There can be few places better to spend the Christmas and New Year than Orlando.
Here’s the Ellis Exclusive Villas run down of the very best ways to celebrate the holiday season.
#1. Disney’s Magic Kingdom: Micky’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a warm-hearted family celebration featuring all your favourite Disney characters.
It is a specially ticketed event running over select nights between Nov 8 and Dec 22.
This year’s event features a Frozen-themed Disney castle and a special Christmas Parade and lightshow.
#2. Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has seen a slew of new openings in recent years, including the new Star Wars world and Toy Story world.
Its Christmas celebrations this year include the Jingle Bel, Jingle BAM firework spectacular and a special show on Sunset Boulevard which includes falling snow.
#3. Epcot: International Festival of the Holidays
Discover Christmas traditions from all over the world at Epcot’s Christmas celebrations.
The highlight is the Candlelight Processional with a 50-piece orchestra, which takes three times each night. Plus, enjoy delicious festive treats at the food stalls and a festive cookie stroll.
#4. Universal: Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This festive season, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley have both had a holiday makeover.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan and you haven’t been this year, do make a trip to the Universal parks a part of your holiday season schedule because Universal has also had a fantastic new opening in its Harry Potter world this year: a new rollercoaster called Hagrid’s magical creatures motorbike adventure. Plus, there’s a new lightshow featuring Dementors, Death Eaters and the Dark Lord Voldemort at Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure.
Elsewhere in the Universal parks, you can enjoy a Macy’s Holiday Parade and a Who-liday Spectacular featuring Dr Seuss’s Grinch.
#5. Snow falling in Celebration
We’re big fans of the town of Celebration, just outside the Disney Parks. It’s well worth a visit anytime of year, but Christmas time is particularly special.
As well as horse-drawn carriage rides around the town as it is all dressed up for Christmas, carol singers on the streets, and a really buzzy Christmas feel in the shops and restaurants, the town also boasts a temporary ice rink and even has its own snowfall every evening!
#6. Legoland Florida Resort
If you have young children in your party, don’t miss a trip to Legoland this festive season. Your little ones will love the special Christmas activities at the theme park.
As well as special fireworks shows on select nights leading up to Christmas, there’s also a child-friendly new year’s party this holiday season.
#7. Festival of Trees at OMART
If you aren’t travelling with little ones, the Festival Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art is perhaps a more age-appropriate way to celebrate the holiday season. This highly regarded event is a bit of an Orlando Christmas institution. It’s a great way to stock up on truly unique gifts made by local designers and artists, while supporting the museum’s programmes for lifelong learning.
Loch Haven Park, where the Orlando Museum of Art is sited, is about 10 minutes from downtown Orlando. So, while you’re visiting downtown Orlando, combine a trip to the Festival of Trees with tickets to enjoy another Orlando cultural Christmas tradition: Orlando Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker at the Dr Philips Centre for the Performing Arts.
This year’s performances run from Friday, December 13 through to a matinee performance on Monday, December 23, 2019.
#8. ICE! At Gaylord Palms
If you don’t want to make the trip downtown, then you might want to try another local favourite a bit closer to home. This year, the popular ice sculpture show at the Gaylord Palms hotel and resort features a Polar Express theme.
The walking tour around the ice sculptures is a real holiday treat and your kids will love the ice slides at the end! Running: November 25, 2019 – January 5, 2020 at the resort at 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee.
Remember! If you need help purchasing tickets for any of these wonderful holiday celebrations, please speak with our ticketing partner, Kissimmee Guests Services.
With Christmas inspiration, now book your visit!
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