CHRISTMAS AND MORE DOWN I-4: Fami

CHRISTMAS AND MORE DOWN I-4!

story and photos by Dani Meyering

There’s plenty of seasonal spirit right here in Tampa Bay, but if you’re in the mood for a road trip, we have an awesome neighbor that pulls out all the stops in the holiday department! Here’s a list of our top Orlando holiday events.

Gingerbread Carousel at Disney's Beach Club

Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs DECORATIONS AT DISNEY THEME PARKS

With the 50th anniversary celebration underway, the merriest time of year is even more special. You’ll see a metallic sheen on Magic Kingdom’s decorations, as well as a return to some traditions that weren’t available last year—particularly at Epcot (Holiday Storytellers, Candlelight Processional) and Animal Kingdom (Merry Menagerie).

DECORATIONS AT DISNEY HOTELS

Every Disney-owned hotel—from budget-friendly to extravagant deluxe—has holiday decorations. At Disney’s Grand Floridian, Disney’s Contemporary and Disney’s Beach Club Resorts, you’ll also find gingerbread displays.

DISNEY SPRINGS HOLIDAY OFFERINGS

At Disney Springs, Christmas and holiday cheer can be found around every corner. Highlights include loads of decorations, great music, live entertainment and festive food and drink. The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll brings elaborately decorated Disney Christmas trees to the neighborhoods throughout Disney Springs. Practically every Disney Springs restaurant has at least one holiday drink or a holiday treat.

SO. MUCH. CHRISTMAS. AT GAYLORD PALMS

Through Jan. 3 | From a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal at Villa de Flora to photos with Santa, gingerbread house decorating and story time with Mrs. Claus, there’s something for everyone here. Discover a 60-foot Christmas tree and over 2 million dazzling lights throughout the Christmas Tree Trail. New this year is Mission: Save Christmas. Journey into Buddy the Elf’s world to help save Christmas during this multi-sensory interactive experience. christmasatgaylordpalms.marriott.com

COLORFUL CHRISTMAS AT CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE

Through Jan. 3 | Crayola’s Colorful Christmas Crew is back with an all-new challenge! Help Santa and his friends save the holiday and enjoy some SNOW-tastic adventures as you go. Kids can play in a life-sized snow globe and watch a light show by Scarlet and her singing reindeer friends. And of course, what would a visit be without some holiday arts and crafts? Included with general admission. crayolaexperience.com NIGHT OF A MILLION LIGHTS AT GIVE KIDS THE WORLD

Imagine strolling down the streets of the most festive neighborhood ever where every single house is fully decorated from top to bottom with dazzling lights and coordinated themes. That’s what you’ll find at Give Kids the World’s Night of a Million Lights. This incredible event returns for its second year and it is absolutely worth the drive to Orlando, and it’s for a good cause!

SEAWORLD’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Many consider SeaWorld®’s Christmas Celebration™ to be the most family-friendly holiday event in Orlando thanks to its simplicity. Multiple shows like Elmo’s Christmas Wish plus the Sesame Street Christmas Parade are just perfect for young kids. Older kids will appreciate the new family ice skating at Bayside Stadium and SeaWorld’s thrilling rides and coasters.

CELEBRATION TOWN CENTER SNOW AND LIGHTS ON JETER BEND

Head to Orlando for some Christmas magic without the need for a theme park ticket. Celebration Town Center is a charming main street with shops and restaurants. During the holidays Town Center is fully decorated and there is “snow” every night. While in Celebration, head to Jeter Bend where a collection of homes works together to create a coordinated Christmas light show nightly from 6 p.m. through 9.30 p.m. until Dec. 31.

DISNEY’S VERY MERRIEST AFTER HOURS

Select nights through Dec. 21 | Although guests can enjoy decorations and celebrations during the day throughout the parks, after hours at the Magic Kingdom is when the enchantment begins. Catch a special Christmas time parade, join Mickey and his friends as they celebrate with festive holiday shows and firework displays, savor the flavors of the season with holiday-themed treats, and take in the wonder of the sparkling light displays throughout the park. disneyworld.disney.go.com

HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

Daily through Jan. 2 | Head to Universal Orlando Resort for the biggest, loudest, awesomest holiday celebration of the season! Celebrate with seasonal shows and decorations at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Sip on hot Butterbeer in Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure as they come to life with magical lights and festive events. The Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s features larger-than-life balloons, with appearances by the Minions and characters from Shrek and Madagascar. Head over to Whoville for The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring The Grinch himself. universalorlando.com