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It’s the holidays at Grande Lakes Orlando and the offerings are so large and lavish that have to spell Grand with an extra e.
Grande Lakes, of course, is the sprawling resort that includes the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott hotels and their myriad food and beverage venues that will have special dinners. But for the holidays, many exclusive events are also planned beyond the restaurants.
For example, the annual Gingerbread School at the Ritz, in which beginning construction students learn how to build their very own cookie condo using the life-sized gingerbread house in the lobby constructed by the resorts’ pastry masters for inspiration. The good news is that you get to take your creation home with you without it having to go through City of Orlando permitting. Gingerbread School has multiple sessions on weekends through Dec. 24. See the Grande Lakes Holiday brochure for times and tuition.
The kids will enjoy Santa’s Teddy Bear Tea, a holiday version of the resort’s tradition tea that includes ornament crafts, a special gift for kids and a visit from Santa. Saturdays and Sundays, then Dec. 22, 23 and 24. Details.
Mrs. Claus gets in on the action with story time, featuring holiday tales told by a real live woman. S’mores kits with red and green marshmallows or Christmas cookies will have the kids telling their own stories.
As for special dining, there are many opportunities. Here are some highlights:
Christmas Eve
Prime Rib Feast At Citron
Celebrate with a prime rib feast prepared with the freshest ingredients.
Friday, December 24, 5:30pm – 9pm
Reservations required: 407-393-4488
Farm-To-Table Christmas Eve Dinner At Primo
Join the Michelin-recommended chefs at Primo for a special Christmas Eve à la carte menu featuring their seasonal local harvest.
Friday, December 24, 5pm – 9pm. Reservations required 407-393-4488
Christmas Day
Knife & Spoon
Knife & Spoon is a one Michelin star steak and seafood restaurant conceived and led by award winning chef John Tesar.
Guests will enjoy an array of steakhouse favorites and local sustainable seafood dishes. Special Christmas menu insert.
Sunday, December 25, 5.30pm – 10pm
Reservations required 407-393-4034
Christmas Day at Highball & Harvest
Enjoy a festive Southern-style Christmas spread buffet with traditional items and a variety of farm-fresh southern sides.
12pm – 7:30pm. Holiday buffet $150 for adults, $55 for children 12 and under.
Reservations required 407-393-4034
Farm-To-Table Christmas Day Dinner at Primo
Enjoy a modern and rustic Italian a la carte holiday menu featuring ingredients from Primo’s own organic garden.
Saturday, December 25, 6pm – 10pm. Reservations required 407-393-4683
Christmas Day Dinner at Citron
Celebrate with a bountiful spread of classic American favorites, seasonally inspired from the resort’s very own Whisper Creek Farm.
Saturday, December 25, 2pm – 8pm
Reservations required 407-393-4488
On New Year’s Eve, dining options include Highball & Harvest, Knife & Spoon, Primo and a buffet at Citron.
There will also be a party in the Ritz-Carlton’s spectacular lobby bar with fireworks viewing at midnight.
There’s even a New Year’s Even Kids Night Out event to keep the youngsters occupied while the parents party, um, discuss family plans for the coming year.
Most events and dinners require reservations so don’t dally. See the full holiday brochure then call the folks at Grande Lakes Orlando to set everything up.
