“There is no ice,
there is no snow,
at Christmas time in Florida…
but I can play in the sun all day,
at Christmas time in Florida!”
The snowbirds migrate south to Florida for good reason in the winter; there is literally no more beautiful time than this season down south. Cool breezes, mild temperatures, and clear skies, Christmas time in Florida may lack the traditional snowmen and cozy fires, but instead has tons of fun and exciting events, activities, and outdoor opportunities. Whether a local, travelling from near or far, or planning for next year, Orlando, located in Central Florida is a must-see during the holiday season. From concert series to Christmas parties, there are plenty of Christmas events in Orlando for all ages. Bring the family or come as a couple, either way you are sure to enjoy the spirit of the season here in Central Florida.
Things to do:
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom
Join the characters from every new and classic Disney movie here at the most magical place on earth for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this December! Whether you’ve not yet taken the kids to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, or are a day tripping pro, there is no experience truly more magical here in Florida than a night spent at the Very Merry Christmas Party. From snow on Main Street, U.S.A. to complimentary cookies and cocoa throughout the park, this experience is fantastic.
Whether you chose to spend your time in the park riding the rides, checking out the holiday shows full of characters throughout the park, or simply enjoying the ambiance of the beautiful Christmas lights, color-changing castle, and fireworks displays from a quiet spot in Frontierland, there is something for everyone. This year’s Christmas parade features all of your favorite Disney princesses, along with Minnie, Mickey, Goofy and the gang. Plus, no parade would be complete without a visit from Santa himself.
With cool weather, shorter wait times, special shows, the Christmas parade, and snow the most magical place on earth truly transforms into a winter wonderland here in Central Florida at Christmas. Select dates are available from the end of November through December.
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THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Young or old, the Christmas season is a magical time for us all. Whether it is children lying patiently (or not so patiently) in wait for Santa himself, parents hustling and bustling to create a magical experience for their children, or grandparents awaiting the long-anticipated arrival of their family gathering this holiday, the season brings out the love, peace and joy in us all. This Christmas bring the magic home with a special trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express.
“Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe.” ~ the Polar Express
With select Polar Express trains running throughout the country, there is no better time to experience this holiday train trip than now in Central Florida. Hop on the Polar Express where you will enjoy a scenic train ride along with caroling, hot cocoa, a special snack and even a visit from Santa himself. As a keepsake for remembering your magical trip, each passenger will receive a silver bell to commemorate the season and the belief in the magic of Christmas.
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The Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando
If you head over to Universal City Walk you will be able to experience a show unlike any other. The Blue Man Group has been around for over a decade, delighting people with their “blue, bop ba dee dow de day” songs and entertaining antics as they play, dance, and move.
Kids love going to the Blue Man Group shows. They are electric, exciting, and full of music and movement. Adults love the comedy, the fun, and the action as the lights spin around.
There are tickets available to combine with your tickets to some of the surrounding theme park tickets or dinner-and-show tickets for a full experience. No matter what, this amazing show will be the talk of your trip for quite awhile.
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LEGOLAND Christmas Bricktacular
Outside of all the hustle and bustle of Orlando, lies a unique resort that revolves around one of the largest toy brands in the world: Lego. Upon walking in to Legoland, you will quickly notice all of the detailed displays, made completely of Legos. It’s no secret that Christmas is almost here; made obvious by festive string-lights and a giant Christmas tree made of… you guessed it, Legos! With rides, building stations, and plenty of Lego themed decorations, you will see Christmas all around.
If you look closely in the vast, Miniland USA, you just might see Santa and his Reindeer or a special little elf hiding out. After riding the rides, take a walk to a place a little less known here on the Legoland property; an enchanting botanical garden called Cypress Gardens. It is truly a hidden gem featuring exotic flowers, plants, and a sprawlingly gorgeous Banyan Tree. When walking through the garden, its easy to feel as though you’ve been transported to a different place entirely. A stroll through this amazing garden this holiday season will leave you in awe of its beauty.
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Gaylord Palms ICE! featuring A Christmas Story
If you want to experience the ‘real feel’ of the North Pole, look no further than Central Florida this Christmas season. What you may say? But you better believe it, here for the winter season the Gaylord Palms Resort brings the North Pole to Florida with its annual presentation of ICE! featuring A Christmas Story.
With 2 million pounds of intricately carved ice, this family friendly entertainment will take you through a winter wonderland kept at a chilly 9 degrees. Featuring scenes from the beloved movie A Christmas Story throughout along with 5 2-story ice slides, snow tubing, and a life-size nativity carved of crystal clear ice, everyone will be awed and amazed at this fun (albeit freezing) Florida seasonal event.
Warm up outside of the ICE! exhibit in the infamous Alpine Village with hot cocoa, sweet treats, snowball games, gingerbread house making, stories with Mrs. Claus, and more. Take the family for an evening of winter wonderland fun, or spend the day at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center where you can eat, play, and stay this season here in Central Florida.
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Where to stay:
The DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld
TWith all the action during your stay in Orlando, you will need a comfortable place to sleep between events. The Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld offers amazing accommodations that will keep you and your family comfortable. From nap time so there are no family meltdowns to overnight stays, your room and experience at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorldcan make your dream vacation even more magical.
The rooms vary depending on your family’s needs. Standard rooms meet all your basic requirements with two double beds or a king bed, while the suites offer small dinette spaces, additional beds, and extra space for your family to move around.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld is the perfect location for your holiday trip. It is just steps away from SeaWorld Parks including SeaWorld and SeaWorld Aquatic, SeaWorld’s waterpark. A quick shuttle ride will take you to some of the surrounding attractions like Universal, Disney and The Orange County Convention Center. You will feel relaxed and stress-free in their tropical oasis which is huddled with lush greenery all while knowing you are just minutes away from enjoying your favorite Orlando parks
There are four restaurants on property including Starbucks, but a short ride to many of the theme parks and resorts will get you where you need to go for some daily grub. Free WiFi makes it easy to stream shows for the kids, and a large, child-friendly pool will keep them occupied and active when the parks get to be too much.
In addition to the wonderful accommodations at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, there are several holiday activities throughout the month of December and through Christmas.
- At Pool Parties (including "snowball" fights), S'mores nights, and Dive In Movie Nights with your favorite classic holiday movies. They also have craft nights and daily Mini Golf that is fun for everyone. Search for the Elf on the Shlef every day in the lobby and win a prize when you find him! Parents can arrange to have one of Santa's Elves come read a bedtime story with a stocking straight from the North Pole with the Elf Tuck In. Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at Seaworldalso has holiday treats for the adults. Holiday themed cocktails are available at the Resort Restaurant to include orange-spiced Hot Toddys, cranberry and lime Moscow Mules, and peppermint topped Holiday Eggnog. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.dtresortorlando.com" target="_blank">DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld’s Hideaway Cove you will find plenty of activities for the kids including Festive Pool Parties (including “snowball” fights), S’mores nights, and Dive In Movie Nights with your favorite classic holiday movies. They also have craft nights and daily Mini Golf that is fun for everyone.
- Search for the Elf on the Shlef every day in the lobby and win a prize when you find him!
- Parents can arrange to have one of Santa’s Elves come read a bedtime story with a stocking straight from the North Pole with the Elf Tuck In.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorldalso has holiday treats for the adults. Holiday themed cocktails are available at the Resort Restaurant to include orange-spiced Hot Toddys, cranberry and lime Moscow Mules, and peppermint topped Holiday Eggnog.
DoublTtree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld is in the perfect location and has wonderful amenities to make your stay even more perfect this holiday season.
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DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld | Facebook
The spirit of Christmas begets us all, filling us with a childlike sense of wonder, joy, and belief in the jolly old elf himself. Whether it’s children awaiting a visit from Santa, parents thriving on the excitement and preparation of the season, or newlyweds spending their first holiday season as a pair, may the belief in the ‘magic’ continue to make this special time of year one of peace, camaraderie, and love for us all. Spend time with your loved ones, enjoy the togetherness, and thrive off all the good and positive vibes being with family brings. Get outdoors, be entertained, and celebrate this special season with a Christmas celebration like no other here in Central Florida.
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