Orlando Unwraps Holiday Magic with New Experiences and Returning Favorites

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Orlando's holiday season brings expanded festivities at the theme parks and unique celebrations beyond, spanning dazzling light displays, holiday dining and festive pop-ups. It's no wonder Orlando made WalletHub's list of Best Warm-Weather Winter Holiday Destinations.

"The holidays in Orlando offer countless ways to celebrate the season and create holiday memories," said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. "From beloved theme park celebrations and dazzling light displays to festive performances, neighborhood traditions and unique resort offerings, visitors planning a family vacation, a couples getaway or multigenerational trip will find their own unforgettable way to celebrate in Orlando."

Visitors can discover exclusive savings on VisitOrlando.com/offers and take advantage of free vacation planning resources, including OPAL, Visit Orlando's AI-powered trip planner.

THEME PARKS

Walt Disney World Resort

• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park (select nights, Nov. 8 – Dec. 22) creates a storybook holiday atmosphere with "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade," "Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show," and "Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration."
• Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios (select nights, Nov. 7 – Jan. 5) combines Hollywood and holiday glamour featuring dapper décor, merry mashups, nighttime spectaculars, character appearances and signature entertainment.
• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth (Nov. 27 – Dec. 30) is a global celebration with a Candlelight Processional featuring Disney icons and celebrity narrators, plus Holiday Kitchens throughout the park.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom (Nov.13– Jan. 6) adds a festive twist with the Merry Menagerie's hand-crafted animal puppets; a holiday edition of the Tree of Life Awakenings; Mickey & Minnie Mouse meet-and-greets and more.

Universal Orlando Resort

• Grinchmas at Universal's Islands of Adventure returns with The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a live retelling of the classic tale.
• Universal Holiday Tour gives exclusive guided access for experiences, reserved viewing areas and character meet-and-greets.
• Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter features seasonal shows and festive decor.
• Epic Universe's Celestial Park features seasonal lighting and decorations.
• Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's brings larger-than-life balloons, floats and festive performers.

SeaWorld Orlando

• SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration is a winter wonderland with lights, live shows and parades, Santa meet-and-greets, character dining add-ons and holidays fireworks.

LEGOLAND Florida

• The LEGOLAND Christmas Bricktacular features a gigantic LEGO Christmas Tree, festive drone show, themed entertainment and activities, plus character meet-and-greets.

HOLIDAY FUN BEYOND THE PARKS

• Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix, returns at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens (select nights, Nov. 13 – Jan. 17) with handcrafted lantern displays brought to life with thousands of LED lights situated on a three-quarter-mile pathway.
   
• Festival of Trees: "Forty Seasons of Joy" at Orlando Museum of Art (Nov. 14-22) features 50 designer-decorated trees and wreaths, artisanal gingerbread creations and live entertainment, plus Breakfast with Santa, workshops and more.
   
• Dazzling Nights, Presented by AdventHealth at Harry P. Leu Gardens (Nov. 20 - Jan. 3) features a million sparkling lights, shining forests and sculptures, plus new immersive elements, including a high-energy acrobatic dance performance and a Twinkle Market light show.
  
  
• During the I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting (Nov. 20 – Jan. 4 at 6 p.m.), International Drive dazzles with a lighting ceremony of a 50-foot Holiday Tree at ICON Park.
   
• Ivanhoe Village's Jingle Eve (Nov. 21) features beer gardens, live music, arts and crafts, food trucks, a children's holiday village, a fireworks finale and more.
  
  
• Crayola Experience's Colorful Christmas (Nov. 21 – Jan. 3) returns with holiday crafts, scavenger hunts, singing light shows, character appearances and letters to Santa.
   
• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will Celebrate The Holidays with a series of concerts and events like Lindsey Stirling's Snow Waltz Tour (Nov. 21); Home for the Holidays presented by Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra  (Nov. 28); The Nutcracker presented by the Orlando Ballet (select dates, Dec. 4-27) and more.
  
  
• Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center (Nov. 27 – Dec. 31) is a free holiday wonderland with nightly snowfall,  live entertainment, seasonal treats, Santa's Story Nook, a holiday market and the return of North America's only transportable carillon.
  
  
• The 28^th annual Now Snowing (Nov. 28 - Dec. 31) returns to Celebration Town Center as Central Florida's original "snowing" event with strolling carolers and fun activities.
   
• Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland (Nov. 29 – Dec. 25) features nightly "snow" flurries, dazzling trees, holiday market and Santa's Workshop, plus interactions with characters and new Elf Lounge pop-up experience.
  
  
• A Pirate's Christmas Carol (select dates Dec. 1-31) at Pirates Dinner Adventure Orlando combines classic Christmas magic with live sword fighting aerial action and music, plus a three-course dinner.
  
  
• A Speakeasy Christmas Carol (select dates Dec. 2-30) at Teatro Martini puts a Roaring '20s twist on Charles Dickens' holiday classic with a themed dinner.
  
  
• Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival (select weekends, Dec. 4-20) transforms Lake Nona Town Center into a winter wonderland with nightly snowfalls, live entertainment and more.
  
  
• Gatorland's Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down (select dates, Dec. 5-20) puts a uniquely Florida spin on the holidays with seasonal treats, live entertainment and quirky character encounters, including Gator Claus.
  
  
• Historic Downtown Winter Garden will be home to the Winter Garden Christmas Parade (Dec. 5); Winter Garden Christmas Golf Cart Parade (Dec. 5); $5 Holiday Flix at the Garden (Dec. 15, 22, 29); plus other festivities.
  
  
• Winter Park's 74^th annual Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade (Dec. 5), the oldest continuous parade in Central Florida, will feature 80+ participating organizations, including marching bands and an appearance by Santa.
  
  
• Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition (Dec. 19) transforms Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex into a space-themed holiday celebration, culminating in the Holidays in Space Drone Show Spectacular.

HOTEL HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

• Evermore Orlando Resort celebrates (November-Jan. 1) with festive activities around Evermore Bay, Santa visits, electric surfboard shows, family friendly races and beachside celebrations.
  
  
• ICE! featuring The Polar Express at Gaylord Palms Resort (Nov. 13 – Jan. 3) features oversized sculptures carved from two million pounds of ice, along with a new cirque-style show.
   
• Winter at Grande Lakes (select dates, Nov. 26 – Jan. 3) returns with a new ice-skating experience, Gingerbread School, Santa's Teddy Bear Tea, a Christmas Market and magic show.
  
  
• The ette hotel, in partnership with Orlando Ballet, will host The Nutcracker Holiday Tea (Dec. 5, 12, 19, 20 and 26), bringing the artistry and elegance of The Nutcracker to Salt & The Cellar.
  
  
• The Alfond Inn's 12 Days of Alfond (Dec. 13-24) brings a festive lineup including Brunch with Santa, hands-on culinary and holiday workshops, wine tastings, live music and Christmas dining at Hamilton's Kitchen.
  
  
• Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort celebrates with festive resort activities, dining at Michelin-recommended Capa Steakhouse and Ravello, and sweet seasonal traditions, including a gingerbread house and hot cocoa pop-up.
  
  
• Conrad Orlando elevates the holidays with strolling carolers, a whimsical Holiday Bubble Bash, festive poolside cabanas and celebratory dining at Sophia's Trattoria and Ceiba.

More information on Orlando's holiday events can be found here and VisitOrlando.com.

About Visit Orlando
Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, the organization represents more than 1,600 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida's tourism community.

Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando's travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to 15 of the world's top theme parks and water parks — as well as nature and outdoor adventures, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin-recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com, VisitOrlando.org or OrlandoMeeting.com. 

SOURCE Visit Orlando