Ranked by Google
Flights as one of America’s top destinations for Thanksgiving,
Christmas and New Year’s Eve, Orlando,
Florida, boasts a smorgasbord of experiences for visitors to enjoy during the upcoming
end-of-year holidays. And, although the city has a multitude of events to help
visitors celebrate the season, there may be no better way to get into the holiday
spirit than a yuletide trip to one of the area’s famous theme parks, each of
which has its own special set of festivities planned.
“Orlando is a
unique destination for travelers over the holidays because of our extensive
range of festive offerings—from breathtaking fireworks to grand lighting
displays at our theme parks and beyond—all with the backdrop of warm sunny
skies and palm trees,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.
“We expect another bustling week between Christmas and New Year’s Day and
welcome travelers to Orlando to get a jumpstart on the holiday season with our
festive events starting as early as mid-November.”
Walt Disney World
Resort
Mickey’s
Very Merry Christmas Party – this separate-ticketed special seasonal event
takes place at Walt
Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park on select nights from November 8 –
December 20 from 7:00 p.m. until midnight. Guests will find themselves immersed
in storybook holiday surroundings, enjoying festive entertainment offerings and
attractions, with complimentary sweet treats and beverages included in the cost
of their tickets. Attendees can delight in the “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
Parade,” “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show,” “Mickey’s Most
Merriest Celebration” stage show, and character encounters and dance parties.
Disney
Jollywood Nights – Another separate-ticketed event, which takes place at
Disney’s Hollywood Studios park on select nights from November 9 – December 21
from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., this evening party mixes Hollywood glamour with holiday
magic. Exclusive entertainment includes the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!”
nighttime spectacular, the “Disney Holidays in Hollywood” show at Theater of
the Stars, “What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along”
at Hyperion Theater and more themed entertainment at swanky venues and hos
spots around the park. Guests can also avail themselves of more than 20 unique
character experiences, encounter fun photo ops (with digital downloads included
in the ticket price), and specialty sweets, snacks and beverages available for
purchase.
EPCOT
International Festive of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth – This celebration
of global holiday traditions runs from November 29 – December 30, and includes
a Candlelight Processional performance that tells the story of Christmas with a
celebrity narrator, massed choir, 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets and the
Voices of Liberty. Other happenings include a host of holiday storytellers
performing at various pavilions, “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season” at
CommuniCore Plaza Stage, opportunities to meet Santa Claus in person, and
several Holiday Kitchens across the World Showcase nations serving up seasonal
delights.
Disney’s
Animal Kingdom – From November 12 – December 31, guests at Disney’s Animal
Kingdom park will discover the magic of nature with a holiday twist, including
such seasonal delights as the “Merry Menagerie”, consisting of artisan-sculpted
puppets of arctic animals like penguins, reindeer, polar bears, foxes and more.
When evening arrives, a special holiday edition of the Tree of Life Awakenings
presentation will wow visitors as the park’s iconic landmark shimmers and
sparkles along to a heartwarming musical score. At Adventurers Outpost, Mickey
and Minnie are all decked out in their holiday attire and ready to pose for
photos with their fans.
Universal Orlando
Resort
Universal
Orlando Resort is embracing the holiday spirit with a variety of festive
experiences across its parks. Guests can enjoy Grinchmas
at Universal's Islands of Adventure, where all of Suess Landing is
decorated with the holiday charm and cheer of Dr. Suess’ Who-ville. “The
Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” brings the beloved story to life with a live
performance starring the Grinch himself. The mischievous green fellow is also
available for memorable photo ops, as are the resident Whos who can be spotted
throughout the land.
With Christmas
in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogwarts castle is lit up for the
holidays, and both Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley
in Universal Studios Florida are transformed with enchanting holiday decor and
special seasonal shows. At Universal Studios Florida, “Universal’s
Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s” dazzles visitors with iconic characters
from films like Shrek, Madagascar and Despicable Me, towering balloons, dozens
of holiday-themed floats, hundreds of performers and a special appearance by
Santa Claus.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld
Orlando’s Christmas Celebration, running on select dates from November 16 –
January 5, sees the park transformed into a winter wonderland gleaming with
millions of festive lights. Live seasonal entertainment includes “Mrs. Claus’
Magic Kitchen,” “O Wondrous Night,” “Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show,” “Sesame
Street Christmas Parade,” “Winter Wonderland on Ice,” “Big Bird’s Christmas
Storytime,” “Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale” and more.
In addition to
meeting their favorite Sesame Street characters, guests can also encounter Rudolph
the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends, and get some face time in with Santa Claus.
Visitors can walk around the expansive holiday Sea of Trees, located in
SeaWorld’s lagoon, go ice skating at Bayside Stadium, take in classic Christmas
tales at “An Elf’s Story” and find themselves engulfed by snow flurries at the
Waterfront.
Legoland Florida
Holidays
at Legoland, which runs on select dates from November 29 – December 31,
will see the bricktastic theme park bedecked with loads of holly jolly décor,
including tons of dazzling lights, LEGO-built sculptures, an enormous Christmas
tree (constructed entirely of LEGOs, of course) and a festive LEGO character
crew—including Santa, elves, snowmen, nutcrackers and gingerbread men. The
elves have also taken over the entertainment offerings, including an “Elf Training
Academy”, “Holly Hype Dance Party” and “The Very Merry Mix-up” sing-along.
There’s an early New Year’s Eve celebration for kids, complete with fireworks
display on select evenings. And, of course, there will be plenty of seasonal
treats on offer, from snacks to sweets and special beverages, for savoring the
heartwarming flavors of the season.
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