Christmas in Orlando with kids.
Christmas in Orlando means theme parks in holiday mode. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, EPCOT's Festival of the Holidays, and the holidays at Universal are the big draws. ICE! at Gaylord Palms adds Polar Express scenes carved from ice and kept at 9°F.
Outside the parks, fake snow falls every night in Celebration. Leu Gardens has light shows, and the Winter Park parade is free.
Before you go
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a separate ticket on select nights. Book early for the dates you want.
- At ICE!, ice tubing riders must be 42 inches tall, and parents can't hold kids on their laps.
- Now Snowing in Celebration is free, with fake snow every night from 5:30pm and free public parking.
- Bring hats and gloves to ICE! at Gaylord Palms. The ice room is kept at 9°F.
- Winter Park's Christmas parade and Christmas in the Park are free and easy with little kids.
Family Christmas events in Orlando
25 events
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- Parades and tree lightingsHoliday festivalsSanta visits
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
- Dates
- Nov 8 - Dec 22 · 25 select nights, Nov 8-Dec 22, 7pm-midnight. Party guests can enter from 4pm.
- Where
- Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista)
- Price
- $189-229 per ticket plus tax, by night. Kids 3-9 save $10.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Separate party ticket. Tickets are limited, so book ahead.
Magic Kingdom's after-hours Christmas party. Expect a holiday parade, fireworks, a castle stage show and 'snow' on Main Street. Cookies and holiday drinks are included.
Parent tip: Come at 4pm so kids can ride while they're fresh. Then catch the first parade before little ones fade.
- Holiday festivalsShows and Nutcracker
Disney Jollywood Nights
- Dates
- Nov 7 - Jan 5 · 15 select nights, Nov 7-Jan 5, 7:30pm-12:30am. Party guests can enter from 5:30pm.
- Where
- Disney's Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista)
- Price
- $169-199 per ticket plus tax, by night. Kids 3-9 save $10.
- Ages and booking
- All ages, but it runs late · Separate party ticket. Tickets are limited, so book ahead.
A late-night holiday party at Hollywood Studios. Expect a holiday stage show, a skating show and 20-plus characters. A fireworks and projection show lights up the Chinese Theater.
Parent tip: It ends at 12:30am, so it suits older kids best. Party photos from Disney's photographers are included.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 30 · Daily during park hours, Nov 27-Dec 30
- Where
- EPCOT, Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista)
- Price
- Included with EPCOT admission. Holiday food costs extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Park ticket needed. See the official site.
EPCOT's World Showcase celebrates holiday traditions from around the globe, with seasonal food for sale in each area.
Parent tip: Kids can meet Goofy dressed as Santa at The Odyssey.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Candlelight Processional at EPCOT
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 30 · Daily shows, Nov 27-Dec 30. Check the park schedule for times.
- Where
- America Gardens Theatre, EPCOT, Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista)
- Price
- See the official site. Dining packages include a guaranteed seat.
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit through a choir concert · Book a dining package early for a guaranteed seat
A celebrity narrator reads the Christmas story while a full orchestra and a large choir perform.
Parent tip: Dining packages come with a guaranteed seat, so book early if this is a must.
- Holiday festivalsParades and tree lightingsShows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
Holidays at Universal Orlando (Grinchmas and the Holiday Parade)
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Jan 3 · Nov 14-Jan 3. Check the park schedule for show and parade times.
- Where
- Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe, Universal Orlando
- Price
- Included with a theme park ticket or pass. Blockout dates apply.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Park ticket needed. Paid add-ons like the holiday tour and character breakfast are booked separately.
Universal decorates three parks. Top picks are the Grinchmas show in Seuss Landing and a holiday parade featuring Macy's. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter dresses up for Christmas too.
Parent tip: Book the Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast early. It sells out fast.
- Christmas lightsHoliday festivalsSanta visitsShows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Jan 4 · Select nights, Nov 6-Jan 4. Holiday fireworks at park close through Jan 1.
- Where
- SeaWorld Orlando, International Drive area
- Price
- Included with park admission
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Park ticket needed. No extra reservation for the celebration.
SeaWorld adds millions of lights, snow flurries and an ice show on select nights. Kids can meet Santa, and Rudolph and Bumble in a small Christmas town.
Parent tip: Check the calendar before you buy, since it runs on select nights only. Dinner with Santa is a paid extra on some nights.
- Christmas lightsShows and NutcrackerSanta visits Good for toddlers
Christmas at Gaylord Palms with ICE! featuring The Polar Express
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Jan 3 · Daily, Nov 13-Jan 3. Hours vary by activity.
- Where
- Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee (near Disney)
- Price
- Each activity is ticketed. Activity passes bundle several. Self-parking $38 a day.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets, online only. No box office at the resort.
Scenes from The Polar Express are carved from about 2 million pounds of ice and kept at 9°F. Most families spend 20-40 minutes inside. The resort also has ice tubing, a holiday show and Santa photos.
Parent tip: Bring hats and gloves for the cold room. Ice tubing needs riders 42 inches tall, and parents can't hold kids on their laps.
- Holiday festivalsIce skatingSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Now Snowing in Celebration
- Dates
- Nov 28 - Dec 31 · Nightly from 5:30pm, Nov 28-Dec 31. Santa photos through Dec 24.
- Where
- Celebration Town Center, Celebration (near Disney)
- Price
- Free to attend. Skating $15 for 30 minutes. Wagon rides $7, train rides $10.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
The small town of Celebration makes fake snow fall downtown every night. Add skating, wagon and train rides, and Santa photos.
Parent tip: Public parking in town is free.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Orlando Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Dates
- Dec 4-27 · Dec 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 22-24 and 26-27. Most shows at 2pm or 7pm. Dec 24 at 1pm.
- Where
- Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Downtown Orlando
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- Ages 2 and up (the venue's rule) · Buy ahead online
Orlando's ballet company performs the holiday classic. It runs just under 2 hours, including a 20-minute break.
Parent tip: Pick a family matinee. You can step out and come back in, and there are crafts and a story time before the show.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker
- Dates
- Nov 28 · Sat Nov 28, 7pm
- Where
- Walt Disney Theater, Dr. Phillips Center, Downtown Orlando
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- Families. About 2 hours long. · Buy ahead online
A local twist on The Nutcracker. Clare travels with the Chocolate Nutcracker through dances from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and more.
Parent tip: It's a one-night show, so book early.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage
- Dates
- Nov 23 - Dec 27 · Select dates, Nov 23-Dec 27. Times vary.
- Where
- Orlando Family Stage, Loch Haven Park, Loch Haven Park (near downtown)
- Price
- $20-48
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy ahead online
The Peanuts gang's holiday story on stage, made for families. It runs 90 minutes, with a 15-minute break.
Parent tip: The relaxed performance is Sun Dec 13 at 2pm. Shows use some fog and haze.
- Shows and Nutcracker
A Christmas Carol at Orlando Shakes
- Dates
- Nov 25 - Dec 24 · Select dates, Nov 25-Dec 24, at 2pm and 7:30pm
- Where
- Margeson Theater, Orlando Shakes, 812 E. Rollins St., Loch Haven Park (near downtown)
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site. Nov 25 previews are pay-what-you-will.
- Ages and booking
- Ages 5 and up (under 5 not admitted) · Buy ahead online
A stage version of Dickens's ghost story. It runs 1 hour 50 minutes, including a 15-minute break.
Parent tip: The ghosts and heavy stage fog can scare younger kids. Talk through the story first.
- Christmas lightsShows and NutcrackerFree Good for toddlers
Christmas in the Park (Winter Park)
- Dates
- Dec 3 · Thu Dec 3, 6:15-8:30pm
- Where
- Central Park, near Garfield and Park avenues, Winter Park
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets. Bring your own seating.
The Morse Museum lights up seven Tiffany stained-glass windows in the park, while a choir and brass group play holiday music.
Parent tip: Blankets and lawn chairs can go down from 4pm. The SunRail station is a short walk away.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Winter Park Christmas Parade
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat Dec 5, 9-10:30am
- Where
- Park Avenue, from Cole Avenue south to Pennsylvania Avenue, Winter Park
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets
A small-town morning parade with more than 80 groups, from marching bands to scout troops. Santa rides at the end.
Parent tip: A morning parade fits nap schedules better than the evening ones.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Jan 3 · Daily from 10am, Nov 21-Jan 3
- Where
- Crayola Experience, The Florida Mall, 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, South Orlando
- Price
- Included with general admission
- Ages and booking
- All ages · See the official site for tickets
Holiday crafts, a scavenger hunt and a short singing light show in the cafe. Kids can also drop a letter in a mailbox for Santa.
Parent tip: It's all indoors, so it works for a rainy day or a break from the parks.
- Zoo lightsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Jan 17 · Select nights, Nov 13-Jan 17, 6-10pm. Last entry 9:15pm.
- Where
- Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford (north of Orlando)
- Price
- See the official site. Prices change by date.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed entry at 6, 7 or 8pm. Some nights sell out.
Large glowing lanterns shaped like animals line a 3/4-mile path through the zoo. Most groups take 1 to 1.5 hours.
Parent tip: Skip Dec 10 and Jan 5, which are adults-only. Sensory nights are Dec 1 and Jan 12, and Santa visits Dec 20-23.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Select nights, Nov 20-Jan 3. Entry slots every 15 minutes from 5:30pm.
- Where
- Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Audubon Park
- Price
- Adults from $35, kids 4-12 from $33, ages 3 and under free. Parking extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets, online only
An evening light walk through a 50-acre city garden, with light displays and live entertainment.
Parent tip: Entry closes 5 minutes after your time slot, so arrive a little early.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
Holidays at Leu Gardens (daytime)
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Daily, Nov 20-Jan 3, 9am-5pm. Last entry one hour before close.
- Where
- Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Audubon Park
- Price
- Adults $15, kids $10
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Daytime garden visits get thousands of poinsettias and a hunt for eight hidden yetis. A holiday craft day, included with admission, runs Sat Dec 5, 10am-1pm.
Parent tip: This is a calmer, cheaper option than the evening light walk. The historic house is closed this season.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visitsChristmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 31 · Wed-Fri 5-10pm, Sat-Sun 2-10pm through Dec 13. Then Mon-Fri 5-10pm, Sat-Sun 2-10pm. Closed Dec 14, 15, 24 and 25.
- Where
- Dr. Phillips Center front lawn, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Downtown Orlando
- Price
- Free admission. Food and s'mores kits for sale.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A free downtown festival with falling snow and a lit tree. Kids get Santa story time and a craft workshop.
Parent tip: Sunday nights have free holiday movies on the lawn. Dec 31 has a family-friendly New Year's Eve party.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
Gatorland's Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down
- Dates
- Dec 5-20 · Weekends only: Dec 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20
- Where
- Gatorland, South Orlando (near Kissimmee)
- Price
- Included with park admission
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Park ticket needed
Gatorland adds holiday music, decorations, characters and craft vendors on three December weekends. Kids can pose with Gator Claus in his swamp sleigh.
Parent tip: Pair it with the regular gator shows, which are part of the same ticket.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visitsHoliday trainsFree Good for toddlers
Holiday Nights Celebration at Sunset Walk
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Dec 25 · Nov 19-22, Nov 27-29, Dec 3-6, Dec 10-13 and Dec 17-25, 6-10pm. Tree lights up at 6:30pm.
- Where
- Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee
- Price
- Free admission and parking. Train rides $8.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up. Buy ride tickets only through the organiser's Eventbrite.
An outdoor shopping area puts on nightly snow, a 40-foot animated tree, Santa and a small train ride.
Parent tip: Arrive before 6:30pm to see the tree light up.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas lightsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Light Up Winter Garden
- Dates
- Dec 4 · Fri Dec 4, 6-9pm. Tree lighting at 6:15pm.
- Where
- Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant St.
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets
Winter Garden lights its tree downtown, and Santa stops by. It kicks off a month of free events, including a nightly light show at City Hall on select dates.
Parent tip: The city's Christmas parade is that weekend, but its page lists both Dec 5 and Dec 6. Check before you go.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival at Lake Nona
- Dates
- Dec 4-20 · Fri-Sun, Dec 4-20, 6-10pm
- Where
- Lake Nona, 6941 Lake Nona Blvd., Lake Nona (near the airport)
- Price
- Varies by activity. Santa meet-and-greets cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · See the official site
A winter-themed weekend festival in Lake Nona. Kids can join story time and a sing-along with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Parent tip: Only Friday to Sunday nights, so plan around a weekend.
- Holiday festivalsChristmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Jingle Eve in Ivanhoe Village
- Dates
- Nov 21 · Sat Nov 21, 4:30-9pm. Fireworks to finish.
- Where
- Orange Avenue, Virginia Drive and Gaston Edwards Park, Ivanhoe Village (near downtown)
- Price
- Free. The wine walk for adults is a paid add-on.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A neighborhood street party with a children's holiday village, local makers, food trucks and music. Fireworks over Lake Ivanhoe end the night.
Parent tip: Head for the kids' village early. The night also has beer gardens, so it gets busier and more grown-up later.
- Santa visits Good for toddlers
Santa Photo Experience at The Florida Mall
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Dec 24 · Daily Nov 13-Dec 24, closed Thanksgiving. Mostly 11am-7pm, longer hours in mid-December. Dec 24 until 5pm.
- Where
- The Florida Mall, near the Dining Pavilion, South Orlando
- Price
- See the official site for photo packages
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Reserve a time online
A classic mall Santa visit with reserved time slots. The mall is also home to Crayola Experience, so it's easy to combine the two.
Parent tip: Book early in the season for the best weekend times.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
On a budget? See every free Christmas event in Orlando, including parades and tree lightings.
Shopping for gifts? Compare the Christmas markets in Orlando, with hours, costs and tips for going with kids.
Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in Orlando, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.
Going to the ballet? Compare every Nutcracker in Orlando, with run times, age tips and sensory-friendly shows.
Planning the whole trip? See our full guide to Orlando with kids.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do in Orlando for Christmas with kids?
Go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party or EPCOT's Festival of the Holidays, and see Grinchmas at Universal. Visit ICE! at Gaylord Palms.
For free fun, watch the snow fall in Celebration or catch the Winter Park Christmas parade.
When is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in 2026?
It runs on select nights from November 8 to December 22, 2026. Tickets are sold separately from regular park tickets. Check Disney's site for the night-by-night calendar and prices.
What are the free Christmas events in Orlando?
Now Snowing in Celebration and the Winter Park Christmas parade are free. So are Christmas in the Park, the Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center, and Holiday Nights at Sunset Walk.
Tap "Free" above to see them together.
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