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Welcome to the enchanting world of Central Florida, where the magic of the holiday season spectacularly comes to life at our world-renowned theme parks. As the air becomes infused with joy and wonder, the region's iconic attractions transform into winter wonderlands, offering a dazzling array of holiday events that captivate visitors of all ages. From the twinkling lights that adorn Cinderella's Castle to the festive parades that wind through the streets of Universal Studios, Central Florida's theme parks spare no expense in creating amagical atmosphere for guests. Join us on a journey through the holiday enchantment that awaits at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and beyond as we explore the joyous celebrations, dazzling displays, and heart warmingexperiences that make the holiday season in Central Florida genuinely unforgettable.
Walt Disney World Resort is one of the most visited Central Florida theme parks for end-of-year events, activities, and celebrations. Make sure to mark your calendars, get your tickets, and plan to get to one of the Florida Disney theme parks and attractions before the end of 2023. We have compiled a list of upcoming events and activities happening at the Walt Disney World resorts and theme parks during November and December:
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is back and is a favorite among Disney vacationers wanting to combine the Christmas spirit with Disney magic. Hosted at Magic Kingdom Park, this holiday tradition is held on select nights through December 22, 2023, featuring holiday-themed entertainment, parades, dance parties, complimentary treat stations, character meet and greets, and much more.
Prepare to feast your eyes on a new dazzling experience with Elsa and her best friends, who have come out to decorate Cinderella Castle. These Frozen friends have come out to ring in the season, celebrating with an appearance by Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf, who come out to add the finishing touches to the garlands, ornaments, wreaths, and more. Olaf and more than 100 of his snowgie siblings startdecorating, and Elsa adds the icing to the magical transformation of Cinderella Castle.
Frozen Holiday Surprise occurs each night at 6:15 p.m., with an additional showing at 8:15 p.m. during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
EPCOT's Festival of Holidays is the perfect way to celebrate the season worldwide. Visiting EPCOT between November 24 and December 30, 2023, gives you access and opportunities to enjoy festive sights, sounds, colors, and flavors. The Festival of the Holidaysis a non-stop, action-packed holiday adventure with near-endless opportunities for entertainment, shopping, and dining, including options to visit Santa Claus at the Odyssey Pavilion, listen to storytellers, and celebrate the season atthe Candlelight Processional.
One of the most popula rthings to do at EPCOT is to sample all the fantastic food throughout the World Showcase. During the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, various Holiday Kitchens will be set up, making it possible to sample delicious bitesand merry libations from around the world. Exploring EPCOT and enjoying samplings from the various Holiday Kitchens also includes embarking on the Holiday Cookie Stroll, featuring an array of sweet treats.
Holiday Kitchen food options include traditional turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, seafood dishes, German beverages, and fine Italian sweets. If you plan to enjoy the Holiday Kitchens throughout EPCOT, know that these foodie experiences are not included with any of your Disney Dining Plans.
Since 1994, with the first narrator, Phylicia Rashad, the Candlelight Processional has been a family favorite among those visiting EPCOT for the holidays. Visit the America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT to hear the story of Christmas as it is brought to life by oneof the many celebrity narrators.
Showtimes for the Candlelight Procession are daily from November 24 to December 30, 2023, at 5:15p.m., 7 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. Celebrity narrators for 2023 include Chrissy Metz, Ann-Margret, Simu Liu, John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, and John Stamos.
Let the holly jolly festivities begin at Disney's Hollywood Studios, where you can enjoy the nighttime party - Disney Jollywood Nights - on select nights now through December 20, 2023. Participating in this celebration will make you feel like you are at an upscale holiday party with dapper decor, live bands, specialty foods, themed festivities, and the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Nighttime spectacular.
Sunset Seasons Greetings is a festive yuletide projection show at The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney's Hollywood Studios. When the sun sets (on select nights), go to The Hollywood Tower Hotel and enjoy the holly-jolly projections outside the tower.
When visiting Walt Disney World, stop by Disney's Animal Kingdom to enjoy the Merry Menagerie puppets. These life-sized, artisan-sculpted puppets are themed after winter animals, including penguins, polar bears, reindeer, and more. They are a fun way to enjoy the holidays at the Disney Parks and take amazing pictures in Discovery Island's fun and festive atmosphere.
Disney Springs is fully decorated for the holiday season, including the extravagantly decorated Christmas Trees, all featuring different themes. The Disney Springs Christmas Trees will be on display through December 30, 2023, and feature themes including Coco, Frozen, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Haunted Mansion, Star Wars, and more.
Pick up your complimentary map highlighting the locations of the trees so you can mark off every tree you see. Locations where you can get your Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail map include:
● City Works Eatery & Pour House
● Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers
● Joffrey's Coffee and Tea Company
● The LEGO Store
● Planet Hollywood
Once all the trees have been found, bring your map to one of the above-listed locations for a special prize.
The Walt Disney World Resorts do not hold back when decorating for the holidays. When visiting thetheme parks, include time to explore the must-see resort holiday decorations.Some of the must-see resorts and hotels this holiday season should consist of:
● Disney's Wilderness Lodge
● Disney's Grand Floridian
● Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
● Disney's Yacht and Beach Club
● Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
● Fort Wilderness
● Swan and Dolphin Holiday
In addition to all the fantastic decorations, Fort Wilderness hosts sleigh rides on select nights throughout the holiday season.
Universal Orlando Resort is ready for the holidays, with daily special events until December 31, 2023. Visitors can enjoy everything from larger-than-life balloons, Minions appearances, DreamWorks Sherk and Madagascar characters, and the Wholiday Spectacular starring the Grinch. Additionally, visitors can celebrate with thebest-selling holiday artists of all time - Mannheim Steamroller - December 2,3, 9, and 10.
Other events happening at Universal Orlando include:
● Universal's Holiday Tour
● The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast
● Festive parades
● Live entertainment
● Holiday-themed activities
● Holiday decorations throughout the parks
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Spend the holidays with the many animals and Sesame Street characters at SeaWorld Orlando during the various festivities held at the Central Florida theme park. Visiting SeaWorld Orlando this time of year offers many opportunities to enjoy signature Christmas celebration shows, unique character meet and greets, holiday dining, and more. Some special holiday events on SeaWorld's calendar include:
● O Wondrous Night show
● Holiday reflections fireworks
● Elmo's Christmas Wish Show
● Sesame Street Christmas Parade
● Storytime at Big Bird's Nest
● Lots of hot cocoa
● Tons of snow flurries
● Sea of Trees
Dates for special occasions at SeaWorld Orlando include:
● Hanukkah Celebration - December 7-15, 2023
● Kwanzaa Festivities - December 26, 2023 -January, 2024
● New Year's Eve - December 31, 2023
LEGOLAND Florida Resortis hosting one of the jolliest events of the year, featuring fun LEGO-themed holiday activities. Visitors can take selfies with LEGO characters, enjoy live music, and admire the larger-than-life LEGO Christmas tree. Other fun activities during the LEGOLAND holiday event include sending letters to LEGO Santa, watching the LEGO Bricks fireworks, and much more.
Busch Gardens hosts an annual celebration - Christmas Town - featuring lots of holiday cheer and opportunities for families to gather while creating merry memories. This celebration is one of the biggest in the Tampa Bay area and a must for all living in or visiting Central Florida. Festivities at Busch Gardens thisholiday season include dazzling fireworks, heartwarming moments with Santa, holiday dining experiences, festive shows, live entertainment, shopping extravaganzas, and much more.
ICON Park Orlando is decked out and waiting for guests to enjoy the many trimmed trees and garlands adorning the structures. Now, through New Year's Eve, you can stop by the park and enjoy shimmering tinsel, twinkling lights, and lots of holiday cheer. Inaddition to the many live entertainment opportunities throughout ICON Park, several bars and restaurants will offer festive food options, holiday-themed beverages, and tons of live entertainment.
The Wheel is also in the holiday spirit, showing off its 400-foot wonderfulness with illuminating andshimmering lights now through Christmas Eve. Santa Claus will be at ICON Park,ready to smile in your holiday selfies.
ICON Park Orlando hasmany events planned this holiday season, including some of the following:
● Live entertainment at Raising the Bar
● Havana Nights at Sloppy Joe's
● Live DJ entertainment at The Lawn
● Ole Red's Honky-Tonk Nights
● Seven Seas of Christmas
● Elf Trivia Nights
Make your plans now andhave a very merry time in Central Florida, exploring the many holiday optionsat theme parks and attractions.
