The Ultimate 2024 Guide to Holiday Fun in Central Florida
The 2024 holiday season is one of the most magical times to visit Orlando Florida and Central Florida. The area is for more than investing, it thrives during the special holiday season.
From theme park experiences to charming small-town celebrations, the region shines with lights, music, and festive cheer. Making it one of the top destinations in the United States.
People want experiences beyond gift shopping and singing Christmas carols. Christmas day will be here before you know it.
Whether you seek thrills, enjoy holiday traditions, seasonal shows, holiday food and beverages, Christmas lights, or want unique experiences.
Central Florida offers something for everyone.
Let’s dive into the popular holiday traditions we have to offer. Enjoy our Guide to Holiday Fun in Central Florida.
Experience Holiday Magic at Walt Disney World Resort
Disney parks becomes a holiday winter wonderland during this time of year. It offers fun experiences for visitors of all ages.
One of the biggest Central Florida holiday light displays with over a million lights.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
This special event at Magic Kingdom park transforms the park into a holiday wonderland on select nights during Christmas.
It happens after regular hours. As a ticketed event, it offers an exclusive experience for attendees. The event features:
- A parade led by Santa Claus
- Dazzling holiday fireworks
- Delightful holiday treats like cookies, ice cream, candy canes, and hot cocoa.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Celebrate the holiday season with a global flair at EPCOT. Experience festive traditions from around the world, savor seasonal dishes, and enjoy cultural performances.
The festival takes holidays celebrates from around the world.
A highlight of the festival is the famous Candlelight Processional. Featuring celebrity narrators, a full choir, and a live orchestra.
This is a must-see event for spreading holiday cheer.
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
Disney Springs offers a charming holiday experience with its Christmas Tree Stroll. The stroll showcases beautifully themed Christmas trees inspired by Disney favorites.
Visitors can also enjoy live music, festive dining, and plenty of holiday shopping to complete their seasonal celebration.
Eola Wonderland Snowfall
Experience snowfall in downtown Orlando! Join us outside the Eola House (located near the intersection of East Washington Street and North Eola Drive).
Snow will fall for 15 minutes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings during these times:
- 6:15 p.m.
- 7:15 p.m.
- 8:15 p.m.
- 9:15 p.m.
Universal Orlando Resort Brings the Holidays to Life
The amusement park Universal Orlando goes all out for the Christmas season. Stunning decorations, festive shows, and magical experiences that create cherished memories for everyone.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley dazzle with twinkling lights and festive decor. Guests can enjoy a roller coaster, or seasonal menus and live performances.
Performances from the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck, adding a magical holiday touch.
Grinchmas
Dr. Seuss Landing becomes the fun world of Grinchmas. It features a live show of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Guests can meet the Grinch himself for some mischievous holiday fun.
The Holiday Parade Featuring Macys
Universal’s Holiday Christmas Parade brightens the streets with colorful floats, marching bands, and large balloons like Macy’s.
Singing, dancing, and choreographed performances make it a lively holiday spectacle for all ages.
Marvel at ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort
Experience one of Orlando’s most iconic holiday traditions with ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort. A world renowned Winter Wonderland experience.
An immersive event that delights visitors of all ages. This festive attraction features:
Hand-Carved Ice Sculptures
Be amazed by stunning sculptures, ice slides, and displays, crafted by expert artisans using over two million pounds of ice.
Annual Themed Walkthrough
Each year brings a new theme, with past displays featuring beloved classics like The Polar Express and A Christmas Story.
Snow Tubing and Gingerbread Decorating
Slide down icy slopes in the snow tubing area or channel your creativity with gingerbread decorating.
ICE at Gaylord Palms Resort, offers fun activities for the whole family.
Stroll Through Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
Enjoy the bright lights at Leu Gardens in Winter Park. It becomes a beautiful holiday wonderland during Dazzling Nights. Dazzling lights throughout the night.
This is one Christmas tradition my family never misses.
A family-friendly event with a wonderful holiday light show. It offers a magical experience full of festive cheer. There are interactive exhibits for people of all ages.
Amazing Light Displays
Wander through stunning tunnels of light and forests of twinkling trees.
This event creates a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for holiday photos.
Seasonal Music
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as you explore the gardens to the sounds of holiday classics.
Family-Friendly Activities
An event with interactive exhibits and fun activities. Dazzling Nights aims to bring delight to all ages.
Discover Small-Town Charm in Celebration, Florida
Step into a scene of holiday nostalgia in the picturesque town of Celebration. The location of the city lies near Kissimmee.
Almost like stepping into Central Park during the holidays with a nightly tree lighting.
Where the magic of the season comes alive with charming festivities for all ages.
Nightly “Snowfalls”
Experience the wonder of snow in Florida as flurries fall each evening.
You can meet Santa as the town transforms the streets into a delightful winter wonderland.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Take a cozy ride through the beautifully decorated town, soaking in the festive atmosphere from a unique perspective.
Festive Activities
Enjoy ice skating, hop aboard a holiday train, or explore a bustling holiday-themed marketplace.
The event overflows with seasonal goodies and gifts for everyone.
Light Up the Holidays in Altamonte Springs
Celebrate the season at the annual Light Up the Holidays event in Altamonte Springs.
This free, family-friendly celebration brings the community together for a spectacular kickoff to the holiday season.
This event happens at Cranes Roost Park. It is a lovely place with a well-lit path around the lake. There are festive decorations and many activities for everyone.
Highlights of the Event:
- Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Fireworks Show
- Live Performances
- Santa Claus Meet & Greet
- Holiday Market
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
Dive into the magic of the season at SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration. Where marine life meets holiday cheer in unique ways.
Sea of Trees
Be captivated by a sparkling display of lighted trees floating on the lagoon. All perfectly synchronized to holiday music for a mesmerizing experience.
Festive Shows
Don’t miss heartwarming performances like “O Wondrous Night,”. A retelling of the nativity story featuring live animals and an angelic choir.
Rudolph’s ChristmasTown
Step into a winter wonderland to meet Rudolph, Bumble, and other beloved characters, perfect for creating festive memories.
Attend Holiday Performances and Concerts
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with world-class holiday entertainment in Orlando.
From timeless classics to thrilling performances, there’s something for everyone:
Orlando Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
Experience the magic of this timeless holiday classic performed by the Orlando Ballet. Performing live at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Enjoy a high-energy holiday rock concert featuring stunning visuals and awesome performances that are sure to amaze.
Holiday Pops
Delight in a magical evening of holiday music performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.
A perfect blend of seasonal cheer and symphonic brilliance.
Explore Light Up UCF
Celebrate the holiday season at Light Up UCF, a festive event located at the University of Central Florida.
This holiday tradition offers fun for all ages with exciting activities and dazzling displays:
Outdoor Ice Skating
Glide under the stars on a spacious outdoor ice skating rink, perfect for creating lifetime holiday memories.
Rides and Attractions
Take a spin on the Ferris wheel, enjoy a classic carousel, or hop aboard a holiday train for family-friendly fun.
Spectacular Light Show
Be mesmerized by a nightly light display synchronized to festive holiday music, adding extra magic to the season.
Other Notable Holiday Venues
- Legoland Florida
- Local City Events
Happy Holidays From Allegiant Management Group
Orlando, Kissimmee, and Central Florida come alive during the holiday season.
Enjoy these holiday events with a perfect blend of cherished traditions, and exciting attractions.
Explore all Central Florida has to offer. Visit our world-famous theme parks.
Attend dazzling festive shows, or immerse yourself in the small-town charm of holiday markets and light displays.
Orlando is not only the best place to live, but the best place to spend the Holidays!
Plan ahead—secure your tickets and make your holiday season unforgettable in Orlando and Central Florida!
From all of us at Allegiant Management Group, we wish you a joyful and magical holiday season!
Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change. Please check with individual venues for the latest updates.
Blog Updated: 12/13/2024