Christmas in Orlando
Christmas for some folks just isn’t the same without friends, family and the cold snowy weather blowing in the breeze. For other folks, those are all the reasons that they actually want to get away! That’s why Central Florida is the perfect place to visit during the holidays… because Orlando has a few tricks up its sleeve.
If you need snow and ice to feel like it’s the holidays, Orlando has you covered. Every holiday season Gaylord Palms brings their ICE! show to the Orlando / Kissimmee area and it literally is a winter wonderland of snow and ice.
There’s also Christmas caroling at Walt Disney World’s Epcot and the Singing Christmas Trees (shown above) will dazzle you with their beautiful display 250,000 lights as one of Central Florida’s most loved and spectacular traditions continue at First Baptist Church Orlando.
If you wander over to Universal Orlando you’ll be able to see Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure while Macy’s Holiday Parade is always popular at Universal Studios. From the moment you arrive at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, you’ll feel a wave of holiday spirit splash over you. Carols fill the air, a sparkling sea of trees lights up the water and skaters dance on ice. Here in the wintery, watery wonderland, you can journey to the North Pole on The Polar Express Experience, share a smile with a sea lion, and enjoy stunning live shows inspired by the natural world. With everything from elves to Elmo, and from Santa to Shamu, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is where holiday memories are made.
The “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” celebrates the festive moods of the season with dancing snowflakes, marching toy soldiers, horse-drawn sleighs, enchanting floats and spirited characters all proceeding through the streets of the theme park in a merry and melodic cavalcade. Guests can get in the spirit by enjoying the “jaw dropping” spectacle of 200,000 twinkling white LED lights that adorn Cinderella Castle, as Disney’s newest holiday tradition, Castle Dreamlights and during “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season,” the radiant castle beams brightly as the evening is magically capped with festive fireworks orchestrated to classic holiday tunes.
No holiday celebration would be complete without snow — even in Florida, where the weather outside is hardly frightful. At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party there is a 100 percent chance of flurries on Main Street, U.S.A each party night. And just in case the sight causes a chill: complimentary hot cocoa and cookies are served as the perfect trimming for a not-to-miss outing for the whole family.
Over at Epcot you can celebrate the holiday season with the characters, legends and lore from around the globe. Delight in wondrous tales and customs while experiencing the traditions of Walt Disney World® Resort. The signature events include a breathtaking Candlelight Processional and a special holiday-themed finale to the dazzling IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.
Ongoing holiday celebrations throughout the World Showcase featuring festive food, fun and entertainment from a variety of exciting cultures worldwide as well as the Nightly Candlelight Processional at the American Gardens Theatre. This is your chance to revel in the joy of the season as you listen to an unforgettable retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir.
There’s a lot going on during Christmas in Orlando and here’s one final place you must visit; Celebration Town center for their annual “Now Snowing” event. The event features strolling Charles Dickens Carolers, photos with Santa, the Celebration Express, horse drawn carriage rides, and nightly snowfall.
So why not leave home this Christmas? If you’re looking for a real “Home Away From Home” with or without friends or family, then be sure to check out Florida Leisure Vacation Homes as they have all the trimmings of Christmas with your very own Christmas tree set up in your rental home.
