Best Holiday Events in Orlando

Orlando enchants all with its magical theme parks and endless entertainment. How could it possibly be any more spellbinding? During the holiday season, it transforms into a dazzling wonderland, from the glittering lights that adorn the iconic Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World to the charming festivities in downtown Orlando. Create cherished memories that will last a lifetime at these best holiday events in Orlando. 

Walt Disney World’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 

Cost: Starting at $149 (included with admission)

Dates: Select nights November 9-December 22

Immerse yourself in the epitome of holiday enchantment at the Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, where the House of Mouse transforms into an over-the-top extravaganza that promises joy for the entire family. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a ticketed event that unfolds as the sun sets, casting a magical glow over the theme park. 

Marvel at the dazzling spectacle of twinkling lights and festive decorations turning Main Street into a whimsical winter wonderland. The iconic Cinderella castle steals the show, glowing in the season’s classic colors as it provides a stunning backdrop for the Once Upon A Christmastime Parade. Watch holiday-themed shows, including a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky. Wander down Main Street USA as you indulge in hot cocoa and cookies under gently falling snow. Don’t miss the chance to meet beloved Disney characters, each dressed in their holiday best, adding an extra layer of magic to this festive celebration. A holiday experience at Disney World Resort is one of the top seasonal events in Florida.

Universal Orlando’s Holidays at Universal Studios

Cost: Starting at $119 (included with park admission)

Dates: Select nights November 17-December 31

Embark on a holiday adventure like no other at Universal Orlando Resort, where the magic of the season comes alive across the parks. Experience the grandeur of the Macy’s Holiday Parade, a twist on the classic parade. Its high-flying floats feature beloved characters from Universal movies. The spirit of Dr. Seuss fills the air at the The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular live show, transporting visitors to the whimsical town of Who-ville in the Islands of Adventure. Dive into the enchanting world of Hogwarts with Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where the magic of the holidays adds an extra layer of wonder to this iconic attraction. To top it all off, Universal Studios hosts live performances by the acclaimed Mannheim Steamroller. 

With holiday-themed antics, beloved characters, and magical performances, Universal Orlando Resort celebrates the season with a dash of glitter and a sprinkle of Universal adventure.

ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort 

Price: Starting at $32.99 per Adult / $22.99 per Child

Dates: November 17-January 3

Escape the warmth of Florida this Christmas and head to the coolest spot in the state—ICE! Many holiday events in Orlando promise “snow,” but this annual extravaganza at the Kissimmee resort is actually a frosty spectacle. An impressive two million pounds of ice comes to central Florida, featuring extraordinary ice sculptures, exhilarating ice slides, and more. In 2023, the festival’s theme is “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” bringing to life your favorite Peanuts! characters. How does it escape melting in Florida’s tropical heat? It’s all preserved at a brisk 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Parkas are provided for the full sensory experience.

The frosty fun doesn’t stop there. Combine your admission with various resort holiday-themed activities. Head to the Snowball Build & Blast, where snow takes on a new Floridian twist. Join the Elf Training Academy for festive merriment, or embark on a Snoopy Christmas Scavenger Hunt for added holiday excitement. 

Dazzling Nights

Cost: Starting at $15

Dates: November 17-January 6

Now in its fourth year, Orlando’s Harry P. Leu Gardens Dazzling Nights is an even grander spectacle. This expansive 50-acre haven metamorphoses into a winter wonderland glittering with a million dazzling lights, enchanted forests, captivating displays, and melodic tunes. 

Among the many highlights are hanging Moroccan lanterns that cast a warm glow, interactive pads that light up with every jump, a mesmerizing forest illuminated by thousands of laser beams, and a new light show featuring 100 ten-foot light tubes synchronized to music. A majestic 30-foot tree, resplendent in shimmering gold, adds to the festive ambiance. Culinary delights and upgraded beverages enhance the experience, ensuring that every aspect of “Dazzling Nights” contributes to a joyous holiday celebration. 

As a family-friendly extravaganza, “Dazzling Nights” goes one step further than hanging lights from trees. It invites guests to step into a magical realm of interactive experiences. Push around lit-up rolling ornaments, dance to the music on the dotted walkways, and catch falling snowflakes. It’s joined in 2023 by a spectacular, large-scale light show that promises to dazzle the senses. The immersive experience may only be four years old, but it’s definitely one of the top holiday events in Orlando.

Disney Jollywood Studios

Cost: Varies by ticket

Dates: Select night starting November 17

 New for 2023, step into a world of merriment and celebrate the season in unparalleled style at Disney’s Hollywood Studios nighttime holiday party. The nighttime holiday party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios promises a magical celebration that will leave you with treasured memories of the season. It plans merry mash-ups, themed entertainment, and festive character encounters. As the stars twinkle overhead, Hollywood Studios becomes a holiday playground, offering a unique blend of seasonal cheer and the unparalleled charm that only Disney can deliver. Find street fairs along Commissary Lane, or book your ticket to the swanky Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby. Sing along with the Pumpkin King at his holiday show or watch the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! performance.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Cost: Varies, but included with admission

Dates: November 24-December 30

Travel the world and see the holidays abroad with a single ticket to EPCOT. Throughout World Showcase, guests explore holiday traditions from around the globe. Each pavilion is adorned with decorations and runs unique entertainment. The Holiday Kitchens, featuring a global array of flavors, allow visitors to indulge in festive treats and traditional dishes from different countries.

One of the festival’s highlights is the Candlelight Processional, a breathtaking show that combines a 50-piece live orchestra, choir, and celebrity narrators to retell the story of Christmas. Like other Disney World theme parks, expect twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the scent of holiday spices, creating a magical atmosphere that captures the season’s essence.

Holiday Nights at H20 Island Live

Cost: $30 Child/$35 Adult

Dates: Select nights November 22-December 31

Dive into the holiday spirit like never before at Island H2O Water Park’s newest extravaganza, Holiday Nights! Running on select nights from November 22 to December 31, this brand-new event will illuminate your nights with festive joy. The dazzling lights turn a tropical water park into the chilly North Pole. Get ready for a host of immersive family experiences, nightly entertainment, and picture-perfect holiday card moments.

Family activities include a charming children’s train ride through the island, a Letter to Santa station, and dry slides for the little ones at Candy Stripe Cove. For those seeking a sweet treat, indulge in a make-your-own s’mores kit, adding a delicious touch to the holiday fun.

The best part? All these immersive family activities are included in the price of admission, ensuring that your entire holiday experience is unforgettable and incredibly accessible. 

Winter Park Christmas Parade

Cost: Free

Dates: December 2

Celebrate the holiday season in timeless elegance at the Winter Park Christmas Parade on December 2, a local tradition spanning over 70 years. As Central Florida’s oldest continuous holiday parade, it welcomes the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus to the charming city of Winter Park. Over 80 local organizations build floats, play music, and march in the parade, which kicks off at 9 am along Park Avenue.

 Can’t make the parade? The Holidays in Winter Park event runs all season with multiple themed events. Come to Winter on the Avenue on December 1 for a dazzling tree-lighting ceremony. This enchanting event offers an array of delights, including strolling carolers, a Chanukah menorah lighting ceremony, s’mores, children’s choirs, The Bubble Bus, Popcorn Flicks in the Park, and, of course, a visit from the beloved Santa and Mrs. Claus. Or attend Christmas in the Park at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Admire the brilliance of its Tiffany windows and be serenaded by the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble. Admission to all three events is free, providing an opportunity to bask in the holiday spirit without constraint. Additionally, the Morse Museum extends a special invitation for free admission from 1 – 4 p.m. on December 24, ensuring a memorable Christmas Eve Celebration for all. 

Oh, What Fun!® Holiday Festival

Cost: Free, but some attractions have a charge

Dates: December 7-23

Ramp up your holiday spirit at the Oh, What Fun!® Holiday Festival, a magical extravaganza in beautiful Lake Nona. This whimsical open-air winter festival brings snowfalls to sunny Central Florida, live entertainment, and classic Christmas tales featuring none other than Santa and Mrs. Claus.  

Each night brings new entertainment. Be amazed on Fridays at the Toy Box Acrobatics Show. Snow falls on Saturdays when kids can tube down the snow slide and have fun in the snow. Sundays are dedicated to family fun, with local school groups performing. Some attractions are always open, like the Holiday Market, the Evergreen Tree Trail, and the sculpture garden at Lake Nona Wave Hotel.

Holidays in Orlando

Orlando knows how to have fun, and the holiday season is no different. It’s not easy picking the best holiday events in Orlando, between the razzle-dazzle at the theme parks and world-class local attractions. Making time for these will make your holiday spirit skyrocket.