By Cindy Peterson
Where to Eat Locally Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
For those planning to dine out during the holidays, several local restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve and a few on Christmas Day, offering everything from casual bites to full holiday meals. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition, traveling through the area or simply looking for a place to enjoy good food without the cleanup, these establishments are welcoming guests and helping keep the season bright. Hours and menus may vary, so reservations are recommended where available.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day hours Hours:
Marmaduke’s Lodge
215 W. Main St., Leesburg
Open 11 am – 6 pm Christmas Eve
Open 5 pm – midnight Christmas Day
Brick and Barrel
209 W. Main St., Leesburg
Open 11 am – 3 pm Christmas Eve
McCracken’s
719 W. Main St., Leesburg
Open 11 am – 3 pm Christmas Eve
Prime 3
610 W. Main St., Leesburg
Open 2 pm – 9 pm Christmas Eve
Ramshackle Cafe
1317 N. 14th St., Leesburg
Open 11 am – 5 pm Christmas Eve
Takis
1205 N. 14th St., Leesburg
Open 11 am – 7:30 pm Christmas Eve
Stavros
3223 US Hwy 441, Fruitland Park
Open 11 am – 4 pm Christmas Eve
The Rose Plantation
200 Rose Ave., Fruitland Park
Open noon – 8 pm Christmas Eve
*reservations encouraged
Tiki West
118 W. Ruby St., Tavares
Open 11 am – 4 pm Christmas Eve
BTW
115 E. Main Street., Tavares
11 am – 8 pm Christmas Eve
Lake Eustis Waterfront Grille
350 Lakeshore Dr., Eustis
Open 11 am – 8 pm Christmas Eve
Lakeside Inn
100 North Alexander St., Mt. Dora
Open 5 pm – 9 pm Christmas Eve
Open noon – 4 pm Christmas Day
*reservations needed
Ichiban Buffet
10301 US Hwy 441, Leesburg
Open 11 am – 9 pm Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Crazy Gator
402 N. Bay St., Eustis
Bar opens at noon and dining at 4 pm Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
