Not having anywhere to eat on Christmas Day can be a bummer, whether or not you celebrate the Christian holiday. Thankfully, along with restaurant chains, like Waffle House, a few nearby locally owned restaurants will open to serve a memorable Christmas meal. Here are some nearby dining and/or drinking spots confirmed to be serving food on Christmas Day 2025:
Cheng's Chinese Cuisine in The Villages
4050 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, 352-391-9678, chengsfl.com
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.
Cotton's Kitchen in Leesburg
305 Pine St., Leesburg; facebook.com/blackcotton81
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Cotton's Kitchen, in downtown Leesburg, will be open Christmas Day on Thursday, Dec 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Call 352-460-0674 to reserve your table. Reservations can be made Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Crazy Gator in Eustis
402 N. Bay St., 352-589-5885, crazygator.com
Crazy Gator in Eustis will serve a prime rib dinner with two sides for $27.99 for adults, $18.99 for kids' meals, starting at 4 p.m. on Christmas Day. You can arrive early to sit at the bars, which will open at noon for the games.
Guru Indian Restaurant
2400 S. U.S. 27, Suite 101, 352-241-9884, mygurutogo.com
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 Indian all-star cast. Vegetarian-friendly cuisine is also featured in a tastefully decorated dining room.
Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora
100 N. Alexander St., Mount Dora; lakeside-inn.com
Lakeside Inn will be hosting its annual, elegant five-course Christmas Day meal. The historic inn has been open continuously at Lake Dora since 1883. Call 352-383-4101 for reservations. Kids' menu available. Costs $85 for adults; open noon to 4 p.m.
Mission Resort + Club in Howey-in-the-Hills
10400 County Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills; missionresortandclub.com/dining/la-hacienda
An annual tradition, the Christmas Day Grand Brunch Buffet is designed to have something for everyone and will be served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with all-you-can-responsibly-drink house champagne and mimosas and live entertainment. Enjoy carved ham, prime rib, turkey, chicken marsala, braised lamb, and a chef-curated selection of seafood like Oysters Rockefeller and Salmon Lemon Caper. If you're in a brunchy mood, made-to-order omelets, pancakes, waffles, and French toast will be served. Sides include roasted garlic mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese, and seasonal vegetables. Bread pudding, cre?me bru?le?e, pies, cakes, and cookies for dessert. Costs $70 for adults and $30 for children ages 6-12. Children 4 & under dine free. View full menu and make a reservation at https://f.mtr.cool/zpqginofel
Wolfgang Puck Kitchen & Bar in The Villages
3003 Brownwood Blvd, The Villages; facebook.com/WolfgangPuckKitchenandBar
The Brownwood Hotel & Spa offers one of the most recognized names in the culinary world, Chef Wolfgang Puck. Christmas Day menu highlights include Wagyu Beef Tartare with quail egg and crostinis, Lobster Bisque with tarragon oil, American Wagyu Denver Steak with Thai chimichurri, pan-seared red snapper with buttery Brussels sprouts and clam broth, and finish sweetly with Caramelized Pineapple Crumble with vanilla ice cream.
Eateries outside Lake & Sumter open Christmas
Amrit Palace, 3415 SW College Road, Ocala, 352-873-8500, Amritpalace.com. Serving authentic Indian cuisine 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cast & Crew, 640 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, 386-523-2353, castandcrewdaytona.com; open at 4 p.m. with last seatings at 7 p.m. on Christmas Day. The restaurant will serve a five-course meal priced at $105 per person, featuring sesame crusted tuna, crab tartar, beef wellington, apple strudel desserts and more. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by phone.
China Lee Buffet, 3933 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, 352-671-1888, Chinaleebuffet.com. Serving Chinese favorites, sushi, American classics. 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Ciao Bella 103 S. Pine St., New Smyrna Beach; 386-410-5001, ciaobellanewsmyrna.com; 737 E. 3rd Ave., New Smyrna Beach, 386-444-3716, limoncellosouth.com; Ciao Bella, as well as its sister restaurant Limoncello South, will be open its regular hours of 1-9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It's known for its pizza to pasta, soup, and stromboli. Customers are encouraged to check the eatery’s website and Facebook page for holiday updates.
Covey Kitchen + Cocktails, 1514 SW 14th St., Gainesville, 352-565-3536; Located inside Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida, Menus include breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and dinner from 5 to 8 p.m.
Grace Japanese Steak House, 3035 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, 352-368-6888, 10:30 a.m. to 9:40 p.m.; no reservations
Stirrups: Special menu. Dinner served 4-8 p.m. 8510 NW 17 Lane, Ocala (Equestrian Hotel at World Equestrian Center); 352-414-7864; reservations required through OpenTable: stirrupocala.com.
Ipanema Brazilian Steak House, 2023 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, 352-622-1741, Ipanemaocala.com. 3-6:30 p.m.
Mother’s Pub & Grill North, 5109 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, 352-727-4722; Mother's Pub will be open Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and feature the full menu.
Yummy House, 3102 SW 34th St., Gainesville, 352-333-7688, lunch on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and dinner from 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Helen Perray, Jim Ross and Alan Festo contributed to this report.