Editor's note: This story was updated to include the correct name for the Mission Resort + Club in Howey-in-the-Hills
Cooking for the holidays can be stressful, but not having anywhere to eat can be even more depressing. Thankfully, along with restaurant chains, a few nearby locally owned restaurants will open to serve a memorable Christmas meal.
Check out USA Today online to find out which chain restaurants are open and closed on Christmas.
Here are some favorite nearby spots confirmed to be open on Christmas Day 2024:
Cheng's Chinese Cuisine
One of a few sit-down traditionally decorated Chinese restaurants still in operation, Cheng's is a pleasant, casual spot with freshly prepared and affordable staples; an easy-going, fun way to dine on Christmas Day. Open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. 4050 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, 352-391-9678, chengsfl.com.
Crazy Gator in Eustis
Crazy Gator in Eustis, will serve a prime rib dinner with two sides for $23.99 starting at 4 p.m. You can arrive early to sit at the bars, which will open at 1 p.m. for the games. 402 N. Bay St., 352-589-5885, crazygator.com.
Guru Indian Restaurant
A Clermont favorite with a warm welcoming vibe, Guru Indian Restaurant will be open with table service during its regular hours, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Christmas Day. It's a great spot for masala, paneer, tandoori, samosas and the India all-star cast, and vegetarian-friendly cuisine, all in a tastefully decorated dining room. While you're there, wish the staff happy holidays and congratulate them on their 10th anniversary in Lake County. 2400 S. U.S. 27, Suite 101, 352-241-9884, mygurutogo.com.
Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora
Lakeside Inn, 100 N. Alexander St., Mount Dora, will be hosting an elegant five-course Christmas Day meal.
The historic inn that has greeted Lake Dora since 1883, has a bigger menu than in previous years. The first course is a mixed green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. The second course offers a choice of crispy bacon avocado crostini or white chicken chili.
The third course choices are prime rib 12-ounce herb encrusted prime rib cooked to specification served with garlic mashed red potatoes and roasted baby carrots duck; or crispy duck breast, seared and drizzled with a blackberry port wine sauce served with smoked gouda and thyme polenta and green beans amandine; or a buttery seared halibut filet with a citrus beurre blanc sauce served with roasted tomato and spinach risotto and sauteed baby bok choy; or bourbon maple-glazed pork chop, 12-ounce, frenched bone-in, smothered in sweet and savory bourbon and maple glaze.
Sides include spiced sweet potato wedges, charred Brussels sprouts, and shrimp-and-grits made with a base of white cheddar and manchego cheese and topped with a slightly spiced creole sauce. There's also blackened jumbo shrimp basil pesto gnocchi.
The fourth course choices are sea-salted caramel cheesecake, bourbon pecan pie, Limoncello ascarpone cake chocolate peanut butter pie or red velvet cake.
Cost is $79 per person plus tax and 20% gratuity. Call 352-383-4101 for reservations. Kids menu available. For full menu, visit lakeside-inn.com.
Mission Resort + Club in Howey-in-the-Hills
A Christmas Day Grand Brunch Buffet will be served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with all-you-can-responsibly-drink house champagne and mimosas complementing live entertainment. The "spectacular spread" includes both savory and sweet traditional holiday dishes, chef-led stations with roasted proteins and an array of fresh options. Costs $70 per adult and $25 per child (ages 5–12) plus a 21% service charge and sales tax. Children 4 & under dine free.
If you're arriving later, a Christmas Day Dinner at La Margarita will be served on Dec. 25 from 5 to 9 p.m., including herb-crusted filet mignon with a truffle demi-glace, or a pan-seared Chilean sea bass paired with a saffron beurre blanc.
Also on the menu: pistachio-crusted lamb chops with a seasonal pomegranate reduction or the coconut-crusted grouper with a mango chili salsa for a festive twist. Reservations are strongly recommended — secure a table today via OpenTable.
The Warehouse Social Club and Eatery
The Warehouse Social Club & Eatery in downtown Leesburg will be open at 5 p.m. on Christmas Day. Because it's a nonprofit, most of the proceeds from food and drinks go to a good cause.
Recommended eateries outside our area
Yummy House: 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and 4:30 to 8:35 p.m., 3500 SW College Road #400, Ocala, 352-237-6788, yummyhouseflorida.com.
Stirrups: Special menu. Dinner served 4-8 p.m. 8510 NW 17 Lane, Ocala (Equestrian Hotel at World Equestrian Center); 352-414-7864; reservation required through OpenTable: stirrupocala.com.
(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)