Orlando shines year-round, but the holiday season brings an extra layer of magic. With festive lights, outdoor celebrations and family-friendly activities across Central Florida, there’s no shortage of ways to make your holidays magical.
Whether you’re a local looking to embrace the season or a visitor escaping the winter chill, there are plenty of Orlando attractions and events to celebrate. From festive fun to family events, here are some of the top things to do in Orlando for the holiday season to help you make the most of this magical time of year in Central Florida.
Orlando is home to some of the best theme parks in the world, and the parks become even more magical during the holiday season. There are many Orlando attractions to visit during this time of the year to make the holidays even more special.
Disney is already known as the most magical place on Earth, but this magic is truly brought to life during the holiday season. The parks are decked out with holiday décor, and some of your favorite attractions are brought to life with holiday cheer. You can also enjoy your favorite rides and meet different characters dressed in their holiday attire. For more information on what Disney has to offer during the holidays, click here.
Universal is known for its movie-based attractions, and during the holidays, guests can embrace both the naughty and nice elements of the season. Take on “Grinchmas” and meet the Whos and the Grinch and enjoy the holiday parade featuring Macy’s. For more information on what Universal has to offer during the holidays, click here.
Dive into the holiday celebrations at SeaWorld as the park is transformed with millions of Christmas lights and plenty of holiday cheer. SeaWorld offers holiday shows including O Wonderous Night, Winter Wonderland on Ice and Sea of Trees, as well as festive fun with Sesame Street friends and more. For more information on the holiday festivities going on at SeaWorld, click here.
While theme parks often steal the spotlight in Central Florida, there’s an entire side of the Orlando-area filled with experiences waiting to be discovered. From local celebrations to unique seasonal activities, there are plenty of Orlando activities to get into the holiday spirit without ever stepping foot in a park.
During the holiday season, Gaylord Palms transforms into a winter wonderland with activities for the whole family. The main event is the ICE! attraction where guests can walk through a themed experience filled with 2 million pounds of ice, including larger-than-life sculptures. After, slide down the frozen slides or go through the ice tunnel. This year’s theme is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. For more information click here.
Are you looking for a true Florida Christmas? Wekiva Island is the place to go. Enter this Winter Wonderland filled with snow flurries, festive characters, Santa’s Workshop and dazzling trees. Wekiva Island also has a calendar full of special events, including a holiday market, ornament decorating with elves, outdoor movies and more. Check out the event schedule and get in on all of the holiday fun.
The Crayola Experience offers a colorful Christmas during the holiday season, perfect if you’re looking for things to do in Orlando with kids. Enjoy the holiday fun at Crayola with handmade gifts, a painting snowman, a singing light show and more. For more information on attractions and tickets, click here.
Of course, at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, we’re hosting one of Central Florida’s most beloved holiday traditions—Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. This favorite event returns for another year with all-new lanterns and displays. During the festival, guests will step into a magical world of ocean-inspired landscapes and mythical creatures as they stroll the 3/4-mile loop around the Zoo illuminated with handcrafted, larger-than-life lanterns. It’s truly dazzling!
The event is held on select nights from November 14 to January 18, and tickets are so affordable that families can come again and again—and trust us, you’ll want to. If you are looking for something to do this holiday season, this is a great option to explore! Click here for more information.
The holidays can get pricey, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the fun. There are so many activities in Orlando that won’t break the bank. Many nearby cities—including our home of Sanford!—have their own smaller celebrations, so these are a great way to stop by and soak up the community spirit.
SoDo is hosting a fun-filled holiday experience that includes a holiday market, Santa and Mrs. Claus, food trucks, vendors, face painting and more. With so many options to explore, everyone in the family is bound to get into the holiday spirit. Click here for more information.
For more than 70 years, Winter Park has held its Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade, which makes it the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida. This parade is made up of more than 80 organizations, marching bands and the one and only Santa Claus. Click here for more information.
Every December, Lake Nona turns into a winter wonderland with things to do for the whole family. Get into the holiday spirit with live acrobatic shows, snow-themed performances and Santa’s Cottage Experience. For more information and a calendar of events, click here.
All December long, Downtown Orlando is offering free events. With a Merry Market to explore and Santa to meet, Downtown Orlando is the place to be this holiday season without breaking the bank. For more information on events, click here.
The options for things to do in Orlando this holiday season are nearly endless, and the magic is undeniable. Whether it’s a local holiday event, a trip to the theme parks or a visit to the spectacular Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild at the Central Florida Zoo, there is fun for everyone.
We sure hope to see you this season at the Zoo!
