Are you wondering what your options are for holiday festivities in Orlando? We’ve got you covered!
Celebrate this holiday season with this list of events, parades and so much more at little to no cost!
Treat family and friends with activities that will leave them craving more in what is undoubtedly the most joyous time of the year!
Disney Very Merriest After Hours
(Select nights, November 8th – December 21st, 2021)
At Walt Disney World Resort, treat your family to a one-of-a-kind experience at Magic Kingdom Park. Check out Santa, Olaf, and some of your favorite Disney friends during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Not only will you enjoy shorter wait times on over 20 attractions — but there’s also a sleigh full of character moments, magical “snowfalls” and a variety of mouth-watering free treats.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
(Daily, November 26th – December 30th, 2021)
Savor treasured recipes from around the world at Holiday Kitchens throughout the park, and journey on a sweet Holiday Cookie Stroll to enhance your experience.
During your tour around the world, you’ll also discover performers dressed for the season bringing time-honored traditions to life. The beloved “Candlelight Processional” will once again grace the America Gardens Theatre with a live orchestra, cast choir and celebrity narrator retelling the traditional Christmas story in spectacular and heartwarming fashion.
This blissful celebration is included with admission to EPCOT, with food and beverages being available for purchase.
Holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
(November 12th – December 30th, 2021)
At this incredible event, festive decor, and decked-out flotillas with some of your favorite Disney Characters (and Santa) await. When the evening comes, Beacons of Magic and Holiday Awakenings will alternate on the Tree of Life, complemented by familiar and heartwarming holiday music.
Meanwhile, at Disney’s Hollywood studios, get ready to be swept up in Yuletide adventures like Sunset Seasons Greetings on The Hollywood Tower Hotel. Boasting amazing effects, this experience also includes songs and cheer brought to you through on-screen appearances by Mickey, Minnie, Olaf, and friends.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration!
SeaWorld Orlando transforms into a winter wonderland glittering with holiday cheer, excitement and over 3 million beautiful lights. Experience award-winning entertainment like the showstopping ice-skating extravaganza, Winter Wonderland on Ice. Plus, you can meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or head to Wild Arctic® and pay a visit to Santa yourself. Create exceptional holiday memories with a magical Christmas celebration you can only find at SeaWorld, all included with park admission!
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
(November 13th, 2021 – January 2nd, 2022)
Look no further for a Merry Holiday Celebration than at the Universal Orlando Resort! At The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Hogwarts Castle lights up for the holidays and festive decor brightens up the streets of Hogsmeade™ and Diagon Alley™. The Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees also put a cheery holiday spin on their performances.
Larger-than-life balloons float through the streets of Universal Studios Florida in Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, along with appearances by the Minions from Illumination’s Despicable Me and some of your favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar films.
From breathtaking hotels to Universal CityWalk to thrill-packed theme parks, it’s one of the greatest, flashiest, most amazing celebrations of the season. And it’s only at Universal Orlando Resort!
Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
(November 26th, 2021 – December 31st, 2021)
You can count on this time of year to feature a huge LEGO Christmas Tree, mind-blowing seasonal shows, holiday characters, special treats, LEGO activities, twinkling lights and more during the holidays at LEGOLAND! Plus, as an extra special gift, this awesome event is included in general admission!
Holiday Events in Orlando!
The theme parks are not the only places you can count on for holiday cheer, check out some of these jolly events that are happening all over town that all ages can enjoy!
Santa Photos at the Mall at Millenia
(November 10th, 2021 – December 24th, 2021)
The magic of taking holiday photos with Santa is back at The Mall at Millenia. Snap a memorable holiday photo within a safe setting for you, your family, Santa, and his helpers.
Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park
(November 5th, 2021 – December 24th, 2021)
At the renowned ICON Park on International Drive, the Santa Workshop Experience is a Christmas photo session like no other. Continuing a tradition that started in 2002, this ticketed attraction includes a free train ride from the complimentary parking garage to Santa’s Workshop (plus free valet parking after 4 p.m.), unlimited cellphone and video use with your advance reservation, a free ride on The Wheel in a private holiday capsule, 50% off admission to The Wheel for additional riders, and holiday beverages and treat offerings.
Night of a Million Lights at Give Kids the World Village
(November 12th, 2021 – January 2nd, 2022)
Enjoy a dancing light show in a fairytale neighborhood, wander amidst millions of lights and a sparkling tree trail, enjoy festive music and holiday treats, and so much more while create unforgettable memories at the place where happiness inspires hope.
Minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, Give Kids the World Village is an 89-acre, imaginative, non-profit resort that provides critically ill children and their families from around the world with magical, weeklong wish vacations at no cost.
Downtown for the Holidays
(November 12th, 2021 – January 6th, 2022)
Experience the sights and sounds of the season when visiting Downtown for the Holidays. Throughout the entire month of December, downtown Orlando is offering free holiday events for all to enjoy. Features include dazzling holiday decor and lights around Lake Eola Park, holiday films, holiday shopping, and much more!
Dazzling Nights 2021
(Nightly, November 19th, 2021 – January 9th, 2022)
Harry P. Leu Gardens will transform into a stunning winter wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music, and beautiful sculptures during this event — a family-friendly adventure from Creative City Project that gives guests the opportunity to embark on a remarkable, three-quarter mile, interactive holiday experience.
Leu Gardens is minutes from downtown Orlando in the Audubon Park Garden District.
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience
(November 20th, 2021 – January 3rd, 2021)
At this holiday experience, meet animatronic Christmas characters and listen to them tell stories as you solve their riddles. Then, dive into a life-sized snow globe, watch a light show starring Scarlet and her singing reindeer friends, and craft unique gifts from the heart. It’s a splendid fun time with so much to do!
Oh, What Fun!
(November 21st, 2021 – January 2nd, 2022)
Held in Lake Nona close to Orlando International Airport, this is a delightful, open-air winter wonderland with incredible decorations, festive treats, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, nightly snowfalls, and hourly live entertainment guaranteed to spread holiday cheer.
A Christmas Carol
(Select dates, December 1st, 2021 – December 24th, 2021)
Featuring your favorite carols and awe-inspiring special effects, the Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s magical rendition of A Christmas Carol tells the iconic tale of one man’s chance to change for the better. Witness the Christmas magic and create a tradition for the whole family!
Orlando Shakes is in Loch Haven Cultural Park close to downtown Orlando’s core.
Clara’s Christmas Adventure
(December 21st, 2021)
At the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, suspend disbelief as Clara’s Christmas Adventure transports you to a dazzling winter wonderland with a snowfall on stage in this new, full-length production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker.
Whew! As you can see, there are TONS available to do throughout Orlando during the holiday season, what are some of the activities that caught your eye? Will you be attending any?
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