Orlando simply shines during the holiday season. There is so much celebration and revelry all throughout Central Florida, and nowhere is this truer than Orlando’s theme parks.
There’s so much to see during this time of year, it can be overwhelming, but I’m here to count down the best ways to make your holidays merry inside Orlando’s theme parks.
#5 – The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios
When the lights come on, it’s awe-inspiring. There is something truly magical about standing in the middle of the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and being surrounded by millions of dazzling Christmas lights.
Though the event has evolved over the years, the basic premise is the same: the absolute spectacle of millions of lights in a mesmerizing display that originated from one family in Arkansas.
Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.
The drawback of the Osborne Family Lights is that it is literally the only holiday offering in all of the park. It can be very crowded, so you will definitely need to plan ahead and be patient as you walk through this sparkling spectacle.
#4 –Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular at Islands of Adventure
At my house, you’ll find a separate drawer in our DVD cabinet devoted to holiday movies. About halfway through the season, my husband becomes pretty irritated with the nightly movie marathon. Yet there is a small handful of Christmas films that my husband and teenage stepson actually enjoy, with Jim Carrey’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas being high on that list.
I just love how Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure is truly transformed into Whoville from that film. I cannot think of any other theme park land that is so well decked out for the season – each nook and cranny is adorned with decorations, from lights and shiny bulbs to garland.
Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular at Islands of Adventure.
The dazzling decor is enough to put a skip in my step and a Christmas carol in my heart, but the holiday fun doesn’t stop there. One of my all-time favorite performances at a theme park is Universal’s rendition of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” live on stage. This show really is a great production, full of colorful sets, cheerful costumes, and enthusiastic performers. Last but not least, you can meet the green guy himself, the Grinch, and you might run into a few Whos, as well.
After a visit to the Grinchmas celebration, you’re sure to join the Whos in singing “Welcome, Christmas – come this way.”
(Read all about Grinchmas in our complete guide.)
#3 – Macy’s Holiday Parade and Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios Florida
Without a doubt, the Macy’s Holiday Parade and Mannheim Steamroller events at Universal Studios Florida are fantastic.
Every year, when I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, I am filled with such joy. It is one of America’s greatest holiday traditions, and the fact that actual balloons and floats are sent down to Orlando to be featured in the parade at Universal Studios Florida is simply splendid. It is one of the largest parades offered in any Orlando theme park, and it is certain to put a smile on your face.
Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida.
And a live concert from a group that is pretty much synonymous with modern Christmas music is a great treat. Many Mannheim Steamroller holiday hits are unmistakable, and it is definitely unique to include such a concert with standard admission. However, Mannheim Steamroller is a purely instrumental group, so there is not much interaction with the audience. Still, there’s some neat lighting and visual effects if you need that extra shot of holiday spirit.
(Read all about the Macy’s Holiday Parade in our complete guide. You can also see more on Mannheim Steamroller in today’s USF trip report.)
#2 –SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando
An ice-skating show, hundreds of dazzling Christmas trees floating on a lake, a journey aboard the famed Polar Express – who knew the holidays could be so incredible at SeaWorld Orlando?
One of the criteria for what makes a great holiday celebration at the theme parks is how far the celebration extends throughout the park itself. Sure, a dazzling show or parade is a great way to ring in Christmas, but that’s just one attraction – what about everything else?
Festivities splash throughout all of SeaWorld, making spirits bright as you turn each corner and round every bend. It is pretty incredible how every part of SeaWorld is decorated; even the tiniest of details are wrapped in holiday decor.
When each holiday activity is counted one by one, SeaWorld easily ranks at the top of the Orlando theme park list. There is Christmas music playing throughout the entire park. At night, it simply sparkles with hundreds of lights strung in seemingly every direction. And perhaps the most impressive treat of all is that the keystone Shamu show is transformed for the holidays, creating waves in a wondrous winter wonderland.
One of the many things I love about SeaWorld is that all of their special events – including Halloween Spooktacular, Christmas Celebration, and Bands, Brew & BBQ – are all included in regular admission. If you’re looking to get the most bang out of your buck, I highly recommend a day full of holiday splendor at SeaWorld Orlando.
#1 – Holidays around the World at Epcot
Walt Disney World is often known as the Merriest Place in the World. While each Disney park celebrates the holidays in its own unique way, Epcot shines above the rest. Okay, sure – there’s not many festivities in Future World, but the volume and quality of Christmas activities all around World Showcase certainly makes up for it.
Each of the 11 pavilions in World Showcase invites guests to stop by and experience the unique cultural traditions of each country represented. There’s live performances at every pavilion, and new holiday food and drinks are available for purchase throughout the land, including the crazy-good holiday waffle at Promenade Refreshments (located just before the Canada Pavilion).
I’d be perfectly satisfied with just World Showcase’s holiday storytellers, but there are two shows that are simply breathtaking.
First is the Candlelight Processional. What started in the 1960s at Disneyland as a one-night event has become a massive Disney World tradition. This inspiring, uplifting performance features local chorus groups (including high school and community organizations), as well as Disney Cast Members from all over the resort.
These singers make up a procession that slowly fills the stage with candlelight. There is an orchestra that plays a stirring score; I get goosebumps every time. And to top it all off, a celebrity narrator reads selections from the Bible to tell the original Christmas story. It is a truly moving experience.
Candlelight Processional at Epcot.
Second is the special holiday ending to the already impressive IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth fireworks spectacular. This special tag, known as “Peace on Earth,” is anything but peaceful. If you’re even remotely like me, you’ll be fighting back tears by the end of this added segment, and everyone usually ends up with their jaws wide open in complete awe at the sheer amount of fireworks that comprise the finale.
All these elements combine to make Epcot my top pick for the best way to celebrate the holidays in Orlando’s theme parks.
Honorable mention – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
This probably comes as a small shock to some of you, but I am not a big fan of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I love Christmas, like a whole lot of people, but when I compare all the other theme park holiday celebrations, this special-ticketed event doesn’t present a good value to me.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.
All the holiday festivities at all the other parks are included with regular admission. At Magic Kingdom, however, practically all the special Christmas entertainment (with a few exceptions) will cost extra to experience.
While it is worth noting that both the special parade and fireworks that are presented during the party are pretty incredible (the fireworks are my absolute favorite, in fact), it should also be known that in both the week before and after Christmas, these become part of the park’s normal entertainment offered during regular hours – so the two things that really make Mickey’s Very Merry worthwhile no longer require a separate ticket to experience.
Orlando shines the brightest during the holiday season, and no matter which Christmas celebrations you chose to experience, you’re sure to create truly priceless memories. Take time to savor this joyful season and enjoy yourself!
For everything there is to know about Universal Orlando’s Christmas celebrations, don’t miss our insider’s guide to the holidays in the OI Universal Center.
Otherwise, you can stop by the OI Blog archive for all of our BIG 5 posts or tell us which theme park’s festivities are your favorite in the OI Forum.