Christmas Eve · International Drive Orlando
Best Restaurants Open
Christmas Eve International Drive
Family-Owned Since 1991 • 4,000+ Reviews • Dec 24, 5–10 PM • (407) 354-0770
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Christmas Eve · International Drive Orlando
Family-Owned Since 1991 • 4,000+ Reviews • Dec 24, 5–10 PM • (407) 354-0770
Our Story
When Josie and Antonio Navarra opened Ciao Italia in 1991, they brought their Southern Italian family recipes and a simple philosophy: make great food from scratch, treat guests like family, and never take shortcuts.
More than 35 years later, we are still here — locally owned, scratch-made, and proudly independent. No chains. No shortcuts. Just real Italian food on International Drive.
Read Our Full Story
Every dish made from scratch • No shortcuts since 1991
Christmas Eve
Choosing among restaurants open on Christmas Eve involves more than finding an available table. Guests often consider the restaurant's history, menu variety, atmosphere, and reputation before making holiday plans. Ciao Italia Ristorante has been family-owned by the Navarra family since 1991 and has developed a longstanding presence in Orlando's International Drive dining community.
With a reported 4.6-star rating and more than 4,000 reviews across Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor, Ciao Italia has an established record of guest feedback. Our kitchen emphasizes scratch-made Italian recipes, while our dining room offers upscale surroundings without a formal dress code. Guests are welcome in shorts, and free on-site parking adds convenience. On Thursday, December 24, 2026, dinner service will be available from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
One of the advantages of dining at Ciao Italia on Christmas Eve is the ability to order from our regular menu. Our Italian specialties include veal piccata, Australian rack of lamb, lasagna bolognese, and chicken parmigiana. Fresh seafood, scratch-made pasta, and risotto provide an appealing range of choices for guests who want something beyond a standard holiday restaurant offering.
Christmas Eve specials of the day will be featured in addition to these regular dishes. We will not be serving a separate Christmas menu or requiring a prix fixe package, preserving the freedom to order according to individual preferences. Families with children can choose our $13 kids menu, which includes gelato. Adults can also enjoy wine or beer with their dinner.
A restaurant's practical amenities can make a meaningful difference on a busy holiday evening. Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Boulevard on International Drive, only 0.5 miles from Aquatica Orlando and 1.4 miles from SeaWorld Orlando. The restaurant is directly across from DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, making it accessible to visitors staying near the attractions.
We are also just 0.9 miles from the Orange County Convention Center, approximately a three-minute drive. Free parking is available for guests, and our casual dress policy makes dinner comfortable for families returning from a day of Orlando activities. Reservations are available through OpenTable or by calling (407) 354-0770, with walk-ins welcome when tables are open. Booking ahead is encouraged for Christmas Eve.
Handmade pasta • Fresh seafood • Prime cuts • Every plate tells a story
Private Dining & Group Events
Celebrate at Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned since 1991 on International Drive in Orlando. From corporate dinners and family celebrations to special occasions, enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, warm hospitality, and flexible spaces tailored to your event.
All food packages include dessert, coffee, and tea.
Your guests deserve more than an ordinary dinner. Let our family welcome yours with delicious Italian food, personalized service, and a memorable atmosphere.
What Guests Say
"Best Italian we've had in Florida. The lasagna was unreal and the staff made us feel like regulars on our first visit."
— Nicole & Chris W. — Google"We made Ciao Italia our holiday tradition. Every year the food is perfect, the atmosphere is warm, and the Navarra family makes us feel like we belong."
— Verified Guest — Google"Authentic Italian food right on International Drive. The veal piccata was incredible and the parking is free. We will definitely be back next time we visit Orlando."
— David R. — TripAdvisor
On International Drive, minutes from the places you already visit
Open 7 Days
5 PM – 10 PM
Free On-Site
Casual
Come As You Are
OpenTable or Call
(407) 354-0770
Ciao Italia has been family-owned by the Navarra family for more than 35 years, with a scratch-made kitchen and over 4,000 guest reviews. On Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2026, we will serve our full regular Italian dinner menu from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM with no prix fixe requirement. Free parking and no dress code.
Ciao Italia is located on International Drive, just 1.4 miles from SeaWorld Orlando. After a day at the park, it's a quick drive to enjoy an authentic Italian Christmas Eve dinner. We are also 0.5 miles from Aquatica and 2 miles from Discovery Cove.
We recommend arriving by 6:00–7:00 PM if you want to enjoy a relaxed Christmas Eve dinner. Our kitchen is open from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. If you have a reservation, aim to arrive 5–10 minutes early. Walk-ins are welcome but waits may be longer on Christmas Eve.
Absolutely — Ciao Italia is a casual Italian restaurant that welcomes families with children on Christmas Eve. There is no dress code. We have a warm, relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for a family holiday dinner. Our $13 kids menu includes gelato, and we have high chairs available.
No — Ciao Italia has upscale vibes but is a casual Italian restaurant. There is no dress code — shorts are welcome. We are not a steakhouse, wine bar, or fine dining establishment. We serve authentic, homestyle Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Est. 1991.
Yes — our private dining room accommodates up to 60 guests and is available for Christmas Eve celebrations. You can also book a full restaurant buyout for up to 110 guests for a private holiday party. Contact our events team at (407) 354-0770 for availability.
Explore more holiday dining options at Ciao Italia on International Drive
Whether you're an Orlando local, visiting for the holiday, or simply don't want to cook — we'd love to welcome you. Open December 24 • 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM • Free Parking
