Christmas Lights in Orlando 2024-2025

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 12–December 31, 2024)

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 Holidays at Toy Story Land, where everybody can step into the world of Andy's toys to find larger-than-life seasonal decorations and meet a few friends. Guests can also join Minnie Mouse and her friends for a dazzling holiday-themed dinner party. More fun and sparkling lights await visitors at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Of course, the little ones can meet Santa Claus at Disney Springs, where they'll have the chance to snap a photo with jolly St. Nick himself. A one-day ticket for guests aged ten and up is priced starting at $109.

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort (November 22–December 31, 2024)

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. Visitors can find tasty holiday food and drinks, shopping, character encounters, and more around every corner of the resort. Admission is included with your theme park ticket or annual pass. Tickets start from $124 for kids and $129 for adults.

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration (November 8, 2024–January 2, 2025; on select dates)

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 the ice-skating extravaganza Winter Wonderland on Ice. Kids can also Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, or head to Wild Arctic.

Holiday Reflections Fireworks light up the sky every evening during SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, running through January 1, and can be enjoyed from various spots around the lagoon at the park close. SeaWorld is typically open from 9 am to 10 pm during this festive period. On Christmas Celebration days, guests can meet Santa Claus near the Wild Arctic area for meet-and-greet sessions and photo opportunities. Additionally, on select nights, guests can enjoy a special dinner with Santa.

Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens (November 29, 2024–January 5, 2025)

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, an enchanted forest, beautiful sculptures, and interactive displays. Visitors can immerse themselves in Christmas magic on a mile-long trail located in the heart of the 50-acre garden from 5:30 to 9:30 pm. Guests can enjoy a spectacular new attraction featuring a dazzling tree that stands 30 feet (10 meters) tall, adorned with thousands of shimmering gold sequins. Sweet treats, holiday beverages, and various experiences await to help celebrate the season in style.

Tickets must be purchased for a designated time and date, as they are not available for purchase at the door. The cost is $25 per adult and $22 for children, while admission is free for children aged two and under.

Light Up the Holidays in Altamonte Springs (December 7, 2024)

The City of Altamonte Springs, a charming suburb of Orlando, embraces the festive tradition of illuminating Cranes Roost Park with an array of live music, entertainment, fireworks, and delightful train rides, all alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus. Experience the park coming to life with breathtaking holiday displays that showcase 200,000 twinkling lights and a magnificent 60-foot tree adorned with thousands of ornaments and garlands. The celebration runs from 5 to 9 pm, and admission is free, with food and beverages available for purchase.