Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with our guide to Orlando’s holiday offerings.
Updated Dec. 3, 2024
There’s no place like Orlando for the holidays, with vibrant events, neighborhood celebrations and more festive fun just waiting to be unwrapped. To help you have the best holiday season possible, we’ve made a list (and checked it twice) with 10 things you’ll want to do while you’re here.
Discover: Holiday Season Events in Orlando
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Celebrate the season with ongoing holiday events and festivals that you won’t find anywhere else, including dazzling light shows, wondrous wintertime activities and beloved theme park events — more on those in a moment. Beyond the theme parks, some of our most joyous 2024 holiday events include:
- Dinos in Lights at Orlando Science Center (Nov. 8, 2024 – Jan. 7, 2025)
- Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens (Select Dates, Nov. 15, 2024 – Jan. 19, 2025)
- Festival of Trees at Orlando Museum of Art (Nov. 16 – 24, 2024)
- Winter Wonderland at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo (Select Dates, Nov. 22 – Jan. 4, 2024)
- Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway (Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 4, 2025)
- Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience (Nov. 23, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025)
- Gatorland's Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down at Gatorland (Select Dates, Dec. 7 – 22, 2024)
- Santa’s Christmas Village at Dezerland Park (Select Dates, Nov. 29 – Dec. 29, 2024)
- Dazzling Nights by Creative City Project at Harry P. Leu Gardens (Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025)
- Now Snowing in Celebration Town Center (Nov. 30 – Dec. 31, 2024)
- Oh What Fun! in Lake Nona Town Center (Dec. 6 – 22, 2024)
- Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (Dec. 20 – 24 & 26 – 30, 2024)
Share Your Wish List With Santa Claus
Santa Claus is coming to town, and you and your loved ones can meet him in Orlando throughout the holiday season. In addition to appearing at most of our theme parks, the jolly old elf will be the guest of honor at special events throughout the destination, including the Winter Park Christmas Parade, the Oh What Fun! Holiday Festival in Lake Nona, and Santa Photos at our acclaimed shopping malls — and Mrs. Claus will join him at times, too.
Discover: Top Places to See Santa in Orlando
Immerse Yourself in Holiday Arts
Catch a dazzling holiday performance of at some of Orlando’s most beloved performing arts venues, including shows at Kia Center, the new Judson’s Live at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, and many more Orlando gems. Some of this year’s most anticipated holiday productions include:
Stage Productions
- The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Nov. 13, 2024)
- Wreck the Halls at The Winter Park Playhouse (Nov. 14 – Dec. 21, 2024)
- A Christmas Nutcracker Tale at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Nov. 22 – 23, 2024)
- A Christmas Carol at Orlando Shakespeare Theatre (Select Dates, Nov. 27 – Dec. 22, 2024)
- Sugar Plum Fairy’s Winter Tale at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Nov. 29, 2024)
- Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Nov. 30, 2024)
- A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage at Orlando Family Stage (Select Dates, Nov. 30 – Dec. 29, 2024)
- Derek Hough: Dance for the Holidays at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Dec. 3, 2024)
- Becoming Santa at Fringe ArtSpace (Dec. 5 – 7, 2024)
- When Love Is Found at Fringe ArtSpace (Dec. 5 – 8, 2024)
- The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show and The Holiday Drag Exxxtravaganza Show at Renaissance Theatre Company (Select Dates, Dec. 5 – 29, 2024)
- Four Lost Santas | Amahl and the Night Visitors from Opera Orlando at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Dec. 6 – 8, 2024)
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical at Orlando Family Stage (Dec. 6 – 8, 2024)
- The Nutcracker from Orlando Ballet at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Select Dates, Dec. 6 – 22, 2024)
- Flamenco del Sol: The Nutcracker at The Ritz Theater (Dec. 8, 2024)
- Cirque Mechanics: Winter Wonder Shoppe at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Dec. 12 – 29, 2024)
- Sleigh: It’s Christmas, Actually! at Orlando Shakespeare Theatre (Select Dates, Dec. 13 – 22, 2024)
- The Grinch at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Dec. 16, 2024)
- Phantasmagoria’s Victorian Haunted Holidays at The Ritz Theater (Dec. 19, 2024)
Concerts
- Elf in Concert at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Nov. 30, 2024)
- Pops Series: Home for the Holidays Featuring Byron Stripling in Holiday Swing at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Nov. 30, 2024)
- Around the World at Christmas from Central Florida Community Arts at Northland Church (Dec. 5 – 6, 2024)
- Symphony Storytime Series: Holiday Harmonies from Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at The Plaza Live (Dec. 7 – 8, 2024)
- Holiday Pops in Winter Park (Dec. 8, 2024)
- Christmas on Steel Drums from Orlando Carnival Downtown at Luminary Green Park (Dec. 8, 2024)
- King Guys Cool Yule Band With Michelle Amato at Timucua Arts Foundation (Dec. 13, 2024)
- Holiday Pops at Innovation High School (Dec. 13, 2024)
- The Sugarplum Ball in Concert at Fringe ArtSpace (Dec. 13 – 14, 2024)
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve Tour at Kia Center (Dec. 14, 2024)
- A Classic Christmas from Bach Festival Society of Winter Park at Knowles Memorial Chapel (Dec. 14 – 15, 2024)
- Holiday Pops at Della Phillips Pavilion (Dec. 14, 2024)
- Holiday Opera at the Garden in Winter Garden (Dec. 14 & 21, 2024)
- Merry Everything: The Gayest Time of Year from Orlando Gay Chorus at The Ritz Theater (Dec. 16, 2024)
- Holiday Heartstrings: A CeCe Teneal Experience at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Dec. 19 – 20, 2024)
- Straight No Chaser at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Dec. 29, 2024)
More Holiday Arts
- Christmas in the Park at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art (Dec. 5, 2024)
- Holiday Studio Show at Art & History Museums – Maitland (Dec. 6, 2024)
- Winter Park Jingle Wine & Jazz (Dec. 7, 2024)
- Christmas Eve Celebration at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art (Dec. 24, 2024)
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
The holidays are best spent with family, good tidings and incredible food. Treat yourself to dinner at one of Orlando’s award-winning restaurants, from MICHELIN Guide dining to restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs and local James Beard Award honorees.
Discover: Eat & Drink in Orlando
You’ll find festive feasts throughout our neighborhoods, entertainment districts and theme parks, plus bountiful buffets and specialty dining at many Orlando hotels and resorts. Make your reservations early to ensure a never-ending celebration filled with delicious holiday meals while you’re here.
Discover: Christmas Dining in Orlando
Marvel at Holiday Decorations
From your hotel to our city streets, Orlando will be decked out for the season with twinkling lights and decor. Marvel at festive light shows, holiday-themed displays, free outdoor movies and art installations during Downtown for the Holidays in downtown Orlando, plus enjoy one-night-only events and holiday tours throughout our neighborhoods and surrounding areas.
- Deck the District in City District (Nov. 21, 2024)
- I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting at ICON Park® (Nov. 22, 2024)
- Jingle Eve in the Ivanhoe Village Main Street district (Nov. 23, 2024)
- Holiday Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Resort at Universal Orlando (Nov. 29, 2024)
- ICON Park® Winter Wonderland at ICON Park® (Dec. 1 – 31, 2024)
- Lights and Frights Tour with American Ghost Adventures in downtown Orlando (Dec. 1 — 31, 2024)
- Snow, Ice and Gingerbread Tour with Gray Line of Orlando in Lake Buena Vista (Select Dates, Dec. 2 – 30, 2024)
- 2024 Tree Lighting Celebration at Lake Eola Park (Dec. 6, 2024)
- Winter on the Avenue in Winter Park (Dec. 6, 2024)
- Light Up Winter Garden in Winter Garden (Dec. 6, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025)
- 72nd Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade in Winter Park (Dec. 7, 2024)
- Winter Park Jingle Wine & Jazz in Winter Park (Dec. 7, 2024)
- Light Up SODO in the SODO District (Dec. 8, 2024)
- Krampusfest at The Plaza Live (Dec. 8, 2024)
- Light Up Hannibal Square in Winter Park (Dec. 12, 2024)
- Christmas Bells Ringing! at the Eatonville Chamber of Commerce (Dec. 14, 2024)
- Chanukah on the Park in Winter Park (Dec. 25, 2024)
- Kwanzaa Celebration in Winter Park (Dec. 26, 2024)
- Hanukkah Celebration of Lights in Lake Nona (Dec. 28, 2024)
Gift Yourself a Stay at a Deluxe Resort
Have yourself a merry little getaway at some of Orlando’s top resorts. You’ll find hotels and resorts for every budget, including pet-friendly accommodations and properties with family suites — not to mention full-service, amenity-packed choices with all the ribbons and bows.
Discover: Top Orlando Hotels & Resorts
Best of all, many of our top resorts are decked out for the holidays, offering special dining, decor, spa offers and themed activities to suit even the littlest elves.
Discover: Festive Orlando Hotels
Splash Into Seasonal Fun
Don’t just stay at one of Orlando’s incredible resorts — dive into their amazing pools. Many of Orlando’s top-rated resorts offer mind-blowing extras such as lazy rivers, waterslides, gorgeous scenery, secluded grottos, underwater sound systems and kid-friendly fun. And yes, most have heated water in case temperatures get chilly.
Discover: Orlando’s Top Resort Pools
Wrap Up Your Holiday Shopping
Score some last-minute gifts for your loved ones — and maybe a few treats for yourself — at our acclaimed malls, outlet centers and beloved small businesses. If you’re seeking luxury brands, The Mall at Millenia is the place to go. Nearby, The Florida Mall® features more than 250 retailers that can cater to everyone on your “nice” list. Orlando also has three world-class outlet centers, including Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, Orlando International Premium Outlets® and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets®.
Discover: Orlando Holiday Shopping Tips
You’ll even more variety at Disney Springs®, Universal CityWalk, Pointe Orlando and ICON Park®. And with locally owned boutiques, vintage shops, holiday markets and more small businesses to browse, you’re sure to find a one-of-a-kind gift for your loved ones.
Discover: Unique Orlando Gifts With Local Flavor
Embark on Outdoor Adventures & Catch College Bowl Games
Gray Line Orlando
Enjoy a moment of calm with stunning ecotourism activities in our beautiful neighborhoods, trails and surrounding parks. Options include kayaking, natural springs, nature trails and parks, wildlife and birding encounters, outdoor thrills, and other ways to play while you’re celebrating the holidays in Orlando. The holidays happen to fall during peak manatee viewing season, and you can also explore holiday tours like the Christmas Lights bioluminescent kayak tour from BK Adventure.
Discover: Nature & Outdoors
The holiday season is also a great time to catch NCAA bowl games and other key matchups at Camping World Stadium and Inter&Co Stadium in downtown Orlando’s Parramore District. For 2024, they include the Florida Blue Florida Classic (Nov. 23, 2024), the Cure Bowl (Dec. 20, 2024), the Pop-Tarts® Bowl (Dec. 28, 2024), the Cheez-It® Citrus Bowl (Dec. 31, 2024) and the Hula Bowl (Jan. 11, 2025).
Discover: College Football Season in Orlando
Discover Holiday Celebrations at Orlando Theme Parks
This holiday season, Walt Disney World® Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort are decking the halls — and you are invited to join the festivities.
Discover: Things to Do at Orlando Theme Parks
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration (Select Dates, Nov. 2024 – Jan. 2025)
SeaWorld® Orlando will transform into a winter wonderland during SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, complete with snow flurries, a sea of trees and millions of sparkling lights. Catch festive holiday shows like O Wondrous Night, Winter Wonderland on Ice and Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen, savor treats from the holiday marketplace, go ice skating at Bayside Stadium, and meet favorite characters like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus himself. Plus, keep an eye out for special New Year’s Eve and Three Kings Celebrations on select dates. It all ends with the Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale set to joyous holiday tunes.
Save on discount tickets: SeaWorld Orlando
Coasters After Dark: Christmas Edition (Select Dates, Nov. 8 – Dec. 13, 2024)
Thrill seekers can also enjoy Coasters After Dark: Christmas Edition, an all-new event at SeaWorld Orlando that combines high-speed coasters, dazzling lights, seasonal sips and more for unforgettable yuletide fun. The separately ticketed, after hours event offers exclusive access to seven of the park’s most popular attractions, including Mako, Manta, Kraken, Pipeline, Journey to Atlantis, Penguin Trek and Ice Breaker. Select retail and food & beverage locations will also be open, including guest favorites like Flamecraft Bar, South Pole Sips and the fan favorite hot chocolate hut
MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS Party (Select Dates, Nov. 8 – Dec. 20, 2024)
Celebrate the season with festive entertainment, characters, sweets and more during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a separately ticketed event at Magic Kingdom® Park. Enjoy classic favorites like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration castle stage show. You can also meet favorite characters dressed in their holiday best, experience select rides with holiday overlays and enjoy complimentary cookies and cocoa throughout the park.
Save on discount tickets: MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS Party
DISNEY JOLLYWOOD NIGHTS (Select Dates, Nov. 9 – Dec. 21, 2024)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios® will roll out the red carpet for Disney Jollywood Nights, a glamorous after-hours affair bursting with holiday charm. Dress to impress and enjoy special character experiences, holly jolly treats, live entertainment and stage spectaculars, like The Nightmare Before Christmas stage show, Disney Holidays in Hollywood, and a dazzling Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM fireworks finale. Plus, don’t miss Glisten!, a dazzling new ice-skating spectacular set to holiday tunes.
Save on discount tickets: DISNEY JOLLYWOOD NIGHTS
EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays (Nov. 29 – Dec. 30, 2024)
Discover festive fare and holiday traditions from across the globe at the EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays, included with daytime admission at EPCOT®. Catch internationally inspired decor, indulge in delicious seasonal dining, and hear holiday legends and lore from storytellers throughout World Showcase. Plus, enjoy stirring live entertainment like the Candlelight Processional, featuring a celebrity narrator, a glorious choir, a 50-piece orchestra and EPCOT’s own Voices of Liberty.
More Merriment at WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort
Beyond these special events, you’ll find plenty of holiday cheer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney Springs®.
Discover: Things to Do at WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Experience the magic of nature with a Merry Menagerie of artisan-sculpted animal puppets, festive character meet and greets, and a special holiday edition of Tree of Life® Awakenings.
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach: Splash into a winter wonderland complete with daily snowfall, holiday-themed treats, and Santa dressed in his tropical best.
- Disney Springs: Embark on an enchanting Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, enjoy special holiday fare, finish your holiday shopping and meet Santa Claus himself throughout the holiday season.
- Daytime Fun: Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will also have festive decor and seasonal fun for daytime visitors, like Frozen Holiday Surprise at Cinderella Castle and Sunset Seasons Greetings at the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort (Nov. 22 – Dec. 31, 2024)
Merry and bright. Naughty and nice. It's Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, included with daytime admission at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. See The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ decked out for the holidays with seasonal shows, decor and a dazzling nighttime spectacular, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle™. Enjoy seasonal cuisine, marvel at larger-than-life balloons in Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and enjoy the music and fun of The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular starring the Grinch™.
Save on discount tickets: Universal Orlando Resort
HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements © & TM Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling. Dr. Seuss properties TM & © 2024 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade & Related Characters © 2024 Macy’s Inc. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2024 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Holidays at LEGOLAND® (Select Dates, Nov. 29 – Dec. 31, 2024)
Deck the halls during HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND® presnted by Hallmark Channel at LEGOLAND® Florida Theme Park, where you’ll find dazzling seasonal shows, tasty treats and your favorite festive LEGO® characters like LEGO® Santa and LEGO Gingerbread Man. Rock around the all-new, ginormous LEGO® Christmas tree, build holiday creations, take “elfies” with a must-meet LEGO crew, and enjoy seasonal decorations with a bricktastic twist. Plus, catch brick-bursting fireworks over Lake Eloise during Kid's New Years Eve from Dec. 26 – 31, 2024.
Save on discount tickets: LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Map of 2024 Holiday Events in Orlando
Stay Connected to Orlando
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