Editors Note: This article does not discuss holiday events available at the area theme parks. For information on those events, click here.
Everyone who knows me knows that I am a Holiday and Christmas FREAK! Yes, a freak! Think “OMG, SANTAAA” from Elf type freak. So whenever even just a whiff of pine wooshes past my nose or the sparkle of decorative lights crosses my eye, it’s on. I’m always on the hunt for things to do during the Holiday Season – so I figured I would share with you the top things I found to do in the Orlando area to fill that Holiday Heart during the end of a tough 2020!
Lights, Lights, and More Lights…
The Lights on Jeater Bend in Celebration!
From November 26th through December 31st, there’s a nightly synchronized show featuring 11 homes lit up to every expectation you could imagine. This is a highly rated lights show featuring Santa, short ‘cuts’ from movies, and dazzling lights. Many suggest going during weeknights to avoid crowds, but check it out!
Give Kids the World Village – Night of a Million Lights!
At 210 South Bass Rd. in Kissimmee, FL, Give Kids the World Village is offering public access to their dazzling 3 million lights and 45 decorated family residential villas between November 13th and January 3rd. An amazing organization that provides vacations at this resort at no cost for critically ill children offers admission and tickets on their website, including Complimentary Ice Cream and Hot Cocoa, with other merchandise being available for purchase.
Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs!
During this 2020 Season, in Disney Springs, you can find decorated Christmas Trees through the various areas of Disney Springs. These trees are filled with all sorts of themed and decorative accents, sure to dazzle the Holiday Heart. I know my favorite place for shopping and dining being decorated for the Holidays will throw my Holiday Obsession for a loop!
Shopportunities!
For those of you who like to do a combo of shopping online and in-store, the Mall of Millenia and The Florida Mall have plenty of stores to choose from.
Outlet wise – Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, Orlando Premium Outlets, and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets are available for your Holiday Shopping Sprees. With plenty of savings to offer and stores to choose from, outlets are always a good option.
If you are shopping, think about shopping ‘small business’. I am a huge supporter of small businesses, especially with how hard this pandemic has hit some smaller stores. In Downtown Orlando, Winter Park, and other outlying areas, you can find many small businesses to shop at! Support them so they can have a great Holiday season too!
Holiday Events and More…
At Disney!
Throughout my favorite place in the world – Disney – you can experience (Albeit different than non-Covid Seasons) the Holiday Spirit! For instance, In Magic Kingdom, they have the Castle Projection, Mickey and Friends Holiday-themed Calvalcades with Santa appearances, plenty of seasonal decor, and all of the Treats you could imagine. In Animal Kingdom, they have Multiple Festival Flotillas featuring many different characters.
Don’t forget to hit Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs for similar events, shopping, and Holiday Spirit!
A Classic – ‘The Nutcracker’
Orlando Ballet puts on the Classic Presentation of ‘The Nutcracker’ between December 4th and 20th at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. It is recommended that if you are going to attend, you book as early as possible. Check out ticketing here, and enjoy the show!
Kissimmee Festival of Lights Parade!
On December 12th in Kissimmee, between 7 pm and 8 pm, the parade will feature tons of music, dancing, lights, and fun! It is recommended that you show up 30 minutes early to find a good spot to spectate. Also – stop at the Kissimmee Civic Center for Cookie Decorating, Make it and Take it Ornament Making, and more. What a fun way to celebrate the Holidays and maybe even take home another ornament to add to the tree!
There is so much still happening in the Orlando Area for the Holiday season, despite the current events. Search around, and let us know if you find anything else exciting to experience – I know I’d love to get more ideas on how to increase my Holiday Craziness! (Could I even? Probably! Haha). As always – if you need any help with Moving to Orlando, please contact anyone on the Team here! We’d love to help and share our love for Disney and Orlando! Rememeber, Stay safe and Healthy while out and about!
If you’re interested in learning more about moving to the Orlando and Central Florida area, please reach out! One of our Realtors can help answer any questions you have about the process.