Orlando Theme Parks Shine during the Holidays

Ranked by Google Flights as one of America’s top destinations for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, Orlando, Florida, boasts a smorgasbord of experiences at its theme parks for visitors to enjoy during the upcoming end-of-year holidays. And, although the city has a multitude of events to help visitors celebrate the season, there may be no better way to get into the holiday spirit than a yuletide trip to one of the area’s famous theme parks, each of which has its own special set of festivities planned. 

“Orlando is a unique destination for travelers over the holidays because of our extensive range of festive offerings—from breathtaking fireworks to grand lighting displays at our theme parks and beyond—all with the backdrop of warm sunny skies and palm trees,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “We expect another bustling week between Christmas and New Year’s Day and welcome travelers to Orlando to get a jumpstart on the holiday season with our festive events starting as early as mid-November.” 

Orlando Theme Parks at Holidays – Walt Disney World Resort 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – this separate-ticketed special seasonal event takes place at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park on select nights from November 8 – December 20 from 7:00 p.m. until midnight. Guests will find themselves immersed in storybook holiday surroundings, enjoying festive entertainment offerings and attractions, with complimentary sweet treats and beverages included in the cost of their tickets. Attendees can delight in the “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade,” “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show,” “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration” stage show, and character encounters and dance parties. 

Disney Jollywood Nights – Another separate-ticketed event, which takes place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park on select nights from November 9 – December 21 from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., this evening party mixes Hollywood glamour with holiday magic. Exclusive entertainment includes the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” nighttime spectacular, the “Disney Holidays in Hollywood” show at Theater of the Stars, “What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along” at Hyperion Theater and more themed entertainment at swanky venues and hos spots around the park. Guests can also avail themselves of more than 20 unique character experiences, encounter fun photo ops (with digital downloads included in the ticket price), and specialty sweets, snacks and beverages available for purchase. 

EPCOT International Festive of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth – This celebration of global holiday traditions runs from November 29 – December 30, and includes a Candlelight Processional performance that tells the story of Christmas with a celebrity narrator, massed choir, 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets and the Voices of Liberty. Other happenings include a host of holiday storytellers performing at various pavilions, “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season” at CommuniCore Plaza Stage, opportunities to meet Santa Claus in person, and several Holiday Kitchens across the World Showcase nations serving up seasonal delights.  

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – From November 12 – December 31, guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park will discover the magic of nature with a holiday twist, including such seasonal delights as the “Merry Menagerie”, consisting of artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals like penguins, reindeer, polar bears, foxes and more. When evening arrives, a special holiday edition of the Tree of Life Awakenings presentation will wow visitors as the park’s iconic landmark shimmers and sparkles along to a heartwarming musical score. At Adventurers Outpost, Mickey and Minnie are all decked out in their holiday attire and ready to pose for photos with their fans. 

Theme Parks at the Holidays – Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort is embracing the holiday spirit with a variety of festive experiences across its parks. Guests can enjoy Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where all of Suess Landing is decorated with the holiday charm and cheer of Dr. Suess’ Who-ville. “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” brings the beloved story to life with a live performance starring the Grinch himself. The mischievous green fellow is also available for memorable photo ops, as are the resident Whos who can be spotted throughout the land. 

With Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogwarts castle is lit up for the holidays, and both Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida are transformed with enchanting holiday decor and special seasonal shows. At Universal Studios Florida, “Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s” dazzles visitors with iconic characters from films like Shrek, Madagascar and Despicable Me, towering balloons, dozens of holiday-themed floats, hundreds of performers and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration, running on select dates from November 16 – January 5, sees the park transformed into a winter wonderland gleaming with millions of festive lights. Live seasonal entertainment includes “Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen,” “O Wondrous Night,” “Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show,” “Sesame Street Christmas Parade,” “Winter Wonderland on Ice,” “Big Bird’s Christmas Storytime,” “Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale” and more. 

In addition to meeting their favorite Sesame Street characters, guests can also encounter Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends, and get some face time in with Santa Claus. Visitors can walk around the expansive holiday Sea of Trees, located in SeaWorld’s lagoon, go ice skating at Bayside Stadium, take in classic Christmas tales at “An Elf’s Story” and find themselves engulfed by snow flurries at the Waterfront. 

Legoland Florida

Holidays at Legoland, which runs on select dates from November 29 – December 31, will see the bricktastic theme park bedecked with loads of holly jolly décor, including tons of dazzling lights, LEGO-built sculptures, an enormous Christmas tree (constructed entirely of LEGOs, of course) and a festive LEGO character crew—including Santa, elves, snowmen, nutcrackers and gingerbread men. The elves have also taken over the entertainment offerings, including an “Elf Training Academy”, “Holly Hype Dance Party” and “The Very Merry Mix-up” sing-along. There’s an early New Year’s Eve celebration for kids, complete with fireworks display on select evenings. And, of course, there will be plenty of seasonal treats on offer, from snacks to sweets and special beverages, for savoring the heartwarming flavors of the season. 

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.