Celebrate the Holidays in Kissimmee

Snowfall in Celebration

Snowfall in Celebration

Make yourself at home in the Vacation Home Capital of the World®, where you can even arrive to a holiday-decorated vacation home after a day of festive events and celebrations bring joy to visitors of all ages. From exploring the enchanting streets of Celebration, enjoying holiday magic at world-famous theme parks, or skating the day away at local events, Kissimmee is the perfect place to make cherished memories this holiday season.

1

Theme Parks

Christmas at Walt Disney World - Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Get ready to experience the magic of the holidays like never before at Central Florida’s world-famous theme parks. Whether you’re meeting beloved characters dressed in their holiday best, enjoying spectacular fireworks displays, or immersing yourself in the festive spirit of the season, these parks are sure to make your holiday getaway unforgettable.

Walt Disney World® Resort 

Starting November 12, Walt Disney World ® Resort transforms into a holiday wonderland, with each of its four parks offering something unique for the season. 

EPCOT®: From November 29 to December 30, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays brings global festive traditions to life. Guests can enjoy the glimmering holiday displays at Living with the Land and experience the Candlelight Processional, where a celebrity narrator tells the story of Christmas, accompanied by an orchestra and choir. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park: Discovery Island will come alive with artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals like penguins, reindeer, and polar bears, while the Tree of Life Awakenings will feature a holiday-themed illumination each evening. Mickey and Minnie will greet guests in safari holiday attire at Adventurers Outpost. 

Beyond the theme parks, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland with daily “snowfall” and holiday treats. The Disney resort hotels will also be decked out in festive decorations, ensuring the holiday spirit is everywhere you go. 

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Universal Orlando Resort 

From November 22 to December 31, Universal Orlando Resort brings the magic of the holidays to life with festivities included in your theme park admission or annual pass. 

Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™: Both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley will be decked out in enchanting holiday decor. Enjoy special holiday performances from the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, putting a festive twist on their usual shows. Don’t miss the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts, an illumination of Hogwarts Castle from dusk until park close, at Islands of Adventure. 

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s: Marvel at massive balloons and floats featuring characters from Illumination’s “Despicable Me” and DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek,” bringing holiday cheer to Universal Studios Florida. 

Christmas in New York: Experience the magic of the holidays in the Big Apple-inspired streets of Universal Studios Florida, complete with dazzling decorations and must-see sights. 

Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular: Celebrate the season with a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic at Islands of Adventure, featuring the Grinch himself. 

Universal’s resort hotels will also be dressed in festive holiday decor, with additional surprises for guests. Throughout the parks, enjoy exclusive seasonal food, drinks, holiday-themed merchandise, and characters in their festive outfits. 

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SeaWorld® Orlando 

SeaWorld® Orlando will host its Christmas Celebration from November 8, 2024, to January 2, 2025, on select dates, and the festivities are included with theme park admission for an all-day experience. 

Meet Santa near the Wild Arctic area, where professional photographers will capture special moments, or head to Rudolph’s Christmas Town along the Pipeline Pathway to meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Bumble. Each night, guests can enjoy the Holiday Reflections fireworks show around the lagoon at park close. 

Don’t miss the all-new Christmas market for holiday shopping, and experience the award-winning Winter Wonderland on Ice, a Broadway-style ice skating show set to classic Christmas songs, on select dates. For more family fun, there’s a Sesame Street Christmas Breakfast, along with the Sesame Street Christmas Parade in Sesame Street Land, bringing beloved characters into the holiday spirit. 

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LEGOLAND Florida 

LEGOLAND Florida will be bursting with holiday cheer on select dates from November 29 to December 31, with festivities included in park admission. 

Visit the Holiday Village Postal Service to send your letter to LEGO Santa, take fun "elfies" with your favorite LEGO holiday characters, and dance around the giant LEGO Christmas tree to festive tunes. The twinkling lights from the 360-degree light show will leave you mesmerized. 

The celebrations continue through New Year's Eve with rides, activities, and an early fireworks display over Lake Eloise, perfect for families looking to welcome 2025 with colorful bursts of LEGO bricks at a kid-friendly time. Build lasting holiday memories in LEGOLAND's seasonal FUNderland! 

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2

Local Events & Entertainment

Now Snowing in Celebration

In addition to the festive offerings at the theme parks, Kissimmee and the surrounding area are filled with local holiday events that bring the season to life in unique and memorable ways. From riverboat adventures to captivating live performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy.  

Crayola Experience 

From November 23 to January 5, 2025, the Crayola Experience will be transformed into a holiday wonderland filled with creativity and fun. Meet animatronic Christmas characters who will tell stories and challenge you with festive riddles. Step inside a life-sized snow globe, watch a dazzling light show starring Scarlet and her singing reindeer, and embark on a seasonal scavenger hunt. Craft handmade gifts from the heart, enjoy live entertainment, savor holiday treats, and more as you celebrate the season in a colorful, interactive way. 

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Osceola Arts 

Osceola Arts presents “A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol” on select dates in December, offering a nostalgic trip back to Christmas Eve, 1943. Set in a Newark, NJ radio studio, the Feddington Players bring Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” to life, blending heartwarming holiday spirit with the unpredictability of live radio production. Special performances will include audio-described and American Sign Language interpreted shows, ensuring an inclusive experience for all. 

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Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts offers a festive lineup of holiday shows to get you in the seasonal spirit. Enjoy a variety of performances, including the comedic “Jinx & DeLa Holiday Show,” the classic ballet “The Nutcracker,” a special screening of “Elf in Concert” with a live orchestra, and the thrilling “Cirque Mechanics Winter Wonder Shoppe.” These diverse performances are sure to bring joy and entertainment to audiences of all ages. 

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The Ice Factory

Mark your calendars for November 29th (Black Friday) for their Holiday Pajama Party. Slip into your coziest pajamas and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies while you skate the night away with family and friends. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for December 20 for the Ugly Sweater Party, where you can don your most outrageous holiday sweaters and compete for prizes in a fun-filled night on the ice. Beginning December 21, they will kick off their Holiday Skate Sessions, with many lasting up to 12 hours — making it an ideal all-day activity for families. Plus, don’t miss their special Ice Show, Jingle and Glide, where their talented skating school students will showcase their skills in a performance full of holiday cheer!

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Dezerland Park

Step into a magical holiday experience at Christmas Wonderland at Dezerland Park Orlando during December, including a holiday marker December 7 and 8.

Skate into the season on the ice rink, enjoy the enchanting snow, and indulge in festive treats. Meet Santa during special sessions from noon to 7 p.m., with train rides to Santa’s Workshop and fun toy-building activities.

Plus, enjoy 10 percent off at the Auto Museum, Pinball Palace, Toxic Blast, The Brass Axe, and Escape Reality with your receipt. It’s a month full of holiday magic, fun for the whole family!

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3

Hotels & Resort

Little girls walking though candy-can themed ice tunnel at Christmas

The path to Holiday magic.  Kissimmee, Florida

Celebrate the holidays in style with a visit to some of the area's most festive hotels and resorts. From immersive ice attractions and charming holiday villages to special dining experiences and joyful celebrations, these resorts offer a variety of ways to enjoy the season. Plus, as the Vacation Home Capital of the World®, Kissimmee makes it easy to find a place to stay that feels just like home for the holidays, with many vacation home resorts offering holiday decor to ensure your home is ready for your arrival. 

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center 

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is bringing the magic of the 2003 holiday classic “Elf” to life for its 2024 “ICE!” attraction, running from November 15 to January 4. For the first time ever, “Elf” will serve as the theme for this stunning display, featuring scenes from the beloved film carved from 1,000 tons of brightly colored ice. Set in a 9-degree, 20,000-square-foot, temperature-controlled environment, this frosty experience promises to immerse guests in the whimsical world of Elf. In addition to the ice sculptures, guests can meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, enjoy holiday shows, and stroll through a charming holiday village for even more festive fun. 

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Reunion Resort & Golf Club 

Reunion Resort, featuring elegant one- to three-bedroom villas and expansive three- to thirteen-bedroom private vacation homes, provides a diverse array of festive dining options and celebrations throughout the holiday season. Enjoy a special Thanksgiving Day meal on November 28, with both dine-in and to-go options available. Christmas dining is offered throughout December, allowing you to savor holiday favorites all month long. 

Kick off the holiday season on December 2 with live music, delicious treats, and a visit from Santa Claus for a tree lighting ceremony. On December 19, visit Mrs. Claus’s village to meet her, her merry friends, and some surprise guests. Celebrate Hanukkah on December 25, and ring in the New Year with a festive celebration on December 31. 

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4

Surrounding Areas & Entertainment Districts

Beyond attractions, Kissimmee’s surrounding areas and entertainment districts offer a wealth of festive activities and local celebrations. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, savoring local crafts, or celebrating the season with live entertainment, these nearby locales provide the perfect complement to your holiday adventures. 

Historic Downtown Kissimmee 

Celebrate the season in Downtown Kissimmee from 3:30 to 8 p.m. on December 14 for their Festival of Lights. Experience the magic as community groups, businesses, and local organizations light up the streets with dazzling floats. The Holiday Festival, starting at 4 p.m., offers free crafts, snacks, and the chance to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their merry band of elves. 

Head to Kissimmee Lakefront Park, located at 201 Lakeview Drive, for an afternoon filled with cookie decorating, photos with Santa, and a snow play area. The parade will kick off at 7:30 p.m., adding a spectacular end to a day of festive fun. 

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Celebration Town Center 

Celebrate the season in Celebration Town Center with nightly “snowfall” on the hour at from 6 to 9 p.m. November 30 to December 31. This charming community, originally developed by the Walt Disney Company, embodies small-town America with its picturesque picket fences and classic architecture, while offering a modern mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment.  

Stroll the brick-lined streets, explore vibrant restaurants and boutiques, and enjoy the festive atmosphere as homes and businesses deck out for the holidays. Whether you’re shopping, cycling along the lakefront promenade, or simply soaking in the holiday spirit, Celebration Town Center is the perfect destination for a memorable holiday outing. 

In addition to the everyday fun at Now Snowing Nightly, the event will feature a special Holiday themed Art Festival (Celebration Art Walk) from 5 to 9:30 p.m. December 14.

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Old Town Kissimmee

Ring in the New Year with Old Town Kissimmee’s signature New Year’s Eve celebration. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with live entertainment, unique activities, and community spirit unique to Kissimmee. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of the New Year in a lively and fun setting. 

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Universal CityWalk 

CityWalk offers a festive array of seasonal delights, from specialty doughnuts to holiday cocktails. It’s a great spot for nightlife and provides the perfect complement to your theme park visit to Universal Orlando Resort. Indulge in unique treats and festive beverages that capture the spirit of the season. 

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Downtown St. Cloud 

Experience the festive charm of St. Cloud Main Street this holiday season with a series of exciting events. Start with Shop Small Saturday on November 30, supporting local businesses and enjoying unique finds. On December 6, gather for the Annual Tree Lighting to kick off the holiday season. The festivities continue with the Annual Christmas Parade on December 7, followed by the Annual Holiday Craft Festival on December 7-8, showcasing local artisans and holiday crafts. Ring in the New Year with style at the Rockin’ the Cloud New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, featuring live music and a vibrant atmosphere to close out the year. 

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Disney Springs® 

Disney Springs® is the place to be for festive fun and holiday shopping this season. Enjoy the Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth, where you can marvel at beautifully decorated trees throughout the area. It’s also a great spot for picking up unique gifts and holiday treats. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Santa Claus and capture a special photo with him, adding a magical touch to your holiday experience. 

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Promenade at Sunset Walk

Get ready for a jolly good time at the Holinights Holiday Celebration at Promenade at Sunset Walk! Santa’s in the house, along with his mischievous elves, towering toy soldiers, and the nightly spectacle of our 45’ Animated Holinights Tree lighting up at 6:30 p.m. Don’t miss the chance to hop on “The Pearl Express” Miniature Steam Engine Train for a charming ride around the Promenade, departing from the “North Pole Roundabout.” With live music, craft markets, car shows, and more than 30 unique spots to eat, shop, and play, there’s something for everyone — plus it’s all free! Grab the family, bring your holiday spirit, and let the fun begin. Public welcome — free admission and free parking.

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ICON Park

Step into Santa’s Workshop at The Orlando Eye Sky Lounge for a magical photo session with Santa, followed by a breathtaking 400-foot ride on The Orlando Eye. Book your session and enjoy discounts on Merlin attractions.

Experience a snowy holiday on The Lawn during December with snow machines and performances by the Charles Dickens Carolers every weekend.

Dive into the holiday spirit at SEA LIFE Orlando with festive underwater displays, Scuba Claus, and holiday-themed activities.

Warm up at Helena Modern Riviera’s Après-Ski Social Club with seasonal cocktails, comfort food, and fun theme nights through Jan. 15.

Join Frostbite’s Winter Wonderland Adventure at the Museum of Illusions from Nov. 22 – Jan. 31 for an immersive holiday scavenger hunt.

ICON Park’s holiday happenings offer something for everyone — don’t miss out!

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