Orlando embraces the holiday season with festive events and sunny skies. While the rest of the country bundles up against the cold, Orlando enjoys mild temperatures perfect for theme park adventures and outdoor festivities. The city's spirited atmosphere draws families seeking both classic Florida attractions and seasonal celebrations, making it an ideal destination for those wanting to experience the magic of the holidays without sacrificing warm weather. From dazzling light displays to special holiday shows, Orlando in December offers an unforgettable combination of year-round attractions and seasonal magic.
Major Holiday Events at Orlando Theme Parks
Orlando theme parks pull out all the stops for December, with immersive holiday experiences that rival anything you'll find elsewhere. The Orlando holiday events at major parks transform already spectacular venues into festive celebrations worthy of your vacation time.
SeaWorld® Orlando Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld® Orlando becomes a holiday haven each December with its Christmas Celebration. The park glows with millions of twinkling lights while seasonal shows featuring everything from acrobats to musical performances fill the schedule. Families can enjoy festive dining options and meet characters dressed in their holiday best. The celebration brings together the park's signature marine life experiences with the warmth of the season, creating memories that blend education with entertainment.
Universal Orlando Holiday Parade
Universal Orlando Resort brings the magic of Macy's to Florida with its spectacular Holiday Parade featuring the same larger-than-life balloons that float through Manhattan each Thanksgiving. The Grinch makes appearances throughout the parks, delighting visitors with his transformation from holiday curmudgeon to Christmas enthusiast. The celebration extends throughout both parks, with seasonal treats, themed merchandise, and special entertainment that captures the spirit of the season.
Walt Disney World® Holiday Celebrations
Walt Disney World® Resort transforms into the most magical place on earth during December. Each park offers unique holiday experiences, from the stunning decorations at Magic Kingdom to the Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT. The parks showcase holiday spectaculars that blend Disney magic with seasonal traditions from around the world.
Holidays at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort transforms into a brick-tastic winter wonderland each December with its Holidays at LEGOLAND® celebration. Families can enjoy seasonal shows, LEGO®-themed holiday displays, and meet exclusive characters like LEGO Santa and Toy Soldier. The park sparkles with festive décor and offers holiday treats, themed building activities, and nightly fireworks over Lake Eloise. Designed especially for younger children, this celebration blends playful creativity with holiday cheer, making LEGOLAND® Florida a must-visit for families seeking a more hands-on, whimsical holiday experience in Orlando.
ICON Park Holiday Wonderland
ICON Park transforms its entertainment complex into a holiday destination with the Christmas Wheel offering panoramic views of Orlando's twinkling cityscape. The district comes alive with holiday lights, seasonal dining experiences, and attractions perfect for families seeking things to do in Orlando in December beyond the major parks.
Seasonal Programming at Orlando Attractions
Beyond the Orlando theme parks, several attractions offer special December programming that adds variety to your holiday itinerary. For example, Kennedy Space Center often features seasonal programming that combines space exploration with holiday themes, offering a unique way to celebrate the season while learning about America's space program. The facility provides educational experiences enhanced by festive touches that make December visits particularly memorable.
Local Holiday Events in Orlando
Orlando's community spirit shines through December with numerous free and low-cost events that showcase the city's charm beyond its famous attractions.
Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando hosts free holiday light displays that transform the lakefront into a wonderland. The community gathers here for events that capture the local spirit of the season, from tree lighting ceremonies to holiday markets. The park provides a peaceful respite from the theme park crowds while still delivering plenty of holiday magic.
Orlando International Premium Outlets
Holiday shopping becomes an experience itself at Orlando International Premium Outlets, where sales events and seasonal dining options create a celebration of both gift-giving and Florida's tax-free shopping on many items. The outdoor shopping environment takes advantage of December's pleasant weather, making it comfortable to browse for hours while enjoying the decorated surroundings.
Outdoor & Weather-Friendly Activities
December's mild temperatures make Orlando perfect for outdoor exploration. The comfortable 60s to mid-70s temperatures mean you can enjoy attractions without the intense summer heat. The resort's outdoor attractions become even more appealing in December's cooler weather, and seasonal decorations add festive touches throughout the park.
Botanical gardens and nature centers throughout the Orlando area showcase Florida's natural beauty enhanced by holiday decorations. These venues offer peaceful alternatives to the theme park excitement, perfect for when you need a slower pace. Walking tours through historic neighborhoods and districts become pleasant afternoon activities, as the weather encourages outdoor exploration without the oppressive humidity of summer months.
Tips for Visiting Orlando in December
The holiday season brings crowds, particularly during the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year's, so arriving early at popular attractions gives you the best experience. Mid-week visits typically see lighter crowds than weekends.
Dress in layers for Florida's December weather. Mornings and evenings can be cool, especially for outdoor events, but afternoons often warm up considerably. Pack lightweight sweaters or jackets you can easily remove as temperatures rise. Comfortable walking shoes remain essential since you'll likely cover significant ground exploring attractions.
Consider the benefits of advance planning when it comes to seasonal events. Many special holiday experiences require reservations or have limited availability, so booking ahead ensures you don't miss out on must-see celebrations. However, December also offers spontaneous magic—unexpected holiday performances, impromptu character appearances, and festive surprises that make wandering part of the adventure.
Plan Your December Holiday in Orlando
From world-class theme park celebrations to charming local events, the city offers something special for every traveler seeking festive fun in warm weather. The variety of experiences means you can craft an itinerary that matches your family's interests, whether that's thrill rides and parades or quieter cultural attractions and community celebrations.
Make the most of your Orlando holiday adventure with Orlando CityPASS® tickets, which provide admission to the top things to do in Orlando while helping you save on the experiences that make December in Orlando unforgettable. The tickets streamline your planning and stretch your budget further, letting you focus on creating magical memories rather than logistics. Start planning your December escape to Orlando today, and discover why this destination makes the holidays truly special.