Christmas in Orlando, FL

The winter holidays are the best time for an Orlando vacation, offering the opposite of what you are experiencing at home, with skies that are blue and clear, temperatures reaching the mid-70s (or higher) and the excitement of Christmas adding an extra buzz to the landscape. Offering a variety of holiday related activities that just seem so much more fun because you don’t have to bundle up in your heavy winter clothes to participate in them, our little section of paradise may become the best part of your holiday escape to central Florida, and when you choose Tropical Villas Orlando for your holiday hideaway, it just keeps getting better. This guide to Christmas in Orlando FL will show you all the exciting possibilities of a Florida holiday filled with warmth, excitement, and if traveling with kiddos, the thrilling sound of eight sets of reindeer legs landing on our tile roofs!

Christmas at the Theme Parks

As you might expect, the theme parks that dot our landscape go the extra mile to create a holiday fantasy world that provides the magic of Christmas to visitors of all ages, some of which we have touched on below.

Disney World Resort

Christmas comes early to Disney, generally starting the second weekend in November and continuing through New Year’s Eve. Offering a Christmas parade with the jolly old elf himself taking a starring role, colorful lights and over 12,000 Christmas trees, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party adding excitement to your visit.

Universal Studios Orlando

Also offering its own Christmas parade and a series of holiday related activities, the magic of Harry Potter is increased exponentially, simply from the beauty and the cheer of the Christmas decorations. Seeing Hogwarts covered in thousands of lights will truly make your children believe in everything Christmas.

Gatorland

Although not a theme park you may be familiar with, Gatorland, celebrating everything alligator, is definitely worth a visit at the holidays, offering its Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho Down on the weekends through the middle of December. Perhaps the most fascinating part of a Christmas visit to this cool park is the photo opportunity you will have with Gator Claus and his unique sleigh.

More than Theme Parks

Orlando is the “Theme Park Capital of the World” but there is so much more to explore and enjoy at Christmas (at any time of the year, really) and we hope this guide will help you fill in some blank spots on your vacation itinerary. Some of our favorite holiday happenings are listed below.

Lake Eola Park’s Winter Wonderland

Lake Eola Park shines at Christmas, offering so many holiday events, we can’t begin to list them all here, including a Merry Market where guests can purchase extra gifts, a holiday stroll that will immerse you in the magic of its lights and decorations, Christmas Tree light and music shows, snowfall, and, of course, the chance to meet with Santa himself. This event starts in November and runs through New Year’s Eve.

Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens

The Harry P. Leu Gardens already dazzle, but on select nights in November and December, they shine as well, turning the summery exhibit into a winter wonderland filled with holiday lights, shining forests, Christmas music, and sculptures so stunning you will want to wrap them up and bring them home with you. Also offering interactive light pads that change color when you jump on them (the toddlers love this one!) this family-friendly event promises to be your favorite.

Santa Workshop Experience at ICON

If you are traveling with kids and choose to skip this magical experience, you will surely regret it for the rest of your life. Providing more than just a photo opportunity with the bearded man, your kids can ride the Ferris Wheel and carousel, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, help build their own toys in Santa’s workshop, and have their photo taken with Santa behind the reins of a 100-year-old refurbished sleigh. This experience is truly magical and will ensure your kids believe in St. Nick for at least another couple of years.

Tropical Villas Orlando Holiday Hideaways

Your visit to Orlando at Christmas is destined to be enchanting, exciting, and exceptionally comfortable, especially as you chose Tropical Villas Orlando for your holiday hideaway. Offering all the comforts of home and the space you need to celebrate in all the ways you are used to, our fully equipped kitchens offer the ideal spot in which to bake Christmas cookies or create a holiday feast. Watch Christmas movies on state of the art televisions, read Christmas stories to the kids each night in the most comfortable beds in the state, and as you sit poolside with a tropical beverage, be thankful that the snow isn’t falling and you don’t have to listen to the complaints of grumpy Uncle Stan. Reserve your favorite holiday haven today!