It's Christmas, and whether you're a visitor here in Orlando to celebrate Christmas or you're a local looking for fun things to do with family and friends for the holidays, our guide to the best things to do throughout Central Florida will help you enjoy a holly, jolly holiday weekend!
The Best Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend!
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MULTI-DAY EVENTS
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Select Nights, Now - December 22, 2023
Holiday magic is unwrapped at the after-hours Mickey's Very Mery Christmas Party with the return of festive favorites including the Christmas extravaganza stage show, “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration,” the sparkling spectacular “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” and the merry must-see “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.”
Santa's Workshop At ICON Park
Select Nights, Now - December 22, 2023
The entire family can enjoy The Santa Workshop Experience at I-Drive's entertainment destination ICON Park, which has been magically transformed into a winter wonderland, where families can partake in the annual tradition of taking holiday pictures together and the kiddos can meet the main man in person, Santa Claus.
Eola Winter Wonderland
Select Nights, December 1 - December 23, 2023
The most wonderful time of the year is here, and the city of Orlando invites Central Florida residents and guests to celebrate the holidays with family-friendly holiday events and activities for all ages to enjoy at Lake Eola including Eola Wonderland Snowfall, Downtown Orlando Merry Market, and Santa Claus at Eola House.
Oh, What Fun! Lake Nona
Now - December 23, 2023
With nightly snowfalls, live entertainment, photo ops and memorable encounters that will amaze and enchant, Oh, What Fun! makes the holidays magical for everyone.
Enjoy all your favorite chilly-weather foods as sweet-treats stations and pop-up stands offer specialty snacks and beverages made especially for the season. Enjoy classic Christmas tales with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Cottage. Stroll through Lake Nona’s very own Holiday Market for some Christmas shopping or explore the Evergreen Christmas Tree Trail.
Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
Now - December 23, 2023
Ring in the holiday season at Orlando Family Stage with Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! Junie B. Jones, First-Grader, is super-excited about the upcoming Holiday Sing-Along and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school. Too bad tattletale May keeps ruining all of Junie B.’s fun. So, when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa, she comes up with the perfect plan to teach her nemesis a lesson! But will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere before she can give you-know-who what she deserves?
The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show
Now - December 23, 2023
With new original songs and a comedic cast of characters pulled straight from your neighboring cubicles, The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show returns for a third year with drinks, mingling, scripted gift-exchanges, and a little bit of that good ol’-fashioned holiday spirit. Get tickets now for this fantastic production from Renaissance Theatre Company.
Moonshine & Mistletoe: An Appalachian Christmas Tale
Now - December 23, 2023
The Ballards, Lessy Boy and Curleen, welcome family and friends into their Appalachian mountain home to celebrate Christmas Day. In the midst of the Great Depression, they have no gifts to exchange, but instead, they share a love of Appalachian hymns and carols. Moonshine & Mistletoe at the Winter Garden Theater is a musical valentine to a bygone era and is a wholesome holiday theatrical event for the entire family.
Chase Padgett: 6 String Christmas
Now - December 23, 202
This holiday season, the Orlando Shakes cabaret season features Chase Padgett, and 6 String Christmas. Purchase tickets now.
Orlando Ballet Presents World Premiere: The Nutcracker
Now - December 24, 2023
Like young Clara, Artistic Director Jorden Morris dreams big as all will see when Orlando Ballet premieres this entirely new production of The Nutcracker. Staying true to the traditional story of a young girl’s love for her favorite Christmas gift bestowed by the town’s toymaker, Morris pairs Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s classic musical score with entirely new choreography to create a fresh and whimsical experience complete with giant snow globes, fancy mice, and a few high-flying surprises.
Santa Photo Experience at The Mall At Millenia
Now - December 24, 2023
The Magic of Santa is Back! Celebrate the holiday season with The Mall At Millenia once again as they present their classic Santa Photo Experience.
Meet Santa at The Florida Mall
Now - December 24, 2023
Bring your family, friends and even pets to meet Santa at The Florida Mall.
Dickens by Candlelight
Now - December 24, 2023
An Orlando holiday tradition returns! Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, performed all around you as you sip tea and indulge in Christmas cookies at Audubon Park Covenant Church, located at 3219 Chelsea Street. Caroling will begin before each performance at 7:00, with the show beginning at 7:30 pm.
Holiday Nights at ICON Park
Now - December 25, 2023
The 20-acre ICON Park has transformed into a holiday wonderland with the arrival of the I-Drive District’s 50-foot decorated tree, nightly snowfall, Santa Workshop Experience, The Wheel’s holiday light and music show, carolers – and more.
Holinights Celebrations
Select Nights, Now - December 25, 2023
The holidays are coming, and at the popular Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee, the Holinights Celebration features Santa Claus, Mischievous Elves, Towering Toy Soldiers, Live Music & Tree Lighting Nightly, Snow Ball Fights with the Mischievous Elves, Holiday Craft & Street Markets, Car Shows & More!
Pirates Dinner Adventure Christmas Show
Now to December 25, 2023
Ho! Ho! Ho! At Pirates Dinner Adventure, guests can experience the action, romance and excitement of the classic dinner show with a holiday overlay featuring Christmas music and a ship-side visit from a special guest at the end of the show. During the post-show Buccaneer Bash, guests can party with pirates and take pictures with the Jolly Old Elf himself!
Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland
Now - December 25, 2023
At Wekiva Island enjoy nightly snow flurries plus extra entertainment and activities which are offered on select days and evenings, including outdoor movies, sparkling Christmas Tree Forest with a 30-foot Christmas tree! Plus nightly “snow” flurries, sparkling holiday décor, and special events for the whole family.
Holidays At Disney Springs
Now - December 30, 2023
Enjoy a host of holiday-themed activities and savor the comforting flavors of the season while shopping for the perfect gifts for everyone on your list! Meet Santa and enjoy festive holiday tunes with live musical performances and DJs. Plus, encounter Toy Soldier Stilt Walkers and Snowflake Skaters and more.
The Holidays At EPCOT
Now through December 30, 2023
At EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays be immersed in the wondrous sights, sounds and flavors of the season from November 24 through December 30, 2023! Savor treasured recipes from around the globe at Holiday Kitchens. And embark on a journey with Holiday Storytellers sharing holiday traditions from around the world, plus, Candlelight Processional – Hear the stirring story of Christmas presented by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by an orchestra and massed choir.
Holidays In Space
Now - December 30, 2023
Starflake's Holiday Voyage returns this year for Holidays in Space! From December 15 – 30, 2023, watch a nightly projected show on the massive exterior of Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex. Festive holiday décor takes over the visitor complex throughout the entire month of December. The new favorite 50-foot tree with more than 61,000 pixels of light returns this year, as well as six-foot-tall astronaut nutcrackers, the NASA meatball-turned-holiday ornament and so much more
Holiday Lights at Island H20 Water Park
Now - December 31, 2023
Holiday Nights at Islands H2O Water Park is an exciting new island-themed holiday light spectacular featuring hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, themed displays, unique photo spots, live entertainment, and tantalizingly themed treats and gifts, all which will transform Island H2O Water Park into an extravaganza for the whole family.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
Select Dates, Now - December 31, 2023
SeaWorld Orlando’s award-winning Christmas Celebration returns with the sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday season. Enjoy all the family-friendly holiday entertainment, from the iconic Sea of Trees that dance to music as they light up the central lagoon, to delicious holiday treats. Experience fan-favorite holiday shows and seasonal entertainment throughout the park. And be sure to stay late to finish your evening with an impressive holiday firework show.
The Holidays At Magic Kingdom
Now - December 31, 2023
Get wrapped up in all things merry and bright, with sensational sights and holiday delights. The Magic Kingdom, truly is extra magical during the holidays, with beautiful decor, festive entertainment, and extra jolly eats and treats.
The Holidays At Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Now - December 31, 2023
Embark on yuletide adventures in a park full of entertainment and thrills. Decor at Hollywood Studios includes SANTA GERTIE! There are also oversized Christmas ornaments in Echo Lake, as well as a giant Christmas tree, and other decor. You will also discover vintage inspired decor on Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards, with snow falling along Sunset Boulevard.
Now Snowing In Celebration
Now - December 31, 2023
Now Snowing is a month-long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens style Carolers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, train rides, ice skating, and nightly snowfall at 6, 7, 8, 9pm. It’s a true throwback to the traditional family style holiday.
Holidays At Universal Orlando Resort
Now - December 31
At this years Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort join the celebration of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as Hogwarts Castle lights up for the holidays and festive decor brightens up the streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Larger-than-life balloons float through the streets of Universal Studios Florida in Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and get together with the resident Whos in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where you can enjoy the music and fun of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring the Grinch.
Holidays At LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Select Days, Now - December 31, 2023
At LEGOLAND Florida Resort, this jolly time of year features a giant LEGO Christmas tree, unforgettable seasonal shows, holiday characters, special treats, LEGO activities, twinkling lights and more during Holidays at LEGOLAND!
Cranes Roost Park Light Up the Holidays
Now – January 1, 2024
The City of Altamonte Springs and Duke Energy celebrate the tradition of lighting up Cranes Roost Park with live music, entertainment, fireworks, train rides, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Watch as the park comes alive with spectacular holiday displays featuring 200,000 lights and a 60-foot tree decorated with thousands of ornaments and garland.
Deck The Seas At SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando
Now - January 1
Celebrate the holiday SEAson in an underwater wonderland at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
The Orlando aquarium has been transformed into an underwater winter wonderland, featuring creatures that love living in the cold, ready for guests to embark on a wintery cold-water scavenger hunt.
Ice at Gaylord Palms Resort
Now - January 3, 2024
At Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, step into a wonderland carved by expert artisans out of 2 million pounds of colorful ice with a dazzling display of larger-than-life sculptures, thrilling ice slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. Plus enjoy the Alpine Village, a bustling, holiday hamlet with Bavarian-style storefronts, immersive activities and one of Florida’s largest Christmas shops.
Christmas Town At Busch Gardens Tampa
Now to January 4, 2024
Celebrate the year with holiday cheer & gather with family and friends to create merry memories. Experience the joy of the season up close with animal encounters, thrilling rides, holiday inspired culinary delights and festive shows like Christmas on Ice
Outdoor Ice Skating at Melia Orlando
Now - January 4, 2024
Meliá Orlando Celebration has partnered with Glice to install a 38’ x 38’ rink next to the main lobby entrance that requires no water energy or carbon emissions. A sustainable alternative to traditional ice rinks, Glice Eco-Rink uses synthetic ice panels for year-round family fun.
Dazzling Lights at Leu Gardens
Now - January 6, 2024
Produced by Creative City Project, Dazzling Nights is an all-ages holiday event transforming the 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens into a stunning winter wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music and beautiful sculptures. Highlights include a 70' long candy cane path, giant neon flowers, a brand new laser light show with live singers, meet and greet characters in an icy world, a giant, inflatable play area with a chimney slide, and so much more!
Tis the Season in Winter Garden
Now - January 7, 2024
Downtown Winter Garden transforms into a winter wonderland for 38 days of Tis the Season, outdoor holiday movies, light shows, carriage tours, boutique stroll, farmer’s market, and holiday music on the plaza are here to enjoy.
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience
Now - January 7, 2024
Experience the holidays Crayola-style at Colorful Christmas, hosted by Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall. Enjoy some SNOWtastic adventures as you go! Meet animatronic Christmas characters and listen to them tell stories as you solve their riddles. Step inside a life-sized snowglobe, watch a light show starring Scarlet and her singing reindeer friends. All while crafting unique gifts from the heart!
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Now - January 14, 2024
Experience Central Florida Zoo like you’ve never seen it before! See different, hand-constructed, larger-than-life illuminated lantern displays around the Zoo on a 3/4 mile path. Celebrate the art, beauty and wonder of traditional Asian lantern festivals.
FRIDAY, DEC. 22, 2023
Trans-Siberian Orchestra, The Ghost of Christmas Eve
December 22, 2023
The much loved Trans-Siberian Orchestra is back and returning to Kia Center on December 22 with The Ghost of Christmas Eve - The Best of TSO & More! Get more info here.
Altamonte Springs Holiday Concerts
December 22, 2023
Enjoy live music from BlueMoon Holiday Band, a jazz, R&B, funk and soul band from Orlando. performing holiday hits at Altamonte Springs Holiday Concerts in Cranes Roost Park. Plus, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Plaza. Admission is free.
Holiday Friday Nights at the Morse
December 22, 2023
The Morse Museum invites all to celebrate the holidays season with free admission from 4 pm - 8 pm, featuring live music from "Beautiful Music Three Flutes Only."
ALL NEW Spirit of the Season LIVE!
December 22, 2023
Featuring four International Champion Barbershop Quartets and the national renowned a cappella ensemble - Voctave. This is singing at its best - with holiday music that will lift the spirit at the Lifebridge Church 12120 Chase Road Windermere
Ericka Dunlap: A Christmas with Soul
December 22, 2023
This spectacular Holiday show is curated and produced by Orlando’s own, Forever Miss America, Ericka Dunlap. A Christmas with Soul is a musical extravaganza complete with masterfully soulful renditions of Holiday Classics, performed by some of Orlando’s most amazing entertainers and a live 10-piece band.
Get Your Jingle On at The Alfond Inn
December 22, 2023
Join The Alfond Inn for their Annual Get Your Jingle On Concert at The Alfond Inn Courtyard Lawn, featuring entertainment by Dana and Sharon Kamide.
Hellzapoppin Holiday Hullabaloo Circus Sideshow
December 22, 2023
Hellzapoppin Holiday Hullabaloo Circus Sideshow is coming to Conduit. Get your tickets now!.
Ben Brainard
December 22, 2023
Ben Brainard is a comedian with a natural ability to make any crowd laugh. Originally from Daytona Beach, and now living in Orlando, Ben has toured across the country, now catch him live at Orlando Improv. Ben is sure to have you laughing until your sides hurt!
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park
December 22, 2023
Join the Downtown Development Board as they present The Nightmare Before Christmas at Lake Eola Park. Bring your blankets, gather the family, and immerse yourself in the magic of the season.
The Smiths (Robert): The Cure Tribute Band
December 22, 2023
The Smiths (Robert) - The Cure Tribute Band w/ The HVNZ & DJ Hexorcist, LIVE at Will's Pub.
When Love Is Found: A Tribute to The Muppet Christmas Carol
December 22, 2023
Scrooge. Three Ghosts. No Cheeses for us Meeces. These are all things the holiday just isn’t complete without. Join the Orlando Artist Guild as they bring together a whole host of incredible Orlando actors, singers, puppeteers, comedians, and more to pay tribute to a holiday classic. With an original parody script by Bryan Jager (The Spider Queen, Scream Gays, Oh Hi, Johnny), new takes on songs from & inspired by the beloved movie, and many more surprises, this is sure to be a holiday event you don’t want to miss! Get your tickets now!
Mills 50 Parking Lot Party
December 22, 2023
Get ready Mills50 - It's the last Parking Lot Party of 2023 at Wally's on Friday, December 22nd starting at 6 pm! Enjoy an awesome line-up of food trucks for you to enjoy and Wally's bartenders will be slanging drinks all night long! Let's Party!
SATURDAY, DEC. 23, 2023
Bad Santa & The Angry Elves
December 23, 2023
The Greatest Xmas Band of All Time closes out their "When Elves Cry" 2023 Tour at the historic Will's Pub with support from JUNOSmile as well as a special xmas set from international superstar DJ, The Reverend.
A Crown for Christmas The Stageplay
December 23, 2023
Step into a world of intrigue and regal revelations in this captivating theatrical production, "A Crown for Christmas." Presented by JAnderson Productions & Change Your Community, this compelling drama follows the remarkable journey of Joy, a young woman who uncovers her true identity as a royal heir just days before Christmas.
Beach Nights at Aquatica Orlando
December 23, 2023
On Saturday, guests can visit Aquatica Orlando for daytime fun, and then when the sun goes down, guests can watch ELF on the beach, and it’s all included with park admission.
Suzy Park Quartet
December 23, 2023
Join vocalist Suzy Park and her quartet to swing into the Holidays at Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts.
Ben Brainard
December 22, 2023
Ben Brainard is a comedian with a natural ability to make any crowd laugh. Originally from Daytona Beach, and now living in Orlando, Ben has toured across the country, now catch him live at Orlando Improv. Ben is sure to have you laughing until your sides hurt!
Holiday Drone Light Show
December 23, 2023
This holiday drone show will feature a dazzling display of synchronized drones flying in formation to create beautiful holiday-themed designs in the night sky. Attendees will be able to sit back and watch the light show from the comfort of their own blankets and lawn chairs beginning at 8 pm.
Saturday Nite Classic Car Show & Cruise
December 23, 2023
Join Old Town in Kissimmee and take a trip down memory lane. The Old Town Classic Car Show has been a local tradition for over 30 years, it is one of the premier weekly car shows in Central Florida. The Saturday Classic Car Show begins at 1:00pm and welcomes show-quality 1985 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques. Cars will cruise at 8:30pm. The event is free for participants and free for the public to attend.
Yule of Fools
December 23, 2023
This is SAK's signature improv show, themed for the holidays. Two teams of professional improvisers compete for your laughs with audience judges selected at the start of the show. The actors make up songs, scenes and characters right in front of your eyes with the help of the audience's suggestions and participation. Don't miss this unique show from Orlando's top award winning comedy theater!
SUNDAY, DEC. 24, 2023
Christmas Eve Celebration at the Morse
December 24, 2023
Enjoy free admission to the Morse Museum galleries with live music from 1 pm to 4 pm.
The countdown to the big day is on, and with so little time to get organized before Santa comes down the chimney, we've put together a nice list of when Central Florida's Malls close on Christmas Eve!
Here is everything you need to know about which major grocery stores are open and when they close on Christmas Eve here in Orlando.
MONDAY, DEC. 25, 2023
Yule of Fools
December 25, 2023
This is SAK's signature improv show, themed for the holidays. Two teams of professional improvisers compete for your laughs with audience judges selected at the start of the show. The actors make up songs, scenes and characters right in front of your eyes with the help of the audience's suggestions and participation. Don't miss this unique show from Orlando's top award winning comedy theater!
Holiday Nights at ICON Park
December 25, 2023
The 20-acre ICON Park has transformed into a holiday wonderland with the arrival of the I-Drive District’s 50-foot decorated tree, nightly snowfall, Santa Workshop Experience, The Wheel’s holiday light and music show, carolers – and, of course, Santa himself.
Holinights Celebrations
December 25, 2023
The holidays are coming, and at the popular Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee, the Holinights are on the way too, bringing non stop holiday fun and entertainment including Santa Claus, Mischievous Elves, Towering Toy Soldiers, Live Music & Tree Lighting Nightly, Snow Ball Fights with the Mischievous Elves, Holiday Craft & Street Markets, Car Shows & More!
Holidays At Disney Springs
December 25, 2023
Enjoy a host of holiday-themed activities and savor the comforting flavors of the season, yes Disney Springs is open on Christmas Day!
Whether you're visiting Orando for the holidays or you're a local, you will not be short of amazing holly jolly things to do, and even on Christmas Day, there is a sled full of amazing things to do, check out our nice list for all the details!
From resort restaurants, and standalone favorites, to the grandest of holiday buffets, Orlando offers Christmas Day Dinner for everyone, and here at Gotta go Orlando we've brought together all the dining options throughout Orlando.
Here is everything you need to know about which major grocery stores are open and when they close on Christmas Day here in Orlando.
Whatever You Do This Holiday Weekend, Happy Holidays!
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