Festive Nights at Aurora: Holiday Dining & Cocktails to Celebrate the Season

When the holidays arrive in Orlando, Aurora at The Celeste Hotel turns dinner into a celebration of light – colorful flavors, refined service, and a celestial-inspired setting that feels tailor-made for festive gatherings. From special holiday feasts to craft cocktails and a vibrant weekend brunch, Aurora sets the scene for the season right by UCF. 

A Celestial Setting for Seasonal Celebrations

Tucked inside The Celeste Hotel, Aurora blends modern American cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, served in an immersive dining room where ambiance and creativity take center stage. The experience is purposeful and polished – ideal for date nights, family outings, or end-of-year team toasts.

Holiday Happenings to Mark Your Calendar

This year’s calendar is filled with ways to celebrate together. Aurora’s Thanksgiving Day Brunch Buffet ushers in the season with chef-inspired classics; December brings a cheerful Breakfast With Santa (complete with festive touches for families); and Christmas Day features a lavish brunch buffet with chef-attended stations, holiday favorites, extravagant desserts, and bottomless mimosas. Reservations are strongly encouraged for these limited-time events. 

Flavor-Forward Menus, From Brunch to Dinner

Beyond the holiday dates, Aurora’s everyday dining keeps spirits bright. Breakfast favorites like chilaquiles and eggs Benedict kick off shopping days and family outings; weekend brunch rolls in with crowd-pleasers and a relaxed, celebratory vibe; and lunch-to-dinner service brings modern American plates – from soups and seafood chowder to seasonal entrées—crafted with care. It’s a versatile lineup that makes planning festive meetups effortless, whether you’re gathering early or staying out late. 

Toasts That Shine: Wine, Cocktails & Happy Hour

Aurora’s bar program was made for holiday toasting. Explore a curated wine selection and craft cocktails at the lounge, or drop in for Happy Hour to ease into an evening of celebration. It’s the kind of bar you can settle into – elegant, welcoming, and perfectly synced with the kitchen’s seasonal flavors. 

Why Aurora Works for Your Holiday Plans

The atmosphere. The dining room’s celestial theme and warm service deliver a bit of magic to every table – great for photos, better for memories. 

The location. Situated at The Celeste Hotel near UCF, Aurora is an easy meet-in-the-middle choice for campus visits, staycations, and out-of-town family get-togethers. 

The flexibility. From breakfast and weekend brunch to dinner and drinks, you can plan everything from a pre-show bite to a full holiday feast in one polished, convenient spot. 

Make It a Night to Remember

Whether you’re booking a table for a holiday buffet or planning a low-key cocktail hour with friends, Aurora layers thoughtful details into every service – the kind that turn a simple meal into a seasonal ritual. Start with a spirited toast at the lounge, move to a table for shareable appetizers and comforting mains, and linger over dessert while the dining room glows around you. It’s festive without feeling fussy; elevated without losing the warmth that defines the holidays. 

As the season unfolds, consider pairing your meal with a stay at The Celeste Hotel to keep the celebration going – wake up to breakfast at Aurora, wander the nearby campus and neighborhood, and return for dinner under the same star-kissed roof. However you design your evening, Aurora’s blend of ambiance, flavor, and hospitality makes it one of East Orlando’s most joyful places to gather and celebrate the season.

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