Along with the caroling, gift-giving and general merrymaking, one of the highlights of the yuletide season is all the delicious food. From seasonal cocktails and cocoa to festive cookies and cakes and every course in between, it’s that time spent preparing and enjoying a bountiful meal that brings us closer together.
And while there’s no place more perfect for doing that than The Most Magical Place on Earth, some of our favorite places to go for a Christmas dinner at Disney World, or any other holiday meal, are Disney Springs and the resort hotels.
Why? Because they’re all decked out for the season in their holly-jolly finery! So, bring your appetites and a festive spirit as we cover all the places to indulge in Disney holiday food, including Christmas dinner at Disney World in 2022.
Wondering what else you can do for Christmas at Disney World besides eat? Check out our guide on going to Walt Disney World for the holidays, where we unwrap the many special events to experience this festive season. For even more holiday cheer, don’t miss our wrap-up on how to see the Walt Disney World Christmas decorations.
Before Your Christmas Dinner at Disney Springs or Disney World Hotel
It’s hard to beat the holidays at Disney World, especially at Disney Springs and Disney World’s many resort hotels. The decorations are out in all their yuletide glory, a merry mix of limited-time Disney holiday food items is on offer, and festive music fills the air. In short, it’s downright jolly.
And as we just mentioned, part of that Christmas spirit is thanks to an overwhelming array of unique Disney World holiday food dishes and drinks. You can even tuck into a special Christmas meal at many table-service restaurants at Disney World.
So, you can keep your tradition of turkey (ham and rib-eye, too!) and cranberries even if you are spending the holidays at The World’s Most Magical Celebration, Disney World’s 50th anniversary. Don’t have time for a full sit-down meal? No worries! At many quick-service restaurants at Disney World, Christmas snacks in hand-held form make the perfectly portable taste of the season.
Keep in mind that tables at restaurants throughout Disney Springs and Disney World hotels are in demand during the best of times, but especially during the holiday season. So, while some dining outlets may have walk-up availability on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, an Advance Dining Reservation is highly recommended if having your holiday dinner at Disney World is a must.
No luck in securing a spot at the Walt Disney World restaurant of your choice? We suggest you keep referring back to the My Disney Experience app in the days before Christmas, particularly two-to-three days ahead of time, in case of any last-minute cancelations.
And don’t forget about the resort’s many underrated hidden gems, which often tend to have more reservation availability than Disney World’s most popular eateries. Of course, keep in mind that even if you aren’t able to get a reservation at a table-service restaurant, Disney World quick-service restaurants offer tasty dishes with no reservation required.
Christmas Dinner at Disney World Hotels & Disney Springs
Without a doubt, Disney Springs and the resort hotels are home to some of the best restaurants at Disney World. Add to that some infectiously festive decorations, like massive holiday trees and faux falling snow, and you’ve got a Disney Christmas dinner to remember. And best of all, you don’t even need a park ticket.
So, whether you’re a guest at one of the Disney World hotels or a Central Florida local looking for some pixie-dust-powered Christmas cheer, you’re sure to find a holiday menu to fit your tastes. Remember that while some of the items below are on the menu year-round, some options are exclusively available on Christmas Day, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is the destination for food lovers of all stripes, from snack fiends to foodies, and that’s especially true during the holiday season. And, since Disney Springs is open on Christmas Day, it’s the perfect spot for your family’s Christmas dinner or a holiday feast with friends.
When you aren’t indulging in all manner of delicious yuletide fare, be sure to spend some time admiring the festive, themed evergreens during the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll or the fresh, falling “snow” (it’s actually made from soap!).
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
Also known as Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, the holly-jolly takeover of one of the best bars at Disney World offers a temptingly non-traditional holiday feast (re: apps and booze), making for one of the more spirited options on our list.
Order a bunch of bites to split amongst your group for an appropriately communal meal. Lastly, an ugly Christmas sweater would be right at home among the merry makeover’s tinsel and twinkle lights, so be sure to don yours for an eminently festive selfie. (Available November 11-December 30, 2022)
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- “Naughty or Nice” Deviled Eggs – Naughty Deviled Eggs with Crispy Ham and Spicy Honey Glaze or Nice Deviled Eggs with Crispy Ham and Sweet Honey Glaze (New!)
- Here We Come A-Croquetting – Holiday Croquettes with Turkey and Stuffing topped with Bacon and Cranberry Jam and Turkey Gravy on a Bed of Pureed Sweet Potatoes (New!)
- Boughs of Holly Flatbread with Ham & Brie – Brie Cheese, Black Forest Ham, Watercress, Granny Smith Apples, Pomegranate Seeds and Lemon Vinaigrette
- Grandma’s Revenge Venison Sliders – Venison Sausage Patty, Bacon Cranberry Jam, Watercress and Tomato on a Parker House Roll
- Post-Flight “Milk” and Cookies – Assorted Christmas Cookies and Coquito (New!)
- Hot Chocolate Grail Flight – Traditional Spiced Butterscotch Hot Chocolate, White Chocolate Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Hot Chocolate (New!)
- Claus Mo – Cosmopolitan garnished with a Red Sugar Rim and a Strawberry and Marshmallow Santa Hat
- Pomegranate Gin & Tonic – St. Augustine Gin, Pomegranate Juice and Tonic Soda (New!)
- Yule Mule – Bombay Sapphire Gin, Fever Tree Ginger Beer, Cranberry Juice, Rosemary Simple Syrup and Holly Leaf Sugar Garnish
Raglan Road
The best Christmas dishes come from family recipes made with cozy ingredients and a whole lot of love. While they may not be quite like how your grandma used to make them, we’re sure that with comfy favorites like Duck Fat Roasties, Roast Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Roast Turkey, you’ll still feel right at home.
For a DIY Disney dinner show, make your reservation for the evening to enjoy live music and Irish step dancing. No official menu has been released yet for Christmas dinner at Raglan Road, but here’s what was served last year. (Typically available December 25, 2022)
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Special Christmas Menu – Butter & Herb Roast Turkey, Roast Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Duck Fat Roasties, Honey-Glazed Carrots, Bacon-Braised Brussels Sprouts, Sausage Meat & Walnut Stuffing and Red Wine Jus with Cranberry Sauce
STK Orlando
Looking for a luxurious place to enjoy Christmas dinner at Disney World? To spend the holidays like a true Disney VIP, book your reservation for STK Orlando, a chic steakhouse that turns into a pulsing club as the night wears on, thanks to the in-house DJ.
While the full menu has yet to be released, in past years, a complete feast with all the trimmings and trappings was offered on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. (Expected to be available December 24-25, 2022)
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
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- Roasted “Linz” Prime Rib – Roasted Prime Rib with Confit Fingerling Potatoes, Green Beans, Port Wine Shallots and Black Truffle Madera Sauce
- Roasted Free Range Turkey Breast – Roast Turkey Breast with Confit Turkey Thighs, Cornbread Stuffing, Sweet Potato Mash, Corn Pudding, Green Beans, Confit Fingerling Potatoes, Old School Gravy and Cranberry Orange Chutney
- Apple Pie with Maple Crème Fraîche
Terralina Crafted Italian
For many people, Italian Americans especially, Christmas Eve is all about pasta. So, whether dripping in alfredo sauce or laden with seafood in honor of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, make all of your festive fettuccine dreams come true this holiday season at Terralina Crafted Italian at Disney Springs.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Seafood Fettuccini – Fresh Mussels, Shrimp, Scallops, Spicy Lemon-Tomato Broth, Grilled Baguette
- Fettuccini Shrimp Scampi – With Lemon Chardonnay Butter Sauce, Marinated Tomatoes, Toasted Garlic and Grilled Baguette
- Terralina Penne Alfredo – With Chicken, Pancetta, Sun-dried Tomato and Peas
Morimoto Asia
For some, particularly those in the Jewish community, dinner on Christmas Day has become synonymous with a Chinese food feast since these are often the only restaurants still open on the holiday. So, while you’ll certainly be spoiled for choice at Disney World this festive season, keep the Chinese food tradition going with a Peking roasted duck with all the fixings or dumplings from Morimoto Asia.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Pork Dumplings – Pork, Napa Cabbage and Scallion
- Morimoto Peking Duck – Carved House-Roasted Whole Duck served with Steamed Flour Pancakes, Apricot Sweet Chili, Hoisin Miso and Choice of Steamed White or Brown Rice
Earl of Sandwich
Merry mainstays like turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce are classics for a reason. Fortunately, you can enjoy these festive favorites all year long at Earl of Sandwich in the form of a humble handheld. Or, jingle all the way over this holiday season for a portable Christmas feast.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Holiday Turkey Sandwich – Turkey, Cornbread Stuffing, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce and Mayo
Walt Disney World Hotels
Many of the hotels at the sprawling Central Florida resort are home to some of the best dining at Disney World. So, it’s no surprise that you can find some delicious Christmas dinners at Disney World resort restaurants, as well as a tempting array of holiday sweets and sips.
Quick-Service Christmas Feasts
You don’t need to spend an hour or more (or a ton of money) to tuck into a delicious Christmas dinner at the Disney World hotels. From value hotels to deluxe resorts, many quick-service restaurants at resorts around Walt Disney World cook up a merry meal of all your festive favorites, serving a traditional turkey feast with all the trimmings, including cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, seasonal vegetables and cranberry relish.
Disney World hotel restaurants with Christmas dinner include (Available December 25, 2022):
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
With its delectable dining, fascinating art and architectural influences and savannas teeming with African wildlife, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a must-visit for foodies, animal lovers and travel fans alike. Be sure to linger in the lobby and admire the resort’s towering Christmas tree.
Jiko – The Cooking Place
For an adventurous yet elegant Christmas dinner at Animal Kingdom Lodge, don’t miss Jiko – The Cooking Place. With its flame-kissed meats, fragrant spices and savanna-inspired setting (lighting in the eatery mimics a fiery African sunset), this signature restaurant is a delicious departure from the usual. (Available December 24 to 31, 2022)
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Holiday Feast – Bone-In Ribeye, Preserved Lemon and Almond Haricot Verts, Herb Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Radicchio and Tart Cherry Wine Reduction
Sanaa
Savor global-inspired flavors of the holiday season at Sanaa as you watch giraffes and zebras roam by just outside the window for one Christmas you won’t soon forget. (Available December 25, 2022)
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Celebrate the Season Dinner – Roast Prime Rib with Jus Lie, Mukimo, Fall Vegetables with Fig Butter and Mushroom Conserva
Disney’s BoardWalk
One of the most charming corners of Walt Disney World, Disney’s BoardWalk offers a smorgasbord of dining options in a nostalgic setting styled after turn-of-the-century Atlantic City. If that doesn’t sound ideal for your Disney World Christmas dinner, we don’t know what does. While you’re there, stop into Disney’s BoardWalk Inn to see the resort’s life-sized gingerbread carousel.
Flying Fish
Craving surf and turf for your Disney World Christmas dinner? Then Flying Fish is for you. Befitting its waterfront location, Flying Fish serves up sophisticated seafood fare with seasonal ingredients and stunning views of Crescent Lake. (Available December 24, 25 and 31, 2022)
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Chef’s Holiday Special – Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon and Coldwater Lobster (New!)
Trattoria al Forno
Like elsewhere in the world, Christmas in Italy is a festive, food-filled affair. From antipasto and lasagna to panettone and semifreddo, people dine on layered and filled pasta, richly braised meats and seasonal sweets. While Lasagna al Forno is offered all the time, Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk is also offering a special addition just for your holiday feast. (Available December 24, 25 and 31, 2022)
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Steak al Forno – With Yukon Potatoes, Cipollini Agrodolce and Chianti Reduction (New!)
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Whether you’re doing a little resort hopping or stopping by for Christmas dinner (or brunch!), Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a must this holiday season. Each year, the hotel’s A-frame lobby is home to a giant gingerbread display, making for an especially festive view on your next Monorail trip to the Magic Kingdom.
California Grill
The glittering twinkle lights of Main Street, U.S.A. are downright enchanting. For a dreamy view from above as you tuck into Christmas dinner, make a reservation for California Grill. Located on the hotel’s 15th floor, the restaurant dishes up seasonal Californian cuisine.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Fire-Roasted Venison – With Sweet Potato Fondant, Roasted Root Vegetables and Sour Cranberries (New! Available December 25, 2022)
- Valrhona Chocolate Torte – Valrhona Dark Chocolate Ganache Torte, Whipped Cherry Panna Cotta, Kirsch Cherry Caramel, Pistachio Snow, Candied Pistachios, Pistachio Nougat and Cherry Gel (New! Available December 1 to 30, 2022)
Chef Mickey’s
What could be more fun than a Christmas dinner with friends, family and some of your favorite Disney characters? Chef Mickey’s is one of the most popular character meals at Disney World and features tableside visits from Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Pluto. (Available December 18 to 25, 2022)
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Holiday-Inspired Family Style Offerings – Apricot and Gruyere Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Demi, Classic Stuffing, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Haricot Verts with Stewed Tomatoes (New!)
Steakhouse 71
Christmas meals are all about cozy family favorites eaten with people you love, making Steakhouse 71 an ideal location for your holiday feast, specifically Christmas brunch. The restaurant takes its inspiration from Walt Disney World’s opening day, cooking up old-school vibes and some of Walt Disney’s most-loved dishes.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Holiday Brunch – Menu Highlights Include Walt’s Prime Rib Hash, Floridian Eggs Benedict, Bacon & Eggs and French Onion Soup (Available December 18 to 24, 2022 and December 26, 2022 to January 8, 2023)
- Snowy Dreams – Our Rendition of Walt and Lillian Disney’s Favorite Holiday Beverage with Cognac, Crème De Coca, Holiday-Spiced Syrup and Half & Half Garnished with Nutmeg and Orange Zest (New! Available December 1, 2022 to January 8, 2023)
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
While it might not be a main destination on your Christmas resort-hopping tour of Disney World, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort still deserves a stop along the way. With its elegant Christmas tree and festive, red-and-green lighting, it’s subtle, sophisticated and brimming with holiday cheer.
Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood
Another rooftop restaurant at Disney World, Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood serves up savory meats and flavorful sides alongside sweeping resort views. Opt for one of the steakhouse’s regular Spanish-style dishes, such as Filet of Beef with a holiday-appropriate date jam or go for a Christmas classic with a South American twist.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Toledo Christmas Dinner – Prime Rib of Beef, Potato Silk, Pearl Onion-Tomato Confit and Chimichurri (New! Available December 25, 2022)
- Coquito – Coconut Panna Cotta with Spiced Dulce De Leche and Cranberry Crumble (New! Available December 18 to 25, 2022)
- Poinsettia Punch – House-Made Gingerbread Simple Syrup, Cranberry, Ginger Ale, Cinnamon and Orange (New! Available December 1, 2022 to January 7, 2023)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
One Disney World hotel you can’t miss at Christmastime is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The resort’s culinary team works hard as elves to create a ginormous gingerbread house big enough to sell goodies out of. To make the lobby smell as good as the sweets taste, they even pipe the scent of cinnamon and cloves out of the cottage’s chimney.
Cítricos
Several restaurants around Walt Disney World have gotten a makeover or even a full-on reimagining recently, including this fine-dining option at the Grand Floridian, which received a bright and airy update styled after Mary Poppins Returns. Here, you can dine on contemporary American cuisine with Floridian and Mediterranean flair. (Available December 25 and 31, 2022)
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Chipotle-Maple Glazed Dry-Aged Pork Chop – With Squash Au Gratin, Swiss Chard, And Almond Mole (New!)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
One of our favorite hotels at Disney World, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside oozes Southern charm. For an especially romantic Christmas dinner (holiday date night, anyone?), consider going on a horse-drawn carriage ride before or after your meal.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall
For Christmas dinner with a Southern comfort food twist, go to Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Designed to look like a boat-building workshop, this underappreciated Disney World eatery is a cozy spot for your family’s holiday meal. (Available December 25, 2022)
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Christmas Dinner – Dijon-Rubbed Pork Loin with Bourbon Sweet Potato Purée, Crispy Brussel Sprouts and Apple Fennel Chutney (New!)
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
While Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa isn’t a must-see stop during the holidays at Disney World, lacking the old-timey charm of the Christmas towns of Upstate New York, it is a great place to stay if you’re visiting with family or a group of friends. As a Disney Vacation Club resort, the deluxe villas here are delightfully spacious, with a living room for gathering and opening gifts on Christmas morning.
The Turf Club Bar & Grill
Planning to get in a relaxing round of golf during your Christmas trip to Disney World? Consider finishing up with a filling, festive meal at The Turf Club Bar & Grill. With stunning views of the lake and Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, you’re sure to be dreaming of a green Christmas instead of white.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Holiday Dinner – Pork Shank with Au Gratin Potatoes, House-Made Green Bean Casserole, Roasted Carrots and a Parker House Roll (New!)
- Chocolate Lava Cake – With Vanilla Crème Anglaise and Peppermint Crunch (New!)
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Though a little off the beaten path, you’ll be handsomely rewarded for a trip to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge during the holidays. With the debut of its very own gingerbread “log” cabin back in 2019, the deluxe resort has become a must-visit destination along the holiday resort hopping trail.
Whispering Canyon Café
For a rowdy Christmas dinner the whole family will love, dash on over to Whispering Canyon Café. Between the kid-friendly dishes, lively atmosphere and lovely view of the hotel’s Christmas tree, this is one holiday feast you won’t soon forget. (Available December 25, 2022)
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Holiday Skillet – Moonshine-Glazed Ham, Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork, Western-Style Sausages, Maple-Chipotle Pork Ribs, Apple-Cornbread Stuffing, Sautéed Green Beans, Buttered Corn and Smashed Yukon Potatoes
Well, friends, that wraps up our guide on where to have the best Christmas dinner at Disney Springs and the Disney World resort hotels. Have you spent Christmas at Walt Disney World? Where do you like going? Let us know in the comments below! Then, Then, find out how to make your Christmas travel budget stretch with our discount Disney World tickets.
