Why endure icy winds and grey skies when Orlando offers the perfect blend of festive magic, sunshine, and excitement?
The world’s theme park capital turns into a holiday wonderland each Christmas, combining world-famous theme parks, glittering decorations, and unforgettable seasonal events.
Swap chilly mornings for sunny strolls as you explore parks transformed with dazzling holiday lights and cheerful parades. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom creates festive moments with iconic characters in their Christmas finest, magical snowfall on Main Street, and seasonal shows the whole family will love.
Over at Universal, Hogwarts radiates holiday spirit, with garlands and twinkling lights bringing the Wizarding World to life.
Orlando isn’t just about thrilling rides and whimsical parades. The city beckons shoppers with luxury outlets and boutique-lined streets, and foodies will revel in its buzzing culinary scene. For a cultural twist, watch the Nutcracker at the Dr Phillips Center or explore Winter Park’s cobblestoned charm, adding a relaxing contrast to the city’s festive energy.
Here’s why you should visit Orlando during the festive season and soak up some holiday magic.
Get into the holiday spirit at theme parks
Christmas in Orlando means a season of spectacular events and eye-popping decorations at the city’s iconic theme parks. The 2024 line-up pulls out all the stops, ensuring the festive spirit is impossible to resist.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Running until December 22, this exclusive ticketed event transforms Magic Kingdom into a wonderland of sparkling lights, Christmas carols, and snowy moments on Main Street.
The festivities run from 7:00 PM to midnight, with ticket holders allowed entry as early as 4:00 PM.
This year, highlights include the much-anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a thrilling new ride perfect for adding extra magic to your visit.
Don’t miss seasonal treats, festive meet-and-greets, and an unforgettable parade featuring your favourite Disney characters.
Entertainment Highlights:
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: This festive parade features Disney characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as well as Mirabel and Bruno from Encanto, marching toy soldiers, dancing reindeer, gingerbread men, and Santa Claus.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks: Hosted by Minnie Mouse, this fireworks display lights up the sky with Christmas carols such as “Deck the Halls” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration: A stage show in front of Cinderella Castle featuring Mickey, Minnie, and friends in holiday attire, performing classic and contemporary holiday songs.
Make the most of Walt Disney World Resort at Christmas
Here’s how to maximise your time at the Walt Disney World Resort during the holiday season:
Skip the Lines with Lightning Lane
Don’t let the holiday hustle slow you down. Use Disney’s Lightning Lane to breeze through popular attractions. Plan your priority rides in advance and snag those hard-to-get time slots as soon as they become available.
Embrace the Power of Dining Packages
Want VIP views of holiday parades or fireworks? Book a dining package with reserved seating—it’s like dinner and a show without the hassle of standing in line. EPCOT offers great options during the holiday season.
Book Holiday Must-Dos Early
From Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to character breakfasts, premium seasonal events sell out fast. Reserve tickets and dining experiences well ahead to secure your spot at the top celebrations.
Stay on a Disney Property for Extra Perks
For perks like early park entry, complimentary transportation, and exclusive holiday offerings, consider staying at a Disney hotel. Plus, you’ll skip the traffic stress and save time.
Skip the Crowds with a Disney Private VIP Tour
Want the ultimate hassle-free holiday? Book a Disney Private VIP Tour for a fully customisable experience of all the Disney parks. Your dedicated guide will plan your itinerary, help you skip lines for top attractions, and share insider tips, all while you travel in style with private transportation. Perfect for those who want to splurge and pack in multiple parks in one day.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Have a very merry Hogwarts Christmas at the wildly popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
It’s a large, themed area between two parks – Universal Studios Florida and the Islands of Adventure. You can travel between the two on a life-size replica of the famous Hogwarts Express.
Access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included with valid Universal tickets, so you can check out the other movie rides while visiting.
You can buy cloaks and wands in Diagon Alley, ride the Hogwarts Express and experience immersive rides and coasters. Thrilling wizard rides include Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – housed inside Hogwarts Castle.
During the holiday season, the wizarding world puts on a dazzling show, so don your house colours and get ready to experience a little Christmas magic for muggles.
Marvel as Hogwarts castle lights up for the holidays, wander the decorated streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley and enjoy a hot Butterbeer and yuletide performances by the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.
Make the most of Universal Orlando Resort at Christmas
Decked out in holiday cheer, Universal Orlando Resort is the ultimate destination for festive fun, from dazzling parades to snowy Wizarding World moments. Make the most of your trip with these expert tips.
Stay at a Universal Resort Hotel for Extra Perks
Booking a Universal Resort Hotel unlocks exclusive benefits like early park admission, complimentary transportation to the parks and CityWalk, and priority seating at select restaurants. Whether you choose the luxurious Hard Rock Hotel or the budget-friendly Endless Summer Resort, you’ll be steps away from the holiday magic.
Upgrade to a VIP Tour for the Ultimate Experience
Take your trip to the next level with a Universal VIP Tour, where you’ll enjoy priority front-of-the-line access to rides (yes, even the elusive Pteranodon Flyers and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure), exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, and the guidance of an expert tour guide. Perks include complimentary valet parking, breakfast, lunch, and unlimited Express Pass access for the rest of the day.
Skip Lines with Universal Express Pass
Holidays mean crowds, but you can bypass the lines with a time-saving Universal Express Pass. Add a Universal Express Pass to your tickets now to skip the regular line at participating rides and attractions.
Use the Park-to-Park Pass for Wizarding World Magic
Board the Hogwarts Express with the Park-to-Park Pass to experience the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Both areas are dressed to the nines for the holidays, with seasonal decorations and exclusive shows.
Celebrate the holidays at Epcot
The International Festival of the Holidays brings a global twist to Christmas. At Epcot, you can feast of festive dishes worldwide, watch traditional holiday storytellers, and meet Santas from different cultures.
If you haven’t previously visited Epcot, the park consists of three main areas: World Celebration, World Discovery and World Nature, all offering various rides, shows and attractions.
Entertainment during this time includes international holiday storytellers who will regale you with winter and festive traditions from their native countries. You’ll also find a range of European Santas, a holiday cookie stroll and an Olaf scavenger hunt for the kids.
EPCOT ’s first “other-world” pavilion has also arrived with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, an intergalactic chase through time and space with an indoor coaster that speeds you around the universe to a rocking soundtrack.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is another relatively new ride at Epcot and takes you on a 4D ride experience with Chef Remy. With these exciting new rides and some new restaurants, EPCOT is definitely upping its game and is worth a visit during the holidays.
Watch the drawn to life show at Disney Springs
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a family-friendly show? Drawn to Life is an original creative collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering in Disney Springs.
Featuring some of your favourite Disney characters, this spectacular live acrobatic journey tells the story of Julie, a determined young girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her Disney animator father: an unfinished animation. Julie dives into the dream-like, inner world of animation on an inspiring quest filled with her childhood Disney memories.
The show and animations are brought to life through Cirque du Soleil’s unique blend of design, hair-raising acrobatics and fun circus performances.
Watching this emotional performance will bring back childhood memories of your favourite Disney films and characters. Just make sure to bring some tissues!
Shopping for the season
Orlando’s reputation as a shopper’s paradise is well-earned, and the festive season takes it up a notch with dazzling sales and one-of-a-kind finds.
Orlando Premium Outlets Vineland
This shopping hotspot has up to 65% discounts on luxury brands like Prada, Jimmy Choo, and Calvin Klein.
It is conveniently located near Walt Disney World and is perfect for a post-park shopping spree. Pick up a VIP Coupon Book at guest relations for even more savings, and don’t forget to stock up on Disney-themed goodies for your Christmas stockings.
Winter Park
Winter Park offers a more leisurely shopping experience, a short drive from the city. Stroll through boutique-lined streets, admire the historic charm of the cobblestoned district, and shop for unique gifts in its boho-chic stores.
Afterwards, treat yourself to a lakeside picnic or explore the Morse Museum’s incredible collection of Tiffany glass. This fabulous museum is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by American artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany and features American art pottery, late 19th- and early 20th-century American paintings, graphics and ornate jewellery.
College Park
Add local flair to your gift-giving by shopping in Orlando’s trendy College Park neighbourhood. Browse Freehand Goods for handmade artisan items and Florida-themed apparel, or stop by Jungleroom to pick up lush plant gifts (and even sign up for a moss art workshop to create your own!).
For the wine lover in your life, head to indie-cool Digress Wines, where you can find an exceptional selection of local and international bottles. It’s the ideal spot to shop small and support local businesses while finding truly unique presents.
Dining and entertainment
Orlando’s culinary scene is thriving, and Christmas is the perfect time to savour its diverse offerings. Whether you’re in the mood for a Michelin-starred experience or casual bites, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Head to The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park for a gastropub with a modern twist. This industrial-chic spot, founded by James and Julie Petrakis, sits next to their eponymous brewery and exudes moody charm with rustic wood accents and exposed ductwork.
Here, Chef Clay Miller’s menu reimagines classic pub fare with Southern creativity with standout dishes including pork burnt ends over cornbread pudding with ranchero sauce or cured pastrami brisket served with pickled cabbage purée and cauliflower giardiniera.
If casual eats are more your vibe, Orlando’s food halls are packed with tasty treasures. Swing by East End Market, a foodie hub that showcases some of Central Florida’s top food entrepreneurs, makers, artisans & chefs. Be sure to grab a handcrafted cookie from the eclectic Gideon’s Bakehouse and Colorado-inspired breakfast burritos from Papi’s Burritos.
For a dinner that doubles as a party, Estefan’s Kitchen serves up Cuban flavours alongside show-stopping live performances — because who says you can’t salsa between courses?
If you’re after a dining experience that’s as bold as it is delicious, Bacán at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel has you covered. Bursting with energy and flair, this striking space wows with vivid colours, sleek wood accents, and impossibly high ceilings.
The menu is just as exciting, blending tropical vibes with Central and South American flavours to create dishes that are pure edible art.
Explore Winter Garden: a festive escape beyond the theme parks
While Orlando is famed for its theme parks, the nearby town of Winter Garden offers a refreshing mix of outdoor adventure and small-town holiday charm. Wrap up warm and prepare for an unforgettable experience — whether paddling on a sunset kayak tour or soaking up the festive spirit downtown.
Kayak at sunset in Winter Park
Who knew you could escape the holiday hustle with a peaceful paddle just a short drive from Orlando’s city centre? With Get Up and Go Kayaking, you’ll glide through the serene Winter Park Chain of Lakes on a clear kayak, giving you incredible views of the water below.
This network of six interconnected lakes, linked by Venetian-inspired canals, is surrounded by lush greenery and historic architecture.
As you paddle, your knowledgeable guide will share insights about the area’s rich history, diverse wildlife, and the luxurious homes lining the shores — some of which are over a century old!
The real showstopper? Lake Osceola, a jewel in the chain, offers vivid sunset views. Watch as golden and pink hues reflect off the water, creating a magical scene from a postcard.
It’s a serene and memorable way to add a touch of adventure to your Christmas trip.
Holidays at Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens offers a refreshing escape with 50 acres of beautifully curated greenery and winding paths. The lush gardens are brimming with festive cheer this holiday season wirh specyial events and santa meet-and-greets.
The season’s highlight is Santa Claus, making a special stop at the gardens. This is your chance to capture the perfect family photo with the jolly man in red. Alongside Santa’s visit, Foxtail tSarketplace & Café has delicious drinks and snacks, perfect for sipping and nibbling as you explore the festive surroundings.
Leu Gardens’ holiday market is a treasure trove of gifts and goodies. From plants to home décor, it’s the perfect spot to find thoughtful presents or something special to brighten your home. Pair that with a visit to the historic Leu House, where live carolers spread holiday joy, and you’ve got a day filled with seasonal charm and relaxation.
Festive fun at light up Winter Garden
For a slice of holiday magic, head to downtown Winter Garden, where the historic streets transform into a twinkling holiday wonderland. From December 6, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the charming town centre is decked out in festive lights, creating a nostalgic Norman Rockwell-like atmosphere.
Stroll along Plant Street and enjoy live music, mesmerizing projection light shows, and street performers that bring the holidays to life. Special events and holiday happenings vary by date, so check the daily schedule to catch carolers, holiday markets, and more.
Almost everything is free, making it a perfect family outing or a romantic evening stroll. Don’t forget your camera—the cosy glow of Winter Garden’s lights creates the ultimate festive backdrop.
The Nutcracker and holiday brunch at Dr Phillips Center
Nothing says Christmas like a performance of The Nutcracker, and the Dr. Phillips Center delivers with its beautiful production. Prefer something a bit more laid-back? Try the venue’s Holiday Brunch series at Judson’s Live, where jazz, Latin, and holiday classics are served with a delicious menu.
Where to stay in Orlando
Finding the perfect place to stay during your Orlando Christmas adventure is all about choosing what fits your style, whether you want a family-friendly fun or an upscale grown-up escape.
The Terraces at The Grove Resort & Water Park
The Terraces at The Grove Resort & Water Park is a fantastic choice for a festive, budget-friendly base. Starting at just $139 per night for a one-bedroom condo, this brand-new addition to the Grove Resort combines comfort with great value. Fully equipped with kitchens, dining areas, and washers/dryers, these condos make longer stays a breeze — perfect for families.
During the holidays, you’ll love unwinding at the Surfari Water Park, which features a FlowRider surf simulator, water slides, and a lazy river, all heated to keep the festive spirit alive no matter the weather. And with free shuttles to Walt Disney World, you’ll be ready to dive straight into the Christmas magic of the parks.
Wave Hotel Lake Nona
Consider the sleek Wave Hotel in Lake Nona for a stylish and modern escape in Orlando. This cutting-edge hotel blends luxury with tech-forward features in a vibrant, art-filled setting. Perfect for couples seeking a sophisticated experience at Christmas, the hotel has chic dining at Bacán, an outdoor pool, and a lively bar shaking up signature cocktails.
At its heart is the Sculpture Garden, a serene 50,000-square-foot outdoor space surrounded by palms and lush foliage. The garden features a stunning selection of sculptures from The Lewis Collection, one of the world’s largest private art collections, perfect for a winter stroll.
Top Tips for a magical Christmas visit to Orlando 2024
Save time with Lightning Lane Passes
- Maximise your time in the parks with Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi-Pass or Single Pass, which lets you skip the standby lines at popular attractions. With the Multi-Pass, you can plan ahead and book up to three experiences per day, with the option to make more selections after using your initial ones (availability permitting).
- For the most in-demand rides — like Tron Lightcycle Run or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad—opt for the Single Pass. These passes can be purchased once you arrive in the US, giving you flexibility for last-minute plans.
Universal Express Pass
- Heading to Universal Studios? Save time with the Universal Express Pass, which lets you skip the lines at many of the park’s most popular rides. Perfect for squeezing more thrills into your holiday itinerary, it’s available for one-time use per ride and requires separate park admission. At £95, it’s a worthwhile splurge during the busy Christmas season.
Plan your rides and reservations in advance
- Use Disney’s planning tools to pre-select your Lightning Lane attractions and secure dining reservations up to 180 days in advance. During the festive rush, Booking ahead ensures you access popular experiences like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Arrive early and stay late
- Take advantage of early entry with Extra Magic Hours if you’re staying at a Disney partner hotel. Staying late? Many attractions quiet down after the fireworks displays, so stick around to enjoy shorter lines in the evening.
How to Get to Orlando from the UK
Getting to Orlando from the UK is easier and more affordable than ever, thanks to a range of direct flights departing from London. Here’s everything you need to know for a smooth journey to the Sunshine State.
Direct Flights from London Gatwick to Orlando International (MCO)
Fly direct from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) in approximately 9 hours and 25 minutes. Once you land, it’s just a 20-30 minute taxi ride to the city centre. You can tailor your flight to suit your needs with options ranging from economy to premium fares. All seats include USB chargers and power outlets to stay connected throughout the journey.
Fly with Norse from £270
If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, Norse Atlantic Airways offers incredible value, with flights to Orlando starting at just £270. Norse ensures comfort at a fantastic price, making it a popular choice for those heading to Orlando for the festive season.
Choose Norse Premium?
Norse Premium is a standout option if you prefer a more comfortable journey. Here’s what makes it special:
- Extra Legroom: Enjoy the best-in-class 43-inch seat pitch, giving you ample space to stretch out.
- Sleep-Ready Seats: Wider seats with excellent recline make resting on a long-haul flight easier.
- Priority Service: Dedicated premium check-in and priority boarding mean a hassle-free start to your trip.
- Dining and Amenities: Complimentary tasty meals, drinks, soft blankets, and amenity kits ensure a cosy and enjoyable flight experience.
Plan your trip
Get trusted, complimentary trip-planning assistance from Visit Orlando with their vacation planning service, one-stop shop for making all of your Orlando dreams come true.
