It's the world's top spot year-round for family getaways, and an Orlando Christmas adds the dazzle of holiday lights plus
events in all the theme parks and other venues too. Bonus: theme parks guests can enjoy great concerts and shows, included in regular park admission price.
1. 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. From mid-November, 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!
2. Orlando Christmas - Disney World
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Yes, the theme parks are crowded, but for many families this is the best time to visit Mickey's theme parks. The decorations are beautiful, the parks are open late, and many special events -- both major and minor -- add highlights in all four theme parks. Below are major Holiday Season events at Disney World, but guests will find much more.
3. Disney's Hollywood Studios: Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.
Millions of sparkling lights shine in falling snow in the Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park, during this annual display that runs from mid-November to early January.
4. Epcot: Holidays Around the World
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.
At any time of year, it's fun to walk around the World Showcase Lagoon visiting the pavilions from 11 different countries. During December, add holiday storytelling and celebrations from around the world.
5. Epcot: Candlelight Processional
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.
A highlight in the Epcot theme park is this annual retelling of the Christmas story, with a celebrity narrator accompanied by a choir and a 50-piece orchestra. Several showings nightly. (Included in regular park admission.)
6. Magic Kingdom: Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.
Toy soldiers, snowflakes, dancing deer, and Santa and Mrs. Claus in a grand finale-- this Parade is part of Mickey's special-ticketed "Very Merry" party (see below); after the Party dates are finished, the Parade marches for everyone.
7. Magic Kingdom: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.
Mickey and Minnie host this special-ticket party that includes a Parade, snowfall on Main Street, character greetings and stage shows, cookies and hot cocoa, special Wishes fireworks, and private-party access to popular Magic Kingdom attractions. Multiple nights in November and December. Sells out early!
8. Magic Kingdom: Wishes Fireworks
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.
Nightly fireworks at Cinderella's Castle always a highlight but at this time of year, the display gets even more spectacular, with the special Wishes fireworks show.
With its four giant theme parks, Disney World has many more Holiday Season events and displays -- Castle Dream Lights at Cinderella's Castle, nightly tree-lightings, parades... See more Orlando Christmas Events at Disney World.
With its four giant theme parks, Disney World has many more Holiday Season events and displays -- Castle Dream Lights at Cinderella's Castle, nightly tree-lightings, parades... See more Orlando Christmas Events at Disney World.
9. Universal Orlando: Macy's Parade -at Universal Studios Florida
The other multi-day, multi-park theme park complex in town also celebrates the season big-time, with some terrific extras for guests in both the Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme parks.
In the Universal Studios theme park, the Macy's Holiday Parade rolls every evening, with authentic giant balloons that are a signature of Macy's annual Thanksgiving Parade in NYC.
In the Universal Studios theme park, the Macy's Holiday Parade rolls every evening, with authentic giant balloons that are a signature of Macy's annual Thanksgiving Parade in NYC.
10. Grinchmas - at Islands of Adventure
Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando.
If you've visited Seuss Landing (in the Islands of Adventure theme park) during summer, you may have wondered: Where's the Grinch? He's nowhere to be seen except at Grinchmas-time, when Seuss Landing turns into a winter wonderland, with live performances of a musical “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” show.
