Go Play! The Best Holiday Family Events in Orlando

Compiled by Wendy Meyer

There’s no place like home for the holidays! Get in the spirit of the season and ring in the New Year at these local events.

THE SANTA WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE

November 5–December 24

ICON Park

Santa’s favorite stop in town is ICON Park! The entertainment hub is magically transformed into the North Pole. Beyond taking beautiful holiday photos and meeting the jolly ol' elf, families can also ride on the fan-favorite Pearl Express train, which is decked out in its holiday best.

iconparkorlando.com

SEAWORLD’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

November 12–January 2

SEAWORLD ORLANDO

SeaWorld is overflowing with good tide-ings this year. View over 3 million lights, learn about animal friends, watch enchanting iceskating performances and even meet Santa in the Wild Artic.

PLAY TIP: It’s the perfect place to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a bang! Their spectacular musical celebration and bold fireworks display will send a wave of welcome to the New Year ahead.

seaworld.com

SeaWorld Orlando Sea of Trees

CHRISTMAS AT THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER

November 13–January 2

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS RESORT

Celebrate the magic of the season with your fellow wizards! No matter your house, you and yours will delight in the dazzling lights at Hogwarts™ Castle and enjoy joyous laughter through Diagon Alley™. Not only are there special holiday treats and drinks (the hot Butterbeer is a must!), but the atmosphere is brimming with excitement that includes a special show Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees have prepared just for the occasion.

universalorlando.com

NIGHT OF A MILLION LIGHTS

November 12–January 2

GIVE KIDS THE WORLD VILLAGE

Stroll the Avenue of Angels that’s aglow with more than 3 million lights, savor delicious treats and enjoy the accessible rides and

gktw.org

THE GRINCHMAS WHO-LIDAY SPECTACULAR

November 13–January 2

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS RESORT

Seuss Landing™ is decorated with the holiday charm and cheer of Dr. Seuss’s Who-ville. Your heart might grow three sizes as you delight in the hilarious hijinks of The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular, a live retelling of the classic tale starring the Grinch™ — you may even have the opportunity to meet the maven of mischief himself!

universalorlando.com

CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD PALMS RESORT

November 19–January 2

GAYLORD PALMS

Gaylord Palms is bursting with cheer right now. With classic holiday activities like photos with Santa, spectacular shows like Cirque: Spirit of Christmas, thrilling experiences like ice tubing, and the all-new Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™, there is truly something for everyone.

christmasatgaylordpalms.marriott.com

ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL: INTO THE WILD

November 19–January 16

CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO

The festival features more than 30 largerthan-life, hand-constructed lanterns lit by more than 10,000 LED lights. These glowing orbs will be featured on a ¾ mile trek throughout the property resulting in a spectacular display of color, light and sound that celebrates the art, culture and beauty of traditional Asian lantern festivals.

centralfloridazoo.org/lanterns

The Pearl Express Train at ICON Park Orlando

HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND

November 26–28, December 4–5, 11–12, 18–19 & 24–31

LEGOLAND

Celebrate the LEGOLAND way! This jolly time of year features a combination of seasonal shows and treats, special LEGO characters, twinkling lights and fireworks.

legoland.com

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF HOLIDAYS

November 26–December 30

EPCOT

Travel around the world to see how different countries ring in the season. While you’re there, taste-test an array of sweet treats by partaking in the Holiday Cookie Stroll, set off on a merry quest with Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt and take a peaceful cruise through Living with the Land’s special sparkling boat tour.

disneyworld.disney.go.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

December 1–January 1

Wekiva Island

From a larger-than-life Christmas tree forest to river sleigh rides, snow flurries and more, make Wekiva Island your go-to this season. Don’t miss out on special events like visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus and The Grinch with the Whoville Whos, holiday movies on the lawn, Breakfast with Santa and more.

wekivaisland.com

DAZZLING NIGHTS

November 19–January 9

HARRY P. LEU GARDENS

Leu Gardens will transform once again into a stunning winter fantasy featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music and beautiful sculptures. This family-friendly adventure is truly unforgettable.

dazzlingorlando.com

LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS

December 4, 5–9 p.m.

CRANES ROOST PARK, ALTAMONTE SPRINGS

The City of Altamonte Springs is bringing back the tradition of lighting up Cranes Roost Park. Watch as the park comes alive with spectacular holiday displays featuring 200,000 lights and a 60-foot tree decorated with thousands of ornaments and over a mile of garland. There will also be a fireworks show, ice skating, live music & dance performances, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus and kids’ activities. Admission is free.

altamonte.org/uptown

ORLANDO BALLET PRESENTS "THE NUTCRACKER"

December 4 & 18

Dr. Phillips Center

It isn’t the holidays without Clara and her sugarplum fairies. These special sensory-friendly performances are tailored to your little toy soldier’s attention span and only last an hour.

drphillipscenter.org

LETTERS TO SANTA FEATURING "THE GRINCH"

December 5

THE ENZIAN

The Grinch comes down from Mount Crumpet for this celebratory shindig at the Enzian that includes a family-friendly screening (with holiday cookies and hot cocoa) and a special letter writing kit so kids can mail a note to the big man in red.

enzian.org

Virtual Events We Love

CALLING ALL SANTA’S HELPERS!

Ever wondered what it takes to be one of Santa’s elves? Elf Prep Academy is a fun and interactive digital experience that combines the magic and wonder of the holidays with real-life lessons like cookie baking, crafts, and printable activities. Once you enroll, take a variety of courses that range from Reindeer Care to Snowflake Design. Upon completion, celebrate with a graduation ceremony where you’ll officially become an elf!

elfprep.com

ZUHOO: A VIRTUAL SANTA EXPERIENCE

Visit Santa without the crowded mall lines and masked faces. Zuhoo is a customizable experience where families can curate a picture-perfect virtual visit. From choosing a diverse range of cast members to meeting elves who know American Sign Language, parents can curate this merry meeting to fit their kids’ specific needs. Talk about a holly jolly memory!

zuhoo.com