Do you want to know what are the best things to do in Orlando for Christmas 2026?
It’s the most wonderful time of year, but nestled in the ‘Sunshine State’, Orlando isn’t necessarily the first destination that comes to mind when you think of Christmas.
However, over the holiday season, Orlando comes alive with festivity and is an incredible place to experience some yuletide cheer.
Orlando offers an abundance of activities, attractions, and events throughout the festive season, and it’s not just the theme parks that are sprinkled with a pinch of Christmas magic.
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The Best Things to Do for Christmas in Orlando at a Glance:
- Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will take place daily from November 14, 2026, until January 3, 2027
- Go snow sledding and have fun in the snow at Mount Dora’s Donnelly Park
- Escape into the whimsical world of The Nutcracker with the Orlando Ballet
- Celebrate the magic of the holidays with Dazzling Nights at the sparkling Leu Gardens
- Attend the Elf Academy Training at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee
- Visit the FREE magical Disney World Gingerbread house displays
Keep reading to get the FULL guide on all the festive and best things to do in Orlando for Christmas 2026.
1. Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens is the place to be if you’re looking for cultural and artistic enrichment, a place where, during the holidays, there is an extra touch of sparkle.
The festive calendar is bursting with a month of seasonal events and activities suitable for all ages.
Every year has a new theme and features stunning displays of evergreens, poinsettias, and begonias.
This season, there are so many Orlando Christmas events at Bok Tower Gardens:
- Holiday Music on the Terrace with The Musical Hammers
- Santa’s Toy Bag Workshop
- Holiday Crafting: A Tunnel Book Adventure
- Listen to the Celtic group Runa under the stars with their holiday show Hark! an Irish Christmas
- Black Tie Optional: Buble’ and Beyond Live on the Oval
- Yuletide with The Byrne Bros. and more
- Carols & Carillon with Dr. Reed and the Frostproof High School Choir atop Iron Mountain
- Classern Live at The Singing Tower: Holidays for Strings
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2. Christmas, Florida
Located east of Orlando, the small community of Christmas welcomes an abundance of tourists looking for a spot of festive cheer.
With streets named after reindeer, a permanent Christmas tree, and a year-long Nativity scene, Christmas is a town that not only bears the name; it is also holiday-themed.
The top thing to do in Christmas is to mail your cards from the post office that get stamped with the famed Christmas, Florida postmark.
3. Walt Disney World Resort
Nowhere is more magical than Walt Disney World! So if you’re looking for some magic during the holidays, Disney should be your first port of call.
As soon as Halloween is over, the parks are transformed overnight into a winter wonderland.
Entertainment gets a holiday twist, and gingerbread houses are built in hotels! This is one of the best things to do in Orlando for Christmas.
Disney starts decorating for the holidays on November 1st; however, the Disney Christmas festivities officially kick off at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on November 8th, 2026, and by the 13th, Christmas at Disney World will be in full effect.
Each park celebrates the holidays in a different way and hosts a wealth of unique Christmas experiences.
The annual Christmas party is one of the most popular events of the year featuring themed parades, festive fireworks, and special character sightings.
There are so many other things to see and do during this season at the resort such as:
- A Star-studded Twist on Christmas at Hollywood Studios
- Christmas Tree Hunting at Disney Springs
- A Wild Holiday Adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Decorations Galore at the Resort Hotels
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot
- Lifesize Gingerbread Houses
- Mickey’s Christmas Party After Hours Event
You’ll also get to meet famous Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy in all their holiday gear.
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4. SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
Holiday shopping, joyous entertainment, dazzling live shows, and festive food make the ultimate Christmas Celebration as SeaWorld Orlando transforms into a Christmas haven.
The park is lit with over three million twinkling lights whilst fireworks dazzle in the night sky.
To top it off, meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, pay a visit to and have dinner with Santa, and grab a prime position to watch the Sesame Street Christmas Parade.
When Does Christmas at SeaWorld Start?
The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration will take place from November 6, 2026 to January 4, 2027.
There are so many other things to see and do during this season at the SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration such as:
- Meeting Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Eating your way around the holiday food festival
- Go Christmas shopping
- Watching the holiday fireworks show
- Hanging out with the Sesame Street characters during the Christmas Parade
- Playing in the snow
- Going ice skating
Don’t forget that you can buy some unique Christmas gifts from SeaWorld all over the park, particularly in the Christmas Market. This event is one of my favorite things to do in Orlando for Christmas.
5. Universal Orlando Resort
A whole host of festive attractions pop up in Universal Orlando Resort around the holidays. Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will take place daily from November 14, 2026, until January 3, 2027.
Starting with Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, the season begins with giant balloons of your favorite characters floating through the streets of Universal Studios.
You can also admire Hogwarts’ winter makeover while indulging in hot butterbeer and enjoying festive performances. Be sure to check out The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.
However, the star attraction is Grinchmas, where Seuss Landing comes alive with Whoville charm, you can watch The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular and even meet the man himself.
There are so many other things to see and do during this season at the Universal Orlando such as:
- Enjoying the holidays in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Get a photo with the Grinch during Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure
- Kick off your day Seuss-style with green eggs and ham at The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast
- Enjoy the majestic floats of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
- Meeting Santa Claus
- Going on a Christmas Tree Hunt
- Listening to Mannheim Steamroller play your favorite holiday tunes
- Resort hopping to look at the holiday decorations
- Upgrade your day with Universal’s Holiday Tour
RECOMMENDED: (VIDEO) Holiday Inn Disney Springs: The Most Exciting Place to Stay in Orlando
6. LEGOLAND FLORIDA
During the festive season, LEGOLAND Florida is not only home to a LEGO Christmas tree with a 360-degree light show, but on select dates guests can enjoy an extra special event that is included in park admission.
Experience exciting holiday shows, festive LEGO activities, and so much more, plus enjoy special character meets and greets including LEGO Nutcracker, LEGO Gingerbread, LEGO Holiday Elf Ivy, and even LEGO Santa.
The best thing about this fun experience is that it’s included in your theme park admission. The select dates are from November 21st to January 3rd.
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7. ICE at Gaylord Palms
The Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center plays host to a truly unique, festive event as it transforms into the North Pole using over two million pounds of ice.
This year, ice! featuring The Polar Express™ is the signature Christmas event, which features 11 festive scenes, an 11-foot Santa Claus, and characters carved out of 6,000 blocks of ice. You can even hop aboard the locomotive and take a seat in the passenger car, living out the famous Hot Chocolate scene.
There are incredible sculptures, an Alpine Village with Bavarian-style village storefronts, a Snow Flow Mountain of ice tubing, a Christmas carousel, Gingerbread Decorating Corner, a Snow Bar, and more!
Two main highlights of Christmas at Gaylord Palms in 2026 are the award-winning musical, magic, and cirque holiday show POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, and the #LIT Light Show with thousands of dancing lights and a custom score.
Be sure to check out the Elf Training Academy and have some fun learning what it takes to be part of Santa’s special helpers. Christmas at Gaylord Palms runs from November 14, 2026 – January 7, 2027.
Recommended: How to Get From Epcot to Hollywood Studios (6 Easy Ways to Get to the Disney Parks)
8. Lake Eola (Downtown Orlando)
During the holiday season, Lake Eola is home to a 72-foot Christmas tree that dazzles audiences with synchronized music and light shows throughout the festive period.
The festive Merry Market will begin on December 4, where you can find those special gifts from local vendors.
It will follow Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout December, plus additional dates on Thursday, December 17, Monday, December 21, and Tuesday, December 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Don’t forget to come by Lake Eola House (located near the intersection of E. Washington St. and N. Eola Dr.) and watch the snow fall right here in the Sunshine State.
The magic will fall on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights starting December 4 until December 20 at 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. for 15 minutes.
9. Celebration, Florida
Florida seems to be home to all the festively named towns, with Celebration also within the state. Celebration, Florida is the town that Disney built, and with such magical parents, the town certainly has its own sparkle.
Famed for its Christmas lights and snowfalls, Celebration hosts a month-long festive spectacular featuring train rides, carolers, ice skating, nightly snowfall, and of course, Santa visits.
Now Snowing Nightly 2026 is running from November 28th to December 31st, 2026, with falling snow nightly at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m., and the Tree Lighting Ceremony will be on November 28th at 5:50 p.m.
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10. Festival of the Trees at Orlando Museum of Art
The sparkling holiday tradition of Festival of the Trees showcases incredible Christmas creations of gingerbread, wreaths, and more than 50 designer-decorated trees.
You can also shop for unique finds at the Holiday Boutiques, grab a bite at the festive café, or take a stroll down Santa Claus Lane.
If you want to make your visit extra special, you can purchase tickets for additional experiences like Breakfast with Santa or the children’s Reindeer Romp party.
This year’s event will take place from November 14th to the 22nd.
Cost for This Orlando Christmas Event
- Adult: $23
- Children: $15 (3-12)
- Senior: $15 (60+)
- Military personnel and first responders with ID: $15
11. Christmas in Mount Dora, Florida
Mount Dora buzzes with holiday events throughout the month of December. The city is famous for holiday festivities with exciting parades, dazzling celebrations, and Christmas lights decorating every corner.
The annual Christmas Walk sees downtown sprinkled with entertainment and late-night shopping.
Not only that, but you can enjoy fireworks to kick off Light Up Mount Dora festivities, a Drone show, pictures with Santa, the Holiday Tour of Homes, and an Annual Lighted Boat Christmas Parade on Lake Dora.
Florida Christmas Events scheduled for Christmas in Mount Dora:
- Light Up Mount Dora on November 21st and a Visit from Santa
- Christmas Walk downtown Mount Dora on December 4th
- Take free photo ops with Santa by the Christmas tree in Sunset Park on December 4th
- Bring a blanket or a lawn chair for live holiday performances on December 4th in downtown Donnelly Park
- Christmas Parade on December 5th followed by the Lighted Boat Parade after dark on Lake Dora
- Holiday Tours of Homes on December 12th and 13th
- New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31st
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12. Celebrate the Holidays in Leesburg, Florida
Leesburg offers many fun and festive events throughout the holidays.
The annual Christmas parade kicks off the season on Saturday, December 12th, 2026.
Christmas displays take over the Venetian Gardens, and the Main Street Christmas Stroll is the perfect way to enjoy some holiday shopping with live entertainment and falling snow.
This is my hometown, and each year I am happy to enjoy all of the holiday lights, Christmas décor, and treats!
And yeah, I may be a bit biased in saying that it’s one of my favorite things to do in Orlando for Christmas.
Be sure to visit the Leesburg Christmas House, where you can find over 50,000 creatively handcrafted holiday decorations for you to enjoy this season. It opens for the season early on October 24th and stays open until December 13th.
13. Christmas Celebration (Tavares, Florida)
Taking place on December 5th, the Christmas Celebration brings holiday cheer to Tavares.
In addition to an exciting parade, the celebration also includes “ice” skating, live music, fireworks, seasonal food, a movie in the park, and gift booths.
A festive market is a perfect place to buy your loved ones a gift whilst Florida’s famous festive snoap falls over Tavares.
You can also see the man himself, Saint Nick, who also makes an appearance during the Christmas Celebration.
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14. Light-Up Eustis (Eustis, Florida)
The Light-Up Eustis family-friendly celebration is a special event in Ferran Park and Downtown Eustis.
The main attraction is the dazzling display that takes place as the light switches on and illuminates the community in festivity. But there are also many other activities happening during this FREE party.
You will also find Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers harmonizing in festive songs, food vendors, and a 75-foot snow slide that brings the fun of Christmas to Light Up Eustis.
This year’s Christmas Celebration will take place on Friday, November 27th, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There will also be a ceremonial tree lighting and Santa’s big arrival
Even if you miss the event, you can check out all of the holiday lights in Downtown Eustis.
15. Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
Celebrate the magic of the season within Orlando at the sparkling Leu Gardens from November 20th to January 3rd, 2027 with 50 acres of illuminated worlds and millions of sparkling lights.
Dazzling Nights will feature a towering 50 foot snowman in the Rose Garden with a live show, spectacular acrobatic dance performances in DriftLands, and a giant illuminated mural at Chilly Celebration, created with tens of thousands of points of light.
There will be yummy sweets, seasonal and adult beverages, the returning favorite Sparkling Splendor, Glowing Forest and Holiday Hop, and the beautiful Twinkle Market to browse.
There will also be brand new experiences like “The Poinsettia Promenade,” a magnificient 60 foot long, immersive tunnel of magically illuminated Poinsettias and so much more to make Christmas in Orlando a cherished one to remember.
Then create your own Orlando Christmas lights tour to help keep your spirit merry and bright throughout the season!
16. Santa’s Tree Farm (Eustis, Florida)
Nestled in Eustis, Santa’s Farm is the only destination in Central Florida where you can freshly cut your very own Florida Christmas tree.
In addition to the Christmas Tree Forest, you can also find Santa’s Flight Zip Line, allowing you to soar through the air like Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve, visits from Santa, a farm animal zoo, and even horse and pony rides.
Discounted Admission Dates for This Florida Christmas Event:
- November 21 & 22: Military personnel receive free admission.
- November 25: Teachers receive free admission for themselves and one guest.
- December 1 & 2 (2 p.m. to 6 p.m.): Tickets are $4 online or $5 at the gate.
- December 3, 4, 10 & 11: Get half-off admission after 2 p.m. when purchasing tickets at the gate. Admission is free for everyone after 4 p.m., with no ticket required. Please note that activities are limited during free admission hours.
- December weekdays: Seniors ages 55 and older and first responders receive free admission on open weekdays. Reservations are requested online before visiting.
17. Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival at Lake Nona
Lake Nona’s Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival is like stepping into a winter wonderland and is Central Florida’s top holiday festival that you can enjoy from December 4th – 20th 2026.
Join in with the festivities at Peppermint Square, experience nightly snowfall, visit Santa in his winter cottage, or find your holiday tree in the Peppermint Forest Christmas tree lot.
The festival also offers arts and crafts, live entertainment, Santa’s Cottage for story time and a sing-along experience, watching Home Alone under the stars at Boxi Park, family fun days, and holiday-themed treats and lots more.
18. Christmas Festival at Southern Hill Farms
The 3rd Annual Christmas Festival at Southern Hills Farms, will offer merry and bright fun for the whole family.
There will be twinkling lights, cozy fire pits, flower field access, snow showers, holiday movies, seasonal treats at the Southern Hill Farms Food Trucks, and Bakery Christmas shopping at the Southern Hill Farms Merry Market.
Don’t forget to capture that photo op with Santa too from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
This Florida Christmas festival runs December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20, with the nightly movie at 6:30 p.m. and the Christmas Festival Hours are 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Remember that it is a cashless venue and only accepts credit, debit, and digital wallets, so be sure to come prepared!
19. Holiday in the Park (Lake Mary, Florida)
Downtown Lake Mary bursts into light during the holiday season with thousands of twinkling bulbs, a beautiful tree, and a dancing light show courtesy of the annual Holiday in the Park event.
Face painters, balloon artists, and carolers also attend the event for a pinch of festive fun and holiday cheer, while the Snow Zone is undoubtedly the event’s top attraction with its synthetic ice rink.
20. Holiday Tree Lighting at Center Lake Park (Oviedo, Florida)
Each year, the Holiday Tree Lighting at Center Lake Park takes on a different theme, with this year’s being “Little Drummer.”
Every element of the event matches the theme, including lights, food, and entertainment, whilst carolers and holiday surprises also appear on the Oviedo Amphitheatre Lawn.
For those the bell still rings for, you can also:
- The annual Holiday Tree Lighting (December 3rd)
- Pre-Parade Celebration at the Oviedo Amphitheatre with School of Rock Oviedo and local vendors to browse (December 5th)
- Enjoy the Christmas Parade (December 5th)
- Celebrate the holidays during the Winter Festival (December 13th)
- Have a photo taken with Santa and so much more!
21. Christmas in Winter Garden, Florida
With the help of the city’s elves, Winter Garden transforms into a festive wonderland with beautiful decorations and dazzling lights.
With Tis the Season events running all the way through November 14th to December 29th, there is such a long list of events that almost every day can be filled, making merry and bright memories.
Historic downtown Winter Garden has earned a spot among the nation’s Official Hallmark Christmas Towns, one of just 25 towns across the country selected by the Hallmark Channel for this special recognition.
Here are just a few of the ‘Tis the Season 2026 events in Winter Garden, Florida
- Winter Garden Christmas Parade on December 5 at 10:00 am
- The Holiday Night Market on December 5 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm
- The annual Winter Garden Christmas Golf Cart Parade on December 5 at 6:00 pm
- Holiday Night Market December 5th from 4 pm. to 8 p.m.
- Holiday Flix at the Garden throughout December
- A Merry Winter Garden Light Show on December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
You will also find strolling holiday-themed performers, Cocoa & Cookies with Santa Preschool Holiday Program holiday-themed photo locations, outdoor festive films, and Oranges and Ornaments: A Festival of Trees and Wreaths.
22. Christmas in Daytona Beach, Florida
Known as the ‘world’s most famous beach’, Daytona Beach doesn’t exactly scream Christmas, but the festive events there beg to differ.
The Magic of Lights Holiday Display is a dazzling 1.5-mile drive through event that features over a million lights from November 20 to January 2, 2027.
The Stetson Mansion Holiday Home Tour is also a popular ticketed event during the holidays running from November 1, 2026, to January 17, 2026.
However, the headline act of Daytona Beach’s holiday season is the Daytona Beach Boat Parade on December 19th, giving the festive spirit a nautical twist.
Recommended: 10 Festive Things to Do in St. Augustine for Christmas
23. Holiday Nights Celebration at Sunset Walk (Kissimmee, Florida)
Sunset Walk is the heart of Kissimmee’s holiday celebrations with a number of festive events.
Holiday Nights Celebration is a magical event featuring a 40-foot animated Christmas tree, towering toy soldiers, joyous carolers, mischievous elves, and the main man, Santa.
Along with live entertainment, pop-up shops, and a craft market, you can find the Holiday Nights Celebration on select nights. This year willl November 19 – 22, 27 – 29 and December 3 – 6, 10 – 13, and 17 – 25.
Plus, this year you can hop aboard the Pearl Express Train Tour, which departs from the “North Pole Roundabout” on the Promenade, devor s’mores at the fire pits and watch the nightly “snow falls.
24. Light Up Clermont
Clermont hosts all the classic holiday events you expect, but bigger and better than anywhere else.
Light Up Clermont is the biggest event of the year with festivities including live performances, cookies and cocoa, letters to Santa, a parade, carolers, and more. For the 2026 holiday season in Florida the theme is 1980s-inspired “Christmas Rewind.”
The festive extravaganza runs December 4, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and provides the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
25. Altamonte Springs, Florida
Brighten up the holidays with 200,000 lights at Altamonte Springs along with dazzling fireworks, holiday displays, an extravagantly decorated 60-foot tree, and live performances.
Cranes Roost Park offers Altamonte Springs’s biggest event of the season with music and dance showcasing a celebration of the holidays.
You can also look forward to an ice skating rink, movies, and concerts, choreographed fireworks showand encounter guest appearances from a certain Claus family.
Light Up the Holidays takes place on December 6 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., and admission is free.
26. Orlando ICON Park
Celebrate the holidays at Orlando’s ICON Park and find holiday cheer through the wealth of activities on offer.
Capture your Christmas card moments, join in with some carol singing, or head to Santa’s workshop to discover the yuletide joy within you.
Santa Workshop Experience is located inside the Sky Lounge and dates are still to be announced for the 2026 holiday season in Orlando.
ICON Park also showcases that the holiday season is all about love and community with performances from local choirs, schools, and churches.
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27. Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Orlando Ballet brings to life the Christmas classic The Nutcracker to Steinmetz Hall to celebrate the magic of the holidays.
Performing December 4th through the 27th, sugarplum fairies and dancing toys fill the stage as this enchanted tale captures the spirit of the season.
With tickets starting from $37 to VIP orchestra and box packages, everyone can have a chance to escape into this whimsical world of performance.
My Final Thoughts on Visiting Orlando for Christmas
If you’re spending Christmas in Florida this year, you won’t be short of festive entertainment!
Just make sure you keep your camera batteries charged, as there will be so many incredible sights and beautiful memories you’ll want to capture forever.
Now it’s your turn. What’s your favorite things to do in Orlando for Christmas? Let us know in the comments section below!
Happy Florida Travels!
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a mother and a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
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(Original Article Date: December 6, 2021/Updated by Editor on October 23, 2026)
Some Photos Courtesy of Canva.com