Top Orlando Hotels for Christmas Dining

Christmas dining at these fabulous Orlando hotels is worth the splurge

**Post is updated for 2020 as new information is received. Bookmark this post for future reference. Please verify all offerings at time of booking. New this year: Hotels are offering Christmas Feasts To Go! Some resorts featured in the past are not currently open due to the pandemic. **

Whether you call Orlando home or you’re visiting the City Beautiful this Christmas holiday, these Orlando hotels will fill your hearts with cheer and your stomachs with the tastiest holiday treats. We are lucky to have so many wonderful hotels in town that don’t hold anything back to wow their guests. These hotels offer the best value, overall high quality cuisine, creative menus and entertainment to make your Christmas celebration extra special. In 2020, extra safety precautions are in place to ensure safe celebrations. Hotels are listed in alphabetical order as they are all tops. Some are a splurge, but if you want to indulge then this is where to do it!

If you prefer to celebrate at home, check out this list of great restaurants offering Holiday Dining To Go in Orlando.

The Alfond Inn at Rollins College

You’ll find the a la carte menu at Hamilton’s Kitchen featuring old world favorites and seasonal sweets in this beautiful Winter Park boutique hotel, named one of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine’s best hotels in Florida. They are also featuring a “Sparkle Menu” 4 course dinner for $39 Wednesday- Saturday. Before or after your feast at The Alfond Inn Hamilton’s Kitchen, enjoy the museum quality art collection around the property and a stroll on nearby Park Avenue with beautiful holiday decorations and Central Park festivities. East New England Ave, Winter Park FL. 407-998-8090

Disney’s Resorts

Doing a tour of the decorations at the Disney resorts is an annual tradition for many of us locals and visitors alike. While in 2020, Disney will not be doing the life-sized gingerbread houses in the lobby as in years past, the elegant holiday decorations are still special and put you in the holiday spirit. Another important note for 2020 is that only hotel guests and guests with dining reservations or Mobile Order Pick Up are allowed to visit by car and park on property. If you are not dining or staying on property, you can walk, take skyliner, monorail or Disney bus to visit resorts.

The Grand Floridian Resort is the most popular and one of my favorite Disney hotels. There’s something about the Victorian charm. Wilderness Lodge is always a festive spot with its Pacific-Northwest theme. Animal Kingdom Lodge with its African themed decor is another impressive view. Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs is one of the newest resorts on property and worth a visit paired with dining at Three Bridges Bar & Grill or Toledo Steakhouse. Stop for drinks at Dahlia Lounge.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Orlando’s only Five Diamond Resort, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, is the place to be if you want to celebrate the season in style. In 2020, they have a few delicious options to celebrate the season.

Intimate Private Dining Holiday Event at Four Seasons

This year, now more than ever, people are celebrating the holidays with their closest family and friends only. For as few as six people, Four Seasons Resort Orlando has introduced two new decadent menu options for private celebrations, in the Resort’s beautiful Lakeside Event Pavilions. The two Lakeside event rooms are located on the north side of the Resort’s main lake, freestanding buildings that also offer a private terrace on the lake and an outdoor fireplace, perfect for creating wintertime ambiance. The Resort’s catering team can assist with special event décor, such as holiday-inspired floral centrepieces, custom chargers and place cards, themed table linens, faux fur pillows, accent throws and more. The new holiday event offerings available in the Lakeside pavilions include an afternoon tea service, or a hot chocolate bar and dessert station.

The tea service is available for USD 55 per person and includes an assortment of teas, plus the following menu:

Desserts:

• Peppermint macaron
• Pumpkin macaron
• Apple crumble mini tart
• House-made cranberry scones with cinnamon whipped cream

Tea Sandwiches:

• Chicken salad, cranberries, pecans, curry aioli
• Prosciutto, herb goat cheese, asparagus
• Pimento cheese, sweet drop pepper, pumpernickel

The hot chocolate bar and dessert station is available for USD 60 per person, and would be ideal for a late afternoon or evening setup, when guests can use the fireplace and enjoy views of the illuminated palm tree-lined pathway. This offering includes chocolate bombes (house made chocolate spheres filed with hot chocolate mix) and assorted hot milks (whole, skim, two percent, oatmeal) for a rich, make-your-own hot chocolate station, complete with all the toppings including mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, cinnamon, whipped cream, chocolate marshmallows.

Desserts include PB&G holiday s’mores with peppermint chocolate, and Italian nut cookies, plus Spanish churros with chocolate dipping sauce.

“The Lakeside rooms are absolutely perfect for a magical afternoon holiday celebration with close family or friends,” says Laure Hitzig Clavtte, Director of Catering. “Guests will feel special when hosted in this unique setting that feels secluded and charming, with its own private outdoor space and fireplace.”

In addition to these special offerings in the Lakeside rooms, the Resort offers private dining menus for the two main restaurants, Ravello and Capa, for parties of up to 30 guests. A private dining room rental fee applies. For more details or to reserve a special holiday private dining offering, contact the Resort’s Catering team at 407 313 6745.

Dinner at Ravello or Capa

The Resort’s signature restaurants are always a treat for locals to enjoy, whether it’s authentic Italian by Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi, or expertly grilled steaks and Spanish tapas by Capa Chef Gabriel Massip. At Ravello, diners can enjoy a spacious restaurant with a covered terrace, and a menu with new seasonal offerings such as braised lamb shank and wild mushroom risotto. At Capa, the new Espana Clasica prix-fixe paella menu available on Wednesday nights only for USD 85 per person is a must-try. Capa has a beautiful rooftop terrace, perfect for taking in the sunset while enjoying a signature Capa GinTonic cocktail or glass of Iconoclast cabernet. The restaurants have modified seating capacities to ensure physical distancing, and private dining rooms are available to reserve for those who would like a private space. For dining reservations, call 407 313 6161.

Chef Rabii Saber’s Holiday Chocolate Display

Stop by simply to be wowed by the amazing chocolate creation designed by Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber and his team of pastry professionals. This year’s creation is designed to be a Christmas Village, reflective of the old-world style, featuring a small town and tiny village of homes and shops. A beautiful lake and a train surround the darling village, complete with sculpted chocolate and fondant animals such as reindeer. While viewing the creation is sure to inspire one’s cravings for sweets, Lickety Split, just around the corner, awaits. Lickety Split is a sweet treat for locals to enjoy decadent coffee drinks, milkshakes, and holiday gelato flavours such as eggnog and white peppermint. Don’t miss Chef Saber’s special holiday offerings available for purchase, such as hazelnut cookies, peanut butterscotch dark chocolate bark, and pecan brownie cheesecake. Locals can also order a custom cake, in an assortment of design and flavour options, and even a bûche de Noël, for pick-up.

Holiday décor will be in place through January 5, 2021. For reservations, call 407 313 7777.

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Gaylord Palms

At Gaylord Palms there is no better way to celebrate the holiday season in the Orlando than gathering your family for holiday fun. Explore acres of twinkling lights & decorations and exciting holiday activities, shows, and events, from Cirque Dreams Unwrapped and Feast with The Grinch to the all-new I Love Christmas Movies™ pop-up and Snow Factory experiences!

Holiday packages include tickets to signature 2020 Holiday event, I Love Christmas Movies; an interactive holiday experience featuring scenes from A CHRISTMAS STORY™ . THE POLAR EXPRESS™, ELF™   NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION™  and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS™.

Christmas Day Dining at Villa de Flora 

Experience a dazzling holiday feast on Christmas Day at Villa de Flora! Traditional holiday cuisine is served along with our modern Mediterranean buffet featuring fresh and seasonal food stations inspired by cuisine from Spain, Italy, France, and more. Our chefs have created a feast for the senses!

Price: $80* adults | $40* children (ages 4-12),
Includes self-parking

6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee FL. 407-586-2000

Hilton Orlando & Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek

These two superb properties are offering a variety of dining options to celebrate this holiday season. Click here for information and menus.

Holiday Breakfast at Oscar’s

December 24 through January 3, Open from 7am to 11am
Reconnect with the ones that matter most while enjoying a delicious breakfast at Oscar’s. A continental breakfast will be available for $26 per person. A selection of a la carte hot entrees will be available for a $12 upgrade per entrée. Hilton Honor Gold and Diamond members can elect to utilize their breakfast voucher for the continental breakfast.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinner at Bull & Bear®

Thursday, December 24 & Friday, December 25, 6pm-10pm
Guests can take pleasure in a four-course holiday dinner at Bull & Bear. $140 per person and $70 per child 12 years of age and younger. Tax and gratuity are additional. Wine Pairings Available. Reservations required: 407-597-5413.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinner at La Luce®

Thursday, December 24 from 6pm-11pm
Friday, December 25 from 6pm-10pm
Celebrate Christmas with a special dinner featuring Chef’s holiday favorites. Reservations are suggested: 407-597-3675.

Christmas Day Dinner Buffet at Oscar’s®

Friday, December 25, 5pm-10pm
On Christmas Day, Oscar’s will feature a holiday family buffet. This special feast will include classic holiday fare. $70 per adult, $35 per child 6-12. Children under 6 are complimentary. Tax and gratuity are additional. Reservations are suggested: 407-597-5450.

BAR DU CHOCOLAT

A decadent selection of chocolate hand-crafted by Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s world-class pastry team. A selection of champagnes is available, as well. Highlights include chocolate truffles, a rich selection of cookies, pillows of chocolate mousse and bowls of beautiful bon-bons. Priced per piece. December 24 and December 31, 6:30pm -10:30pm

• Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando FL. 407-597-3675
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando FL. 407-597-5500

JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa

Orlando’s newest luxury resort will have Christmas Day dining options, starting with Breakfast With Santa at Unreserved Food Bazaar from 7-11 a.m. Unreserved will also special Christmas-themed menu items from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., while the JW Market will have Christmas treats from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sear + Sea Woodfire Grill:

The JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa upscale restaurant will have a four-course Christmas dinner from 5-10 p.m. on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as a three-course a-la-carte menu for children. The regular a-la-carte menu will be available on request. Reservations are required. Pricing: $125 per person — four-course dinner, $65 children ages 4-12 (free under 4), $39 wine pairing. Call 407-919-6300 for reservations.

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Loews Universal Orlando Resorts

Universal Orlando Resorts offer a variety of Christmas dining options to choose from. For Reservations call 407-503-DINE (3463) Afterwards, hop on a boat ride to Universal City Walk for various entertainment options.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel:

Christmas Eve Prix Fixe Dinner in Trattoria del Porto

• Date: Thursday, December 24, 2020
• Time: 5pm – 10pm
• Price: $58* per person [*tax and gratuity not included]
• Featured bottled wine special available for $40

Christmas Day Family-Style Dinner in Trattoria del Porto

• Date: Friday, December 25, 2020
• Time: 4pm – 9pm
• Price: $62* per person [*tax and gratuity not included]
• Featured bottled wine special available for $40

Loews Hard Rock Hotel:

Christmas Eve Prix Fixe Dinner in The Kitchen

• Date: Thursday, December 24, 2020
• Time: 5pm – 11pm
• Price: $59* [*tax and gratuity not included] À la carte menu also available.

Christmas Day Family-Style Breakfast in The Kitchen

• Date: Friday, December 25, 2020
• Time: 7am – 11am
• Price: $29* adult; $15* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

Christmas Day Prix Fixe Dinner in The Kitchen

• Date: Friday, December 25, 2020
• Time: 5pm – 11pm
• Price: $59* [*tax and gratuity not included] À la carte menu available

Loews Royal Pacific Resort:

Traditional Christmas Day Dinner in Islands Dining Room

• Date: Friday, December 25, 2020
• Time: 5 – 10pm
• Price: $49* adult [*tax and gratuity not included]. Featured seasonal cocktail will be offered.

Margaritaville Resort Orlando

Enjoy an island-inspired brunch featuring holiday favorites and traditional brunch menu items at Euphoria from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Menu items include seasonal soups and salads, a protein action station, savory entrees and fixings, decadent main courses, and sides, plus a chef’s display of traditional holiday desserts. Additionally, guests staying in the resort’s cottage homes can have a gourmet, chef-prepared meal for five to seven people delivered right to their door. Orders must be made five days in advance. Check out website for more info.

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Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Grande Lakes Resort

Check out the gorgeous life-sized Gingerbread House in the Ritz lobby. The Grande Lakes pastry team used over 2K eggs, 226 lbs of butter, 679 lbs of sugar, 990 lbs of flour and loads of candy, gumdrops and candy canes to build this masterpiece! Sign up the family for Gingerbread School and build your own on select nights this month. It’s such a fun experience!

After enjoying flatbreads, charcuterie and lobster rolls in the lobby bar of the Ritz, head to the JW Marriott side (the buildings are connected!) and checked out Peppermint Square, a ballroom turned play area for the entire family with everything from arts & crafts, video games, an inflatable obstacle course, table games, cinema playing holiday movies & more. Take a relaxing stroll along the lakeside with the warm glow of luminaries and tree lights and enjoyed the Vignettes By The Water at the Gazebo with a choir of carolers. A stop at the Seasonal Beverage Cart for Coquito rum cocktails, champagne, hot chocolate, cookies and chocolate bark was the perfect way to cap off the festive evening! Check out their website for details!

Don’t miss dinner at Orlando’s newest & coolest restaurant, Knife & Spoon! It’s been nominated as best new restaurant in the country by USA Today!!

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RitzCarlton:

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, dine at Knife & Spoon by award winning chef John Tesar. 11:30am – 2:30pm and 5:30pm – 9:00pm, $125 per person, kids a la carte menu. Reservations required.

Knife & Spoon To Go:

Enjoy a complete dinner for 4-6 guests to go for $450, $525 add Winter Black Truffle, $550 add Cain Vineyard and Winery, Cain Concept, Napa, CA 2012 (Bottle of Wine)

• FIRST COURSE: Roasted Winter Vegetables Salad, Pomegranate Sherry Dressing
• MAIN COURSE: Knife & Spoon 60-Day Aged Prime Rib
• SIDES: Mashed Potatoes, Johnny Mac & Cheese, Green Bean Casserole, Brussels Sprouts
• DESSERT: Christmas Dulcey Yule Log

Call 407-393-4034 to place your order before Tuesday, December 22, 2020. Your order will be ready for pick up at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes between 10:00am – 3:00pm on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2020.

On Christmas eve, resort guests also have the option to dine in southern elegance with farm-to-fork dishes at the popular Highball & Harvest.

J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes:

If you prefer an extensive buffet, adjacent JW Marriott’s Citron has you covered with the traditional American feast for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If you want an Italian Farm to Table experience, chec out Primo. Reservations required. Grande Lakes Orlando maintains an extensive sustainability and conservation home-grown effort including collaboration with Whisper Creek Farms as well as their on-site Primo Garden. If you get a chance to tour the garden, take it. 4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando FL.

Rosen Hotels & Resorts

The culinary teams at Orlando’s independent hotel chain, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, know how to put the wow into the holidays with the most extensive holiday brunch buffets you will find in Orlando. This is “Where Christmas Happens” with a variety of delicious dishes. In 2020, Rosen Centre is currently closed, however, Rosen Shingle Creek and Rosen Plaza are a foodie paradise, perfect for those who want lots of options.

Rosen Shingle Creek Resort:

Orlando’s most extravagant and lavish Christmas Day buffet invites you to celebrate the season in style. Toast with unlimited champagne mimosas in the grand ballroom where spacious seating amid festive decor and a veritable feast of traditional favorites and delectable upgrades awaits. Indulge in dishes such as chef-carved roast prime rib, Chicken Francese, braised short ribs, and Indian-spiced sea bass, as well as pasta, seafood and breakfast stations, stir fry and even Paella Valencia. A decadent dessert display includes holiday pies and cheesecakes like lemon mascarpone, cherry and Key Lime, cakes such as Gianduja chocolate flourless, red velvet and lavender, assorted mini pastries, cupcakes, flan, and even a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit, marshmallows, pretzels and more. Reservations are required and include complimentary self-parking.

DATE: Friday, Dec. 25, 2020
TIME: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
LOCATION: Panzacola Ballroom at Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
COST: $59.95 per adult plus tax and service charge, $24.95 plus tax and service charge for children ages 4-11. Children 3 and younger eat free. Free self-parking. Florida residents receive a 25 percent discount.

• Rosen Shingle Creek Resort 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando FL. 407-996-3663

Rosen Plaza Hotel:

For a holiday dining experience to delight every member of the family, the Christmas Day Buffet at Rosen Plaza is not to be missed. A feast of not only tastes, but sights and sounds, this local Orlando favorite immerses guests in the spirit of the season within its festive ballroom, providing plenty of spacious socially distanced seating and buffet attendants safely serving each delectable dish. Start with complimentary wine or champagne and then indulge in displays of fruit salad with cheeses, homemade coconut curry sweet potato soup with kale, chilled shrimp, oysters and more. Chef Michael McMullen and his inspired team present an array of artfully displayed choices such as roast turkey with all of the trimmings, chef’s carving stations of prime rib and baked ham, pasta stations, Florida Mahi Mahi — even steamed Asian chicken pot stickers. The hotel’s famous Christmas Yule Log headlines a Dessert Extravaganza with holiday pies and cakes including a sugar-free option and a New York cheesecake, exquisite pastries and soft serve ice cream. Reservations are recommended and include free self-parking.

DATE: Friday, Dec. 25, 2020
TIME: Noon – 4 p.m.
LOCATION: Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819
COST: $39.95 per adult plus tax and service charge, $18.95 plus tax and service charge for children ages 4-12. Children 3 and younger eat free. Free self-parking.
PHONE: 407-996-0256

• Rosen Plaza Hotel 9700 International Drive, Orlando FL. 407-996-0256

VisitRosenHotels.com/RosensTotalCommitment to learn more about enhanced safety protocols.

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort at Bonnet Creek

One of my favorite resorts for Orlando foodie staycations is offering a few options to celebrate the Christmas holiday. Executive Chef Jonathan McCaan and his team are sure to make the spirits bright.

On December 24 and 25th, deep blu Seafood Grille & Sushi, their fine dining signature restaurant will serve a holiday feature menu selection of Dried Aged Prime Ribeye with Hasselback fondant potatoes, creamed kale, anise-scented carrots and Barolo reduction. $55 pp.

For a more casual pool and lakeside setting, the resort will offer a-la-carte holiday fare at Back Bay Pool Bar & Grill, including a Mistletoe Margarita ($12) and Very Merry Colada ($12), and from Dec. 24-27, a Smoked Pork Sandwich ($17) and Eggnog Cheesecake ($9).

There is no better way to celebrate the Christmas holiday than sharing great food and drinks with family and friends around the table. Go make reservations (highly encouraged) and have a Merry Epicurista Christmas!

Cheers!

Go Epicurista!

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