Orlando Christmas & Winter Things To Do

Christmas is a fantastic season in Orlando, and with it comes a wide array of unique activities to get you into the holiday spirit. Central Florida is never short of family-friendly fun, even in the winter! Need some ideas for how your family can make this Christmas in Florida special? Look no further – we’ve rounded up a list of festive Orlando Christmas & Winter Things To Do so that you and your loved ones can have an unforgettable experience in O-Town. Whether you’re looking for something nature-related or in the theme parks, we’ve got you covered! So put on your Santa hat, grab some hot cocoa, and let’s explore all the wonderful ways that your family will love to celebrate the season in Orlando!

Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens

Get ready to be enchanted by the breathtaking Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens this holiday season! These Orlando gardens are transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland with sparkling, Moroccan lanterns dangling overhead, thousands of laser lights illuminating the paths, and a towering 30’ tall Christmas tree decked out in shimmering gold sequins. But the fun doesn’t stop there – there’s interactive steps that light up when you jump on them, a mesmerizing 70’ long light tunnel to walk through, and a play area filled with giant, 8’ rollable ornaments perfect for both kids and adults! Don’t miss out on the 10’ tall beacons of light shining bright, adding to the wonder of the night.

Santa’s Workshop Experience at ICON Park

Looking for a magical holiday experience that your family will never forget? Head to Santa’s Workshop at ICON Park! In addition to getting to meet Santa himself, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase some truly unforgettable photos with him. This year, say goodbye to boring mall Santa photo sessions and hello to a beautiful winter wonderland setting. It’s the perfect way to make this holiday season truly special for your little ones. Plus, with plenty of other dining and entertainment options all holiday-themed, you can make a day out of it at ICON Park and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience, be sure to check out Universal Orlando Resort during the Christmas season. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with festive decorations and holiday-themed treats. You can even enjoy a hot cup of Butterbeer while admiring the snow-covered buildings of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. And don’t miss out on Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a musical show featuring the beloved Dr. Seuss character. With lively performances and colorful costumes, it’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Trust us, a trip to Universal Orlando Resort during the holidays is guaranteed to be a magical adventure you’ll never forget.

Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade

Winter Park is a quaint and charming city that comes alive during the holiday season. One of the most beloved traditions is the “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade, which has been running for over 70 years. The parade brings together locals and visitors alike to gather along the historic Park Avenue, lined with twinkling lights, to watch the festive spectacle of floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus. The air is filled with the sounds of holiday music and the joyful laughter of children. It’s a magical experience that truly captures the spirit of the holidays and the warmth of the Winter Park community.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Get your holiday spirit fired up and head to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, held at the Magic Kingdom park. At this separate-ticket event, you’ll have the chance to hang out with Mickey and all his pals and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year like never before. Be amazed by Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show and catch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade for a heartwarming experience. Satisfy your sweet tooth with free cookies and cocoa, and don’t forget to look up as the “snowfall” descends on Main Street, U.S.A. And if that’s not enough to get you excited, get ready for rides within the park with a holiday twist. This event is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience the magic of the holidays with Disney’s most iconic characters.

The Nutcracker at Dr Phillips Center

The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday classic that never gets old. With enchanting music, rousing choreography, and fantastic costumes, this ballet has all the makings of a magical night out at the theater. Fortunately, Orlando Ballet is here to bring this timeless tale to life with their stunning performance at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Whether you’re an avid ballet-goer or a newcomer to the world of dance, this production of The Nutcracker is sure to leave you spellbound. So gather your family, dress in your holiday best, and get ready for an unforgettable experience that will have you humming Tchaikovsky’s melodies long after the curtain falls.

ICE! at Gaylord Palms

If you’re looking for a winter experience that will take your breath away, look no further than the ICE! experience at Gaylord Palms Resort. This frozen indoor wonderland is the product of some truly incredible craftsmanship from the expert artisans in Harbin, China. Over the course of several weeks, these master ice carvers use their skills to turn 2 million pounds of ice into the stunning winter scenes that you’ll have the pleasure of walking through. From the chilly seasonal weather to the sheer scale of it all, this is an experience that you won’t soon forget. Get ready to be amazed and don’t forget your mittens!

Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest

If you’re looking for a place to get into the holiday spirit in the countryside, look no further than Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest. Located about an hour north of Orlando in Eustis, this charming destination boasts over 17 acres of Christmas trees and festive decorations. Take a hayride and select your own tree to bring home, or simply enjoy the magical atmosphere with family and friends. There’s a special area just for kids, with a playground, train rides, a zipline, petting zoo and snack stand. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the holiday season or just looking for a fun day out, Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest is sure to delight and entertain.

Now Snowing in Celebration

If you’re looking for a bit of holiday magic, you won’t want to miss “Now Snowing” in Downtown Celebration. This annual tradition offers something for everyone, from strolling carolers and horse-drawn carriage rides to ice skating and train rides. The real showstopper, though, is the nightly snowfall! You’ll feel like you’re walking in a winter wonderland as you take in the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere of quaint Market Street. And of course, Santa will be on hand for photos to round out the perfect holiday experience. Bring the whole family and come create an unforgettable memory together!

Holiday Bricktacular at Legoland

Grab your family and head over to LEGOLAND Florida for an epic event that’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit! The Holiday Bricktacular is finally here, and it’s bigger and better than ever before. With tons of Christmas-themed LEGO displays, live entertainment, and exciting rides, this is an experience that your whole family won’t want to miss. Wander through decorations made entirely out of LEGO bricks, snap some photos with your favorite characters, and even have the chance to build your own holiday-themed creations. It’s the perfect way to get into the spirit while having a blast with your loved ones.

Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival at Lake Nona

Get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season at Lake Nona’s “Oh, What Fun!” Holiday Festival. For a limited time, the town center transforms into Peppermint Square – a winter wonderland perfect for making unforgettable holiday memories with loved ones. With nightly snowfalls, you’ll feel like you’re walking in a snow globe as you explore all the festive activities the festival has to offer. Live entertainment and photo opportunities await, making this a truly special event that’s not to be missed. Don’t forget to warm up with some hot cocoa at the holiday concession stands as you take in the sights and sounds of the season.

Night of a Million Lights at Island H2O

Come one, come all to the Night of a Million Lights at Island H2O Water Park! This sparkling holiday extravaganza is not to be missed. Imagine millions of twinkling lights illuminating the park, casting a magical glow on everything around you. It’s a truly enchanting experience for the whole family. But that’s not all! On top of the luminous displays, there are festive family activities and live entertainment to enjoy. All of this is in support of Give Kids the World, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping critically ill children and their families make unforgettable memories. So come and join in on the fun while supporting a worthy cause.

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration

There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by visiting SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration! The park is decked out with millions of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere that’s sure to put a smile on your face. Take a stroll through the sea of Christmas trees, enjoy snow flurries, and indulge in delicious holiday foods. You’ll also be treated to award-winning live shows on ice. And, of course, you’ll get to hang out with Santa and all of your favorite Christmas friends, including Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. So gather your loved ones and head to SeaWorld for an unforgettable Christmas experience!

Snowcat Ridge

If you’re looking to experience a winter wonderland without leaving sunny Florida, look no further than Snowcat Ridge in Dade City. About an hour west of Orlando, this seasonal attraction offers all the snowy fun you could ask for, including snow tubing and ice skating. Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit more than snow! Whether you’re planning a full-day family outing or a date night, Snowcat Ridge is bound to be a hit. So grab your mittens and get ready to hit the slopes – or at least, the snowy hills of Snowcat Ridge.

It’s clear that Orlando is a great place to be this winter season for some Florida holiday fun! Whether its enjoying festive lighting displays, holiday parades, festivals, and ice skating or ballet shows – there’s something for everyone to love about the holidays in Orlando. Visiting such a great city has its perks during one of the most joyous times of year and it’s important to take advantage! If you’re looking for more ways to get into the holiday spirit when you visit this winter season, be sure to check out our Orlando Travel Guide for a comprehensive list of activities perfect for creating lovely memories with your loved ones.

Be advised! Many of the ticketed events above only run on a limited schedule and unfortunately they sell out quickly. Try to buy your tickets online a month or more ahead of time.