10 Things to do in Orlando at Christmas

With its amusement parks and themed activities, Orlando is an ideal destination for family entertainment all year round, but it is during Christmas that this place offers one of its best sides, thanks in large part to the decorations, lights and colors that fill every corner of the city.

Some of the best things to do in Orlando during Christmas include discovering the Christmas decorations at Universal Studios, experiencing the celebrations at Magic Kingdom, attending the Orlando Ballet shows, visiting the Christmas Market at Lake Eola Park and walking the illuminated trails at Leu Gardens. Read on and discover all the plans!

If you want to get in the Christmas spirit in Orlando, then you can't miss Universal Studios' Christmas decorations. In December, the theme park transforms into a world of bright lights, vibrant colors and holiday decorations that will transport you to a magical setting.

At Universal Studios you'll find giant Christmas trees and twinkling lights. In addition, iconic movie characters like the Grinch and the Minions will also join the celebration, dressing up in their Christmas attire and interacting with visitors, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Orlando.

In December you can enjoy Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, a parade filled with festive floats, holiday characters and holiday music. Plus, the famous Grinchmas will allow you to meet the Grinch in person and enjoy his villainous sense of humor in a live show.

Finally, don't miss the opportunity to experience The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, where Hogwarts Castle comes to life with projections and holiday music from Harry Potter, one of the company's most successful sagas.

One of the most popular things to do in any city in December is to visit the local Christmas Market and Orlando is no exception, offering a very popular one at Lake Eola Park. Here you can find stalls decorated with bright lights and garlands that create a cozy and festive atmosphere.

There you can find a wide variety of holiday products and gifts. From home decorations to unique crafts, there are options for every visitor, plus you can visit Lake Eola Park, which is one of the city's most famous sites and is often included among the best tours in Orlando.

In addition, you can also sample the food offerings of local vendors. From cakes and cookies to chocolates and hot drinks, every morsel will catch your eye, especially if you're looking for plans to do in Orlando during the evening and want to visit a different place after dinner.

At the Lake Eola Park Christmas Market, you'll also find activities and entertainment for all ages. The little ones will be able to enjoy train rides, interactive games and even have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in person. For adults, there will be live music shows, dance performances and theatrical performances.

If you want to attend one of the most popular activities in the city during the holiday season, you can't miss the Orlando Ballet shows, which will envelop you in a festive atmosphere and scenery decorated with bright lights and Christmas ornaments. From the first act, with its classical and elegant ballet, these shows will catch your attention with every movement.

Usually, the second act is an imaginative, fantasy-filled interpretation of beloved Christmas tales. From The Nutcracker to A Christmas Carol, each story will come to life on stage with stunning sets and colorful costumes that will show you1 why it is considered one of the best shows in Orlando.

The spirit of the eve can also be discovered in the music and dance moves of the show, which is available for more than a month, until Epiphany, although if you plan to visit Orlando in December I advise you to book tickets in advance to avoid losing your place due to the high demand of the event.

During the holiday season, the Magic Kingdom theme park transforms into a place of infectious spirit and one of Orlando's favorite places for kids, with family-friendly attractions, characters roaming the alleyways and music filling every corner of the park.

On your tour of this park you will find Cinderella's castle and the main streets decorated with garlands, ribbons and Christmas elements that create an ideal atmosphere. In addition, you will be able to meet Disney characters dressed in festive attire and always ready to take a picture with you.

Among the shows offered by Magic Kingdom at Christmas time, the Mickey 's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade stands out, in which Disney characters parade on decorated floats to the sound of Christmas music. You can also enjoy the Holiday Wishes fireworks show, which lights up the night sky with festive colors and carols.

In addition to the celebrations in the streets, the different corners of Magic Kingdom are filled with the magic of Christmas. From Main Street to Fantasyland, every area of the theme park is adorned with lights, artificial snow and themed decorations that usually extend from the last days of November until Three Kings Day.

Winter Park is a site located on the outskirts of Orlando that transforms during the Christmas season to become a must-see destination for lovers of holiday lights. Walking through its cobblestone streets you will find colorful displays and Christmas shows.

The striking thing about Winter Park is that every corner becomes an illuminated work of art. Trees are covered with thousands of twinkling lights, store and restaurant windows sparkle with festive twinkles, and parks are transformed into gardens of lights. This visual spectacle transports visitors to a world of fantasy and joy, making it one of the best excursions to take from Orlando.

In addition to enjoying the lights, Winter Park offers a wide variety of activities for the whole family. There you can ride horse-drawn carriages, enjoy outdoor concerts and visit the Christmas markets. You'll also find dining options that perfectly match the spirit of the eve.

One of the most common activities to do during Christmas anywhere in the world is ice skating, and in Orlando you can do it at the RDV Sportsplex Ice Den rink, which is one of the most popular in the city. Plus, at the rink, which is decorated with festive decorations and twinkling lights, you can take some of the best pictures of your trip in a magical setting.

Fun is guaranteed at this rink for all ages and skill levels. Even if you are a beginner or an experienced skater, RDV Sportsplex Ice Den will offer you a safe and spacious space to enjoy this activity. You'll be able to spin to the rhythm of Christmas music, perform pirouettes or simply enjoy the sensation of gliding across the ice.

In addition to the skating itself, the rink also offers special events during December. From themed skating sessions to light shows and live music, there are exciting options for all visitors - just be up for the challenge!

After skating you can enjoy a hot chocolate or a snack at the nearby coffee shop while watching other skaters at the rink, which offers one of the wonders of winter in a warm place like Orlando.

In December, the Orlando Museum of Art hosts the Festival of Trees and transforms into a winter wonderland, with a display of uniquely and dazzlingly decorated Christmas trees.

Each tree is a work of art in itself, with themes ranging from classic to avant-garde, sparking visitors' imagination and wonder, making it one of the best things to do in Orlando on the eve.

Walking among the trees at the Festival of Trees is like stepping into a fairy tale. The bright colors, incandescent lights and carefully selected decorations create a magical and festive atmosphere. This show offers an environment where creativity overflows and you can find inspiring ideas for decorating your own Christmas tree for the season.

At this event, you can also watch Christmas choir concerts and attend craft workshops for children. You can also browse the gift store and buy souvenirs, candy and all kinds of holiday merchandise, as well as have the opportunity to take some of the best family pictures of your trip.

Visiting WonderWorks and living a winter experience with artificial snowfall will allow you to immerse yourself in a parallel world. This site, which is considered one of the best theme parks in Orlando because it offers a wide range of attractions and activities, and during the holiday season, adds a magical touch with its artificial snowfall.

As you explore the various interactive exhibits and marvel at the scientific challenges, suddenly, at any moment, snow begins to fall from the roof, creating a different atmosphere and making your visit extra special.

At WonderWorks you can enjoy the snow while visiting the themed areas to defy gravity in the Inversion Chamber or to test your skills in the sports area. Here you can get information on how to buy NBA tickets in Orlando, as this is a site sponsored by the Magic, the city's most popular basketball franchise.

On this site you can also find simulators, mental challenges and interactive games. WonderWorks is a perfect place to spend a fun day with family or friends, creating unforgettable memories while immersed in a world of science and entertainment.

Walking the illuminated paths of Leu Gardens at Christmastime in Orlando is a truly magical experience. This beautiful botanical garden is transformed during the holiday season into a spectacle of lights and colors. On its paths you will find yourself surrounded by a resplendent landscape, decorated with festive ornaments.

Throughout the tour you will see different themed scenes celebrating the holiday season. From classic winter scenes to re-enactments of eve tales, every corner of Leu Gardens is an illuminated work of art. Pathways wind through light-covered trees and decorated shrubs, creating a visually stunning experience.

Along the pathways, you can also enjoy festival music, holiday choirs and melodies that create a seasonal ambiance. In addition, during the evening, you will come across Christmas characters, such as Santa Claus and his helpers, who will be ready to take pictures with you and spread the joy of the season.

Walking along the illuminated paths of Leu Gardens at Christmas time is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the beauty of nature in a magical setting, even if you are planning a short stay in the city. If that's your case, here's a list of activities for you to discover Orlando in 3 days.

Orlando stands out for its theme parks and family entertainment, but also for the number of shopping malls that you can find in the city and that during Christmas will offer seasonal discounts on Christmas Eve products but also on clothing, electronics and a wide variety of items.

One of the main places you can visit on a shopping tour is the Mall at Millenia, an elegant mall that houses luxury stores and world-renowned brands. During the holiday season, this place is transformed into a paradise of discounts and special offers, to the point that it is not uncommon to get a shuttle from the Orlando airport to this mall.

If you want a less exclusive option, you can opt for the popular Orlando International Premium Outlets, a mall that is known for its numerous discount stores, where you can find sales throughout the year, but especially during the Christmas season.

Touring these malls in Orlando during the Christmas season will give you the opportunity to get discounts and enjoy a unique shopping experience. Whether you're looking for gifts for your loved ones or just want to enjoy the excitement of the holiday sales, these sites will provide options for everyone.