Orlando may lack snow, but there's no shortage of Christmas spirit! Theme parks, resorts, and hotels dress up for the season in millions of twinkling lights. In addition, non-stop parades, shows, and performances ensure that everyone has a joyous time. In Downtown Orlando, stop by Lake Eola to immerse in holiday vibes as the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree comes alive with thousands of colorful lights synchronized to music. The show takes place every hour from 5 to 10 pm during the Christmas season.
Christmas at Walt Disney (November 11–December 31, 2023)
Walt Disney World theme parks are always shiny and sparkly, but they take illumination to the next level during the Christmas season. The most sparkling place and the center of everyone's attention is Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom, which is transformed into a Winter Wonderland of 300,000 dancing lights. Every day during the Christmas season, after sunset, the whole cast from Frozen gathers near the castle, and Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle with her magical powers. Holiday events include a Candlelight Processional and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a live entertainment show with spectacular fireworks, and a special holiday parade. More fun and sparkling lights await visitors at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort (November 17–December 31, 2023)
Universal's main theme for Christmas is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Beautiful lights and decorations contribute to the unique experiences with special shows, inflatables, character appearances, and various fun activities around the parks. Among the highlights are Santa Claus appearances, Universal’s Holiday Parades Featuring Macy’s, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, and Universal’s Holiday Character Celebration, featuring the Minions, Shrek, and Madagascar characters.
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration (November 10–December 31, 2023)
SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration transforms the park into a winter wonderland, full of holiday cheer, fun, and over 3 million sparkling lights. On select nights, SeaWorld offers breathtaking entertainment, which includes ice-skating extravaganza Winter Wonderland on Ice. Kids can also meet Santa, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, or head to Wild Arctic.
Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens (November 17, 2023–January 6, 2024)
Dazzling Nights is a fantastic lights display, located at North Forest Avenue, in proximity to downtown Orlando. The magical wonderland at Harry P. Leu Gardens features lights, music, the enchanted forest, beautiful sculptures, and interactive displays. Immerse yourself in Christmas magic on a mile-long trail, located in the heart of the 50-acre garden from 5:30 to 9:30 pm.
Night of a Million Lights, Give Kids the World Village (November 8–December 31, 2023)
Night of a Million Lights is a holiday lights extravaganza at Island H2O Water Park in Kissimmee, Florida. The show usually runs from mid-November to early January, with thousands of dancing lights in a fairytale neighborhood. A sparkling tree trail, festive music, holiday treats, and Christmas tram rides will keep kids busy for the whole day. Overall, three million lights adorn the park.
