Just like with fall and Halloween, the holiday season in Orlando is nothing short of exciting. There is so much to do in just a few short months and as a Florida resident, you have more opportunities to experience as much as possible. With that said, let’s dive into some of the best holiday offerings to explore in the Orlando area.

Walt Disney World Holiday Season (Now until December 30)

Image Source: wdwinfo.com

At Disney, you will find holiday magic at all four parks. At Magic Kingdom, you can experience Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The International Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT takes place November 25-December 30. During this time on select nights is also the beloved Candlelight Processional. Also, Animal Kingdom is now decked out in festive décor, features holiday flotillas on the river, and the Beacons of Magic Holiday Awakenings alternating on the Tree of Life. Lastly, at Hollywood Studios, you’ll find Sunset Seasons Greetings on the Hollywood Tower Hotel and Santa Claus Merry Motorcade down the streets of Hollywood Boulevard. In addition, you’ll find lots of holiday decorations and treats scattered all around property.

Holidays at Universal Orlando (Now until January 1)

Image Source: Universal Orlando

Like Disney, Universal also has a lot going on for the season. Celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in both parks. In Universal Studios, watch the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Plus, at Islands of Adventure, you can enjoy Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring The Grinch. And at Universal City Walk, you’ll find themed food and entertainment.

Sea World Orlando Christmas Celebration (Now until January 3)

Each holiday season, Sea World transforms into a Winter Wonderland complete with over 3 million lights. Along with this, you’ll find entertainment like Winter Wonderland on Ice and meet your favorite characters like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or Santa.

Holidays at LEGOLAND (Select Dates November 25-December 31)

Image Source: VisitCentralFlorida.com

LEGOLAND gets into the holiday spirit with their giant LEGO Christmas tree, special shows, LEGO activities, holiday treats, characters, lights, and more. And, you can find discount tickets online.

Give Kids the World Night of a Million Lights at Island H2O Water Park (Now until January 1)

This event is not only for an amazing cause, it is really a fantastic experience. It is a beautiful sight to see all the lights and walk through the village.

Various Holiday Shows at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Image Source: Orlando Sentinel

If you’re looking for some holiday entertainment, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has you covered. Now until the end of the season, you can experience a variety of seasonal offerings including The Nutcracker, holiday orchestra concerts, and more. One of my favorite holiday artist is Pianist Jim Brickman who will be there December 27.

The Lights on Jeter Bend (November 24-December 31)

Image Source: Orlando Sentinel

This yearly street wide Christmas display runs throughout the holiday season in Celebration. This yearly tradition features residential Christmas light displays synchronized to music. This is a walking experience and feels fully immersive.

Christmas at Gaylord Palms (November 11-January 1)

Image Source: Christmas at Gaylord Palms Website

At the Gaylord Palms Resort is a large holiday event with lots of activities. Some of these activities include a frozen tube ride called Snow Flow Mountain, stage shows, light shows, games, and really too many things to name. It is a huge event they put on every year. And it’s definitely worth checking out.


There is no shortage of seasonal events in Central Florida. If you are ready to make the move to Florida and take advantage of all the great entertainment opportunities, our Moving to Orlando REALTORS are here to help you navigate the market. Take a moment to fill out our contact form, and someone will be in contact with you!

Amy Krieger

Amy loves all things Disney from the theme parks and resorts to the beloved films. She and her husband, Paul, are originally from Wheeling, West Virginia. They now live in Central Florida with their two fur kids, Odie the greyhound and Hermes the Spanish galgo. As Disney Vacation Club members and Disney World Annual Passholders, they visit Disney World and other Disney properties as often as possible. Full time, Amy is the Manager of Loan Origination for Monera Financial, a World of DVC company where she helps buyers finance DVC contracts. Amy and Paul own DVC at some of their favorite resorts: BoardWalk, Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom, Polynesian, and Grand Californian.

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