Christmas Eve · International Drive Orlando
Christmas Eve Restaurant Near
Convention Center Orlando
0.9 Miles Away • Dec 24, 5–10 PM • Free Parking • (407) 354-0770
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Christmas Eve · International Drive Orlando
0.9 Miles Away • Dec 24, 5–10 PM • Free Parking • (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
Finding a welcoming Christmas Eve restaurant near the Orange County Convention Center is especially important for families and groups visiting Orlando during the holidays. Ciao Italia Ristorante offers an established Italian dining experience just 0.9 miles from the convention center, approximately three minutes by car. Our restaurant is located at 6149 Westwood Boulevard on International Drive and will be open Thursday, December 24, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Since 1991, the Navarra family has owned and operated Ciao Italia, maintaining a commitment to scratch-made cuisine and genuine Italian hospitality. Our restaurant provides a comfortable setting for Christmas Eve celebrations, with an upscale atmosphere that does not require formal clothing. Guests can dine in shorts, as there is no dress code, and free on-site parking makes arriving for dinner convenient.
Ciao Italia’s regular dinner menu provides an excellent selection for groups with different food preferences. Guests can order chicken parmigiana, lasagna bolognese, veal piccata, and Australian rack of lamb, while seafood lovers can enjoy our fresh seafood selections. Scratch-made pasta and risotto add choices for diners who enjoy classic Italian comfort food.
The kitchen will also feature specials of the day, allowing guests to explore additional Italian dishes without replacing the regular menu. There is no mandatory prix fixe dinner or separate Christmas Eve menu. Families with children can enjoy our $13 kids menu with gelato included, and adults can order wine or beer. Each guest can select an individual entrée, making the restaurant practical for holiday gatherings with varied tastes.
Ciao Italia offers a private dining room accommodating up to 60 guests, making the restaurant worth considering for extended family celebrations and organized holiday gatherings. For larger prearranged events, a full restaurant buyout can accommodate up to 110 guests. Private dining arrangements and buyouts require advance coordination, and availability for Christmas Eve must be confirmed directly with our restaurant team.
Our location across from DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld and just 1.4 miles from SeaWorld Orlando makes Ciao Italia accessible to both convention visitors and vacationing families. Free on-site parking and our relaxed dress policy make group arrivals easier. Guests seeking standard Christmas Eve dinner reservations can use OpenTable or call (407) 354-0770. Walk-ins are welcome when tables are available, while larger gatherings should contact our staff well in advance.
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
"We have been coming here for 10 years every time we visit Orlando. The food never changes and that is the highest compliment."
— The Rossi Family — OpenTable"No pretension, no attitude, just amazing food and warm service. The tortellini with truffle cream is outstanding."
— James R. — TripAdvisor"A hidden gem near SeaWorld. Skip the tourist traps. The veal piccata and pappardelle are incredible."
— David K. — TripAdvisor
On International Drive — minutes from Orlando's top attractions and convention hotels.
Open 7 Days
5 PM – 10 PM
Free On-Site
Casual
Come As You Are
OpenTable or Call
(407) 354-0770
Yes — Ciao Italia Ristorante is open on Christmas Eve from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, our regular dinner hours. We serve our full Italian menu with no changes, no prix fixe, and no special pricing. Reservations are strongly recommended as Christmas Eve is one of our busiest nights of the year.
No — we serve our regular full Italian menu on Christmas Eve. There is no prix fixe or special holiday menu. You'll enjoy the same authentic Italian dishes we're known for, from homemade pasta to fresh seafood, veal, and chicken. Our full menu is available from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Reservations are strongly recommended for Christmas Eve. We are a popular choice for families, tourists, and hotel guests celebrating the holiday on International Drive. Walk-ins are welcome but may face a wait. Call (407) 354-0770 or book online to secure your table.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is located at 6149 Westwood Blvd on International Drive in Orlando, FL 32821. We are across from the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, just 0.9 miles (3 minutes) from the Orange County Convention Center, and minutes from SeaWorld. From MCO airport, we are about 15 minutes / 12 miles via FL-528 W.
Ciao Italia is a wine and beer restaurant — we do not serve cocktails or mixed drinks. We offer an excellent selection of Italian wines by the glass and bottle, plus imported and domestic beer. This applies on Christmas Eve and every other night.
Yes — Ciao Italia has a free parking lot directly in front of the restaurant on Westwood Blvd, just off International Drive. Parking is complimentary and available on a first-come, first-served basis on Christmas Eve and every night.
Explore more holiday dining options at Ciao Italia on International Drive
Open December 24 • 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM • Free Parking
