Experience the magic of the holiday season in Orlando, FL, with a variety of festive events perfect for both locals and visitors. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party turns Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland with dazzling lights and festive treats, while Universal's Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's brings towering balloons and character-filled floats to life. At SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, enjoy marine-themed holiday shows and stroll through the shimmering Sea of Trees.
Whether you're captivated by ice sculptures at ICE! at Gaylord Palms or enjoying the global traditions at Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, Orlando offers something for everyone. From outdoor ice skating to enchanting light displays, there's no shortage of holiday cheer to be found in this vibrant city.
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The Top Christmas Events in Orlando
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
- Universal's Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's
- SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration
- Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
- Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail
- The Nutcracker by Orlando Ballet
- A Very Merry Christmas at ICON Park
- Light Up UCF
- Winter Wonderland at Harry P. Leu Gardens
- Festival of Trees
Orlando Holiday Light Displays
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail
What to Expect:
Collection of Disney-themed Christmas trees
Description:
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail showcases a forest of elaborately decorated trees. Each tree is uniquely themed to a Disney film, character, or attraction. The trail winds through the shopping and dining district, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors. Disney Springs, formerly known as Downtown Disney, underwent a massive renovation and rebranding in 2015. Guests can admire the intricate details on each tree, spotting hidden Mickeys and nods to beloved Disney stories.
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Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail
A Very Merry Christmas at ICON Park
What to Expect:
Holiday celebrations centered around The Wheel at ICON Park
Description:
A Very Merry Christmas at ICON Park revolves around the 400-foot observation wheel. The Wheel transforms into a twinkling Christmas tree, visible for miles around Orlando. ICON Park, which opened in 2015, has quickly become a landmark on International Drive. Visitors can take a ride on The Wheel to see Orlando's holiday lights from above, offering a unique perspective of the city's festive decorations.
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A Very Merry Christmas at ICON Park
Light Up UCF
What to Expect:
Holiday festivities on a university campus
Description:
Light Up UCF transforms the University of Central Florida campus into a holiday destination. The event features Central Florida's largest outdoor ice rink, defying the state's warm climate. UCF, founded in 1963, is one of the largest universities in the United States by enrollment. Guests can enjoy a holiday light show projected onto the façade of the CFE Arena, creating a dazzling display of color and movement.
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Winter Wonderland at Harry P. Leu Gardens
What to Expect:
Holiday light display in a botanical garden setting
Description:
Winter Wonderland at Harry P. Leu Gardens illuminates the 50-acre botanical oasis. Twinkling lights transform the gardens into a nighttime spectacle, with themed areas throughout the property. The gardens, donated to the City of Orlando in 1961 by Harry P. Leu, showcase plants from around the world. Visitors can follow a marked trail through the gardens, discovering holiday vignettes and light sculptures nestled among the exotic plants and historic buildings.
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Winter Wonderland at Harry P. Leu Gardens
Orlando Holiday Markets and Shopping
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Showcase of designer-decorated trees and holiday decor
Description:
Festival of Trees showcases hundreds of professionally decorated trees and wreaths. This annual event, benefiting the Orlando Museum of Art, transforms the museum into a holiday decorator's dream. The Orlando Museum of Art, founded in 1924, is one of Florida's oldest cultural institutions. Guests can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win their favorite decorated tree, with proceeds supporting the museum's educational programs and exhibitions.
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Orlando Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
What to Expect:
Exclusive after-hours access to Magic Kingdom with special holiday entertainment
Description:
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party transforms Magic Kingdom into a winter spectacle. This exclusive after-hours event features rare character meet-and-greets, including Santa Claus himself. Guests can indulge in complimentary cookies and hot cocoa while exploring the park. The event's history dates back to 1983, making it one of Disney World's longest-running holiday traditions. You'll witness Cinderella Castle adorned with shimmering icicle lights, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the evening's festivities.
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Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Universal's Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's
What to Expect:
Collaboration between Universal and Macy's bringing iconic balloons to Orlando
Description:
Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's brings New York City's iconic tradition to Orlando. Towering balloons and elaborate floats fill the streets of Universal Studios Florida. This unique collaboration showcases characters from popular Universal franchises alongside Macy's signature balloon designs. The parade's roots trace back to the 1924 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Visitors can secure a prime viewing spot along the parade route to catch a glimpse of their favorite characters soaring overhead.
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Universal's Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
What to Expect:
Celebration of holiday traditions from around the world
Description:
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays celebrates global yuletide traditions. The World Showcase pavilions come alive with storytellers sharing holiday customs from their respective countries. Visitors can sample seasonal cuisine from around the world at Holiday Kitchens scattered throughout the park. EPCOT, which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, opened in 1982 as a celebration of human achievement. You'll encounter the sights and sounds of international holiday celebrations, from the Chinese Lion Dance to the Mexican posada.
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Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
The Nutcracker by Orlando Ballet
What to Expect:
Local production of the classic ballet with Orlando flair
Description:
The Orlando Ballet's production of The Nutcracker brings Tchaikovsky's classic to life with a local twist. This annual performance features stunning choreography and elaborate costumes set against the backdrop of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The Orlando Ballet, founded in 1974, has been performing The Nutcracker for over four decades. Audiences are transported to a world of dancing snowflakes and sugar plum fairies as the familiar melodies fill the theater.
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The Nutcracker by Orlando Ballet
Orlando Other Holiday Activities
SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Holiday festivities with a marine life theme
Description:
SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration infuses holiday cheer with marine life education. The park's iconic Shamu Stadium hosts a special Christmas-themed killer whale show. Guests can stroll through the Sea of Trees, where hundreds of trees shimmer with choreographed lights reflected on the park's central lagoon. SeaWorld Orlando opened in 1973, combining marine zoological park features with rides and shows. Visitors can meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends in a specially themed area of the park.
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SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration
Santa's Workshop at the Orlando Science Center
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed science activities and exhibits
Description:
Santa's Workshop at the Orlando Science Center blends holiday fun with scientific discovery. Interactive exhibits demonstrate the science behind holiday traditions and winter phenomena. The Orlando Science Center, which opened in its current location in 1997, aims to inspire science learning for life. Young visitors can engage in hands-on experiments, such as creating "snow" using polymers or exploring the physics of toy making, bringing a scientific twist to holiday activities.
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Santa's Workshop at the Orlando Science Center
Nearby Events
ICE! at Gaylord Palms (Kissimmee)
What to Expect:
Walk-through ice sculpture exhibit kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit
Description:
ICE! at Gaylord Palms plunges visitors into a 9-degree Fahrenheit winter wonderland. Master ice carvers from Harbin, China, create intricate sculptures using two million pounds of ice. The event's theme changes annually, featuring different stories or characters. Gaylord Palms Resort opened in 2002, bringing a taste of Florida's diverse environments under one roof. Guests can slide down ice slides carved from crystal-clear ice, a unique experience in Florida's typically warm climate.
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Now Snowing in Celebration (Celebration)
What to Expect:
Nightly snowfall in a Florida town
Description:
Now Snowing in Celebration brings a touch of winter to the Sunshine State. This month-long winter event features nightly snowfall on Market Street, a rare sight in Florida. Celebration, a master-planned community, was originally developed by The Walt Disney Company in the mid-1990s. Guests can ice skate on an outdoor rink, a novelty in Central Florida's warm climate, while surrounded by twinkling lights and holiday decorations.
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Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales)
What to Expect:
Holiday events in a historic garden setting
Description:
Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens combines natural beauty with holiday cheer. The 205-foot Singing Tower carillon performs special holiday concerts throughout the season. Bok Tower Gardens, dedicated in 1929, was created as a bird sanctuary and is now a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can stroll through the Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate, a 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion decorated for the season, offering a glimpse into Florida's past.
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Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens
Cracker Christmas at Fort Christmas Historical Park (Christmas)
What to Expect:
Old Florida-style Christmas celebration
Description:
Cracker Christmas at Fort Christmas Historical Park revives 19th-century holiday traditions. This event features demonstrations of pioneer skills, from blacksmithing to sugar cane grinding. Fort Christmas, built in 1837 during the Second Seminole War, now serves as a historical park. Visitors can experience an authentic Florida Cracker Christmas, complete with traditional crafts, music, and food that hark back to the state's pioneer days.
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Cracker Christmas at Fort Christmas Historical Park