'Tis the season to be jolly and where better than arguably the most magical place on earth – Orlando! All the parks and resorts get involved in spreading the Christmas cheer and deck their halls with themed shows and attractions but what experiences should be at the top of your bucket list? Here’s our top 10…
10. Festival of Trees
When: 15th November – 23rd November 2014
Where: Orlando Museum of Art, Florida 32803
Cost: $10 Adult, $6 Child (ages 3-11)
The exceptionally popular Festival of Trees which welcomes over 20,000 visitors in November annually, is now in its 28th year and 2014’s ‘Tis the Season’ event is set to not disappoint. You can expect to see designer decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread creations, along with stunning holiday vignettes, a Toyland Town activity and shop that is perfect for children. This year also welcomes some special additional events at an extra cost including the opening gala night, Reindeer romp and the trendy holiday stroll!
9. Christmas Bricktacular
When: Weekends throughout December
Where: LEGOLAND, Florida
Cost: Included in standard theme park admission
Do something different for Christmas in Orlando and go and check out LEGOLAND’s Christmas Bricktacular event where you can see everything from stunning firework displays and a LEGO Santa Claus to a LEGO Christmas tree made of 270,000 bricks! Aside from all the Christmas fun you can still enjoy a full day of theme park fun with over 50 rides and attractions.
8. Macy’s Holiday Parade
When: 6th December 2014 – 3rd Jan 2015
Where: Universal Studios Florida
Cost: Included in standard theme park admission
This exciting holiday parade comes straight from New York to bring Universal Studios Florida alive with balloons and breathtaking floats, on top of fantastic marching and Santa Claus himself who is there for the festive tree lighting ceremony. Depending on park hours this parade will run every evening between 5pm – 8pm.
7. Christmas Town, Busch Gardens
When: 23 select dates between 28th Nov – 31st Dec 2014
Where: Busch Garden Tampa Bay
Cost: Included in standard theme park admission
Joy, laughter and cheer are in the air at Christmas Town with its traditional feel to its seasonal celebrations. From the end of November Busch Gardens is transformed into a holiday wonderland and guests can expect lots of surprises including special lights, attractions and shows dedicated to Christmas!
6. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing lights
When: 7th November 2014 – January 4th 2015
Where: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Cost: Included in standard theme park admission
This event is a real festive treat as you cast your eyes on millions – yes millions of lights which have been perfectly synchronised to seasonal Christmas music. It wouldn’t be Disney if there weren’t a few hidden delights for you to try and spot including the mannequin leg lamp from “A Christmas Story” and the cat that the designers hide among the display every year! You can also be part of the Spectacle by purchasing mickey hats that glow in sync with the dancing light display!
5. Ice! At Gaylord Palms Orlando
When: 15th November 2014 – 4th January 2015
Where: Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, Florida 34746 USA
Cost: $29.99 adults and $16.99 for children (ages 4-12).
This awe-inspiring event is back for yet another year with the festive theme of The Nutcracker in ICE! You can follow the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker prince for an adventure like no other which has been carved in to over two million pounds worth of ice, covering an area of 18,000 ft! There are also new rides and attractions to be enjoyed which have been added to the experience including snow tubing, milk and cookies with Mrs. Claus and more!
4. SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
When: 22nd November 2014 – 31st December 2014
Where: SeaWorld, Orlando
Cost: Included in standard theme park admission
Experience a whole mix of festive fun during the holidays as SeaWorld Orlando truly captures the Christmas spirit, with their ‘under the sea’ decorations in every area of the park. You are invited to watch special themed shows such as ‘Shamu Christmas Miracles’ and you can even ride the Poplar Express whilst sipping down some delicious hot chocolate and viewing a lagoon full of Christmas Trees come to life! What’s not to love?
3. Grinchmas
When: Select nights from 6th December 2014– 3rd January 2015
Where: Universal's Islands of Adventure
Cost: Included in standard theme park admission
This fantastic Christmas celebration at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is based on the beloved Dr. Seuss tale of the blockbuster hit ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’. From December you will be able to meet the Grinch and his dog Max for a one-of-a-kind holiday memento, play in Grinch’s winter playground filled with snow, see Whoville come to life across the Park, experience an evening tree lighting ceremony at the 40ft Whoville tree and of course you can also meet Santa…it wouldn’t be Christmas without him!
2. Holidays around the World
When: 28th November – 30th December 2014
Where: Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort Florida.
Cost: Included in standard theme park admission
Holidays around the World is an annual winter event held in Epcot at Walt Disney World and is one of the Resorts favourite traditions. There is a variety of live entertainment not to mention the main event which is the spectacular Candlelight Processional. The whole experience tells the story of Christmas with celebrity narrators (including Whoopi Goldberg) and is accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. The whole Holidays around the World event is amazing and finishes with the ironically earth-shaking “Peace on Earth” tag at the end of illuminations which is quite simply the perfect way to end a Christmassy day at Epcot.
1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas
When: Select nights 7th November – 19th December 2014
Where: Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World.
Cost: $67pp - tickets for this event can be purchased directly from Disney.
Revel in a jovial assortment of festivities crafted specially by Disney just for this merry Christmas season. Wave to your favourite Disney friends in the Christmas time parade which will include some beloved Frozen characters, for the first year ever! Each Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party also includes a seasonal variation of the spectacular wishes fireworks shows and a very special Celebrate The Season Show with Mickey and the gang.
If you are planning a Christmas adventure in Orlando and want more information about booking your tickets visit Orlando Ticket Deals to see our great range of attractions and prices.
