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 still on the nice list. The merriment starts Nov. 11. Disney Very Merriest After Hours welcomes all to a night of holiday performances at Cinderella Castle, a Christmastime parade, beloved characters dressed in their Christmas best, and more!

At Magic Kingdom Park, Mickey and Minnie Mouse are celebrating Christmas and you can join in the yuletide fun! 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 many new festive merchandise options that cover 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. Plus, it's the last time to watch the 50th Anniversary Beacons of Magic projections display with additional holiday cheer.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays welcomes you and your family to take part in new and returning traditions - from strolling around World Showcase and tasting the delights of the holiday kitchens to experiencing the Candlelight Processional once again. And even more holiday entertainment is throughout the park, including Canadian Holiday Voyageurs, the Chinese Lion Dance, and Las Posadas with Mariachi Cobre. Now's the perfect time to ride the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind with an added holiday twist of classic seasonal jams during the attraction.

Round out your Disney holiday cheer at Disney Springs with new lights, magical snowfall, and your favorite decorated Christmas trees all throughout Town Center, West Side, and The Landing. Plus, taste and sip on holiday treats during your Christmas tree stroll. You won’t believe your eyes as twinkling lights decorate the restaurant and you can even enjoy a limited-time festive menu.

Sparkling Spectacular at SeaWorld Parks & Resorts

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration is making its way to Central Florida on select nights now 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 area. Gather ‘round for live performances at the Sounds of the Season Performance Series or try your skills on ice at the new ice skating rink. You can also explore the Christmas Market which features amazing holiday treats and festive events. Grab some delicious food or drinks and enjoy the area with new friends - the elves! You can even snuggle up near the fire pit for some warmth with your family and watch the trees light up on the water for the Sea of Trees. 

After meeting Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, watch the 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 here from Nov. 12 through Jan. 1. 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. Plus, watch seasonal shows and walk around with tasty treats while enjoying the twinkling lights. You can join in on the fun on select nights Nov. 25-27 and Dec. 3-31. 

Let it Snow in Celebration

Oh, what fun it is to ride around Celebration Town Center each holiday season. Celebration's Now Snowing is ready for 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! If you visit on Dec. 11, A Countdown to Christmas celebration with young talent from across the U.S. perform during these free concerts. 
 

‘Tis the Season at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center

ICE! returns toGaylord 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! See the story of the Grinch in ice sculptures and enjoy the town of Whoville. 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

Visit Santa at The Mall at Millenia and be sure to bring your Christmas wish list! For everyone's safety, Santa is distanced in his big red chair and you can pose in front of him. Infants can sit in the classic Radio Flyer wagon while your children can choose to pose on holiday props. After the photo, drop your wish list in Santa's mailbox and gather your purchased photo or personal photo with a $10 donation to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. 

Santa is on his way! ICON Park is hosting St. Nick at The Santa Workshop Experience and you won't want to miss this event. Now until Dec. 24, enjoy the timeless tradition of taking pictures with Santa Claus himself and then ride for free on the new Carousel on The Promenade! Little ones receive a complimentary ride on The Wheel in a holiday-decorated capsule. After enjoy plenty of dining options around ICON Park.

Gatorland's Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down

Get down at Gatorland's Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18. Meet Gator Claus and his elves, Krampus Croc, and many other characters dressed in their holiday best. Dance to live music and enjoy the festive food and treats along the way. Craft vendors will be visiting so you can take a look at some local fun for the whole family. This special event is included in your regular admission so you'll have plenty of time to soak it all in. This is the most Floridian holiday photo opportunity of the season!

Bring Back Holiday Memories at Old Town Kissimmee

Old Town Kissimmee is really pulling out all the stops for the holidays this year. Create those classic, all-American holiday experiences with festive decor, colorful lights, the iconic Christmas tree, and even fluffy snow that falls into the night. Watch live performances on their stage and visit Sundays all Decemeber long for Holiday Family Movie Night. If you're here Dec. 3 and 4, come for the Cruiser Toy Drive and get into the spirit of giving. 

Kissimmee is a happening place during the holidays and the merriest of activities are awaiting visitors from near and far. Holiday family time is here and we have a list of some amazing events happening in Central Florida during the season. You can visit these attraction’s website for more safety information and click here for Kissimmee Guest Services ticketing options for these exciting events. 
 

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