ICE! at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center offers a new theme every year.
The holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is one of the peak travel periods for Orlando—there is so much to do and the temperatures are still mild enough that on most days you might only need a light jacket (check those weather reports, however, because the one or two weeks of relatively cold weather that Orlando gets for the year usually happen in December and January).
Of course the theme parks have plenty of Christmas-themed offerings, but in recent years
there have been new traditions established in Orlando that are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Here is what you can expect to see if you travel to Orlando during the holidays:
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: This annual event on select nights at Magic Kingdom features a parade with Santa Claus, character greetings, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and a fireworks spectacular around the illuminated Cinderella castle.
Holidays Around the World—Candlelight Processional: Experience the joy and wonder of Christmas as it is celebrated around the world at Epcot’s World Showcase. The Candlelight Processional is a nightly event held at the America Gardens Theatre featuring celebrity narrators.
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights: Imagine a downtown street scene with the most spectacular display of twinkling lights and Christmas music you’ve ever seen, and you’ve just experienced the annual holiday extravaganza—at no extra cost—at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Mickey’s Jungle Jingle Parade: Out of the all the Walt Disney World theme park, Animal
Kingdom’s holiday celebration would be considered the most low-key, but it is a unique experience to watch the colorful animal-themed floats for this annual extravaganza.
Macy’s Holiday Parade: Missed the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City? Catch the marching bands, balloons and floats right here in Orlando at Universal Studios Florida. There is even a Holiday Village with gifts, treats and crafts for all to enjoy.
Grinchmas: At the neighboring Islands of Adventure, the Grinch Who Stole Christmas takes over and transforms Seuss Landing into a wintry wonderland. Enjoy live music
and performance, or even purchase tickets for a Character Breakfast with the Grinch & Friends.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration: SeaWorld celebrates Christmas with the return of the Polar Express Experience, a Winter Wonderland on Ice, a sparkling sea of trees and
even a bit of snow—Florida style (which means cranking up the snow machines).
ICE! At Gaylord Palms: The Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center offers Floridians a reminder of what a winter wonderland means for people “Up North” with
an indoor tour of dazzling ice sculptures hand carved from two million pounds of ice. Dress warmly!
Light Up UCF: The University of Central Florida gets into the spirit of the season with indoor ice skating, a light show, outdoor film festival and carnival attractions. This is one of the more affordable family-friendly events in town during the holidays.
Tell us your view - no need to register
Thank you for this list it really helps us to plan and not miss these special events during the holidays
Thank you for this list it really helps us to plan and not miss these special events during the holidays
Orlando is a great place to be during the Christmas holidays. Hope to be there again.
Orlando is a great place to be during the Christmas holidays. Hope to be there again.
