Eat, Drink and Be Merry in Orlando

Palm trees and sunshine don’t typically set the scene for the winter holidays. That’s why Floridians turn to indoor decorations and festive food and drinks to infuse the North Pole spirit into the southern experience.  From red and green cocktails to extravagant furnishings, here are 10 of Orlando’s most festive holiday restaurants and bars. 

*Photo courtesy of The Courtesy Bar

Miracle on Orange (The Courtesy Bar)

From Tuesday, November 21 through Saturday, December 30, The Courtesy Bar in Winter Park transforms into Miracle on Orange, a Christmas-themed pop-up. It features holiday-themed décor and a range of specialty cocktails like the Holiday Spiked Chai, Snowball Old-Fashioned and Hot Buttered Rum—all of which can be served in festive souvenir glasses.

*Photo courtesy of Disney Springs

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar (Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar)

While Disney Springs decks the halls for the holidays with the annual Christmas Tree Stroll, shops and eateries like Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar also celebrate the season with merry decorations and limited-time menus. Last year’s jovial provisions at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar included the Yule Mule, Hot Chocolate Grail Flight, Naughty and Nice Deviled Eggs and Boughs of Holly Flatbread, all of which are set to make a comeback this holiday season. 

*Photo courtesy of Gaylord Palms

Snow Bar (Gaylord Palms)

Gaylord Palms during the winter season is renowned for its breathtaking ice sculptures with this year’s ICE! themed around “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” But, the hotel itself dazzles with over three million lights, 100 Christmas trees, 20,000 ornaments and a host of festive events and activities like the pop-up Snow Bar inside the Snow Factory and the Christmas Tree Farm Bar inside the garden atrium. Both of these bars feature a selection of themed holiday beverages, as well as wine and some craft beers, one of which is usually a Christmas ale. 

ICEBAR Orlando 

ICEBAR offers a year-round winter wonderland experience, but celebrating the “ber” months in Florida enhances the yearning for snow, ice and a chilly atmosphere. Immersing oneself in Jack Frost’s village is only part of the merriment, with the rest found in holly jolly sips. Last year’s colorful concoctions included The Grinch, Crème Brulee Martini, Apple Pie and the candy cane-topped White Christmas. ICEBAR also hosts a grand New Year’s Eve celebration and typically offers special packages. A champagne bar, midnight celebration buffet, party favors and a free digital souvenir photo were included last year – and that was just general admission.

Biergarten Restaurant at EPCOT 

Prost! While Oktoberfest shines at this German-themed restaurant, Christmastime at the Biergarten is equally unforgettable. 

The dining room is adorned with traditional holiday greenery, Christmas trees and garlands, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere. However, the hearty buffet steals the show, featuring filling items like cheese and beer soup; roast chicken; beef roulade and pork roast. Live entertainment from the band adds to the festive atmosphere.

Colorado Christmas in the Lodge (Colorado Fondue Company) 

What better way to evoke cozy, wintery feelings than gathering around a fondue pot? Colorado Fondue Company’s menu already transports guests to a warm, fuzzy place, but the restaurant goes all out to create a holly jolly ambiance for their seasonal event: Colorado Christmas in the Lodge. Lush green garland, twinkling lights and trimmed trees help bring the appearance of a winter ski lodge to this Casselberry restaurant. 

The Hampton Social 

Drink up! The Hampton Social thrives on seasonal libations and its show-stopping jovial interior design. Lights, snowflakes and sips galore make this Instagram-worthy location at Pointe Orlando a must-visit.

Green & Red Coconut Club (Red Coconut Club)

Toss the tinsel and roast the chestnuts – Green & Red Coconut Club, the holiday overlay of the Red Coconut Club at Universal CityWalk, is a yuletide dream. Shimmering garlands, lighted yard figurines and decorated Christmas trees provide a festive backdrop to this tiki-inspired club. The drink menu also gets a Christmas twist, with last year’s offerings featuring the Candy Cane Pina Colada and Cinnamon Swizzle Paloma as well as holiday mocktails like the Pineapple Holiday Cooler and Tropical Fizz.

*Photo by Keizah Aponte

The Wellborn 

A fountain filled with red, white and green ornaments; holiday baubles hanging from the chandelier and evergreen garland draped around the staircase and framing the large windows are just a few of the cheerful touches at The Wellborn. The only things to make your spirits brighter are the cocktails. While this year’s lineup is still in the works, cocktails of Christmases past have included Between Two Ferns, Wellborn Eggnog, Under the Mistletoe and Stocking Stuffer.

*Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

Disney Resort Roundup

While not classified as restaurants or bars, Disney resorts are known for their jaw-dropping holiday decorations, special events and tasty seasonal treats.

Animal Kingdom Lodge: Honoring the resort’s theme, a life-size baby giraffe made of gingerbread and a chocolate zebra could be found in the lobby last year. Far too big to take home, mini gingerbread giraffes were available at the resort’s gift shop and holiday pop-up carts.

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: One of the highlights here is the stunningly sweet gingerbread house. While you’re there, don’t forget to indulge in some of the mouthwatering goodies available such as gingerbread shingles, hot cocoa bombs and peppermint chocolate chip cookies. 

Beach Club Resort: Another treat for the senses is this hotel’s edible gingerbread carousel, which adds a whimsical touch to the holiday atmosphere.