The holidays are a special time of year to celebrate and make memories with friends and family. Get into the spirit of the season with these holiday events around Orlando.
The Santa Workshop Experience at Icon Park
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Icon Park Orlando
Wednesday, December 1, 2021 6:00pm-10:00pm
Sponsored by the I-Drive Business Improvement District, this free event at Icon Park is open to the public. The tree lighting ceremony will feature special performances by the I-Ride Trolley Quartet, Dr. Phillips High School Dance in Motion Company and the Orlando Ballet.
Christmas In Color Drive Through Holiday Lights Show at Island H2O Live!
Select nights through January 2, 2022
Experience Christmas like never before as you drive your own vehicle through millions of perfectly synchronized holiday lights and music at Island H2O Live! waterpark in Kissimmee. Drive through lit archways and by giant festive statues and intricately decorated holiday displays.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ by Helicopter!
Sunday, December 19, 2021 Noon-5:00pm
This is a truly spectacular event you won’t want to miss. Santa will be traveling by Helicopter to The Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores just outside of Walt Disney World in Kissimmee. Beginning at noon, enjoy festive holiday activities, holiday music performances, and shopping. At 3:00pm, search the skies as Santa Claus will be arriving by helicopter and staying for photo opportunities.
Santa Skunk Ape at Gatorland Orlando
Gatorland’s Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down
December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 2021
Enjoy festive family fun included with the regular price of Gatorland admission. See unique holiday displays and interact with holiday characters including Gator Claus, his merry elves, and the Krampus Croc. Taste special foods and beverages while listening to the merry sounds of live music. Shop for unique gifts and items from local craft vendors to find the perfect present for anyone on your list. Finally, as always, enjoy the alligators, animals, and awesomeness of Orlando’s oldest attraction!
Walt Disney World
Daily until January 1, 2022, Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours on select nights
Celebrate the spirit of the season at the Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts. Decked out with elaborate decor, visit the resorts to see life sized gingerbread houses and intricately decorated trees. At the theme parks, enjoy festive parades, entertainment, seasonal decor, limited time treats, and seasonally dressed characters. At Magic Kingdom, stay for the holiday castle projection show or the separately ticketed event, Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours Event with exclusive character sightings, themed fireworks, tasty treats and more!
Disney Springs
Daily until January 1, 2022
Stroll along the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs and delight in many elaborately decorated Christmas trees all with hidden gems inspired by Disney films, TV shows, characters and Disney Experiences. Find great holiday shopping and seasonal treats, experience “snow” in Florida and capture a holiday photo with Santa. Hear holiday inspired performances throughout the free shopping district.
Ice Skating at SeaWorld Orlando Photo Credit: SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando
Daily until January 1, 2022
You’ll be transported into a winter wonderland at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. On select dates throughout December, experience award winning entertainment like the ice-skating show, Winter Wonderland on Ice, Sounds of the Season performance series, Sea of Trees, Outdoor Ice Skating, Sesame Street show, meet and greet Rudolph, Santa and other characters, see the park sparkle with lights, and marvel at holiday fireworks under “snow” flurries. Enjoy special events such as: Hanukkah Celebration November 28-December 6, Kwanza Festivities – December 26- January 1, New Year’s Eve – December 31 and the Three Kings Celebration – January 6, 2022.
Universal Studios
Daily until January 1, 2022
Experience the holiday celebration with seasonal shows and decorations in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s larger-than-life-balloons, Grinchmas show at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, enjoy the sensational scores of Mannheim Steamroller, and taste seasonal sweets and treats.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort presented by Hallmark Channel
December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 24-31, 2021
Meet and greet special holiday LEGO characters, taste special food and drinks throughout LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s Christmas Event. See seasonal live performances with the Academy of Holiday Cheer and The Very Merry Mix-Up shows. Enjoy the fun longer with extended hours. New this year the LEGO city Holiday Light Spectacular light show on the 30 foot LEGO tree starting at 5pm. The sky will light up on December 26-December 31 with festive fireworks.
Holidays at Icon park Orlando
Daily until December 24, 2021
Meet and greet with Santa Claus at the Santa Workshop Experience and enjoy holiday themed photo opportunities in the Santa Workshop Experience. Bring a personalized gift wrapped and tagged with your child’s first and last name delivered to check in 24-48 hours before your visit and Santa will have it waiting under the tree to present at the conclusion of the photo session. Enjoy savings on Holiday Rides on The Wheel At Icon Park, and The Pearl Express Train with photo purchase from The Santa Workshop Experience. Enjoy a free concert series with live musical performances in the Light the World In Love Concert Series December 6-11 from 5:00pm-8:00pm under the tree.
Give Kids The World Village Night of A Million Lights Photo Credit Visit Orlando
Night of A Million Lights at Give Kids the World Village
Nightly until January 2, 2022
Immerse yourself into a storybook village winter wonderland at Give Kids the World Village. Stroll amidst millions of lights and a sparkling tree trail throughout the 89-acre non-profit resort that provides critically ill children and their families from around the world with magical weeklong vacations.
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience Orlando
Daily until January 3, 2022
Experience a colorful Christmas with nine additional festive holiday activities and crafts included with the price of admission at Crayola Experience Orlando inside the Florida Mall. Create unique gifts for friends and family. Meet and greet Creative Crayola Christmas Characters and listen to holiday stories and the sounds of singing reindeer friends.
Gaylord Palms Mission: Save Christmas Featuring ELF
Daily through January 2, 2022
This immersive Christmas event includes and interactive multi-sensory experience where you’ll help Buddy the Elf save Christmas at Gaylord Palms Convention Center and Resort. Decorate gingerbread houses, learn to be a Christmas Cheer Spreading Elf in the Elf training academy, build snowballs and toss into snowmaking machines, explore the Christmas Tree Trail, enjoy multiple attractions with real snow and ice tubing, meet and greet Santa & Mrs Claus, escape from the naughty & nice escape game, and watch Cirque: Spirit of Christmas acrobatic show.
Be sure to verify with each business regarding dates, times, restrictions, policies and experiences available. Purchase tickets directly from each business.
