Florida Guide > Travelling
Christmas in Orlando
Orlando loves the holidays! The whole area participates in the holiday festivities with amazing enthusiasm and passion. You’ll find palm trees decorated with lights and miles or tinsel and garland. You may need a sweater and trousers for the evening but unlike much of the US it will be in warm temperate temperatures.
Disney’s goes overboard with its magic and an individual article has been written about this, however, they are not alone so here are some ideas to try.
Universal Studios’s Islands of Adventure is themed around Grinchmas, based on the tale by Dr Suess. "Who's" both young and old, small and tall will ring in the New Year with a joyful "Whoville Whobilation". Colourfully decorated, Seuss Landing invites guests to come and meet The Grinch in his lair and to see if he really does have the bah-humbug spirit!
Over in Universal Studios there is the opportunity to view some of the most popular, huge balloons and floats from the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade which takes place on 5th Avenue in New York City. Every day there is always excitement surrounding the pageantry. Santa also leads a festive tree lighting ceremony each day during the holiday season.
SeaWorld also has a special visit from Santa. He comes to the Waterfront to meet with young, excited guests whilst carolers sing for parents and spectators to enjoy. The nightly show at the Waterfront is a Christmastide holiday fountain show.
Seaworld also has the coolest sleepover party in town - literally! The family can spend the night with animals for the coldest areas of the world – from Artic and the Antarctic. This adventure includes educational games and activities, a pizza and a continental breakfast. Dates may be limited so contact Seaworld for dates and tickets costs and availability. (Park admission is not required).
If you have ever been to Seaworlds Luau they hold the Makahiki Christmas Laua to celebrate holiday traditions from the Pacific islands. Pacific island foods and music are on offer. From 26 December through to 30 December the week is a celebration of jazz in Seaworlds ‘Baywave…. Seaside Jazzfest. Many jazz musicians make guest appearances to make this an enjoyable jazz celebration
Moving from the sea, ice is the speciality of Gaylord Palms. From 19 November – 3 January the coldest temperatures in Florida can be felt here. At 9 degrees wear some trousers and a sweater and Gaylords will provide hooded parkers to keep you warm and comfortable. Amazing structures 20 or more feet tall sculptured out of ice, igloos and structures to walk through and look in amazement, slides for children to try out. This famous exhibition uses two million pounds of ice! If you would like to take a look, telephone 401-586-4-ICE for more information.
Some of the famous dinner shows celebrate the holiday season in style. Arabian Nights choreographed holiday music to popular singers in a Spectacular Holidays Show from around 24 November through to the end of the first week of January. See acrobatic elves, dancing reindeer, sugar plum fairies as well as a princess with a genie and a sultan. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show is changed into a winter wonderland. This transformation starts on 31st October and features holiday music, ice skating, snowfalls as well as the beautiful horses …. . and St Nick makes a special appearance!
If you enjoy visiting gardens take a look at Leu Gardens. Within the grounds is a restored 19th century house – Leu House Museum. This is dected out for the holidays by the designers of Saxon-Clark from 1 December through to 1 January. Walk through the twisting, meandering paths with oak tres and camellias. They may also hold open air concerts which, during holiday time, feature holiday music performed by live in an outdoor concert.
And if you are missing snow then take a drive to Celebration, just south of the 192. Founded originally by Disney, this pretty area has many restaurants, a cinema and quintessential shops to view. At Christmas time ‘snow’ falls on the streets. The snow is actually small soap bubbles but the affect is amazing.
Orlando has something for everyone of all ages to enjoy at this very special time of year.
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