Orlando Christmas ornaments on display
AAA / Sherry Mims
Escape to Orlando and Central Florida for the Holidays
Whether you’re planning a Christmas in July vacation, holiday travel or festive escape in any other season, discover plenty of fun things to do in Central Florida. Known for its year-round sunshine and thrilling theme parks, the region, which includes vibrant Orlando, transforms into a seasonal paradise that offers a myriad of activities for everyone. From world-class attractions and shopping experiences to unique themed events, the area ensures your holiday spirit stays lit throughout the year.
In Orlando, the fall and winter seasons are particularly enchanting, with a host of celebrations and festivals that add a magical touch to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. If you’re wondering what to do here, well, the possibilities seem endless. From booking a stay at Universal Orlando for Christmas to indulging in holiday shopping at the city’s bustling malls and boutiques, there’s something for everyone. Experience the joy of the season like never before as you explore Orlando and other Central Florida destinations, including Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista and smaller, more festively named Celebration and Christmas, Florida.
Christmas, Florida
Christmas is a charming unincorporated community in Orange County, located about 25 miles east of Orlando. Surrounded by thousands of acres of wetlands, it’s a verdant destination known for its holiday-themed name and attractions. Fun things to do include the Airboat Rides at Midway and Fort Christmas Historical Park, among other points of interest. During the first weekend in December, the town hosts the annual Fort Christmas Cracker Christmas event, which features pioneer demonstrations as well as arts and crafts. Don’t forget to bring your ready-to-mail holiday cards to the town. Every holiday season, thousands of people send cards from the post office, to have them postmarked with the town's festive name, adding a unique and charming touch to their season's greetings.
Disney Springs and Disney's Days of Christmas
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
The waterfront complex is one of the best places to see Santa during the holidays, but it’s also a wonderful place to visit throughout the year. To complement the festive atmosphere, Disney's Days of Christmas store, located in the Marketplace section, welcomes visitors year-round for a unique holiday shopping experience. It retails a wide array of seasonal essentials, such as Disney decorations, stockings and ornaments—many of which you can monogram or add important dates or other customizations. For a fun twist on holiday accessories, guests can even purchase a Santa hat that doubles as Mickey ears. However, the highlight of the season is the Christmas Tree Stroll, featuring beautifully decorated Disney-themed trees that add to the magic of the setting. Whether you're seeking the holiday spirit or looking for the perfect Christmas memento, Disney Springs offers an unforgettable seasonal experience.
Lake Eola Park Christmas tree
ISTOCK PHOTO
Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show
Orlando, Florida
Lake Eola Park, located in the heart of downtown Orlando, enchants with its calm lake views, lovely swan boat excursions and convenient access to a selection of restaurants and stores in the neighboring downtown area. During the holiday season, the park transforms into a spectacular winter wonderland; it’s a must-visit Christmas destination in Orlando. Don’t miss the annual Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show, an exquisite sight of synchronized lights and music and one of Lake Eola's main attractions. The city's official Christmas tree stands magnificently near the park's famed water feature, offering a display of lights and music. You're also welcome to the Lake Eola Holiday Movies, where Christmas classics are screened for everyone to enjoy beneath the stars.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando lobby
MARGARITAVILLE RESORT ORLANDO
Holinights Celebration at the Promenade at Sunset Walk
Kissimmee, Florida
Your Central Florida holiday itinerary should include the Holinights Celebration at the Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd., which is part of AAA Four Diamond Margaritaville Resort Orlando, with its many restaurants, entertainment events and retail shops. The free celebration, operating on select nights in November and December, features Santa Claus, playful elves, toy soldiers, musical entertainment and a 42-foot-high Holinights Christmas tree. For an extra festive adventure, take the Pearl Express Train Tour to experience the outdoor entertainment district’s charm. The all-ages train departs from the Promenade's North Pole Roundabout all day.
Visitor enjoys a slide at Gaylord
Palms Resort & Convention Center
MARRIOTT
ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
The holiday highlight here is ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, which welcomes you to a winter wonderland of three-dimensional ice sculptures as well as holiday programming from mid-November to early January. After you take pictures with Santa Claus, go sledding and appreciate all the things to see and do, including the atrium, a three-acre outdoor water park with heated pools, local restaurants, and holiday concerts and activities that add to the festivities at the Kissimmee resort, which also has certified as ecofriendly through the Florida Green Lodging Program.
Bottle on ice at ICEBAR
flickr / CC BY SA
ICEBAR Orlando
Are you looking for a “cool” place to go in Orlando? Hovering at 22 degrees, ICEBAR not only serves drinks—literally on ice—but also displays more than 70 tons of hand-cut ice and sculptures, making it an attraction on its own. Even kids can check out the wintry atmosphere, with those ages 8 and up welcome from 5-9 p.m. (Gloves and coats are provided with an entry fee.) Chill with a nonalcoholic beverage or a crafted cocktail. After 9 p.m., ages 21 and older can warm up in the Fire Lounge.
Mediterranean pita with fried falafel and cucumber salad
ISTOCK
Kosher Grill
Traditionally, fried foods are eaten during Hanukkah, but you don’t have to wait to nosh on fried falafel and other such Mediterranean classics such as hummus and cucumber salad. Under the supervision of the RCF-Rabbinate of Central and North Florida, this spot on International Drive provides fast kosher food with entrees ranging from $20-$30. Bonus: If you want to go shopping, Kosher Grill is 1.3 miles from Orlando International Premium Outlets.
Lake Nona’s “Oh, What Fun!”
The holiday season dazzles at Lake Nona's Oh, What Fun! festivities during select days in December. For Hanukkah, you can expect the lighting of the menorah, children’s activities, and traditional food and blessings during the first night of the eight-day celebration. In addition to a sprinkling of snowfall, there are holiday performances from local schools, modern circus acts, live music and children’s story times. Don't miss making memories by snapping photos at both the event photo wall and Boxi Park or visiting the Holiday Market that promises fun for the entire family. As the festive charm extends throughout the Town Center, follow the Evergreen Christmas Tree Trail to AAA Four Diamond Lake Nona Wave Hotel and savor seasonal libations at the Fa La La La Bar in the Lake Nona Wave Hotel Sculpture Garden.
Disney characters dressed up for the holidays
DISNEY
Magic Kingdom Park
Bay Lake, Florida
Celebrating the holidays at Magic Kingdom is an unforgettable experience that immerses you in a world of festive wonder. As soon as you step into any of the Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts, an irresistible holiday spirit envelops you like a warm hug. However, the real magic lies in Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, one of Disney’s most popular events. This enchanting celebration runs select evenings from November 8 to December 20 and transforms the park into a glistening winter wonderland. The park comes alive with twinkling holiday decorations, captivating shows and spectacular firework displays that light up the night sky. But the joy doesn't stop there! You also get to enjoy special visits from Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Exterior of Rosen Plaza Hotel
ROZEN PLAZA HOTEL
Rosen Plaza Hotel
Are you celebrating holidays in Orlando and wondering where to stay? Along with offering winter deals, this AAA Diamond hotel offers a decadent Christmas buffet serving everything from prime rib and the Plaza’s renowned seafood salad to Christmas cookies. Located on International Drive, Rosen Plaza Hotel is in the middle of the action, near many Orlando attractions, and connects to the Orange County Convention Center.
Guests will delight in the hijinks of the the Grinch.
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Islands of Adventure
From November 22 through December 31, Universal Islands of Adventure and the Universal Orlando Resort go all out for the holiday season, offering a wealth of festive activities and experiences. You can be a part of the magic of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and enjoy the spectacle of Universal's Holiday Parade, among other festivities. For a one-of-a-kind experience, consider celebrating “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” at whimsical Seuss Landing, where the Dr. Seuss classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” comes to life—and might inspire your heart to “grow.”
Start Your Next Vacation With AAA
AAA Travel provides peace of mind when you travel—before, during and after your vacation! Members enjoy the advantages of membership, including exclusive benefits, map routing, savings with the AAA Discounts & Rewards program as well as recommendations for AAA Diamond-designated hotels and restaurants across the U.S. and Canada. Your next vacation starts with AAA—your complete travel solution. Visit AAA.com/Travel.
