Can I have a Traditional Christmas Day Dinner in Orlando?

A question we are asked a lot at this time of year is “Where can we go to get a traditional Christmas dinner when we’re in Orlando?”

And it’s a really valid query for two reasons. One, because not every restaurant will actually be open on Christmas Day, and two, because a proper turkey dinner with all the trimmings isn’t necessarily on the menu, even if a restaurant is advertising a ‘Christmas dinner.’

You have to remember that the big Thanksgiving holiday in late November is when Americans typically tuck into their roast turkey, and not December 25 (although some people do have turkey on both occasions in the US).

But, here at Debbie’s Villas, we constantly monitor the airwaves and scan the internet for news of restaurants that will definitely be open on Christmas Day and offering something special for their main meal, just so we can answer that key question with a choice of places to go in the Kissimmee and Davenport areas that are close to our selection of vacation villas.

Bearing in mind reason number two above, we’ll also split our response into two parts, the first for a true British-style turkey dinner (which definitely still exists), and the second for an alternative option, featuring the likes of roast beef or prime rib.

Orlando Restaurants Serving Turkey Dinners at Christmas

JW Marriott, Grande Lakes:

This expansive luxury resort at the junction of John Young and Central Florida Parkways boasts fully eight upscale dining options, and the Marriott’s Mediterranean-inspired Primo restaurant features a rustic Italian farm-to-table feast, including the necessary fresh-carved roast turkey. Reservations required on 407 393 4683.

Ritz-Carlton, Grand Lakes:

The Marriott’s sister hotel will also feature a traditional Christmas spread at their Highball & Harvest restaurant, albeit buffet style and with a much wider array of main courses and side dishes, including farm-fresh Southern specialities. Reservations required on 407 393 4034.

Oscar’s, Waldorf Astoria:

Part of the independent Bonnet Creek hotels inside Walt Disney World, the Waldorf Astoria’s main restaurant will present another extensive buffet spread, with roast ham, turkey AND prime rib all on offer, as well as plenty of side dishes. Reservations recommended on 407 597 5500.

Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel:

Enjoy an extensive Christmas buffet, including slow-roasted thyme turkey with raisin bread dressing, pan gravy and cranberry sauce at Universal’s flagship hotel. Bonuses here are roast ham and a beef rib roast as additional main course choices, while vegetable options include the all-important Brussels sprouts. Reservations recommended on 407 503 3463.

Raglan Road, Disney Springs:

If there’s another country closest to our Christmas hearts (and appetites!), it must be Ireland, hence the fully Irish style of this hugely popular Disney Springs pub-restaurant is tailor-made for UK visitors. This year’s dinner offering (served from 11am to 10pm) features a set meal consisting of Butter & Herb Roast Turkey, roast garlic mashed potatoes, duck fat roasties, honey-glazed carrots, bacon braised Brussels sprouts, sausage meat and walnut stuffing, and cranberry sauce, with red wine jus. Best of all, it’s a modest $35 per adult, $17.50 for children nine and under. Reservations required on 407 938 0300.

Orlando Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle:

The superior International Drive steakhouse is offering a three-course prime rib dinner for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, either dine in or for takeaway. Call 407 351 5074 for reservations or to-go orders.

Mia’s Italian Kitchen:

Staying on I-Drive, this new-in-2020 Italian restaurant has a three-course Christmas Day menu with a choice of Branzino, Steak or Roast Ham as your entrée, plus either cannoli or tiramisu for dessert. Reservations required on 407 601 7143.

STK Orlando, Disney Springs:

If a full steak dinner sounds more appealing than the traditional approach, this lively Disney Springs restaurant can tempt you with delicacies like their prime rib with fingerling potatoes, green beans, port wine shallots and black truffle Madeira sauce. Again, it’s available to dine in or takeaway. Call 407 917 7440 to book or to go.

Reunion Resort:

For those staying in a villa in or near the fab Reunion Resort, there are no fewer than three separate Christmas Day options, with a honey-glazed ham dinner at The Clubhouse, a festive a la carte selection at golf clubhouse Traditions, and the choice of slow-roasted prime rib or rosemary-marinated lamb chops at the Chophouse restaurant. Call 407 396 3201 to book.

Tapa Toro:

Finally, for something really different, try the Spanish style of this ICON Park restaurant, where dinner comes with flamenco dancing and real Mediterranean flair. The main course choice includes paella, skirt steak and honey-baked ham, with roasted seasonal veggies, sweet potato casserole and macaroni and cheese for side dishes. Served from 10.30am to 3pm, call 407 226 2929 for reservations.

Have you discovered a Christmas Day favourite of your own in the past or if you know of any that we have missed then please let us know!

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