Jolliest Holiday Happenings In Central Florida

Magical Merriment at Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort is flourishing with festive fancies throughout the parks. With brand-new entertainment and traditions you know and love, this holiday season is always on the nice list. The merriment starts early November, and guests can enjoy this year’s celebration starting Nov. 9, 2023.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Mickey and Minnie Mouse are celebrating Christmas and you can join in the yuletide fun! Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party welcomes all to a night of holiday performances at Cinderella Castle, a Christmastime parade, beloved characters dressed in their Christmas best, and more on select nights from Nov. 9 through Dec. 22, 2023. You’ll need a separate ticket to this event, and it's a local-favorite that sells fast, so plan ahead!

Enjoy the festive food and holiday drinks while roaming the park and admiring the dazzling decorations. Stop in the shops on Main Street U.S.A. and browse the highly coveted festive merchandise options that fill the shelves with sparkle and shine. You’ll even spot beloved holiday characters like gingerbread men, elves, and toy soldiers, all dressed in their best festive attire.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays welcomes you and your family to take part in new and returning traditions starting with strolling around the World Showcase and tasting the delights of holiday kitchens everywhere! We highly recommend experiencing the Candlelight Processional, where celebrities come to tell the story of Jesus while local choir performers sing your favorite Christmas carols! There’s even more holiday entertainment throughout the park, including Canadian Holiday Voyageurs, the Chinese Lion Dance, and Las Posadas with Mariachi Cobre in Mexico.

BONUS TIP: Now's the perfect time to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind with an added holiday twist of classic seasonal jams during the attraction. Get in the queue!

Immerse yourself in the exhilaration of Disney Jollywood Nights, a shimmering wonderland that flawlessly blends the spirit of the holidays with the captivating glitz of Hollywood. Taking place from Nov. 11 to Dec. 20, 2023 at Disney's Hollywood Studios, this exclusive, separate-ticket event promises an unforgettable experience.

Prepare to be swept away by the enchantment of live bands. Be amazed by a brand new stage show featuring beloved Disney characters. Lose yourself in a mesmerizing sing-along inspired by the beloved film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. But that's not all. Brace yourself for the breathtaking Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacle, where lights dance across the sky and fireworks explode with sheer brilliance.

Delight in reduced wait times at the park's attractions, giving you more time to mingle with cherished characters. Explore themed celebrations on every corner of the park. Step onto Hollywood Boulevard and dance to the mix of a talented DJ. Indulge in upscale experiences like Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby, savoring every moment as Disney's magic seamlessly intertwines with Hollywood's glam.

Grab your group and round out your Disney holiday cheer at Disney Springs each night! Experience new holiday lights, a magical snowfall, and everyone’s favorite decorated Christmas trees all throughout Town Center, West Side, and The Landing. Pro Tip: Taste and sip on holiday treats during your Christmas tree stroll like a Merry Margarita. You won’t believe your eyes as twinkling lights decorate the restaurants and you can even enjoy a limited-time Olaf Waffle Sundae!

Sparkling Spectacular at SeaWorld Parks & Resorts

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration is making its way to Central Florida on select nights from Nov. 10 through Jan. 2. This holiday celebration is full of festive shopping, delicious food, stunning live shows, and more as the park transforms into a winter wonderland. 

Sparkling holiday cheer surrounds you as more than three million beautiful lights dazzle the park. Gather ‘round for live performances at the Sounds of the Season Performance Series or try your skills on ice at the ice skating rink (in Florida? Yes, it’s real!). You can also explore the Christmas Market, which features amazing holiday treats and festive events. Grab an Oreo Beignet and Frozen Eggnog Delight while you enjoy the area with new friends - the elves! Guests love to  snuggle up near the fire pit for some warmth with friends and family and watch the trees light up on the water for the Sea of Trees. 

You can meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and afterward watch Rudolph's Movie Experience - a special effects movie with holiday spirit that plays every 30 minutes. And before heading out of the park, stay for the incredible fireworks above the entire park. 

Joyful Jingles at Universal Orlando Resort

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort are almost here from Nov. 17 through Dec. 31. Unwrap the resort-wide celebrations that take the season to a whole new level. At Universal Studios Florida, enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™ as festive décor, brilliant lighting, and holiday treats surround the area. 

A favorite annual tradition for many, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is on its way! Merry and mayhem approach as you spot the Minions joining Santa Clause in this incredible parade. You’ll also see some of your favorite characters from Madagascar and Shrek.  

At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™, where shops are festively decorated with extravagant garland and lights. Grab your hot Butterbeer and enjoy the dazzling projection of holiday cheer at The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle show. 

For young ones who love classic Dr. Seuss, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is here for yet another year. This live retelling of The Grinch tells the heartwarming story that combines the warm fuzzies inside with a dash of sarcasm in this hilarious hijinks. 

Enjoy the Holiday Tree Hunt with a scavenger hunt to locate the decorate holiday trees. If you find them all, you'll receive a special ornament for your tree at home! 

You can also add Universal's Holiday Tour to your list and check it twice because this guided tour through both parks will make your holiday more magical. Sip hot cocoa with The Grinch and meet Santa, watch the parade and Grinchmas from reserved seating, and get an exclusive, after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle show.

Dazzling Days at LEGOLAND Florida Resort

The LEGOs invite you to a series of seasonal shows, sweet treats, and twinkling lights throughout LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Meet LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier, take photos on a sleigh pulled by reindeer, or watch the festive fireworks light up the night sky on December weekend nights. Plus, watch seasonal shows and walk around with tasty treats while enjoying the twinkling lights. You can join in on the fun on Nov. 24-26 and Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 22-31. 

Let it Snow in Celebration

Oh, what fun it is to ride around Celebration Town Center each holiday season. Celebration's Now Snowing will welcome visitors nightly from Nov. 26 until Dec. 31. Join the town for this family-friendly experience with surprise "snowfalls" throughout the night and ice skating in the center of main street. You can also listen to Charles Dickens-style carolers or choose to cozy up on the horse and carriage rides through the beautifully lit area. You may even spot some familiar faces like Santa!

On Dec. 3, a special holiday-themed art festival will commence, and if you visit on Dec. 10, you can experience Hearts of Reality featuring more than 100 reality stars. 

‘Tis the Season at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center

ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center with so many new and exciting holiday delights. From Nov. 18 until Jan. 1, experience the holidays like never before. Enjoy live performances, one-of-a-kind light shows, and all-new attractions. 

Grab your blue parka and head into an icy wonderland carved by amazing artisans. And by icy we mean two million pounds of colorful ice displayed as some of your beloved holiday characters from Charlie Brown. Slide down a slippery, icy tundra and take in all the breathtaking wonder of ice. 

After all the excitement, take part in the gingerbread decorating corner, elf training academy, snowball build and blast, and so much more. 

The Mall at Millenia Santa Experience

Get ready to meet Santa at The Mall At Millenia, where the most enchanting holiday photos in Orlando come to life! This isn't your ordinary Santa meet-and-greet — children can sit in Santa's lap or strike a pose next to the man himself on adorable holiday props. But it gets better — seating is provided for adults, ensuring everyone is part of the festive magic. For the tiniest ones, newborns and infants can take center stage in a classic Radio Flyer wagon for an extra dose of cuteness.

When you make a reservation, it's an exclusive experience for your immediate family, making it a truly personalized affair. Even if you're just visiting Santa without snagging photos, a reservation is a must, and Mall At Millenia kindly requests a $10 donation to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Encourage the little ones to bring their wish lists and drop them off in the special Santa mailbox at the mall. 

Gatorland's Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down

There is festive fun for the whole family at Gatorland’s 4th Annual Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down on Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17. Enjoy a delightful blend of music, interactive characters, and tempting seasonal treats available for purchase. Snap a photo with Gator Claus on his swamp-worthy sleigh, encounter the mischievous Krampus Croc, and sing along with the Florida Skunk Ape as he belts out his favorite “Cryptid carols.” Explore unique arts and craft vendors strategically placed throughout for a holiday shopping adventure, or visit the renowned Gatorland gift shop for a touch of Gatorland style in your Christmas shopping. All of this, plus the beloved alligators, wildlife, and crowd-pleasing shows that have defined Gatorland since 1949. 

Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

From December 15 through December 30 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, watch Starflake’s Holiday Voyage, a nightly projected show, on the massive exterior of Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex^®. Embark on a journey with Starflake as she travels through the stars, Earth and beyond. Additionally, experience the visitor’s complex covered in holiday decorations throughout December, including the crowd favorite 50-foot tree with more than 61,000 pixels of light, the all-new Rocket Tree Trail Sponsored by L3Harris, six-foot-tall astronaut nutcrackers, the NASA meatball-turned-holiday ornament and so much more.

Bring Back Holiday Memories at Old Town Kissimmee

Escape into a winter wonderland at Old Town Kissimmee, where holiday magic meets the sunshine state! The festive energy is everywhere with snowman themed tire stacks, sparkling lights, and a towering Christmas tree that transforms the quaint streets. Old Town takes holiday cheer to new heights with themed car cruises that parade through the streets, showcasing classic cars bedazzled in yuletide joy. 

Santa and his playful elves spread joy and pose for photos. But the spirit of giving takes center stage with a heartwarming toy drive that embodies the true meaning of the season. As the sun sets, Old Town comes alive with family holiday movie nights under the stars, complete with fake snow that adds a touch of enchantment. Amidst all the festivities, the small local shops, inviting dining options, and beloved rides remain, ensuring that the holiday spirit blends seamlessly with the charm Old Town offers year round.

With so many holiday happenings in the area, subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and be sure to purchase tickets to these amazing festive events here. 

Light Up at Sunset Walk

Experience the magic of the Holinights Celebration at the Promenade at Sunset Walk! Get ready to be whisked away into a festive wonderland where Santa and his merry elves await to delight you. Feel the holiday spirit come alive as towering toy soldiers stand guard and live musical performances fill the air with joy like only the holidays can. And don't forget to look up and witness the breathtaking illumination of the 42-foot animated Holinights Christmas tree!

Take a ride on the all-new Pearl Express Train Tour, starting from the charming "North Pole Roundabout." This enchanting train offers a unique exploration of the Promenade at Sunset Walk, ensuring that everyone can be part of the holiday magic. With the train operating throughout the day, you won't miss a moment of the fun!

But the celebration doesn't stop there. Discover a world of crafts and goodies at the craft and street markets, indulge your love for cars at the car shows, and explore over 30 unique restaurants, experiences, arcades, a movie theater, and shops that will leave you spoilt for choice. And the best part? Admission and parking are completely free!

See the Warmth at Kissimmee Festival of Lights

Celebrate the warmth and togetherness of the holiday season at the 2023 Kissimmee Festival of Lights, a cherished annual tradition of Historic Downtown Kissimmee. The festivities officially commence at 4:30 p.m. at Kissimmee's Lakefront Park Veterans Lawn, where you can partake in delightful activities such as cookie decorating and capturing cherished moments with Santa himself. At 7:30 p.m., the highlight of the evening unfolds as the parade takes center stage. Then there is a stunning display of lights that illuminates the night sky, accompanying a jubilant procession that truly captures the essence of the holiday spirit. To ensure you make the most of this festive evening, we recommend arriving early.

Explore the World at Busch Gardens

Get ready for an absolute blast just a short drive away from Kissimmee! Tampa's most sensational holiday extravaganza awaits you at Busch Gardens. Prepare to embark on an adventure filled with thrilling rides, captivating animal encounters, and a culinary journey inspired by the magic of the season. Anticipate encounters with Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Be mesmerized by the enchanting show Christmas on Ice, as talented performers bring the magic of the season to life with their routines. Enjoy the vibrant colors of twinkling lights, both day and night, creating a dazzling ambiance that will keep the spirit of the season aglow in your heart. And don't forget to look up as the night sky lights up with breathtaking fireworks, adding even more sparkle to the already magical atmosphere.