Orlando during the Christmas season is a magical place to visit. The weather is usually quite mild and the city is bursting with festive decorations. Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity, a romantic getaway, or something special to do with friends, Orlando has it all. Here are some of the top things to do in Orlando during the December holidays.
Disney World is perhaps the main attraction for many visitors to Orlando during the holidays. The park is decked out with festive decorations and lights, and boasts special events such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Candlelight Processional, and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. For an extra special experience, book a meal at one of Disney World’s many restaurants, where you can savor delicious holiday treats and enjoy the sounds of holiday music.
If you’re looking for unique Christmas activities for the whole family, you can’t go wrong with the Gaylord Palms Resort. The resort is home to a giant ice rink, with real ice, where kids can learn to skate or simply slide around on the ice. Other Christmas activities include visits with Santa, a two-story snow globe, ice tubing, and holiday-themed movies.
For an outdoor adventure, head to the Winter Park area, just north of Orlando. Here, you can take a scenic boat ride along the lakes, go for a horse-drawn carriage ride, or simply take a leisurely walk through the historic streets. Winter Park’s Central Park is a great place to watch a holiday performance or listen to carolers.
A great way to celebrate the holidays with friends or family is to visit the Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. The park is home to more than a million twinkling lights, carolers, and festive decorations. There are also holiday-themed shows, rides, and activities for all ages. For an extra special treat, book a reservation at the park’s seasonal restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious holiday meal with views of the beautiful Tampa Bay.
If you’re looking for a unique Christmas experience, head to Universal Studios. The park is home to a festive holiday parade, and offers special shows and events throughout the season. Don’t forget to check out the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, where you can watch the Grinch and his mischievous dog Max wreak havoc on the Whos of Who-ville.
Of course, no trip to Orlando during the holidays would be complete without a visit to the iconic Florida Mall. Here, you can browse the stores for great holiday deals, shop for gifts, and enjoy the festive decorations inside the mall. For an extra special experience, book a hotel in the area, and enjoy the twinkling lights of the mall from your balcony.
No matter what you’re looking for in terms of holiday fun, Orlando has it all. From Disney World and Universal Studios to the Florida Mall and the Gaylord Palms Resort, there’s something for everyone in Orlando during the Christmas season. So don’t miss your chance to experience the magic and make holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
Discover The Best Things To Do In Orlando For The Christmas Season
The Christmas season is one of the most magical times of the year, and Orlando is the perfect place to experience some of the festivities. From seasonal parades and light shows to theme park Christmas celebrations, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a festive family outing or a romantic evening for two, here are some of the best things to do in Orlando for the Christmas season.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Christmas Celebration
Experience the holiday season like never before at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Christmas Celebration. Enjoy festive holiday-themed entertainment, a colorful light show and a spectacular parade featuring familiar characters in beautiful costumes. Don’t miss the chance to meet some of your favorite characters dressed in their holiday best.
SeaWorld® Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld® Orlando is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. Enjoy holiday-themed shows, holiday lights, festive decorations and more. Visit Santa’s Christmas Village for photos with Santa, gifts and treats and don’t miss the chance to meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his friends.
The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays is the ultimate holiday celebration. Enjoy a wide variety of festive performances, unique food and beverage offerings and holiday-themed activities. Don’t miss the chance to visit Santa’s Chalet and the popular Candlelight Processional.
ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort
ICE! is a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland at Gaylord Palms Resort featuring a 9-degree climate and two million pounds of colorful ice sculptures. Explore the ice slides, ice sculptures, interactive characters and more. Don’t miss the chance to experience this unique holiday attraction.
Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort with seasonal shows, festive decorations and more. Don’t miss the chance to take a ride on the Hogwarts™ Express or experience the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.
Winter Wonderland on International Drive
Experience the holidays with a festive light show and ice skating rink at Winter Wonderland on International Drive. Enjoy carnival rides, games, a snow park and more. Don’t miss the chance to take a spin on the ICEE® Polar Coaster or take a magical journey on the Polar Express Train Ride.
The Christmas season is a magical time of year and Orlando is the perfect place to experience the festivities. From theme park celebrations to holiday-themed events, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a family outing or a romantic evening for two, these are some of the best things to do in Orlando for the Christmas season.
Experience The Magic Of An Orlando Christmas: A Guide To Events And Activities
Whether you’re a native of Orlando or a visitor, there’s no better place to experience the magic of the holiday season than in this city. You can enjoy a variety of events and activities for the entire family to enjoy. From outdoor ice skating to holiday lights displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the most popular holiday events in Orlando is the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at Universal Studios. The lighting ceremony begins at 8pm and is free to attend. After the lighting, enjoy shopping and dining at the park’s holiday village or take part in the seasonal shows, including the beloved Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.
Other events to check out in the area include the annual Holiday in the Park at SeaWorld Orlando, which features spectacular holiday shows and attractions. You can also visit the Gaylord Palms Resort for their annual ICE! event, which features hand-carved ice sculptures and a snow tubing hill. For a more traditional holiday experience, you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Celebration or go caroling in Winter Park.
If you’re looking for a more low-key holiday experience, there are plenty of activities for the entire family to enjoy. You can visit Santa’s Winter Wonderland at the Florida Mall, which features holiday-themed games and activities. You can also take a stroll through the Winter Park Farmers Market, which features specialty vendors selling Christmas decorations, handmade gifts and other holiday-themed items.
If you’re looking for something more active, there are plenty of sports activities and outdoor adventures to enjoy in the area. You can go ice skating at Ice Factory, take a sleigh ride at Forever Florida, or go snow tubing at Ski Resort Orlando. You can also enjoy some local holiday festivities, such as visits with Santa, holiday movies in the park, and festive boat parades.
No matter what type of holiday experience you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone in Orlando. From holiday lights to festive events, you can experience the magic of Christmas in the city. So, gather up your family and friends and enjoy the holiday season in Orlando.
| Event | Location | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Universal Studios | Universal Studios | Free |
| Holiday in the Park at SeaWorld Orlando | SeaWorld Orlando | Park Admission |
| ICE! at Gaylord Palms | Gaylord Palms Resort | Prices Vary |
| Santa’s Winter Wonderland | Florida Mall | Prices Vary |
| Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides | Celebration | Prices Vary |
| Ice Skating | Ice Factory | Prices Vary |
| Sleigh Ride | Forever Florida | Prices Vary |
| Snow Tubing | Ski Resort Orlando | Prices Vary |
Visiting the Winter Park Christmas Parade is an exciting activity for the whole family to enjoy.
The Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park is a great way to get into the spirit of the season.
The Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art is a traditional holiday market, featuring crafts from local artisans and vendors.
The Candlelight Processional at Epcot is a special holiday show, featuring celebrity narrators telling the story of Christmas.
Most of the major theme parks in Orlando are open during the Christmas season, offering plenty of activities and attractions for the whole family.
Yes, there are several special Christmas events for kids in Orlando, such as Santa and the Reindeer Experience at Universal Studios.
Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs is a great place to go for a special Christmas dinner with your family.
Yes, the Holiday Lights at Dr. Phillips Centennial Park is a great place to go for Christmas light displays and other holiday fun.
Yes, there are several Christmas day events in Orlando, including the Santa’s Snowfall at Disney Springs.
Yes, the Orlando Christmas Tour is a great way to take a festive tour of Orlando and learn about the history of the holiday season in the city.