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Orlando Lights Up: 70 Days of Festive Holiday Celebrations

Orlando is set to sparkle this holiday season, inviting locals to immerse themselves in over 70 days of festive experiences. Kicking off in November, the destination promises unforgettable memories, reaffirming its status as a top U.S. travel spot for 2025 by AAA. It’s the perfect opportunity for residents to explore the magic right in their backyard.

Why Orlando is the Ultimate Holiday Destination

According to Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, “Orlando continues to rank among the top holiday travel destinations because we offer endless ways to make a holiday getaway unforgettable.” She emphasizes that sharing a one-of-a-kind Orlando experience is a gift that truly stays with you, from theme park thrills to glittering lantern festivals. Locals can find more details and planning resources at VisitOrlando.com, including exclusive savings on VisitOrlando.com/offers.

Theme Park Extravaganzas: A Local’s Guide

Our world-renowned theme parks transform into winter wonderlands, offering unique holiday events perfect for families and friends.

Walt Disney World Resort (Nov. 7 – Dec. 31)

Magic Kingdom Park: Enjoy Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights, featuring festive parades, fireworks, complimentary cookies, and enchanting snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Experience the glamour of Disney Jollywood Nights (select nights), with dapper décor, unique tastes, classic characters, and live entertainment.
EPCOT: The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (Nov. 28 – Dec. 30) offers a global celebration with Holiday Kitchens and a Candlelight Processional featuring celebrity narrators.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Discover a festive twist with the Merry Menagerie animal puppets and a holiday edition of the Tree of Life Awakenings (Nov. 14 – Dec. 31).

Universal Orlando Resort (Nov. 21 – Jan. 4)

Universal’s Islands of Adventure: Dive into Grinchmas with a live retelling of the classic tale starring The Grinch.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Enjoy seasonal shows and festive decor in Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and the all-new Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe.
Universal Epic Universe: Witness seasonal lighting and decorations within Celestial Park.
Universal Studios Florida: Don’t miss Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s with larger-than-life balloons and Santa.

SeaWorld Orlando (Select dates, Nov. 7 – Jan. 5)

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration turns the park into a winter wonderland with millions of lights, live shows, character dining, and the Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale.

LEGOLAND Florida (Select dates, Dec. 6 – 31)

Holidays at LEGOLAND returns with festive LEGO® décor, a gigantic LEGO Christmas Tree, and character meet-and-greets.

Beyond the Parks: Local Holiday Gems

Orlando’s holiday spirit extends far beyond its famous theme parks, offering diverse festive experiences for all ages.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens: Asian Lantern Festival (Select nights, Nov. 14 – Jan. 18)

Experience Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, a three-quarter-mile loop illuminated by over 10,000 LED lights, showcasing mythical creatures and stunning landscapes.

Orlando Museum of Art: Festival of Trees (Nov. 15 – 23)

Festival of Trees: “Let the Joy of the Season Shine” features over 50 designer-decorated trees and wreaths, artisanal gingerbread, Breakfast with Santa, and an Ugly Holiday Sweater Party.

Harry P. Leu Gardens: Dazzling Nights (Nov. 28 – Jan. 4)

Leu Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland with a million sparkling lights, shining forests, and interactive elements like a snowball fight zone and giant crystal chandeliers.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Holidays in Space (Select dates, Dec. 21-30)

Included with admission, this festive celebration features holiday decorations and an all-new Holidays in Space Drone Show Spectacular, telling the story of Starflake’s journey through NASA’s programs.

Other Notable Local Events:

I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting: A glittering 50-foot tree lighting ceremony at ICON Park (Nov. 21 – Jan. 3).
Ivanhoe Village Jingle Eve: A free, family-friendly event with beer gardens, live music, arts, food trucks, and fireworks (Nov. 22).
Crayola Experience’s Colorful Christmas: Snow-filled adventures, light shows, scavenger hunts, and crafts (Nov. 22 – Jan. 5).
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: Host to concerts like Lindsey Stirling and The Nutcracker by Orlando Ballet (various dates, Nov. 26 – Dec. 24).
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland: Snow flurries, dazzling trees, a holiday market, and Santa’s Workshop (Nov. 28 – Dec. 25).
Lake Nona Town Center: Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival creates Peppermint Square with nightly snowfalls and live entertainment (select weekends Dec. 5-21).
Historic Downtown Winter Garden: Features the Main Street Holiday Stroll, Holiday Night Market, and Winter Garden Christmas Parade (Dec. 5 – Jan. 4).
Winter Park’s Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade: The oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida (Dec. 6).
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition Orlando: Festive photo ops with Santa appearances (Nov. 10 – Jan. 5).

Hotel Holiday Happenings for a Luxurious Getaway

For those seeking a more refined holiday experience, many Orlando hotels offer special seasonal events and packages.

Gaylord Palms Resort: Features ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with two million pounds of ice sculptures, and the new POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance show (Nov. 14 – Jan. 7).
Four Seasons Resort Orlando: Enjoy festive decor, poolside activities, and holiday dining at Capa Steakhouse and Ravello, plus Winter Wonderland Afternoon tea (weekends, Nov. 21 – Dec. 21).
Grande Lakes: Winter at Grande Lakes returns with ice skating, Gingerbread School, Santa’s Teddy Bear Tea, and a Winter Wonderland Market (select dates Nov. 27 – Jan. 3).
Evermore Orlando Resort: Offers themed holiday crafts, gingerbread house decorating, and meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus throughout December.
ette hotel: In partnership with Orlando Ballet, hosts The Nutcracker Holiday Tea with ballet-inspired treats and a special seating with Orlando Ballet artists (select dates in December).

Orlando Holiday Event Overview

Celebration Type	Key Highlights	Typical Duration
Theme Park Spectacles	Parades, fireworks, unique shows, character events	Early November – Early January
Garden & Light Festivals	Millions of lights, immersive trails, festive decor	Mid-November – Mid-January
Cultural & Arts Events	Ballet, orchestral concerts, art installations	Mid-November – December
Hotel Experiences	Special teas, ice sculptures, unique dining, Santa visits	Mid-November – Early January

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Orlando’s holiday celebrations begin?
The festivities kick off in November and extend for over 70 days, typically wrapping up in early January.
Are there holiday events beyond the major theme parks?
Absolutely! Many local attractions like Central Florida Zoo, Leu Gardens, Orlando Museum of Art, and various downtown districts host their own unique holiday events.
Where can I find exclusive savings or help planning my holiday visit?
Visit Orlando provides exclusive savings at VisitOrlando.com/offers and complimentary vacation planning services at VisitOrlando.com/plan.
What kind of new holiday experiences can I expect this year?
New additions include seasonal lighting and decorations at Universal Epic Universe’s Celestial Park and an all-new Holidays in Space Drone Show Spectacular at Kennedy Space Center.
Is Orlando a good destination for a family holiday getaway?
Yes, with a wide array of theme park celebrations, interactive light festivals, and family-friendly hotel events, Orlando offers endless ways to create unforgettable holiday memories for all ages.

Whether it’s a grand theme park adventure or a cozy local gathering, Orlando’s holiday season offers a unique way to celebrate. Start planning your festive journey today to make the most of these special 70 days!

Orlando Lights Up Holiday Magic