Where Locals and Visitors Celebrate Holidays in Orlando
**This post is updated for 2025 as new information is received. Bookmark it for future reference as updates are added. As always please verify information with the business prior to booking in case of any changes we may not be aware of.
Locals and visitors alike can have their sense of wonder and merriment sparked with holiday festivities of every kind around Orlando. It’s not just the theme parks, although they do go all out this time of year to wow kids and kids at heart.
Orlando is ranked as the best winter family vacation spot among destinations across the globe by U.S. News & World Report as well as one of the top warm-weather destination for winter travel by Wallethub. I’m lucky to live here and share my favorite Holiday and Christmas celebrations in Orlando.
If you like hands-on fun, try decorating your very own gingerbread house. Take in a holiday movie at a local park or let out your best ‘ooohs’ and ‘aahs’ over dazzling holiday-themed firework displays, incredible parades, and even a pyrotechnic-enhanced Nutcracker performance.
Orlando pulls out all the stops for the most magical yuletide possible, including cheerful hotel packages and unforgettable holiday events to warm the soul, through New Year’s Day.
Theme Parks Fun!
Walt Disney World® Resort
All four of Disney’s Orlando theme parks have special holiday events to enjoy.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom®: On select nights, Disney’s Magic Kingdom hosts an all-ages, separate-ticketed event that will put everyone in the holiday spirit. It’s a dance party fueled by sugar – from cookies and hot chocolate, to snow cones and eggnog. Cinderella Castle dazzles in white lights, snow falls magically on Main Street, the Frozen show has everyone oohing and aahing as we can’t Let it Go! Live entertainment, fireworks, and a spectacular holiday parade are all in store. Event dates: November 7 – December 21, 2025
- Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays: All guests can enjoy this celebration of holidays around the world, included with regular admission. Eat and drink your way around World Showcase at various Holiday Kitchens serving seasonal dishes and lots of sweets. The Candlelight Processional, fireworks show, and live musical performances are also not to be missed. On select nights during the Festival of the Holidays, you can also opt for the Candlelight Processional Dining Package, which includes reserved seating at the Candlelight Processional show and a three-course meal. Event dates: November 28 – December 30, 2025
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios®: If you think this park is a bit ho-hum after (my favorite) Osborne Family of Lights show retired years ago, think again. This park includes a flurry of fun with regular admission. The stars of ABC’s Prep & Landing lead the merrymaking in Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, which features fireworks, music, and incredible projections. Sunset Boulevard also becomes a winter wonderland courtesy of Sunset Seasons Greetings. At Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along, you can join Jack Skellington on a musical adventure at Hyperion Theater. For an additional cost, attend Disney’s Jollywood Nights, a 5-hour event on select nights from November 8 to December 22, 2025!
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom®: Celebrate Diwali, India’s famous Festival of Lights, courtesy of a special edition of UP! A Great Bird Adventure.
Universal Orlando®Resort
We all know Harry Potter is the main attraction at Universal Orlando Resort, and rightfully so, because Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ is spectacular! This magical party gives a holiday makeover to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida™ and Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure™, which together comprise The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Included with regular admission, Wizards and Muggles alike can watch in awe as Hogwarts Castle is illuminated with dazzling projections, savor seasonal treats and drinks (hot Butterbeer is MUST DRINK!), while listening to the famed Frog Choir and the wizarding world’s famous “Singing Sorceress” Celestina Warbeck and other live performances.
But let’s not forget about The Grinch! The furry green guy is not to be missed either at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The “mean one” himself takes over Seuss Landing for The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, complete with a live, musical stage show and the chance to meet The Grinch. It’s complemented by The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, which requires reservations and regular park admission.
Join Santa Claus, the Minions and other beloved characters for Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s, which is included with regular admission at Universal Studios Florida. Also included are live performances by Mannheim Steamroller, who will perform their best-selling holiday hits on select days.
SeaWorld® Orlando
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, features the joyous Sea of Trees, special shows, seasonal food, drinks and merchandise at the lakeside Christmas market. Included with regular admission to SeaWorld Orlando. Kids can meet Santa Claus and characters from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. For an additional cost, the whole family can dine with Santa at Shamu Stadium and get reserved seating for the Winter Wonderland on Ice live show.
Christmas Celebrations Throughout Orlando’s Neighborhoods
Orlando is more than theme parks. Just make your way around town into all the unique and distinctive neighborhoods and main districts and you’ll find plenty of holiday cheer.
- Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens: Gorgeous and historical, Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, about an hour south of downtown Orlando, offers an annual Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate. Other festivities include carillon concerts, garden tours and poinsettia displays.
- Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show: Taking place nightly at Lake Eola Park’s Walt Disney Amphitheater in downtown Orlando, marvel at a 72-foot Christmas tree that comes alive with synchronized light and music while the Lake Eola fountain displays seasonal lights. The event will kick off with an official tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 5th.
- College Park’s Holiday on the Drive: On December 4th, 2025, the family-friendly event features a visit from Santa Claus, an artisan vendor village to shop for unique holiday gifts, music, entertainment, local shops, and restaurants open to enjoy.
- Light Up the Holidays: Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, about 20 minutes north of downtown Orlando, kicks off the holiday season with this free event. Enjoy train rides, holiday performances and an evening fireworks display.
- Town of Celebration’s Now Snowing: Hosted by the town of Celebration, just minutes from Walt Disney World and based on a concept from Walt Disney himself, this event features nightly faux snow, train and carriage rides, seasonal entertainment, and photo opportunities with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Free admission. November 29 – December 31st ,2025.
- Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker: the cherished tradition returns — bigger, bolder and more magical than ever to Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, from December 5th – 24th, 2025. Step into a world of holiday magic with breathtaking battles, sparkling snowfalls, and larger-than-life sets in this unforgettable celebration of the season. Enjoy family-friendly showtimes and pre-show children’s activities during select performances all December long. For an even more magical experience, combine your show experience with The Nutcracker Holiday Afternoon Tea at ette Hotel.
Holiday Fun at Orlando Resorts
Orlando’s resorts go all out during the holidays with festive decorations, events and specialty dining!
- Check out my recommendations of top Hotels for Christmas Dining. You’ll find lavish brunch buffets, fancy multi-course dinners and more to please the whole family.
- ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™: The Gaylord Palm Resort & Convention Center’s annual holiday celebration will feature more than 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice transformed into a dazzling, immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels.
- The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes Resort offers an extraordinary lineup of festive experiences. Skate at the only resort ice skating rink in town, plus warm up at cozy fire pits, stroll through a charming Winter Wonderland Market, experience beloved traditions come to life at Santa’s Teddy Bear Tea, and take in a Holiday magic show presented by acclaimed magician and America’s Got Talent finalist, Drew Thomas. Plus, the Gingerbread School is not to be missed! Join the Pastry Team and build your own gingerbread house. Select dates. Reservations are required. For more info, click here.
If you’re planning for New Year’s Eve, click here for The Most Festive New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Orlando!
I wish you a most wonderful holiday season in Orlando! Go #MakeSomedayHappen and celebrate one delicious bite, sip, and trip at a time!
Cheers!
Go Epicurista
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