11. Orlando Christmas: ICE! At Gaylord Palms Resort
Photo courtesy of Gaylord Palms Resort.
The Gaylord Palms Resort has carved out a niche for itself in Orlando at Christmas -- carved out of ice, that is. From mid-November on, the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center stages an indoor winter wonderland with two million pounds of ice sculptures, ice slides, and "interactive ice environments". Temperature is 9 degrees, so wear shoes and long pants! Hooded parkas are provided. About.com's Florida Travel site has more about ICE!
12. Orlando Christmas, at SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando celebrates Christmas with sleepovers, special shows, and a Polar Express experience. Many tourist railroads offer Polar Express train rides that recreate the classic children's story of a train trip to see Santa at the North Pole; at SeaWorld, the venue is the Wild Arctic simulator ride, and the Wild Arctic exhibit becomes Santa Town. SeaWorld also has a ice-skating spectacular and a musical show, "A Sesame Street Christmas".
13. Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade
Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, hosting the Parade. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.
ABC broadcasts this annual parade that marches down Main Street at Disney World, with Disney characters, big-name entertainers, and marching bands from across the country. The program is taped in early December; in the past, tickets were distributed, but since 2008 regular guests in the Magic Kingdom have been able to view the taping as space permits. (Try the Disney World Mom's Panel for more info.)
14. More Orlando Christmas Celebrations
Parades, nightly snowfalls, tree lightings and holiday lights... About.com's Guide for Orlando has a calendar with five pages full of Orlando Christmas events and other festivities in December.
