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Spend Christmas in Orlando 2024 | Resorts, Christmas Events, Themeparks, & More!
Why spend Christmas in Orlando?
- Orlando is packed with festive events and activities for people of all ages during Christmas, making it the perfect family holiday destination.
- Christmas in Orlando is all about watching Christmas movies, parades, and light shows, and walking along streets lined with decorated and themed Christmas trees.
- The city offers a welcoming cultural scene during the holidays with a bunch of free Christmas-themed movie screenings, ballet performances, choirs, concerts, and more.
- Orlando is best known for its many themed amusement parks which have grand decorations and celebrations lined up for Christmas.
- The many Winter Wonderlands across the city are sure to transport you to a snowy White Christmas despite the warmer climate.
Top 15 things to do during Christmas in Orlando
1. Watch a Christmas parade
Be a part of Orlando’s Christmas celebrations watching some of the many festive parades marching across the streets in and around the city. These troops are lined with marching bands, dancers, festive costumed characters, floats, and Santa Claus to welcome the holiday season.
Most popular Christmas parades in Orlando include:
- 72nd Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade | Find on Maps
- Sanford Parade of Lights | Find on Maps
- Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s | Find on Maps
- Longwood Christmas Parade | Find on Maps
2. Visit a Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderlands set up all over the city promise visitors a White Christmas despite Orlando’s December weather. Head to any of them to enjoy some snow, the luminous displays, ice skating, live entertainment, fun activities, carnivals, Christmas markets, and more.
Here are the best Winter Wonderlands in Orlando this year:
- Now Snowing-Celebration’s Winter Wonderland | Find on Maps
- Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival | Find on Maps
- The Hamlin Holidays Fair | Find on Maps
- Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland | Find on Maps
3. Watch a spectacular light show
Christmas is a time when Orlando lights up the sky with brilliant displays of fireworks, laser, and light shows. These spectacular festive sights paint the city in glitter and color all around the holiday season.
Some of the must-see Christmas light shows in Orlando are:
- A Merry Winter Garden Light Show | Find on Maps
- Christmas at Walt Disney World | Find on Maps
- Dazzling Nights | Find on Maps
- Holiday Light Displays | Find on Maps
4. Woo at decorated Christmas trees
Every part of Orlando has its own set of Christmas tree lighting events and decorative Christmas tree displays that bring cheer to anyone passing by the streets. Prepare to be surprised by the variety of sizes, themes, and decorations of these trees.
Do check out the Christmas tree displays at:
- Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show | Find on Maps
- I-Drive District Holiday Tree at ICON Park | Find on Maps
- Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll | Find on Maps
- Festival of Trees: Gifts of the Season | Find on Maps
5. Watch the Christmas boat parades
Christmas boat parades are yet another unique sight on Orlando’s holiday scene. Enjoy the lakeside views as cheerfully lit up and festively decorated boats cruise over the waters in celebration.
Here are the Christmas boat parades not to be missed:
6. Go shop at a Christmas market
Christmas markets in Orlando are more like carnivals with rides, fun activities, competitions, and a lot more festivities. These pop-up markets also bring a great variety and some of the best deals on holiday gifts, handicrafts, local delicacies, and festive merch.
Most popular Christmas markets in Orlando include:
- Christmas Pop-Up Market | Find on Maps
- Holiday Market at Downtown | Find on Maps
- Collective Corner at Jingle Eve | Find on Maps
- Grandma Party Bazaar | Find on Maps
7. Attend a Christmas special performance
The cultural scene of Orlando also gets festive around December with Christmas-themed concerts, plays, musicals, opera, and ballet performances. Make sure to book your seat in advance as many of these events including the Nutcracker by the Russian Ballet, allow free entry.
This year’s most popular Christmas special performances in Orlando are:
8. Catch a classic holiday movie screening
Watching a holiday movie is a Christmas tradition for most people in Orlando. Many theatres, parks, and city halls host special screenings of some of the classic holiday movies, inviting large crowds to get into the festive spirit.
Check out these Christmas movie festivals in Orlando this year:
9. Have the most magical Christmas at Disney World
Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, is all set for Christmas with decorations, new rides, special events, live performances, and more across all its six parks. This year, the holiday season coincides with The World’s Most Magical Celebration as it is Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
Here’s what’s lined up for you at Disney World, Orlando:
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Magic Kingdom Park
- Festive Floatillas and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney-themed Christmas trees and snowfall at Disney Springs
10. Spend this Christmas at Universal Orlando
From holiday parades and festive decor to Christmas special menus and a Winter Wonderland - a variety of festive events are lined up at the different parks at Universal Studios Florida for you and your family to have a memorable and fun-filled Christmas.
Head to Universal Orlando this festive season for:
- Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s balloons
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley
- Grinch-mas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Universal Holiday Tribute Store
11. Join the festivities at Gaylord Palms Resort
You are sure to have the most wonderful time of the year at Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando this festive season. The resort turns into a winter wonderland this time around, promising wholesome entertainment for the entire family.
The Winter Wonderland at Gaylord Palms Resort mainly features:
- ICE! Featuring The Grinch Who Stole Christmas - a colorful ice sculpture display
- Shine Christmas Light Show and Cirque Spirit of Christmas stage performance
- An Atrium Christmas Tree Trail and a Naughty & Nice Escape Room
- Snow Flow Mountain Tubing and Santa’s Snow Throw snowball fights
12. Experience the festive cheer at SeaWorld
From brilliantly lit-up Christmas trees and fireworks to festive performances and an ice rink - this winter wonderland will give you the complete experience of a Christmas spent in Orlando.
Highlights of the SeaWorld Christmas experience include:
- An ice rink for skating and festive ice dancing performances
- Christmas trees brightly floating on the lake and putting up a music and light show
- Rudolph’s Movie Experience & It’s A Wonderful Night: A New Story To Tell
- Sesame Street Christmas Parade, Elmo’s Christmas Wish - The Musical, and a Sesame Street Christmas special breakfast menu
13. Build a memorable Christmas at Legoland
With festive shows, character meets, a Lego Santa, and elves running around, Legoland’s Christmas Bricktacular is sure to be the jolliest event of the year. This year, shows will run on the following dates: November 24 to 26, December 2 to 3, 9 and 10, 16 and 17, and December 22 to 31.
Things to do at Legoland’s Christmas Bricktacular:
- Gaze at the 30 ft tall Christmas tree made of Lego and Duplo bricks!
- Search for hidden LEGO elves throughout Miniland and Fun Town, and earn a small reward for completing the hunt.
- Add your piece to a massive holiday-themed mosaic to create a unique piece of LEGO art.
- Sample festive snacks like the "Everything but the Tree Sandwich" and the sweet "Cro-ignet" pastry hybrid, exclusive to the season.
14. Hop around decorated Disney hotels
A delightfully popular and free thing to do in Orlando during the holidays is to go hopping around Disney hotels and resorts and admiring their lavish, over-the-top, ornamental decorations. Go on and cherish the embellished trees, the magical light displays, and the incredible gingerbread creations.
Here are some of the best-decorated Disney Hotels to visit:
- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa | Find on Maps
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge | Find on Maps
- Disney's Contemporary Resort | Find on Maps
- Disney's Beach Club Resort | Find on Maps
15. Admire the city lights from a height
Ride The Wheel at ICON Park during Christmas for mesmerizing views of Orlando's festive lights, creating unforgettable and magical memories. Embrace the holiday spirit, capture stunning photos, and enjoy a serene escape from the season's hustle.
Other things to do at ICON Park:
- Madame Tussauds
- SEALife Aquarium
- Orlando Starflyer | Find on Maps
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Frequently asked questions about celebrating Christmas in Orlando
Is Christmas a good time to visit Orlando?
Christmas is a great time to visit Orlando, owing to the holiday season festivities one can experience in the city. Christmas parades, decorated tree trails, light shows and displays, winter wonderlands, etc. make your Orlando trip a unique one during December.
How do they celebrate Christmas in Orlando?
Christmas is celebrated in Orlando with grand parades, light shows, winter wonderlands, holiday performances, and special festivities at theme parks and resorts. Highlights include Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney, the Holiday Parade featuring Macy's balloons at Universal, and SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration.
What are some things to do for Christmas in Orlando?
Watching classic Christmas movies, watching the Disney Christmas Parade, driving by the various light displays and shows, watching Christmas boat parades, hopping around admiring the decorations at Disney hotels, and having a fun day out at a winter wonderland are some things to do for Christmas in Orlando.
What are the best hotels for Christmas in Orlando?
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Boca Raton, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, Rosen Shingle Creek, and Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande are some of the best hotels for Christmas in Orlando.
What is the weather like at Christmas in Orlando?
Orlando’s December weather is typically mild, with daytime temperatures around 60 to 70°F (15 to 21°C) and cooler evenings, which makes it comfortable for both indoor and outdoor holiday activities.
Is Orlando crowded at Christmas?
Yes, Orlando is one of the most popular destinations during Christmas, leading to crowded parks and attractions, especially at Disney and Universal. Book accommodations and tickets in advance.
What’s open on Christmas in Orlando?
What is the most popular Christmas market in Orlando?
The Annual Light Up SoDo at SODO Shopping Center is the most popular Christmas market in Orlando. Other crowd-pulling Christmas markets include the Outdoor Christmas Market at the Audubon Park Covenant Church, the Hourglass Collective - Holiday Market at Foxtail Coffee, and Grandma Party Bazaar.
Are restaurants open on Christmas in Orlando?
A number of restaurants and cafes are open in Orlando on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Most of these restaurants serve local festive delicacies and have special set menus for Christmas.
What are some breakfast places open on Christmas in Orlando?
Popular breakfast places such as Hamilton’s Kitchen, Aurora Restaurant, Reunion Resort & Golf Club’s On Vacation restaurant, Tapa Toro at ICON Park, and Rosen Shingle Creek are open on Christmas Day in Orlando, serving festive dishes and offering special brunch buffets.
What are the best places to stay in Orlando on Christmas?
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Boca Raton, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, Rosen Shingle Creek, and Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande are some of the best places to stay in Orlando on Christmas.
What should I eat in Orlando on Christmas?
Orlando offers classic holiday fare, along with unique options such as Disney’s festive cookies, SeaWorld’s holiday treats, and Gaylord Palms' winter-themed dining experiences. Look for seasonal offerings at resort restaurants and holiday markets
What are the best restaurants for Christmas in Orlando?
Some of the best restaurants for Christmas in Orlando include The Boheme, Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Hard Rock Cafe, Hilton Bonnet Creek, Mia's Italian Kitchen, Rosen Plaza, Rosen Shingle Creek, Tapa Toro, Ruth's Chris Steak House, and Joe’s Crab Shack.
Where can I see the Christmas lights in Orlando?
The best Christmas lighting displays and light shows can be seen at City Hall in Winter Garden, Dezerland Park, Harry P. Leu Gardens, and Cranes Roost Park.
What are some Christmas traditions in Orlando?
Hanging a Christmas stocking by the window, decorating Christmas trees, joining festive parades, watching classic holiday movies, and having a delicious meal of dressed turkey for dinner are some of the Christmas traditions in Orlando.
Where can I watch Christmas parades in Orlando?
You can watch the 70th Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade at Winter Park, while the Sanford Parade of Lights, the Winter Garden Christmas Parade, and the Longwood Christmas Parade can be seen around their respective city centers.
Which is the most popular winter wonderland in Orlando?
The ICE! Winter Wonderland at the Gaylord Palms Resort is the most popular winter wonderland in Orlando. The space features a colorful ice sculpture display titled ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’, the Shine Christmas Light Show, the Cirque Spirit of Christmas stage performance, an Atrium Christmas Tree Trail, a Naughty & Nice Escape Room, an indoor snowball fight and snow mountain tubing experience, and Mrs. Claus Christmas Traditions and Story Time Sing-a-long event.