With so many fun options at their fingertips, how can central Floridians choose what to do to celebrate the holiday season? Explore the following options to figure out what is right for you.
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Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Celebrate the holidays with Mickey and friends at the Happiest Place on Earth during an after-hours limited-guest event. Highlights include Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Holiday Wishes, Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle, special character meet and greets, and snow on Main Street.
When: Select nights (Nov. 21, 22 & Dec. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20); 7 PM – midnight
Where: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
How Much: $62 – $71
More Info: Website
EPCOT Candlelight Processional
Listen to celebrity narrators tell the Christmas story accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. Celebrities performing during the rest of this semester include Neil Patrick Harris, Ashley Judd, and Whoopi Goldberg.
When: Nov. 29-Dec. 30; 5 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:15 PM
Where: EPCOT, Walt Disney World
How Much: Included with Disney Ticket
More Info: Website
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Watch millions of lights dance in tune to holiday music.
When: Nov. 8 – Jan. 5
Where: Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World
How Much: Included with Disney Ticket
More Info: Website
Universal Studios Holidays
There are two parts to the holiday celebrations at Universal Studios, one at each park. In Universal Studios, watch the daily Macy’s Holiday Parade with floats from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, watch Mannheim Steamroller perform live, or dance with the Blues Brothers at their special holiday show. Celebrate Grinchmas in Islands of Adventure with the Wholiday spectacular and Grinch meet-and-greets.
When: Dec. 7 – Jan. 4
Where: Universal Studios Orlando
How Much: Included with Universal Studios Ticket
More Info: Website
Sea World Christmas Celebration
Special shows include Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas (sea lions and otters show), O Wondrous Night (a retelling of the Christmas story with live animals), Shamu’s Christmas Miracles (orca show), Winter Wonderland on Ice (an ice skating show), Holiday Reflections Fireworks, and The Polar Express Experience.
When: Weekends Nov. 23 – Dec. 31
Where: Sea World
How Much: Included with Sea World Ticket
More Info: Website
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ICE! At Gaylord Palms
More than 2 million lights, a 54-foot-tall Christmas tree, visits from Dreamworks characters, and a live ice carving zone featuring Frosty the Snowman.
When: Nov. 23 – Jan. 5
Where: Gaylord Palms Resort
How Much: $29 (for ice carving zone)
More Info: Website
Light Up! UCF
Head over to UCF for Orlando’s largest outdoor skating rink, a free outdoor Holiday Film Festival, rides including a Ferris wheel, and a light show.
When: Nov. 15 – Jan. 5
Where: UCF CFE Arena
How Much: Free (Film Festival, Light Show), more for individual experiences
More Info: Website
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Christmas in the Park
Winter Park celebrates the holiday season with a holiday ice skating rink in Central Park throughout the holiday season and special celebrations, including Holiday Pops, 35th Annual Christmas in the Park Celebration, and the Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony.
When:
- Nov. 15 – Jan. 5 (ice skating)
- Nov. 30 (Chanukah on the Park)
- Dec. 1 (Holiday Pops & Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra)
- Dec. 4 (35th Annual Christmas in the Park Celebration)
- Dec. 6 (Holiday Tree Lighting)
- Dec. 7 (“Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade)
Where: Central Park
How Much: $10 (ice skating)
More Info: Website
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