Celebrating Christmas looks a little different in every home. However, whether you have a favorite holiday movie you always watch this time of year, a traditional dinner you serve up, or you spend the holidays out and about looking for amazing light displays, it’s inevitably a time to enjoy meaningful moments alongside family and friends. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself and your traveling crew in Orlando, Florida in December, you’ll find there’s no shortage of magical holiday moments waiting at the many world-class theme parks in town. From rides and decorations to festive food and incredible performances, there are an endless number of reasons to celebrate Christmas in the Orlando theme parks!
Make It a Magical Christmas Experience at Walt Disney World
For many travelers, it’s impossible to contemplate a trip to sunny Orlando without time spent at Walt Disney World. The parks here are even more magical with good reason over the holidays as incredible live performances, fun events, amazing décor, new rides, and fantastic fireworks all get integrated into the seasonal lineup.
Some of the fan-favorite holiday events at the park for families include Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party which is hosted at Magic Kingdom each year. This whimsical holiday event is great for all ages and includes amazing entertainment, dazzling holiday lights, and a themed stage show as well as a fun-for-all parade. There are plenty of hot cocoa churros and cookies to go around and the seasonal cranberry citrus soft-serve floats are always a favorite on the menu too.
Over at Animal Kingdom, the holiday fun continues with the annual Festive Flotillas for guests to enjoy while Hollywood Studios proudly hosts the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. You can also attend Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios this time of year which adds a touch of elegance to the festive spirit as you dress up in your Christmas best and enjoy handcrafted cocktails paired with fantastic music and sweets. Even Disney Springs gets decked out in glittering Christmas trees and faux snowfall during the holiday season while EPCOT hosts its annual International Festival of the Holidays. This event is a chance to experience holiday traditions from around the globe while making the most of amazing Christmas fare samplings too. The highlight of this event is typically the beautiful candlelight processional which retells the Christmas story before your very eyes.
Enjoy Christmas Fun at Universal Orlando
Yet another top-rated theme park destination in town for visitors year-round is Universal Orlando and when Christmas comes around, you’ll find this theme park offers just as much to look forward to in the way of festivities. There’s a holiday parade for visitors to enjoy that features impressive Macy’s balloons and the Grinchmas experience at Island of Adventure is a must-visit. At Grinchmas, guests are treated to a “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” which showcases the Grinch’s story live. The Universal Holiday tribute store that’s set up seasonally is a great place to find Christmas décor of all kinds! Another stop here you won’t want to miss when you drop by is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. During Christmas, Diagon Alley hosts holiday musical performances and over at Hogwarts Castle, you can see an incredible nighttime projection show each evening too.
Indulge in the Holiday Spirit at SeaWorld Orlando
While SeaWorld Orlando is a terrific place to get up close to amazing marine life any time of year you’re visiting Orlando, those that head this way over Christmas will find it’s a park lit up in holiday style! Across the park, you’ll encounter Christmas trees illuminated with hundreds of lights and ornaments including a few that are “floating” on the park’s lake. In years past, these floating trees have been linked up with music and lights to create an incredible show for guests to enjoy in the evenings. SeaWorld transforms into a winter wonderland right in the heart of Florida with the inclusion of an ice rink on-site for guests to try that also plays host to festive ice dance performances throughout the month of December. When you’re here with little ones in tow, the annual Sesame Street Christmas Parade is sure to be a hit with Elmo, Big Bird, and all of their friends teaming up to provide an unforgettable performance for audiences.
Make It a Memorable Christmas Experience at LEGOLAND
Not to be left out of the theme park holiday experience, LEGOLAND also decks out its park for a one-of-a-kind Christmas moment for guests to enjoy. Characters that you meet-and-greet will be wearing their festival apparel this time of year and there’s a 30-foot Christmas tree made entirely of Lego and Duplo bricks for visitors to admire. You can take time as a family to explore Santa’s workshop during the Holly Jolly Jubilee Show and the custom merchandise available to purchase makes for some incredible souvenirs too. From the themed food to the holiday lights display at night, you’ll find the Christmas spirit with ease at LEGOLAND.
Book Your Orlando Getaway Today
When you’re ready to make the most of your journey to Orlando, Casiola Orlando has the vacation rental you need to feel right at home. Browse our exciting lineup of options online today and when you find your ideal retreat, booking your place begins with just the touch of a button. We look forward to seeing you in Orlando this holiday season!
