, Peppermint Espresso Martini and more start at $10. More info: duffysmvp.com.
Grand Bohemian Orlando: Lots going on at this downtown grande dame beginning with the Nutcracker Rooftop Lounge at Altira. Now through Dec. 28, from 4 p.m. to close, the Altira Pool + Lounge transforms into a Nutcracker-inspired rooftop retreat with twinkling décor, whimsical cocktails, skyline views and plush lounge seating — just steps from the Dr. Phillips Center and the perfect destination for pre-show drinks or post-performance gatherings. More info: kesslercollection.com/bohemian-orlando/event/nutcracker-rooftop-lounge-at-altira. For Christmas Day, The Boheme is offering three seatings for a holiday jazz brunch (10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.) for $99 per adult, featuring live music and a special “Santa’s Magical Meet & Greet.” Menu highlights include bourbon-glazed Bohemian spiced prime rib, fresh seafood display and a baker’s basket featuring eggnog and gingerbread muffins. More info: kesslercollection.com/bohemian-orlando/event/christmas-brunch-at-the-boheme-2. For New Year’s Eve, join the party at the Masquerade Ball at Bösendorfer Lounge (9 p.m.-1 a.m., $159 per person for general admission, VIP packages start at $450 per couple). General admission is standing-room only with craft cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment as the countdown to midnight begins. Toast at midnight. More info: kesslercollection.com/bohemian-orlando/event/masquerade-ball-at-bosendorfer-lounge.
The Grove Resort & Water Park: Located in the heart of the tourism district, The Grove is offering several holiday options at the signature Valencia Restaurant. Breakfast buffet with Santa (Dec. 24, 8 a.m. to noon). Kids can enjoy crafts and activities before meeting Santa for a photo and a few Christmas wishes. $28 adults; $14 kids ages 4-10. The Christmas Day brunch buffet (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) allows guests to enjoy an elevated spread including charcuterie, chicken and chorizo paella, honey-glazed ham and a selection of sweet treats. $60 adults; $25 kids ages 4-10. In addition to the full dinner menu, Christmas Day dinner specials will feature specialty offerings including pumpkin soup with goat cheese crostini, pan-seared French chicken and eggnog creme brulee. More info: groveresortorlando.com
Orlando holidays: 12 entertainment events of Christmas
Hinckley’s Fancy Meats: New in 2025, Hinckley’s is offering Christmas dinner for two ($74.99). Dinner comes fully cooked and ready to reheat in oven-safe packaging. Each dinner generously feeds two adults with some leftovers (it’s almost 5 pounds of food). More info: hinckleymeats.com.
JoJo’s ShakeBar: JoJo’s Winter Wonderland is a colorful holiday destination in Orlando whether you’re planning the perfect date night, a magical family outing or an unforgettable Christmas event, running through Jan. 4. All season long JoJo’s will offer unique holiday-themed treats (like the Winter Wonderland biggie shake and Santa’s sangria) as well as fun activities including ornament painting, mixology classes, gingerbread house decorating and photos with Santa. Check website for details. On New Year’s Eve a family-friendly kids party (11 a.m. to 1 p.m., $38 per person) will include meals and toasts for kids and adults. More info: jojosshakebar.com.
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill: Guac out with your family at Lime Fresh’s guac-making class for kids. Dec. 13, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., they’re hosting little chefs at the 153 Sugar Belle Drive location where kiddos will learn top-notch guac skills using fresh ingredients. Tickets are $7.68 per child and families who stay for lunch receive a 10% discount. Parents/guardians must accompany children under 14. Spots limited. Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/guacamole-making-class-family-fun-for-little-chef-tickets-1830134655019?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. Additionally, guests can enjoy LIME Fresh’s limited-time holiday dessert, peppermint churros, ($6.50) through Jan. 1. These classic mini churro bites are dusted with powdered sugar, crushed candy canes and served with a chocolate dipping sauce. More info: limefreshmexicangrill.com
Kavas Tacos + Tequila: From Dec. 16-24 enjoy Las Posadas, nine festive days with a new holiday cocktail featured daily. Each drink is crafted by Kavas bartenders and available for one day only. Kavas is also open for Christmas Eve from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with live holiday mariachi, 7-9 p.m. Full menu available. Need New Year’s Eve plans? Kavas takes regular reservations through 5:30 p.m., closing at 8 p.m. for a 9 p.m. party. $85 per person. Fire show at 10:30 p.m. Champagne toast at midnight. Kavas will open 3 p.m. on New Year’s Day. More info: kavastacos.com.
Kings Orlando: Kings is turning up the holiday cheer with a season full of celebrations, exclusive cocktails and can’t-miss events — one of which is the Naughty List Lounge. Now through Jan. 15, guests are welcomed to step inside an all-new pop-up experience with twinkling tinsel, great photo-ops and special,seasonal sips. On Dec. 31, Kings will close out the season with two unforgettable celebrations: an early one for familes and a late-night affair for adults only. Noon Year’s Eve goes from noon to 5 p.m. at $35 per person (free for kids age 3 and younger) and includes a kid-friendly buffet, cookie decorating, coloring stations and family photos —all leading up to a festive balloon drop and sparkling cider toast. Come evening, Kings New Year’s Eve Party ($75 per person) takes over and includes open gaming on the lanes and billiards, a buffet and passed appetizers from Kings’ premium event menu and a Champagne toast at midnight. Guests will enjoy a live DJ, shotskis, arcade games, party favors, light sticks and a photo booth. More info: playatkings.com/nye.
Kyuramen: This fast-growing brand is launching a limited-time endless ramen promotion from Dec. 22-28 designed for families, couples and students looking for an affordable and cozy winter meal. Guests can enjoy unlimited noodle refills with any ramen order (dine-in only). The only rule: Save some soup in your bowl and noodles are on the house. (Unfinished refills will be charged $2. Not combinable with other promotions. One bowl per person.) More info: kyuramen.com
Maria & Enzo’s: Offered on select dates from Dec. 13-24, Maria & Enzo’s Breakfast with Santa will include a spread of classic menu items, visits with Santa, holiday carolers, a keepsake photo and indulgent treats. More info: mariaandenzos.com/breakfast-with-santa
Metro Diner (Oviedo): Guests are welcome to join the team at Oviedo’s Metro Diner on Dec. 14 for an in-diner meet-and-greet and free photos with Santa as they enjoy seasonal favorites like the Stuff ’N Waffles, made with its signature cornbread-stuffing-pressed waffles (Stuff ‘N Waffles available through Dec. 31). More info: metrodiner.com/locations/florida/oviedo
Mia’s Italian Kitchen: Grab a Christmas Day family-style Italian feast and enjoy dishes including polenta “Carbonara” and grilled stuffed calamari to traditional fare like brick oven-roasted turkey and sweet treats like cranberry cheesecake and Panettone bread pudding. Items are available à la carte as part of family-style dining. For the new year, Mia’s will feature its signature menu of house-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas, plus festive NYE sparklers like Jeio Prosecco Superiore and Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. New Year’s Day kicks off with brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. before transitioning into dinner service. Reservations: opentable.com/r/mias-italian-kitchen-orlando.
Nauti Lobstah: Celebrate a bigger than “evah” experience with the Nauti Lobstah’s 4-pound Lazy Man’s lobster on the menu through the holiday season and available a la carte or as part of a three-course offering. Also on deck, the Biggest Lobster Roll in Florida, with 2 pounds of Maine lobster meat, is available daily for dine-in at the restaurant through December. For those hosting holiday parties at the office or at home, The Nauti Party Pack is available to go and includes the Biggest Lobster Roll in Florida. It’s also stone crab season! Large claws (4-5 claws per pound) are served chilled with Chef Mike’s signature housemade mustard sauce or steamed with drawn butter and sherry wine sauce plus your choice of two homemade classic sides. Current market price is one pound for $55 or 2 pounds for $85. Looking for a stocking stuffer? Purchase a $100 gift card, get $15 free. Offer valid until Dec. 23. More info: nautilobstah.com.
Norman’s Orlando: Norman’s will be open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve with exceptional dining, warm hospitality and festive flavors. New Year’s Eve prix fixe dinner is $250 per person, which includes “all you care to enjoy” Perrier-Jouët Champagne pairings. More info: normans.com/orlando-norman-s-orlando-events.
Plate Above Catering: A social enterprise of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Plate Above’s holiday menu offers chef-prepared meals that bring families together while supporting local hunger relief efforts. Holiday family meals to go serve eight and include a protein with traditional side dishes such as garlic mashed potatoes and fresh green beans. Protein options range from sage butter whole turkey with pan gravy to prime rib with au jus and horseradish sauce. Each meal comes with heating instructions for easy preparation. Christmas orders must be placed by Dec. 18 and picked up on Dec. 23 at 411 Mercy Drive in Orlando. For larger gatherings, Plate Above offers buffet, delivery and plated service for groups of 25 or more, as well as holiday trays featuring items such as charcuterie, seasonal fruit, mini sandwiches and antipasti. Proceeds from every order benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and the organization’s hunger relief programming across its seven-county service area. More info: PlateAbove.com or 407-514-1048.
Quantum Leap Winery: Wednesday through Sunday now through mid-January, Orlando’s own winery is popping up at East End Market offering select cheeses and Fromageables cheese-snacking boxes from Tonda at La Femme du Fromage, a rotating series of seasonal fresh soups by Chef Jamie McFadden of Cuisiniers Catering, the Famous Broccoli Salad from George’s Cafe in Winter Park, plus wines by the glass, wine slushies and mimosas. What’s more, enjoy extra special case discounts to stock up on your favorites. Free delivery on orders over $200 within 10 miles of East End Market. More info: instagram.com/quantumleapwinery; facebook.com/quantumleapwinery
Raglan Road: At Raglan Road they celebrate with live music, dance, festive new cocktails and delicious eats. This year, in addition to the annual Christmas Day dinner special (butter-and-herb roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, duck fat roasties, honey-glazed carrots, bacon-braised Brussels sprouts, sausage meat stuffing, red wine jus and cranberry sauce; $45 adults, $25 children), they will offer a Christmas trifle of raspberry jam Swiss roll, mixed berries and silky custard topped with fresh whipped cream, poached peach and a buttery biscuit crumb, as well as a carrot-turnip soup (priced separately) for dessert. The all-day menu will be available, as well, plus lots of seasonal cocktails including the Jolly Ginger Mule, Christmas cake old fashioned and more. More info: raglanroad.com or 407-938-0300
Sophia’s Trattoria: For Christmas Eve it’s the Feast of the Seven Fishes honoring Italian tradition. From crispy smelt served with lemon caper aioli, to capestante with diver scallop, beluga lentils, parsnip nage, and smoked trout roe to spaghetti vongole with littleneck clams, Vermentino, pepperoncini, and chittara, the feast includes many more delights, concluding with Christmas cake layered with spiced mascarpone, glint wine reduction and mulled wine jelly. $95 per person, $110 with wine pairing. For Christmas Day the feasting continues with a festive brunch. Goodies include porcini chestnut soup, extensive seafood raw bar, antipasto spread, carving station with several proteins, custom omelet station and much more. $95 per adult and $45 per child 12 and under. $30 extra adds endless mimosas and bloody Marys. Live music 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info: hilton.com/en/hotels/orlcici-conrad-orlando/things-to-do/holidays.
Summer House on the Lake: Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs West Side with a holiday prix fixe. Available for $89.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity), the menu includes black truffle Caesar salad, lobster bisque, wood-grilled Brandt beef tenderloin, gooey lemon butter cake and more. The prix fixe is available alongside the main dining menu and the kids’ regular menu. Don’t forget to swing by The Cookie Bar on Christmas Eve to pick up Santa’s favorites to leave by the tree! More info: disneysprings.com/dining/summer-house-on-the-lake.
Taverna Opa Orlando: Celebrate Christmas Eve Greek-style at Taverna Opa where the full menu is available all day. Belly dancing at 7 p.m. Complimentary dessert with any family-style menu for four or more. For New Year’s Eve, Taverna Opa will have its regular menu until 5:30 p.m., closing at 8 p.m. to prepare for 9 p.m. party. $115 per person. More info: opaorlando.com.
TooJay’s: Amid this New York-style Florida deli’s winter menu there are myriad holiday dining options. These include gingerbread pancakes ($10.99) or French toast ($11.29), a winter charcuterie board ideal for gatherings and events plus all kinds of holiday specials. TooJay’s dine-in prix fixe includes choice of salad or soup with brisket, ham or turkey entree options and choice of decadent dessert. Holiday catering packages including ham or turkey dinners and all the sides serve five ($129.99), 10 ($249.99) or 20 ($479.99). More info: toojays.com
Torchy’s Tacos: This popular spot is closing out the year with a pair of festive flavor-packed new menu items perfect for holiday dining, sipping and celebrating. Throughout December guests can enjoy The Swinger ($6.65), Torchy’s Taco of the Month, featuring al pastor pork, grilled pineapple, diced onions, avocado sauce, chopped cilantro and a lime wedge all served on a warm corn tortilla. Matching in holiday spirit, the Merry Berry Margarita ($10) is a cranberry margarita made with LALO tequila topped with fresh cranberries and rosemary. More info: torchystacos.com
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels: Holiday dining abounds at Universal with the following offerings:
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando: Christmas Day brunch at The Kitchen ($80 per adult; $40 per child, ages 3-9) from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Savor carved turkey, honey-baked ham and an assortment of holiday sides, plus seafood station and extensive dessert selections. Live entertainment. View menu at the-kitchen.constantcontactsites.com/christmas. More info: Book on Resy or call 407-503-3463.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel (Flora Taverna): Christmas Eve five-course prix fixe menu ($75 per person), 5-10 p.m., includes main courses of Ora King salmon, grilled beef tenderloin or braised lamb shank. View menu at flora taverna.constantcontactsites.com/christmas-eve-prix-fixe. Christmas morning brunch ($85 per adult; $40 per child ages 3-9), 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., features a selection of dishes including slow-roasted ribeye, made-to-order omelets, artisanal pastries and more, plus a variety of desserts like eggnog panna cotta and chocolate yule log. View menu at flora-taverna.constantcontactsites.com/christmas. Christmas Day five-course prix fixe menu ($75 per person), 5-10 p.m. Feast features artisanal focaccia for the table, choice of main course (Ora King salmon, grilled beef tenderloin or braised lamb shank) and a honey lavender panna cotta, chocolate mousse and white chocolate cranberry cheesecake dessert trio. View menu at flora-taverna.constantcontactsites.com/christmas-day-prix-fixe. More info: Book on Resy or call 407-503-3463.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando: Christmas Day buffet at Trattoria del Porto ($85 per adult; $35 per child, ages 3-9), noon to 9 p.m. Buffet features beef rib roast, pineapple glazed ham and an array of seafood. Live music sets the holiday mood. View menu at trattoria-del-porto.constantcontactsites.com/christmas. Christmas Day prix fixe at Mama Della’s Ristorante ($75 per person) 5-10 p.m. Enjoy a three-course meal with choice of gamberi scampi or Mama Della classic caprese, zuppa di pesce or veal osso bucco and a finale of lemon mascarpone cheesecake. View menu at mama-dellas-ristorante.constantcontactsites.com/christmas. More info: Book on Resy or call 407-503-3463.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando: Christmas Day buffet in the Islands Dining Room ($80 per adult; $40 per child, ages 3-9) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join them for traditional Christmas favorites alongside elevated South Seas-inspired dishes. Family-friendly entertainment including a balloon artist, ukulele player and hula dancer included. View menu at islands-dining-room.constantcontactsites.com/christmas. More info: Book on Resy or call 407-503-3463.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando: Christmas Day buffet at Amatista Cookhouse ($80 per adult; $40 per child ages 3-9) noon to 4 p.m. Taste the tropics with traditional favorites and Caribbean-inspired cuisine featuring a churrasco display, ceviche display, decadent sides and desserts. Enjoy the rhythms of a live steel drum performance, plus face painter and balloon artist for kids. View menu at amatista-cookhouse.constantcontactsites.com/christmas. More info: Book on Resy or call 407-503-3463.
Additionally, Prime Value and Value Inns and Suites Christmas Day Specials: The all-new Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort will feature honey and tangerine-glazed ham with potatoes and asparagus or roasted turkey breast, stuffing, potatoes and more at Cosmos Café & Market and Omega Café and Market.
Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Aventura Hotel will offer Christmas meal specials with roasted turkey, stuffing and more in addition to the regular menus in Bayliner Diner and Urban Pantry.
Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites will feature holiday meal specials with turkey or ham, stuffing, cranberry compote and more at Beach Break Cafe and Pier 8 Market.
Vicky Bakery: Florida’s iconic Cuban bakery brand, and the real Havana Club, forced from home and aged in exile but forever Cuban, are coming together again with the limited-edition Vicky Bakery x Havana Club Rum Cake, available for pre-order and pick up through January. The Vicky Bakery x Havana Club Rum Cake represents more than dessert, it’s a shared story of culture and community. The limited-edition 8-inch cake comes in a custom Vicky Bakery x Havana Club box, from $39.99-$49.99 and serving 8-10 people. Pre-orders can be placed by calling or visiting any Vicky Bakery location. More info: vickybakery.com/orlando.
Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin: It’s an ideal home base offering special holiday dining, meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus and spirited dancing holiday lights. The location also offers easy access and complimentary transportation to all four Walt Disney World theme parks, as well as favorite seasonal events including Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park. Children can step into a whimsical world of creativity inside the Elves’ Magical Workshop, where friendly elves guide them through craft stations including ornament decorating, personalized gift bag assembly, stuffed-toy creation and complimentary cookie decorating. More info: swandolphin.com/wp-pdf/holiday/guide.pdf
