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Christmas in Orlando: Holiday Events & Things To Do

From Main Street snowfall to millions of twinkling lights, Christmas in Orlando is a full season of celebrations. Here are the best holiday events and how to plan around the crowds.

The holiday season in Orlando

The parks begin decorating in early November, and by Thanksgiving the entire city is in holiday mode. Expect huge Christmas trees, special parades, seasonal food and, at a few spots, even snow.

Best holiday events

  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: a separately ticketed evening at Magic Kingdom with a holiday parade, fireworks and snowfall on Main Street.
  • EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: holiday kitchens, storytellers and the Candlelight Processional.
  • Universal Holidays: parades, Grinch-themed fun and a festive Wizarding World.
  • SeaWorld Christmas Celebration: millions of lights and holiday shows after dark.
  • Christmas at Gaylord Palms and ICE!: a walk-through exhibit of hand-carved ice sculptures in Kissimmee.

Tips for Christmas in Orlando

  1. Visit early in December. The last two weeks of December are among the busiest of the year.
  2. Book holiday parties early. Ticketed evening events sell out, especially in December.
  3. Pack layers. Evenings can be surprisingly cool in December.
  4. Plan New Year's Eve carefully. Theme parks often reach capacity on December 31.

Holiday events in Orlando

Dates change every year. Confirm with the organizer before you plan your trip.

Holiday

Christmas at Gaylord Palms and ICE!

  • Mid November through early January
  • Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee

A holiday tradition with a walk-through exhibit of hand-carved ice sculptures kept at chilly temperatures, plus ice tubing and holiday activities.

Tip: Parkas are provided for the ice exhibit. Timed tickets sell out on weekends.

Holiday

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

  • Select nights in November and December
  • Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

A separately ticketed holiday night with a Christmas parade, holiday fireworks, snowfall on Main Street and treats.

Tip: December dates sell out quickly. November nights are usually easier to get.

Christmas in Orlando guide
Holiday

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

  • Late November through late December
  • EPCOT, Walt Disney World

Holiday kitchens and storytellers representing traditions from around the world, plus the Candlelight Processional.

Christmas in Orlando guide
Holiday

Universal Holidays

  • Mid November through early January
  • Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure

Holiday parades, Grinch-themed entertainment and a festive Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Christmas in Orlando guide
Holiday

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

  • Select nights from mid November into early January
  • SeaWorld Orlando

Millions of lights, holiday shows and a giant Christmas tree display after dark.

Christmas in Orlando guide

Holiday tours to book

Top-rated experiences with live prices and availability.

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Frequently asked questions

When do Christmas events start in Orlando?

Most holiday events begin in early to mid November and run through late December or early January.

Does it snow in Orlando at Christmas?

Real snow is extremely rare, but several parks create snowfall effects, and the ICE! exhibit at Gaylord Palms is kept at freezing temperatures.

Is Orlando busy at Christmas?

Early December is moderately busy, but the week before Christmas through New Year's is one of the busiest times of the year. Arrive at parks before opening and book dining and tours ahead.