Orlando comes alive during the holidays with sparkling lights, festive entertainment, seasonal treats, and family-friendly experiences throughout the city. From holiday celebrations at Orlando’s theme parks to festive events along International Drive and seasonal day trips, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season. Staying at Floridays Resort Orlando, a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel, puts families in a convenient location for exploring Orlando’s holiday attractions while enjoying spacious, all-suite accommodations.
Theme Parks & Attractions: Holiday Magic for the Whole Family
From holiday parades and seasonal entertainment to dazzling lights and festive treats, Orlando’s theme parks transform for the holiday season. Families can enjoy a variety of experiences throughout the city, including:
1. Walt Disney World® Resort - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Select nights, Nov. 8 – Dec. 22, 2026): Enjoy a separately ticketed holiday celebration at Magic Kingdom featuring festive entertainment, holiday décor, seasonal treats, character appearances, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, and other holiday experiences.
2. Universal Orlando Resort - Holidays at Universal (Nov. 14, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027): Celebrate the holidays throughout Universal Orlando Resort with Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, festive décor, seasonal food and drinks, and holiday entertainment.
3. SeaWorld Orlando - Christmas Celebration (Select dates, Nov. 6, 2026 – Jan. 4, 2027): Experience millions of sparkling lights, Christmas trees, seasonal shows, holiday entertainment, festive food, snow flurries, and special Christmas characters throughout the park.
4. LEGOLAND® Florida Resort - Holidays at LEGOLAND® (Select dates, Nov. 21, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027): Enjoy holiday décor, seasonal shows, festive treats, LEGO® Santa and holiday characters, interactive activities, a 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree, and family-friendly holiday entertainment. The celebration is included with regular theme park admission.
5. EPCOT® - International Festival of the Holidays (Nov. 27 – Dec. 30, 2026): Explore holiday traditions from around the world through cultural performances, Holiday Storytellers, seasonal foods, festive entertainment, and the Candlelight Processional.
Local Fun: Festive Experiences Around International Drive
International Drive comes alive with lights, music, seasonal entertainment, and holiday cheer. Families staying at Floridays Resort Orlando can explore a variety of festive experiences nearby, including:
6. ICON Park Holiday Experiences: Visit ICON Park for seasonal décor, festive photo opportunities, and the annual I-Drive District Holiday Tree. Seasonal programming has also included nightly snowfall, Santa appearances, and other holiday entertainment, making ICON Park an easy stop for families exploring International Drive.
7. Deck the Seas at SEA LIFE Orlando: Discover the holidays beneath the waves with festive aquarium displays, Santa’s underwater helpers, and seasonal activities at SEA LIFE Orlando.
8. JoJo’s ShakeBAR at Pointe Orlando: Stop in for over-the-top milkshakes, decadent desserts, and festive seasonal treats at this colorful, family-friendly restaurant on International Drive. JoJo’s is located at Pointe Orlando, making it an easy stop while exploring the area.
9. Holiday Dining & Shopping at Pointe Orlando: Enjoy seasonal menus, holiday treats, shopping, and entertainment at Pointe Orlando. The area also hosts seasonal events and markets during the holiday season, making it easy to combine dining and festive activities in one stop.
10. Winter Fun at Dezerland Park: Visit Orlando’s largest indoor entertainment center for seasonal activities and festive décor. Holiday programming has included the Wonderland Express, visits with Santa, seasonal treats, and ice skating, offering families a way to enjoy winter-themed fun indoors.
Driveable Day Trips: Holiday Experiences Beyond International Drive
A short drive from International Drive brings even more opportunities to experience the holidays. From illuminated gardens and live performances to family attractions and seasonal events, these destinations make memorable additions to an Orlando itinerary.
11. Gatorland - Holiday Gators & Lights: Add some Florida flavor to your holiday itinerary at Gatorland. Families can see alligators and other animals, watch live wildlife shows, explore the park’s habitats, and enjoy seasonal lights, holiday décor, and entertainment. Gatorland is located in South Orlando, making it one of the closer options for a family day trip from Floridays.
12. Winter Park & Downtown Orlando Holiday Markets: Take a break from the theme parks and explore Park Avenue in Winter Park, where families can browse local shops, restaurants, seasonal events, and holiday displays. Downtown Orlando also offers seasonal markets, holiday décor, and events around Lake Eola. Winter Park is about 20 miles from Floridays Resort.
13. Lake Eola Park - Holiday Events: Head to downtown Orlando to walk around the lake, see the seasonal décor, visit nearby holiday events, and snap fun family photos. Lake Eola is also home to the Walt Disney Amphitheater, which hosts community events and performances throughout the year.
14. Dr. Phillips Center – The Nutcracker: Make an evening of the holidays with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s classic The Nutcracker, following Clara’s magical journey through the Land of Sweets. The Dr. Phillips Center also hosts concerts, ballet, Broadway productions, and other seasonal performances, making it a good option for a holiday night out.
15. Leu Gardens – Dazzling Nights: Wander through Harry P. Leu Gardens after dark during Dazzling Nights, an immersive holiday light experience featuring illuminated gardens, colorful light installations, music, and interactive displays along a three-quarter-mile walking trail. The gardens are just north of downtown Orlando, making this a great evening outing after exploring the city.
16. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – Holidays in Space: For a full-day adventure beyond Orlando, head to Florida’s Space Coast. Families can see Space Shuttle Atlantis®, explore the Rocket Garden, visit the Apollo/Saturn V Center, experience Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex®, and take the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour behind the gates of the space center. During the holiday season, special Holidays in Space programming adds festive entertainment and seasonal experiences to the visit. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Holiday Fun on a Budget: Low-Cost Family Adventures
Families can enjoy plenty of holiday experiences without adding another major attraction ticket to the itinerary. These options offer festive activities and photo opportunities while keeping costs manageable.
17. I-Drive District Holiday Tree & Decorations: Visit the I-Drive District Holiday Tree and surrounding seasonal displays for festive family photos and a free way to enjoy the holiday atmosphere along International Drive.
18. Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll: Walk through Disney Springs to discover themed Christmas trees decorated with unique designs and Disney-inspired details. The experience is free and makes for an easy addition to a day at Disney Springs.
19. Holiday Movies & Community Events: Enjoy free or low-cost holiday movie nights, tree-lighting ceremonies, craft activities, Santa meet-and-greets, and community celebrations throughout Central Florida. Celebration, Winter Garden, Winter Park, and other Orlando-area communities offer seasonal events and festive downtown areas that are easy to explore without a major attraction admission.
20. Holiday Lights Around Orlando: Explore free or low-cost holiday light displays throughout Orlando and surrounding neighborhoods. Many communities decorate homes, streets, and public spaces with festive lights and decorations, making an evening drive an easy family holiday activity.
Pro Tip: Many Orlando attractions offer seasonal packages, advance-purchase discounts, or bundled admission during the holidays. Checking attraction websites before your visit can help families compare options and plan ahead.
The Perfect Home Base for Family Holiday Adventures
After exploring Orlando’s holiday lights, festive shows, theme parks, and seasonal attractions, return to Floridays Resort Orlando to relax and recharge. Our spacious two- and three-bedroom suites offer more than 1,000 square feet of space, fully equipped kitchens, separate living areas, and in-suite washers and dryers, giving families the comforts of home during their Orlando vacation.
As a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel, Floridays Resort is conveniently located for families visiting Walt Disney World Resort while also providing easy access to International Drive, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and other Orlando attractions. With spacious accommodations and a family-friendly setting, Floridays makes a convenient home base for a holiday getaway.
Orlando Holiday FAQs
1. What are the best family-friendly holiday activities in Orlando?
Orlando offers holiday experiences for families of all ages, from seasonal celebrations at Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort to holiday lights, markets, performances, and family activities throughout Central Florida. Popular options include Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, LEGOLAND’s holiday events, Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens, and seasonal activities along International Drive.
2. What are some affordable holiday activities for families in Orlando?
Families can enjoy plenty of holiday fun without purchasing tickets to a major attraction. Free and low-cost options include the I-Drive District Holiday Tree, Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Stroll, holiday light displays, seasonal markets, community events, and holiday programming at local parks and venues throughout Central Florida.
3. Where can families see holiday lights near International Drive?
Families staying near International Drive can enjoy the I-Drive District Holiday Tree and seasonal displays along International Drive, while Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens offers an immersive holiday light experience a short drive from the resort. Families can also explore holiday light displays in Orlando-area neighborhoods and communities during the season.
4. What holiday attractions are near Floridays Resort Orlando?
Floridays Resort Orlando is conveniently located near International Drive, Walt Disney World® Resort, and many of Orlando’s most popular holiday attractions and events. Families can easily reach seasonal experiences at the major theme parks as well as attractions, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment along International Drive.
5. Why is Floridays Resort Orlando a good place to stay for a family holiday vacation?
Floridays Resort Orlando is a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel and multi-year winner of Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, offering families spacious two- and three-bedroom condo-style suites with more than 1,000 square feet of space, full kitchens, separate living areas, and in-suite washers and dryers. Families can also enjoy a heated resort pool and children’s splash pad, making it easy to relax at the resort between holiday activities. The resort’s International Drive location provides convenient access to Orlando’s theme parks, holiday attractions, restaurants, and seasonal events, giving families a comfortable home base for their holiday getaway.
