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Fireworks in Magic Kingdom Park at Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Holiday Events in Orlando

Published: October 01 2023
Category: Holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Every year guests from all over the world visit Orlando during the holiday season to partake in what can only be described as magical, memory-making adventures! With cooler air, temperatures that range from 70-80 degrees (most days), our world-famous theme parks, diverse culinary scene, and scandalous shopping deals, Orlando is THE most coveted city to spend this joyful time of year! Check out some of the cheerful events you just can’t miss during your Orlando vacation.

Holidays at Walt Disney World® Resort

 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Select Nights, Nov. 9 to Dec. 22, 2023
Price: Varies

Ready, set, magic! At Walt Disney World ®Resort, join Mickey and his friends on select nights during “Very Merriest After Hours” at Magic Kingdom® Park! You get to experience “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” show, snap a pic of Santa, Olaf, and some of your favorite Disney pals during “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and enjoy shorter wait times on more than 20 attractions!

Holidays at Walt Disney World® Resort Details

Please note: Entertainment offerings for “Very Merriest After Hours“ are subject to change without notice. Admission to this event requires a separately priced ticket. Ticket valid only during specific event hours and subject to availability.

Fireworks at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays

Daily, Nov. 24 to Dec. 30, 2023
Price: Varies

The EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth starts on November 25. It will leave you in awe of all the sounds, sights, and flavors of this magical season. You’ll get to try delicious recipes at the Holiday Kitchens placed throughout the park and get to go on a sweet Holiday Cookie Stroll!

Performers will bring traditions to life and the adored “Candlelight Processional” will be gracing the America Gardens Theatre with a live orchestra, cast choir, and celebrity narrator retelling the traditional Christmas story!
This “sleighing” celebration is included with admission to EPCOT, with food and beverages being available for purchase.

EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays Details

Ladies with candles in hand at EPCOT International Festival near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Daily, Nov. 11 to Dec. 30, 2023
Price: Varies

One thing you can’t miss is watching the Tree of Life come alive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ®Theme Park. “The Beacons of Magic” and “Holiday Awakenings” shows will alternate, one shining with a warm and beautiful light as enchanted fireflies gather to call forth the magic of nature; the other coming to life with a series of wintry tales, complemented by familiar and heartwarming holiday music.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Daily, Nov. 11 to Dec. 20, 2023
Price: Varies

Don’t forget Disney’s Hollywood Studios ® and their amazing projections on The Hollywood Tower Hotel. This is the perfect event for smaller kids as it features their favorite friends through on-screen appearances! Mickey, Minnie, Olaf, and friends will be there, as well as the Santa Claus Merry Motorcade.

Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Details

Disney’s Hollywood Studios near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Visit Disney’s official website for more holiday details, hours, and pricing.

Mickey's Christmas Party poster used at Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Non-Park Holiday Events In Orlando

Ready for even more Christmas cheer this holiday season? Check out some of the other jolly activities and events taking place all over O-town:

Now Snowing in Celebration FL

Nightly, Nov. 26 to Dec. 31, 2023

Join Celebration Town Center for their 24th Annual “Now Snowing” event. “Now Snowing” is Central Florida’s original ‘Snowing’ event and has become a long-running tradition with locals and visitors. Participate in ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides, visit Santa, and more. Carolers and gift shops don’t fall behind. The snow is scheduled to fall at 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:00 PM every night.

People enjoying Now Snowing event near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Santa Photos at The Mall at Millenia

Nov. 10 to Dec. 24, 2023
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Make lasting family memories at The Mall at Millenia by snapping a picture with Santa and his helpers after shopping in one of the most prestigious malls in Orlando! Expect a DJ dance party starting at 5:30 PM, and Santa will arrive between 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Click here to schedule a photo appointment with Santa.

Girl posing with Santa at The Mall at Millenia near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park®

Nov. 6 to Dec. 24, 2023

The Santa Workshop Experience offers a photo session with Santa, a free train ride from the complimentary parking garage to Santa’s Workshop (plus free valet parking after 4 p.m.), a complimentary ride on The Wheel in a private holiday capsule (additional riders get 50% off admission), holiday beverages and more. If you bring your child’s gift, 24-48 hours prior to your visit (with your child’s first and last name), Santa will give your child their present.

Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park Details

Kids posing in Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park® near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Dazzling Nights

Nightly, Nov. 17, 2023 to Jan. 6, 2024

Orlando’s beautiful natural park Harry P. Leu Gardens, will transform its 50-acre park into a stunning winter wonderland featuring a million sparkling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music, and beautiful sculptures during Dazzling Nights. Visit Dazzling Nights official website for more details.

Dazzling Nights near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience

Nov. 18 to Jan. 7, 2024

Craft unique gifts from the heart for the family while getting to meet animatronic Christmas characters and listen to them tell stories as you solve their riddles. Then, dive into a life-sized snow globe, and watch a light show starring Scarlet and her singing reindeer friends. It’s a holiday hullabaloo with snow and much to do when you visit the Florida Mall. Visit Color Christmas official website for more details.

Two children posing for a photo at Crayola Experience near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Lake Nona’s Oh, What Fun!

Dec. 7 to Dec. 24, 2023

Watch menorah lightings each night of Hanukkah from Nov. 28 – Dec. 6, 2023, then visit Lake Nona’s “Oh, What Fun!,” a magical, open-air winter wonderland with creative decorations, delicious treats, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, nightly snowfalls, and hourly live entertainment!

Children watching menorah lightings near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

71st Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade

Dec 2, 2023, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Dying to see Santa? The Winter Park Christmas Parade is a free event in Winter Park that has been bringing Santa and Mrs. Claus to its upscale namesake city for more than 60 years. Visit Winter Park’s website for more event details.

Christmas decorated vehicle at Resort Winter Park Christmas Parade near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Visiting Orlando during the holidays is without a doubt one of the best ways to make ever-lasting memories with your family and friends. At the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa we understand just how special this trip is for our guests. We are located in the perfect spot if you are visiting the Walt Disney World Parks and other Orlando attractions. That means less time commuting and more time marveling!

Relax and sip a cold drink by our heated Pirate’s Plunge Pool after a long day at the parks while the kids enjoy a Pirate themed pool complete with a slide. You get to be pampered at our onsite-spa, Reflections Spa & Salon, indulge in authentic Irish delicacies at our own Frankie Farrell’s Irish Grille & Pub or grab a quick bite at our Pizza Hut Express if you feel like turning in to relax in the comfort of your own suite!

Lastly, you might even be able to cut Santa some slack this year as you will certainly feel the urge be the one doing all the shopping when you see the amazing deals offered at the various stores at the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores that is adjacent to us! Book your stay now and let the joyous celebration begin!

 

My family and I have just returned from an 11 night holiday at LBV. The resort is fantastic and the location could not be better.
Lynn, UK

Flower & Garden Festival poster used at Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa