Home to several theme parks, Orlando is a fascinating city in Florida, USA, that greets millions of tourists every year. The world-famous Walt Disney World, the incredible Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando are some of this marvelous city’s top and most-visited tourist attractions. Being home to several amusement parks, Orlando is more popular among kids. And during the festive season of Christmas, this magnificent destination brims with joy and magic. There are a plethora of Christmas activities in Orlando. Meet Disney characters, go on fun rides, and enjoy many more surprises. Longing to spend the upcoming winter holiday in Florida? There are plenty of accommodation options for you to choose for your trip, such as Airbnb vacation rentals, or hotels with an indoor pool. Keep reading to discover the best things to do at Christmas in Orlando.
1. Explore Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort
Explore the incredible Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort with your kids this Christmas. Visit Mickey’s Christmas party and have fun meeting popular Disney characters. Visit the sparkling Cinderella Castle, and feast on lip-smacking sweets. Wave at your Disney pals as you watch the festive parade. Marvel at Minnie’s splendid fireworks show. You will find many surprises as you tour the park.
Walt Disney World Resort
Address: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL 32830, United States
Website: Walt Disney World Resort
Takes place: November to December
2. Embrace the festive spirit at Universal Orlando Resort
Celebrate the Christmas holidays with your beloved family at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. Enjoy the atmosphere of the entire resort, which is brimming with festive spirit. Cheer up when you view the celebratory Holiday Parade here. Admire the sparkling lights and the beautiful décor adorning Diagon Alley, and pay a visit to the magical Hogwarts Castle. Do not miss snacking on savory and treats and sweet drinks.
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
Website: Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
Takes place: November to January
3. Rejoice at Light Up UCF
If you are planning a family vacation to Orlando this Christmas, do not miss visiting Light Up UCF. It offers you a plethora of fun-filled activities and holiday attractions. If you are fond of ice skating, make sure you go gliding across the ice at the ice rink here. Your kids are sure to enjoy a ride on the Light Up Express Train or the Ferris Wheel. Gaze at the spectacular view of the holiday light show and UCF Campus. Ring in the new year with a thrilling ride on the Light Up UCF carousel.
Light Up UCF
Address: 12777 Gemini Blvd N, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
Website: Light Up UCF
Takes place: November to January
4. Have a unique holiday experience with Christmas boat parades
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Florida hosts more than 45 holiday boat parades every year. With waterways across the state, there are many choices. All you have to do is find the nearest watercourse near Orlando to experience this unique holiday event. You will have the true Florida Christmas sailing in boats decorated with Christmas lights. You can go down to Sanford riverwalk for the annual lighted boat parade and have fun in the warm waters of Florida.
Lighted Boat Parade
Address: Lake Monroe Sailing Association, 531 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, United States
Website: Lighted Boat Parade
Takes place: December
5. Don't miss A Christmas Carol
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Create your own family tradition by watching this theatrical production based on the renowned author Charles Dicken’s beloved ‘Ghost story of Christmas’ popularly known as ‘A Christmas Carol’ adapted by Jim Helsinger. Make your holiday special with this classic tale of hope, magic, and redemption. It’ll be fun to watch with your whole family as it has mildly spooky content. Enjoy sipping fresh hot cocoa and munching chocolate chip cookies during the intermission.
A Christmas Carol
Address: 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803
Website: A Christmas Carol
Takes place: November to December
6. Admire stunning Christmas decor at Festival of Trees
Delve into the festivities with your family at the Festival of Trees, organized at the Orlando Museum of Art. Beautiful trees, exquisite festive décor, and vignettes adorn this fantastic museum. Tour through the glittering wonderland that showcases enchanting Christmas trees of various sizes, tabletop displays, skillfully designed table décor, elegant wreaths, festive vignettes, an eye-catching gingerbread village, and many other spectacular displays. The event will commence with a fabulous gala. Delightful programs, musical performances, and recreational activities for families will grace this occasion.
Festival of Trees
Address: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
Website: Festival of Trees
Takes place: November
7. Revel in the Christmas celebrations at SeaWorld Orlando
Visit SeaWorld Orlando this Christmas and watch it turn into a sparkling winter wonderland. More than three million exquisite lights will adorn this location. Admire the festivities as you watch the Sesame Street Christmas Parade with your loved ones. Go to Wild Arctic and take photos of your kids when they meet Santa. Say hello to Rudolph, a famous red-nosed reindeer, and his friends. Please your taste buds with scrumptious holiday treats and enjoy watching live shows. Create wonderful memories to treasure for a lifetime.
SeaWorld Orlando
Address: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821, United States
Website: SeaWorld Orlando
Takes place: November to January
8. Watch The Nutcracker at Walt Disney Theater
Book tickets to watch The Nutcracker with your family this Christmas at Walt Disney Theater. Enjoy watching the magical landscape of Clara’s dreams as the lights turn dim and the amazing live music starts playing. The show offers you a spellbinding experience that is full of dancing, glittering snowflakes, and pleasant waltzes. Find out whether The Nutcracker wins over the sly Mouse King in this magical show.
The Nutcracker Show at Walt Disney Theater
Address: Walt Disney Theater, 445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Website: The Nutcracker at Walt Disney Theater
Takes place: December
9. Witness the Tree Lighting Celebration at Lake Eola Park
Posted by Lake Eola Park on Saturday, 29 November 2014
If you’re looking for things to do in Orlando in December for adults, do not miss the spectacular Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Lake Eola Park when holidaying in this wonderful city. Watch the 72-foot (21.94-meter) tall Christmas Tree light up with fairy lights. This event is free and includes live music performances on top of the amazing sights. Also, you will find booths and various food trucks where you can enjoy some tasty treats.
Tree Lighting Celebration
Address: 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801, United States
Website: Tree Lighting Celebration
Takes place: December
10. Catch a performance by the Singing Christmas Trees at First Baptist Orlando
If you are looking for a spectacular musical act in Orlando, catch a performance by the Singing Christmas Trees at First Baptist Orlando. For more than 30 years, this event has been one of the most beloved yuletide traditions of Central Florida. This show is a Christmas classic that features a powerful drama, a great choir, praiseworthy dance, a full orchestra, and two incredible 45-ft (13.71-m) tall Christmas trees adorned with 250,000 lights. Before the event starts, stroll through the amazing Bethlehem Village, or visit the petting zoo to meet some lovely, live animals with your kids.
Singing Christmas Trees
Address: 3000 S John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32805, United States
Website: Singing Christmas Trees
Takes place: December
11. View a Chrismas movie outdoors at Harry P. Leu Gardens
Enhance your Christmas holiday experience by watching an outdoor movie screening at Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando. This beautifully landscaped park invites you and your kids to watch an entertaining movie in an open-air setting this Christmas. Bring your picnic basket and settle back to watch a fantastic movie.
Movie Night at Harry P. Leu Gardens
Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
Website: Movie Night at Harry P. Leu Gardens
Takes place: December
12. Enjoy an interesting tour at The Holy Land Experience
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Visit the Christian-based theme park, The Holy Land Experience, when holidaying in Orlando. Take an interesting stroll through First Century Village and enjoy viewing the biggest indoor replica of Jerusalem from 66AD. Pay a visit to the Bible Museum to see one of the biggest, privately-owned Bible collections in the world, and enjoy other family-friendly activities at this park.
The Holy Land Experience
Address: 4655 Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32811, United States
Website: The Holy Land Experience
Takes place: November to January
Enhance your Christmas holiday experience
There are plenty of fun and interesting things to do in Orlando in December. The city celebrates Christmas by hosting a plethora of exciting events and activities. So hurry up and plan your winter holidays in this enchanting city. You will surely have a great time enjoying your Christmas here.
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