The first weekend in December is here, and it's the most wonderful time of the year to have lots of holly jolly fun here in Orlando.
Our latest Top Things To Do In Orlando is jam packed this week with so many events that it's longer than Santa's nice list!
Orlando is an amazing place to celebrate the holidays, with an almost endless amount of wonderful and unique happenings across Central Florida, from massive theme park celebrations to tree lighting ceremonies, and hometown holiday parades throughout the area.
And best of all, you can enjoy all this holiday fun and excitement without needing to wrap up warm to enjoy the holiday celebrations!
That is, except the must see ICE! at Gaylord Palms, where you will definitely need to wrap up warm to enjoy the indoor ice extravaganza, but don't worry the below freezing attraction provides cozy jackets especially for the occasion!
Another holiday must do we must mention is Night of a Million Lights at Island H2O, this is a one-of-a-kind, fully interactive holiday experience, that as well as being a wonderful and festive night out, benefits Give Kids The World Village, the local resort that provides critically ill children and their families with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost here in Orlando.
Whatever you choose to do this weekend, have a magical time!
Top Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend
Gaylord Palms ICE!
Now through January 1, 2023
One of Central Florida's premier holiday offerings and a much loved tradition, there is no better way to celebrate the holidays than gathering your family for Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee for ICE!
Step into a wonderland carved by expert artisans out of two million pounds of colorful ice, you’ll see the story of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in larger-than-life sculptures and even plunge down slides made entirely of ice in this Gaylord Hotels original experience.
Night of a Million Lights at Island H2O Live!
Now until January 1, 2023
From November 11, 2022, through January 1, 2023, immerse yourself in a dazzling winter wonderland illuminated with millions of lights and filled with festive family activities and live entertainment for a one-of-a-kind, fully interactive holiday experience.
Named by USA Today the “Number One Thing To Do In December In Orlando” when it debuted in 2020, Night of a Million Lights is a lightscape of spectacular sparkle and mesmerizing dancing lights, where guests of all ages can create priceless holiday memories – all for a wonderful cause.
This event benefits Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort that provides critically ill children and their families from around the world with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost.
Night of a Million Lights has quickly become one of the most popular holiday events in Central Florida. Many nights will sell out, so don't delay - get your tickets today.
Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Lake Eola Park
Friday, December 2, 2022
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer invites Central Florida residents and visitors to ring in the holiday season and help countdown to the annual lighting of the City of Orlando’s Christmas Tree at Lake Eola Park’s Washington Plaza this Friday, December 2, from 5 pm to 9 pm.
The event will feature holiday performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, food trucks and a holiday market.
The Nutcracker
December 2, 2022 – December 18, 2022
An Orlando family tradition for the holidays is the enchantment of Orlando Ballet’s annual presentation of The Nutcraker.
Bring the entire family for the adventures of young Clara as she explores the fantasy world of the Mouse King, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mother Ginger.
The show takes place in the stunning Steinmetz Hall in the Dr Phillips Center, tickets can be purchased here.
Christmas Parade in Winter Park
Saturday December, 3, 2022
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 70th Annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade.
The event has been held each December for more than 65 years, making it the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida.
Over 80 organizations that participate, including marching bands, local police and fire departments, scouting groups, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus.
The annual parade happens on December 3, 2022, from 9 am to 10:30 am.
Curry Ford West Picture Perfect Holidays
Saturday December 3, 2022
Enjoy picture perfect holiday pictures as the popular Curry Ford West Picture Perfect Holidays selfie crawl returns for the entire month of December!
This annual Curry Ford West tradition kicks off on Saturday, December 3 from 2 - 5 pm with unique interactive selfie stations along Curry Ford West, and this year, some selfie stations are even located inside local businesses for the first time in the events history.
The kickoff event feature holiday treats, a free Biker Santa photo experience with the big man himself, musical performances by Belles & Bows of the Central Florida Vocal Arts, fabulous vendors, together with the amazing holiday photo ops of course.
Plus, this year watch out for special surprises at this year's event from cool cars to special guests!
The kick off event will take place at the Justin Bauknight State Farm Office, 2507 Curry Ford Road, Orlando 32806.
St. Cloud 2022 Annual Christmas Parade
Saturday December 3, 2022
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and on Saturday December 3rd, beginning at 10am, the streets of St. Cloud will be filled with residents and visitors alike ready to celebrate the official start to the holiday season with the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce’ 2022 Annual Christmas Parade, presented by Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, The City of St. Cloud, and Experience Kissimmee.
One of Central Florida’s largest and most popular Christmas Parades, with over 100 spectacular entries, will kick off from St. Cloud’s beautiful Lakefront as it makes its way towards downtown entertaining crowds along the way.
This year’s parade theme, Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree, is sure to kick off the season in a big “St. Cloud Rockin’ Way.
So, head on over early to St. Cloud on Saturday December 3rd, and pick out your favorite spot to experience the Annual St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade
Saint Cloud Holiday Festival
Saturday & Sunday, December 3rd & 4th, 2022
The St Cloud Holiday Festival is a non-profit event presented by the Rotary Club of Kissimmee Bay supporting the annual holiday event and the community.
The Festival features over 100 crafters, carnival-type fare, entertainment, a classic car show and a Kids’ Holiday Fun Zone with Santa
The Festival runs for two days, always the first Saturday and Sunday in December.
The 2022 Festival will be held December 3rd and 4th, from 9 am to 5 pm.
UCF's Knights Season of Joy
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Join our UCF choirs, a full orchestra, and numerous special guests - for a holiday event that will be talked about for years to come.
There will be something for everyone - as we travel through the musical holiday spectrum and touch on classical holiday favorites, spirituals, and we can’t forget the traditional songs we all grew up on!
This is an event you want to mark your calendars for - and make time for you and your entire family to celebrate along with us.
Join the University of Central Florida's choir for a holiday night to remember at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets can be purchased here.
Budweiser Clydesdales At ICON Park Orlando
Sunday December 4, 2022
The popular I-Drive attraction ICON Park, has today announced that the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales are returning to I-Drive this Sunday, December 4 for the holidays!
The Clydesdales will be dressed in their holiday best and hitched to a festive decorated Budweiser beer wagon in front of The Wheel during their appearance.
From 11 am to 1 pm, guests can take photos and selfies with the horse-drawn beer wagon with the 400-foot-tall observation wheel on International Drive in the background.
Holly Jolly Holiday Party
Sunday December 4, 2022
Join Florida Theatrical Association for a festively fun family event at The Abbey!
The Abbey will be the host of a festive family day, featuring games, a screening of the movie "The Polar Express', an appearance from Santas Claus, and holiday themed drinks for and kids and adults. The Holly Jolly Holiday Party
Guy Harvey Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, December 3 & 4, 2022
This weekend at Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, fans will enjoy the opportunity to meet Dr. Guy Harvey and purchase new merchandise.
Meet Guy Harvey and learn about his dedication to conservation and his passion for marine wildlife.
Purchase Guy Harvey paintings and merchandise for him to sign at the Xcursions gift shop. Autographs & photos will be available at select times throughout the day and are included with park admission.
The Celebration Holiday Home Tour & Winter Wonderland
Saturday & Sunday, December 3 & 4, 2022
The Celebration Holiday Home Tour & Winter Wonderland is back for the holidays, with the much loved Home Tour back after a two year break.
This is your opportunity to see inside beautifully decorated homes for the holidays throughout Celebration, the town built by Disney.
This year, Celebration’s most anticipated annual events, the Celebration Holiday Home Tour & Winter Wonderland takes place on Saturday, December 3 from 1.00 pm – 7.00 pm, and
Sunday, December 4 from 12.00 pm – 4.00 pm.
Universal Orlando Holiday Celebrations
Now through January 1, 2023
Anyone can “Ho-ho-ho” and “Fa-la-la” for the holidays. But if you want to scream, laugh and shout your jingle bells off, you’ve got to awesome up your holiday at Universal Orlando Resort, where we do the holidays big time. It’s the biggest, loudest, awesomest holiday celebration of the season.
Universal Orlando go all in on the holidays with Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, where you can see larger-than-life balloons plus appearances by Illumination’s Minions and characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar films.
Get together with the resident Whos and enjoy the music and fun of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring the Grinch.
And experience Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with seasonal shows and decorations in both Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration
Now through January 3, 2023
Gather your family and join all your festive friends at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.
See the park transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with millions of beautiful lights. With plenty of holiday cheer, this event is sure to create unforgettable memories at a wondrous Christmas celebration you’ll only find at SeaWorld.
The highlight being the beautiful “Sea of Trees,” where more than 100 trees shine bright, and a centerpiece that towers 70 feet above the water.
This years Christmas Celebration includes meet and greets with Rudolph and his friends, the return of SeaWorld’s award winning Celebration on Ice, SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Christmas Celebration, and the much loved Ice Skating at Bayside Stadium.
Oh, and of course, not forgetting the delicious holiday treats and shopping of every kind.
Dazzling Nights 2022 at Leu Gardens
Now through January 1, 2023
Back for its third year and bigger and more interactive than ever! Orlando’s 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens transforms once again into a stunning winter wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music and beautiful sculptures during Dazzling Nights - a family-friendly adventure that gives guests the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable, interactive holiday experience.
Dazzling Nights 2022’s expanded offerings include character meet and greets, a giant inflatable yeti playground, a snowstorm in a 40’ snow globe, a curated VIP experience and more lights than ever before.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Now through December 30, 2022
The EPCOT International Festival Of The Holidays debuts a brand-new light show debuts at Spaceship Earth, with a display that will invoke the sights of winter, including snowflakes, northern lights and warm candles.
Guests can also take a peaceful cruise through twinkling holiday light displays at Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses, which has had a holiday makeover for the holiday season, plus for the first time ever, guests on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind can experience an all-new holiday remix with a Guardians twist on this intergalactic chase through space and time.
Plus, the holidays wouldn't feel right with the much loved Candlelight Processional, a Disney Parks tradition.
Other highlights include Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt, the Holiday Cookie Stroll, and Holiday Kitchens.
Gatorland’s Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down
December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18, 2022
The Alligator Capital of the World is hosting a Ho Ho Ho-Down this holiday season and everyone is invited to join the party!
Enjoy madcap festive fun for all the family at Gatorland’s Third Annual Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down Christmas Event, where else can you meet Gator Claus, Krampus Croc and more.
Gatorland’s signature holiday event features live music, and festive displays with interactive characters including Gator Claus, the Merry Elves, and Krampus Croc.
Ho Ho Ho-Down and visit the craft vendors, perfect for that unusual holiday gift, enjoy the yummy food and drink offerings, and be sure to visit the Gatorland gift shop to find that perfect holiday gift for anyone on your list!
And the best part? All the fun and games are included with the regular price of admission, for more Gatorland info, visit www.gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS.
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Now through January 15, 2023
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has transform at night into the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild!
Experience the Zoo like you’ve never seen it before! Discover over 30 different, hand-constructed illuminated lantern displays around the Zoo on a 3/4 mile path where you will celebrate the art, beauty and wonder of traditional Asian lantern festivals
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa
Now through January 9, 2023
Celebrate the year with holiday cheer at Busch Garden's Christmas Town, gather with family and friends to create merry memories at Tampa's biggest and brightest holiday event.
Experience the joy of the season up close with animal encounters, thrilling rides, holiday inspired culinary delights and festive shows like Christmas on Ice.
Keep the holiday spirit shining bright from day to night with millions of twinkling lights and dazzling fireworks, plus heartwarming moments with Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!
Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida
December 3 - 4, 10 - 11, 17 - 18, 22 - Jan 3, 2023
Deck the halls at LEGOLAND Florida Resort for the jolliest event of the year, Holidays at LEGOLAND.
See the GIANT LEGO Christmas tree! Be prepared to be mesmerized by the twinkling lights from our 360 degree light show! It is sure to be filled with festive fun from top to bottom!
The LEGO holidays crew is back again for more merry meet-n-greets! See LEGO Santa, LEGO Gingerbread, Holiday Unikitty, and more!
Check out our delightfully dazzling holiday shows, Santa approved of course, throughout the park all season long! Also, why not try some holly jolly themed food and drinks too!
The Santa Workshop Experience
Now through December 24, 2022
Once again, ICON Park 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!.
Each child that participates in The Santa Workshop Experience will even receive a free ride on the new Carousel on The Promenade, and they’ll also be provided a complimentary ride on The Wheel in a holiday-decorated capsule and access to the VIP no-wait line.
Orlando REP Presents True North
Various Dates Now through December 22, 2022
TRUE NORTH is a magical and insightful story about being authentic, accepting change, and holding an unwavering hope in the magic of Christmas.
Orlando Shakes Presents A Christmas Carol
Various Dates Now through December 24, 2022
Back by popular demand for the holiday season, the much loved story of the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, together with Scrooge’s ultimate redemption once again graces the Margeson Theater in Orlando, as the Orlando Shakes present their 2022 production of A Christmas Carol.
Plus, patrons enjoy fresh hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies at intermission and hear gorgeous carols too!
This Orland tradition is a must see show, and so much fun for the whole family.
Deck The Seas At SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando
December 2, 2022 through January 1, 2023
Celebrate the holiday SEAson in an underwater wonderland at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
Just in time for the holiday season, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium at ICON Park is once again hosting the popular Deck the Seas event.
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.
Plus on weekends, you can meet SEA LIFe's Sharky dressed up in his holiday best!
On Wednesdays at 1.00 pm before Christmas, you can see Scuba Claus and his elf diving with stingrays, sharks, sea turtles and more, plus hear the story of FISHmas!
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