Orlando is unwrapping a full lineup of holiday celebrations for visitors to deck the halls in all of Orlando’s theme parks and enjoy festive celebrations beyond the parks.
At Walt Disney World, enjoy Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party select nights through Dec. 22 at Magic Kingdom Park with “Minnie’s Wonder Christmastime Fireworks,” “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” complimentary cookies, hot cocoa and more.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays features a global holiday celebration with a candlelight processional, costumed performances, along with sights, sounds and flavors of the season celebrated by cultures near and far through Dec. 30.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom brings a holiday twist to nature’s magic with festive flotillas featuring holiday percussionists and Santa sailing down the Discovery River. As nighttime falls, enjoy a holiday edition of the Tree of Life Awakening with a heartwarming musical score.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios dine with Minnie and friends at Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine or enjoy a holiday finale featuring Olaf during the “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.”
Over at Universal Orlando Resort, enjoy Grinchmas™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Seuss Landing with The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular, a live retelling of the classic tale. The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast will return this year, on select dates through Dec. 29.
Muggles and Wizards can delight in Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ in both Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. Once night falls in Hogsmeade, revel in a spectacular holiday projection upon Hogwarts during “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.”
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s features “Despicable Me,” “Shrek” and “Madagascar” characters – along with larger-than-life floats, performers and Santa – and iconic seasonal sounds from Mannheim Steamroller on select dates Dec. 3-11.
During SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, SeaWorld Orlando transforms into a winter wonderland on select dates through Jan. 3. Festivities include live performances, seasonal food, Sesame Street Christmas Breakfast and Dinner with Santa.
Beyond the theme parks, enjoy Christmas Nights in Lights, an immersive drive-thru light show experience synchronized to holiday classics at Dezerland Park through Jan. 1.
Gatorland’s Holiday Ho Ho-Down is a family friendly event with live music, festive food, holiday displays with interactive characters like Gator Claus, Merry Elves and more from Dec. 3-18.
Island H20 Water Park hosts Night of a Million Lights featuring luminous light displays and family entertainment for a fully immersive experience through Jan. 1. Proceeds benefit Give Kids The World Village, a nonprofit resort providing critically ill children and their families a magical week-long vacation.
Harry P. Leu Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland featuring a million lights, shining forests, magical displays and more during “Dazzling Nights” though Jan. 1.
Crayola Experience’s Colorful Christmas includes a life-sized snow globe, complete with falling snow, a musical light show and more colorful fun through Jan. 3.
Information on Orlando’s holiday happenings can be found on VisitOrlando.com, the destination’s official visitor information source. Visitors can also make appointments for complimentary Vacation Planning Services to build a personalized Orlando itinerary.