If Chinese won't do for Christmas and Christmas Eve in Orlando, yet you want to dine out, try one of these restaurants. I'll add to the list as superstars present themselves.
Where to Eat on Christmas and Christmas Eve in Orlando 2016: Christmas Eve
Creative Floridian cuisine in an artsy, cozy, happening space defines this new Mount Dora gem by celebrity chef Norman Van Aken. On Christmas Eve, the restaurant will serve an a la carte menu 11:30am to 2pm and again from 5pm to 10pm. Reservations
The upscale Italian restaurant Rocco's, in Winter Park, will serve dinner on Christmas Eve from 5pm to 9:30pm. Jazz guitarist Rich Walker will provide entertainment. Seatings are at 5:30pm and 8:30pm. Call 407.230.4837 to reserve your table or click here.
The intimate chef-centered Winter Garden restaurant will serve a three-course dinner on Christmas Eve. Seatings will be at 5:30pm and 8:30pm. To reserve your table, dial 407.230.4837 or click here.
Baldwin Park's bustling brasserie will serve on Christmas Even, including a chocolate-peppermint Bûche de Noel dessert. 11am to 2:30pm and 5pm to 11pm. Reservations
On the far east side of Orlando, Lake Nona's stylish Chroma will offer holiday specialties like pomegranate-braised lamb shank ($25) and grilled prime filet and Maine lobster tail ($58) from 3pm to 10pm. Reservations
CHRISTNER'S PRIME STEAK AND LOBSTER
This traditional steakhouse on the northern tip of Orlando near Winter Park will serve an a la carte menu on Christmas Eve from 5pm to 11 pm. Reservations
Where to Eat on Christmas and Christmas Eve in Orlando 2016: Christmas
RAGLAN ROAD IRISH PUB AND RESTAURANT
Dine to the upbeat sounds of live Irish music at this festive Disney Springs restaurant, where live dancers periodically take center stage. Dinner includes herbed buttered-rolled-and-stuffed turkey breast with apple, caramelized onion and sage stuffing, plus mashed potato, Brussels sprouts, cranberry chutney and traditional gravy. $28/$14. Reservations: 407.938.0300
The resort in a golf complex south of Disney World will serve a Grande Christmas Feast buffet in its Grande Ballroom on Christmas day, including entertainment and kiddie activities. Seating at 2pm and 5pm. $54.95/$19.95. Free valet parking. Reservations: 407.396.5259
Bring the kids for milk and cookies with Santa at the International Drive-area hotel's The Bistro from 6:30am to 2:30 pm. Bonus: a hot chocolate bar. Details
Where to Eat on Christmas and Christmas Eve in Orlando 2016: Both
A meal at Chez Vincent, a formal indoor-outdoor French restaurant with a creamy hue in Winter Park's Hannibal Square, is definitely holiday-worthy. This year, the chef-owned dining room will be open from 5pm to 10pm on Christmas Eve and 4pm to 10pm on Christmas Day. Entree prices start at $24. Reservations
One of the International Drive corridor's better restaurants, this upscale if clanky seafood house will serve its raw and cooked treasures from the sea from 4pm to 9pm on Christmas Eve and from 2pm to 8pm Christmas day. Reservations