Discover the festive wonders of Kissimmee with our detailed guide. This holiday season, immerse yourself in a world of dazzling lights, cheerful music, and magical experiences.
One must-visit event is ICE! At Gaylord Palms, where intricately carved ice sculptures bring winter wonderland scenes to life. Marvel at the dancing lights and synchronized music at the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. And definitely, don't forget Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for a magical evening of parades and fireworks at the happiest place on earth. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Kissimmee
- ICE! At Gaylord Palms
- Kissimmee Festival of Lights Parade
- Give Kids the World’s Night of a Million Lights
Kissimmee Holiday Light Displays
Kissimmee Festival of Lights Parade
What to Expect:
Illuminated floats on Lake Tohopekaliga
Description:
The Kissimmee Festival of Lights Parade illuminates Lake Tohopekaliga with a procession of dazzling floats. This unique aquatic parade features boats adorned with thousands of lights, reflecting off the water for a stunning visual effect. The event celebrates Kissimmee's connection to its waterways, a vital part of the area's history and culture. You can enjoy the spectacle from the lakefront, listening to holiday music as the boats glide by. The parade has been a community tradition since 1999, growing from a small local event to a major holiday attraction.
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Kissimmee Festival of Lights Parade
Kissimmee Holiday Giving Opportunities
Give Kids the World’s Night of a Million Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive light display at a nonprofit resort
Description:
Give Kids the World's Night of a Million Lights illuminates an 89-acre nonprofit resort village. This spectacular display features millions of lights donated by Walt Disney World, creating a dazzling walkthrough experience. The event supports Give Kids the World Village, which provides cost-free vacations to critically ill children and their families. You can explore themed areas, each showcasing elaborate light sculptures and displays. The village itself has a rich history, founded in 1986 by Holocaust survivor Henri Landwirth. Night of a Million Lights not only spreads holiday cheer but also raises awareness for an important cause.
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Give Kids the World’s Night of a Million Lights
Kissimmee Other Holiday Activities
ICE! At Gaylord Palms
What to Expect:
Hand-carved ice sculptures
Description:
ICE! at Gaylord Palms showcases breathtaking hand-carved ice sculptures in a frosty 9-degree environment. Master ice carvers from Harbin, China, renowned for their ice festival, create these stunning works of art. Bundle up in the provided parkas as you explore this frozen world. You can whoosh down ice slides, marveling at the skill required to craft such intricate designs. The event uses over two million pounds of ice, a feat of engineering in Florida's warm climate. ICE! at Gaylord Palms has been dazzling visitors since 2003, evolving into a must-see holiday attraction.
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Nearby Events
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Orlando)
What to Expect:
Disney characters in holiday attire
Description:
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party transforms the Magic Kingdom into a winter spectacle. Disney characters don their finest holiday attire, creating unforgettable photo opportunities. Savor the aroma of freshly baked cookies as you stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. The event pays homage to Walt Disney's love for the holiday season, evident in the meticulous decorations. You can join in the jolly "Once Upon a Christmastime Parade," featuring toy soldiers and reindeer. This exclusive after-hours celebration has been delighting guests since 1983, becoming a cherished tradition for many families.
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Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (Orlando)
What to Expect:
Synchronized lights to holiday music
Description:
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights illuminates Disney's Hollywood Studios with millions of twinkling bulbs. This dazzling display synchronizes with beloved holiday tunes, creating a symphony of light and sound. The tradition began with an Arkansas family's home display in 1986 before finding its way to Disney World. You can spot hidden Mickeys among the elaborate light arrangements. The event honors the spirit of sharing joy, as the Osborne family did with their neighborhood. Witness snowfall on the Streets of America, a rare sight in Florida, adding to the event's charm.
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Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (Orlando)
What to Expect:
Global holiday traditions showcase
Description:
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays celebrates diverse cultural traditions from around the world. Each country in the World Showcase presents unique holiday customs, offering a global perspective on the season. Taste international holiday treats as you explore the pavilions. The event features the Candlelight Processional, a retelling of the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator and mass choir. This festival embodies Walt Disney's vision of fostering cultural understanding. You can collect stamps in a special passport as you learn about different holiday traditions.
Website:
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Universal Orlando’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy's (Orlando)
What to Expect:
Macy's-style balloons in a theme park setting
Description:
Universal Orlando's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's brings the iconic New York tradition to Florida. Enormous balloons and elaborate floats wind through the park, creating a unique fusion of theme park excitement and holiday cheer. The parade showcases characters from popular Universal franchises in holiday attire. You can wave to Santa as he lights the park's towering Christmas tree. This collaboration between Universal and Macy's began in 2017, blending two beloved entertainment brands. The event captures the spirit of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in an intimate theme park setting.
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Universal Orlando’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy's
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration (Orlando)
What to Expect:
Holiday shows with marine animals
Description:
SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration combines marine life with holiday cheer. The park's resident animals star in special seasonal shows, offering a unique twist on traditional holiday entertainment. Witness Shamu's Christmas Miracles, where killer whales perform to holiday music. You can meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his friends in a special area of the park. The celebration emphasizes marine conservation, educating visitors about protecting sea life during the giving season. SeaWorld has been hosting this event since 1988, evolving it into a beloved Orlando tradition.
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SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
Now Snowing (Celebration)
What to Expect:
Nightly snowfall in Florida
Description:
Now Snowing in Celebration brings a touch of winter to the Sunshine State. This month-long winter wonderland features nightly snowfall, a rare sight in Florida. The event takes place in the picturesque town of Celebration, originally developed by the Walt Disney Company. You can ice skate on a synthetic rink, enjoying a quintessential winter activity in a warm climate. The charming atmosphere harkens back to classic small-town Christmases, with carolers and horse-drawn carriage rides. Now Snowing has been delighting visitors since 1999, becoming a cherished local tradition.
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Tree Lighting Ceremony at Lake Eola Park (Orlando)
What to Expect:
72-foot Christmas tree in an urban park
Description:
The Tree Lighting Ceremony at Lake Eola Park transforms downtown Orlando into a holiday haven. A towering 72-foot Christmas tree takes center stage, adorned with thousands of lights and ornaments. The event kicks off the holiday season in Orlando, drawing residents and visitors alike. You can enjoy live performances by local choirs and dance groups during the ceremony. Lake Eola Park, with its iconic fountain, has been a central gathering place for Orlando since the late 19th century. The tree lighting tradition strengthens community bonds and creates lasting memories for families.
Website:
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Lake Eola Park
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops (Orlando)
What to Expect:
Free photos with Santa in an outdoor-themed setting
Description:
Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops brings a rustic, outdoor-themed Christmas experience to Orlando. This free event offers photos with Santa in a setting that celebrates nature and wildlife. The decor features animatronic animals, creating a unique blend of holiday cheer and outdoor adventure. You can participate in holiday crafts and games, perfect for keeping little ones entertained. Bass Pro Shops has been hosting this event nationwide since 2008, making it a beloved tradition for many families. The wonderland reflects the company's commitment to outdoor recreation and family-friendly experiences.
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Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Cracker Christmas (Christmas)
What to Expect:
19th-century Florida Christmas reenactment
Description:
Cracker Christmas in Christmas, Florida, transports visitors to a 19th-century pioneer celebration. This living history event recreates the holiday traditions of Florida's early settlers, known as "crackers." Experience the sights and sounds of a rustic Christmas, complete with period-accurate decorations and activities. You can try your hand at traditional crafts like candle-making or blacksmithing. The event takes place at Fort Christmas Historical Park, built on the site of a Seminole War-era fort. Cracker Christmas has been educating and entertaining visitors about Florida's pioneer heritage since 1979.