From baking cookies and singing carols to waiting for Santa and opening gifts, the Christmas season is filled with magic, and nowhere is more magical than Walt Disney World. So, for those planning to spend their holidays at The Most Magical Place on Earth, you’re probably wondering where you can find another yuletide treasure: the food!
No matter where you are at Disney World, there is no shortage of Santa-approved eats and treats to enjoy. And, of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without a sumptuous feast shared with family and friends. Happily, you’ll find a buffet of tantalizing options for your Disney Christmas dinner, whether you’re craving cozy classics like turkey and mashed potatoes or a heaping plate of festive fettuccine.
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. (Updated November 20, 2022)
Things to Know Before Your Christmas Dinner at Disney World
From the overnight flurry of holiday decorations and merry soundtrack to the menu of seasonal eats, sweets and sips, Christmastime is arguably the most magical time of year at Walt Disney World. In fact, it’s downright jolly. And, for many people, the pièce de resistance of the yuletide season is Christmas Day dinner.
Disney World theme parks have many options for your holiday feast, but not all of them are created equal. Fortunately, we’re here to break down which restaurant is best for you and your clan of hungry elves, including which eateries will be offering special Christmas Day menus especially for the occasion.
If you’re looking for a complete sit-down meal, one of the table-service restaurants at Disney World is for you, as many are offering unique menus specifically for the occasion. Of course, if you can’t snag a reservation or simply don’t have the time, many Disney World quick-service restaurants can be a worthwhile alternative, with festive snacks and sips inspired by the Christmas season.
If you choose a sit-down meal, an Advance Dining Reservation is recommended, or else you could be left scrambling to find something else if there is no walk-up availability. Additionally, you’ll also need to have a valid Disney World Park Pass Reservation in order to gain entry to a park. So, while park hopping can be made available later in the day, keep in mind that this is based on availability.
As such, be sure to secure a park reservation for the theme park where your dining reservation is located to ensure you don’t miss your reservation. Reservations can be booked up to 60 days in advance. At the time of writing, many dinner time slots were still available, including for the restaurants on our list.
Can’t get a reservation at your preferred restaurant at Walt Disney World? Never fear! Since last-minute cancelations do happen, we recommend you check the My Disney Experience app in the days leading up to Christmas, particularly two-to-three days before. Of course, if you still aren’t able to reserve a table, remember that Disney World quick-service restaurants offer delicious eats with no reservation required.
Where to Go for a Disney Christmas Dinner in the Walt Disney World Theme Parks
If you’re planning on a Disney World vacation for Christmas this year, chances are that you’ll spend most of the holiday in at least one of the theme parks rather than back in your hotel room. So, whether you’re going to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom, if you need a spot for your holiday feast while out conquering the parks, read on for the best places to have Christmas dinner at the Disney World theme parks.
Remember that many of the options listed below are exclusively available on Christmas, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly. That said, many of the items below are available all year long, meaning that you don’t have to visit on Christmas Day to tuck into some delicious Disney Christmas dishes.
Magic Kingdom Park
From the festive takeover of Main Street, U.S.A. to the seasonal snacks popping up around the park, Magic Kingdom is a downright enchanting place to spend Christmas. Aside from the crowds, that is. So, for your own private slice of the holidays, indulge in merry Magic Kingdom Christmas food offerings at these restaurants.
Liberty Tree Tavern | Liberty Square
While Liberty Tree Tavern is known for serving up a Thanksgiving feast every day of the year, we’ll be the first to admit that there’s a lot of crossover between what constitutes Turkey Day or Christmas eats, making it the perfect candidate for your Christmas dinner. After all, who doesn’t love comfort food classics like roast turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing? Can’t imagine Christmas without cranberries? Although they aren’t on the menu, the kitchen does often have some of the sweet stuff on hand, so feel free to ask your server if any is available.
If Liberty Tree Tavern is full but you still have a hankering for turkey and gravy, head just down the road to The Diamond Horseshoe, where the same menu is served with Wild West-inspired names instead like the Saloon Feast or Plant-based Cowpoke Platter.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Patriot’s Platter – Roast Turkey Breast, Pennsylvania Pot Roast, and Oven-roasted Pork with Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Herb Stuffing, and House-made Macaroni & Cheese; served with Declaration Salad and Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake
- Plant-based Tavern Keeper’s Feast – Plant-based Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes, Mushroom Gravy and Seasonal Vegetables; served with Declaration Salad and Johnny Appleseed’s Warm Apple Cake
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant | Main Street, U.S.A.
Though the Italian American tradition of Christmas Eve pasta has its origins in the Italian celebration of the Feast of the Seven Fishes on December 24, it got its pop-culture credibility when Kate Winslet’s character offered to make a Christmas Fettuccine in the film ‘The Holiday.’ Of course, there’s no better than holiday pasta than creamy Fettuccine Alfredo, so order a plate this Christmas at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Fettuccine Alfredo – Herb-grilled Chicken Breast with Fettuccine and Alfredo Sauce
Casey’s Corner | Main Street, U.S.A.
Known for its fully loaded hot dogs, Casey’s Corner probably isn’t the first place you think of for Christmas Day dinner. This year, however, the quick-service restaurant is cooking up a festive frank laden with a stockingful of yuletide favorites, making it a great option for those who are short on time or only looking for a taste of the season instead of a massive meal. (Available November 8 to December 31, 2022)
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Holiday Dinner Dog – All-Beef Hot Dog with Cranberry Mustard, Savory Stuffing Funnel Cake and Cheese Curds (New!)
Golden Oak Outpost | Frontierland
Looking for something with a little festive flair but not a full-on meal? While not your typical holiday fare, fried pork tamales from Golden Oak Outpost get a merry makeover courtesy of red and green chile sauces and a flurry of queso fresco. (Available November 8 to December 31, 2022)
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Christmas-Style Fried Pork Tamale – Fried Pork Tamale served “Christmas Style” with Red and Green Chile Sauces and Queso Fresco (New!)
- Chai Caramel Freeze – Salted Caramel Freeze with Chai Spiced Whipped Cream (New!)
Other Spots for Holiday Dishes and Christmas Dinner at Magic Kingdom
Rather skip straight to dessert? Satisfy your sweet tooth with these festive treats. (Available November 8-December 31, 2022)
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies | Tomorrowland
- Lock, Shock and Barrel Sundae – Festive Vanilla Cake, Vanilla Ice Cream, Strawberry Topping, Whipped Cream and Christmas Sprinkles with a Lock, Shock, And Barrel Chocolate Piece (New!)
Main Street Bakery | Main Street, U.S.A.
- Cinnamon Roll – Mickey Mouse-Shaped Cinnamon Roll with White Icing
Main Street Snack Carts | Main Street, U.S.A.
- Christmas Cookie Churro – Churro served with Marshmallow Cream, Cookie Crumbles and Christmas Sprinkles (New!)
- Christmas Wreath Doughnut – Red Velvet Doughnut with Green Buttercream and Holiday Sprinkle Decorations (New!)
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe | Frontierland
- Texas-Sized Sweet Potato Pie – Baked Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue and Candied Pecans (New!)
Epcot
A veritable perpetual international food festival, Epcot is a delightful destination for your Christmas dinner. Whether tucking into traditional favorites like turkey and stuffing or sampling global-inspired holiday dishes at the International Festival of the Holidays, there is an array of Epcot Christmas food items to satisfy picky eaters and gourmands alike.
Garden Grill Restaurant | The Land Pavilion at World Nature
Like Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom Park, Garden Grill Restaurant also hits the sweet spot between Christmas and Thanksgiving cuisine. So, if you prefer a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, then Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast is for you.
That’s right, not only do you get to enjoy bottomless, family-style dishes (many made with ingredients grown right there in The Land Pavilion). But, as a Disney character meal, you’ll also get to spend some time with Mickey, Pluto and that mischievous chipmunk duo, all dressed up in their farmer gear.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast – Sliced Turkey Breast with Turkey Gravy, Harvest-inspired Garden Salad, Herb and Leek Stuffing, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Macaroni & Cheese, Seasonal Vegetables and Berry Short Cake
Tutto Italia Ristorante | Italy Pavilion
When most people think of a classic Christmas Day dinner, Italian cuisine isn’t what typically comes to mind. Now, Christmas Eve, however, is a whole other matter. Thanks to the Feast of the Seven Fishes, which Italians celebrate on December 24 and features a whole lot of pasta (and seafood, of course), holiday fettuccine has become a popular Christmas Eve tradition with families throughout the United States, and not just Italian Americans. So, go straight to the source – or at least as close as you can get without a passport – at Tutto Italia Ristorante in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Fettuccine – Homemade Fettuccine Pasta and Parmesan Cream Sauce
Nine Dragons Restaurant | China Pavilion
Since many restaurants are closed on Christmas, Chinese food has become the unofficial meal of Christmas for many, especially those in the Jewish community. To carry on the tradition, make a reservation for the Nine Dragons Restaurant in Epcot’s China Pavilion. While there, dine on celebratory dishes perfect for the impending Chinese New Year, including dumplings, noodles and spring rolls.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Vegetable Spring Rolls
- Sichuan Chicken Dumplings
- Chicken Pot Stickers
- Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken
- Salt and Pepper Shrimp with Spinach Noodles
Other Spots for Holiday Dishes and Christmas Dinner at Epcot
Epcot is known for its round-the-year festivals. At Christmastime, that means the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. With holiday kitchens sprinkled around World Showcase Lagoon, you can even create your very own yuletide Epcot foodie tour. Get a taste of traditional Christmas flavors at the American Holiday Table booth near the American Adventure Pavilion, snack on latkes from the L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen between the Morocco and France Pavilions and much more. (Available November 25-December 30, 2022)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Although there aren’t any restaurants at Hollywood Studios this year offering a specific Christmas Day menu, you will find a fair amount of festive food items throughout the park, as well as a number of worthy possibilities for your holiday dinner.
Hollywood & Vine | Echo Lake
With its seasonal dishes and Disney characters in holiday attire, Minnie’s Holiday Dine is a must for guests looking for a Christmas dinner to please the younger members of your group. Indulge in an assortment of bottomless, yuletide-ready eats, from roasted pork to creamy mashed potatoes, as you hobnob with the likes of Minnie, Mickey, Pluto and Santa Goofy. (Available November 8, 2022-January 5, 2023)
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Roasted Pork with Spicy Mustard Sauce
- Herb-crusted Tenderloin Steak with Horseradish Cream
- Oven-roasted Herbed Chicken
- Slow-roasted Crispy Pork Belly
- Seared Salmon with Beurre Blanc
- Sour Cream and Chive Whipped Potato
- Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Mushroom Farro Risotto (plant-based)
- Macaroni & Cheese with Shrimp and Bacon
- Olive Oil Herbed-Crushed Potatoes
50’s Prime Time Café | Echo Lake
Christmas is all about family and friends, and many a holiday dinner has been had from the comfort of a kitchen table. So, while there isn’t a dedicated menu for Christmas Day, the homey ambiance and homespun dishes make the 50’s Prime Time Café a fun place for your holiday feast this year.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Cousin Megan’s Traditional Meatloaf – Blend of Beef and Pork topped with Tomato Glaze served with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
- Mom’s Old-fashioned Pot Roast – Slow-cooked ‘til fork-tender and served with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Brown Gravy and garnished with Carrots, Celery and Onions
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano | Grand Avenue
If you’re heading to Hollywood Studios this Christmas Eve, consider booking dinner at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. Held on December 24, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is celebrated by Italians with lots of pasta and, you guessed it, seafood. And what better place to enjoy both of those things at Hollywood Studios than Mama Melrose’s?
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Crispy Calamari with Spicy Pickles, Spicy Aïoli and Fresh Lemon
- Shrimp Campanelle – Sautéed Shrimp and Campanelle Pasta tossed in a Four-Cheese Sauce with Cauliflower, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Fresh Spinach and Sweet Onions
Other Spots for Holiday Dishes and Christmas Dinner at Hollywood Studios
Only have time for a festive treat rather than a whole holiday feast? These quick-service restaurants are set to dish up some tasty Hollywood Studios Christmas food items, including a selection of spirited cocktails at these restaurants and bars. (Available November 8, 2022-January 1, 2023)
- In Holiday Fashion – Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Rosemary Syrup, Cranberry, Lime and Cinnamon (New!)
- Animation Courtyard Bar
- The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge
- Hollywood & Vine
- Oasis Canteen
- Tune-In Lounge
- Sunshine Day Bar
- 50’s Prime Time Café
ABC Commissary | Commissary Lane
- Holiday Minnie Mouse Bundt Cake – Spice Cake rolled in Cinnamon-Sugar with Apple Pie Filling and topped with Spiced Maple Buttercream and Salted Caramel Icing (New!)
- Reindeer Mousse – Spiced Cherry-Orange Dark Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Cake and Gold Chocolate Cookie Base with Dark Chocolate Glaze and Milk Chocolate Buttercream (New!)
- Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa – Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with Mini Marshmallows and Chocolate Sauce
Backlot Express | Echo Lake
- Red Velvet Whoopie Pie – Red Velvet Cake, Candy Cane Buttercream and Holiday Sprinkles
- Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa – Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with Mini Marshmallows and Chocolate Sauce
Dockside Diner | Echo Lake
- Holiday Tree Marshmallow – Vanilla Bean Marshmallow and Raspberry Jam dipped in Chocolate on top of a Vanilla Cookie (New!)
- Hot Cocoa Flight – Flight of Three Hot Cocoa with Stoli Vanil Vodka, Red Stag Cherry Whiskey and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
Fairfax Fare | Sunset Boulevard
- Hot Cocoa Flight – Flight of Three Hot Cocoa with Stoli Vanil Vodka, Red Stag Cherry Whiskey and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
Hollywood Scoops | Sunset Boulevard
- Candy Cane Milkshake – Peppermint Ice Cream Shake topped with Whipped Cream, Chocolate Cake Doughnut and Candy Cane Sprinkles
Outdoor Carts
- Mickey Mouse Brownie – Chocolate Brownie with Holiday Sprinkles
- Holiday Popcorn Mix – Caramel Corn with White Chocolate, Red and Green M&M’s Chocolate Candies and Candy Cane Peppermint Pieces
PizzeRizzo | Grand Avenue
- Melted Snowman Sugar Cookie – Sugar Cookie with Red and Green Sugar, White Chocolate, Marshmallow, Dark Chocolate Top Hat, Raspberry-Chocolate Twigs, Orange Sprinkle and Chocolate Covered Cocoa Nibs (New!)
- Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa – Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with Mini Marshmallows and Chocolate Sauce
Rosie’s All-American Café | Sunset Boulevard
- Santa Mickey Mouse Cupcake – Chocolate Cake filled with Mocha Fudge and topped with Red Almond Buttercream, White Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Mickey Mouse Ears (New!)
- Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa – Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with Mini Marshmallows and Chocolate Sauce
The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge | Hollywood Boulevard
- Winter Signature Dessert – Pumpkin Mousse, Milk Chocolate Cremeux, Chocolate Pecan Cookie, Vanilla Sauce, Chantilly Cream and a Pecan Crumble (New!)
The Trolley Car Café | Hollywood Boulevard
- Mickey Mouse Gingerbread Cookie (New!)
- Red Velvet Whoopie Pie – Red Velvet Cake, Candy Cane Buttercream and Holiday Sprinkles
Woody’s Lunch Box | Toy Story Land
- Hot Chocolate Lunch Box Tart – Chocolate Fudge Filling, Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Fondant and Mini Marshmallows (New!)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Unfortunately, when it comes to Disney World holiday food specials, Animal Kingdom is about as stingy as it gets. So, while not quite at the level of a Scrooge or Grinch, you’ll only find a few different places with Animal Kingdom Christmas food items. Having said that, what is set to be here sounds like it will be well worth a taste.
Tiffins Restaurant | Discovery Island
If you’re doing an adult Disney trip this Christmas, then there’s no better place for your Disney holiday feast than Tiffins Restaurant. An ode to the adventures that inspired Animal Kingdom Theme Park, this signature restaurant serves up an elegant atmosphere and sophisticated eats with global flavor, including a few decadent dishes perfect for a makeshift Christmas dinner.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Corn and Sweet Potato Soup – With Andean Corn Bread, Salsa Criolla, Cotija, Puffed Sorghum and Chilies
- Surf and Turf – South African Braai Spiced Beef Tenderloin, Seared Scallops, Potato Pavé, Grilled Vegetables, Dhania Butter, Cola Demi-Glace
- Tamarind-braised Short Rib – Brown Butter-Carrot Purée, Cipollini Onions, Medjool Date Jam, Roasted Heirloom Carrots
- Lobster Macaroni & Cheese – Cheddar, Sherry, Orecchiette Pasta
- Horchata Mousse – Horchata Mousse with a Gingerbread Sable Cookie, Pecan Praline Crumble, Coffee Ice Cream and Bourbon Caramel Sauces (Available December 24, 2022 to January 1, 2023)
Yak & Yeti Restaurant | Asia
Believe it or not, for some in the United States, particularly Jewish families and other non-Christians, Christmas dinner means heaping plates of Chinese food. In fact, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day tend to be the busiest days of the year for these Asian eateries. So, this holiday season, jingle all the way over to Yak & Yeti Restaurant for a festive feast filled with auspicious dishes that are sure to bring you luck in the New Year, such as pot stickers and egg rolls for wealth, fish for prosperity and noodles for a long life.
Christmas & Other Holiday Eats:
- Pork Pot Stickers – Pan Seared or Steamed with a Soy Lime Dipping Sauce
- Pork Egg Rolls – With a Chili Plum Dipping Sauce
- Lo Mein – Available with Chicken, Shrimp, Vegetable or Combo
- Miso Salmon – Miso-glazed Atlantic Salmon, Coconut-Ginger Rice and Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Soy Herb Glazed Rib Eye – Grilled 14 oz. CAB Ribeye topped with Kimchi Butter and served with Stir-fried Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes
Other Spots for Holiday Dishes and Christmas Dinner at Animal Kingdom
If you’ll be looking for something sweet to power you through the rest of your holiday, make a pit stop at the following Animal Kingdom quick-service restaurants for the festive flavors of the season.
Creature Comforts | Discovery Island
- Holiday Mousse Dome – Amaretto Chocolate Mousse Cherry Cranberry Coulis, Orange Chocolate Cake, White Chocolate Glaçage and Chocolate Pieces (Available December 19-31, 2022)
Flame Tree Barbecue | Discovery Island
- Menagerie Cupcake – Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Vanilla Frosting (Available December 1-30, 2022)
Isle of Java | Discovery Island
Available through December 31, 2022
- S’mores Hot Cocoa – Crowned with a Swirl of Whipped Cream and a Sprinkling of Graham Cracker Crumbs
- Sea Salt Caramel Hot Cocoa – Topped with Sweet, Whipped Cream and Drizzles of Lucious Caramel Syrup
- Peppermint Hot Cocoa – Wintry Taste of Peppermint Bits sprinkled over Whipped Cream
Pizzafari | Discovery Island
- Menagerie Cupcake – Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Vanilla Frosting (Available December 1-30, 2022)
Restaurantosaurus | DinoLand U.S.A.
- Menagerie Cupcake – Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Vanilla Frosting (Available December 1-30, 2022)
Satu’li Canteen | Pandora – The World of Avatar
- Peppermint Cream Cheese Mousse – Peppermint Cream Cheese Mousse, Peppermint Sauce, Peppermint Candy Pieces and Chocolate “Dirt” (Available December 22-31, 2022)
Well, folks, that wraps up our guide on where to have the best Christmas dinner at the Disney World theme parks. Have you spent Christmas at Walt Disney World? Where is your favorite place for a Disney Christmas dinner in the parks? Let us know in the comments below! Still hungry? Check out our Disney Springs dining guide.
Want to go on rides and indulge in plenty of festive eats and treats? Beat the crowds with our 1-day plans for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Rather save some cash after all those presents you bought? Make it happen with our discount Disney World tickets.
