10 Things to do in Orlando at Christmas

With its amusement parks and themed activities, Orlando is an ideal destination for family entertainment all year round, but it is at Christmas time that it is at its best, thanks in large part to the decorations, lights and colours that fill every corner of the city.

Some of the best things to do in Orlando during Christmas include discovering the Christmas decorations at Universal Studios, experiencing the celebrations at Magic Kingdom, attending the Orlando Ballet shows, visiting the Christmas Market at Lake Eola Park and walking the illuminated trails at Leu Gardens. Read on to find out what's on offer!

If you want to get into the Christmas spirit in Orlando, then you can't miss Universal Studios' Christmas decorations. In December, the theme park is transformed into a world of sparkling lights, vibrant colours and Christmas decorations that will transport you to a magical setting.

At Universal Studios you'll find giant Christmas trees and twinkling lights. In addition, iconic movie characters such as the Grinch and the Minions will also join in the celebrations, dressing up in their Christmas attire and interacting with visitors, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Orlando.

In December you can enjoy Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, a parade filled with festive floats, holiday characters and holiday music. Plus, the famous Grinchmas will allow you to meet the Grinch in person and enjoy his villainous sense of humour in a live show.

Finally, don't miss the chance to experience The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, where Hogwarts Castle comes to life with projections and Christmas music from Harry Potter, one of the company's most successful sagas.

One of the most popular things to do in any city in December is to visit the local Christmas Market and Orlando is no exception, offering a very popular one at Lake Eola Park. Here you can find stalls decorated with twinkling lights and garlands that create a cosy and festive atmosphere.

There you can find a wide variety of Christmas products and gifts. From home decorations to unique handicrafts, there are options for every visitor, plus you can visit Lake Eola Park, which is one of the city's most famous sites and is often included among the best tours in Orlando.

You can also sample the local vendors' culinary offerings. From cakes and biscuits to chocolates and hot drinks, every morsel is sure to catch your eye, especially if you're looking for evening things to do in Orlando and want to visit somewhere different after dinner.

At the Lake Eola Park Christmas Market you can also find activities and entertainment for all ages. The little ones can enjoy train rides, interactive games and even have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas in person. For the adults there will be live music shows, dance performances and theatrical performances.

If you want to attend one of the city's most popular activities during the holiday season, you can't miss the Orlando Ballet's shows, which will envelop you in a festive atmosphere and scenery decorated with sparkling lights and Christmas decorations. From the first act, with its classical and elegant ballet, these shows will grab your attention with every movement.

Usually, the second act is an imaginative and fanciful interpretation of the most beloved Christmas stories. From The Nutcracker to A Christmas Carol, each story will come to life on stage with stunning sets and colourful costumes that will show you1 why this is considered one of the best shows in Orlando.

The spirit of the eve can also be discovered in the music and dance moves of the show, which is available for over a month until Epiphany, although if you are planning to visit Orlando in December I advise you to book your tickets in advance to avoid losing your place due to the high demand of the event.

During the holiday season, the Magic Kingdom theme park transforms into a place of infectious spirit and a favourite spot for kids in Orlando, with family-friendly rides, characters roaming the alleyways and music filling every corner of the park.

On your tour of the park, you'll find Cinderella's castle and the main streets decorated with garlands, bows and Christmas decorations, creating the perfect atmosphere. Besides, you will be able to meet Disney characters dressed in festive outfits and always ready to take a picture with you.

Among the shows offered by Magic Kingdom at Christmas time, the Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade stands out, in which Disney characters parade on decorated floats to the sound of Christmas music. You can also enjoy the Holiday Wishes fireworks show, which lights up the night sky with festive colours and carols.

In addition to the celebrations in the streets, the different corners of Magic Kingdom are filled with the magic of Christmas. From Main Street to Fantasyland, every area of the theme park is adorned with lights, artificial snow and themed decorations that usually run from the last days of November until Epiphany.

Winter Park is a site on the outskirts of Orlando that transforms during the Christmas season to become a must-see destination for lovers of festive lights. Walking through the cobblestone streets you 'll find colourful displays and Christmas shows.

The striking thing about Winter Park is that every corner becomes an illuminated work of art. Trees are covered in thousands of twinkling lights, shop and restaurant windows sparkle with festive twinkles, and parks are transformed into gardens of lights. This visual spectacle transports visitors to a world of fantasy and joy, making it one of the best excursions to take from Orlando.

In addition to enjoying the lights, Winter Park offers a wide variety of activities for the whole family. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, outdoor concerts and Christmas markets. You'll also find dining options that perfectly match the spirit of the eve.

One of the most common Christmas activities to do anywhere in the world is ice skating, and in Orlando you can do it at the RDV Sportsplex Ice Den, which is one of the most popular ice skating rinks in the city. The rink, which is decorated with festive decorations and twinkling lights, will give you some of the best photos of your trip in a magical setting.

Fun is guaranteed at this rink for all ages and skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skater, RDV Sportsplex Ice Den will offer you a safe and spacious space to enjoy this activity. You can spin to the rhythm of Christmas music, do spins or simply enjoy the sensation of gliding across the ice.

In addition to the skating itself, the rink also offers special events during December. From themed skating sessions to light shows and live music, there are exciting options for all visitors - just be up for the challenge!

After skating you can enjoy a hot chocolate or a snack at the nearby cafe, while watching other skaters at the rink, which offers one of the wonders of winter in a warm place like Orlando.

In December, the Orlando Museum of Art hosts the Festival of Trees and transforms into a winter wonderland, with a display of uniquely and dazzlingly decorated Christmas trees.

Each tree is a work of art in itself, with themes ranging from classic to avant-garde, sparking visitors' imagination and wonder, making it one of the best things to do in Orlando on the eve.

Walking through the trees at the Festival of Trees is like stepping into a fairytale. The bright colours, incandescent lights and carefully selected decorations create a magical and festive atmosphere. This show offers an environment where creativity runs riot and you can find inspiring ideas for decorating your own Christmas tree for the season.

The event also features Christmas choir concerts and craft workshops for children. You can also browse the gift shop for souvenirs, sweets and all kinds of Christmas merchandise, as well as get the chance to take some of the best family photos of your trip.

A visit to WonderWorks and a winter snowfall experience allows you to immerse yourself in a parallel world. Considered one of the best theme parks in Orlando because it offers a wide range of attractions and activities, and during the holiday season, it adds a magical touch with its artificial snowfall.

As you explore the various interactive exhibits and marvel at the science challenges, suddenly, at any moment, snow starts to fall from the roof, creating a different atmosphere and making your visit extra special.

At WonderWorks you can enjoy the snow while visiting the themed areas to defy gravity in the Inversion Chamber or to test your skills in the sports area. Here you can get information on how to buy NBA tickets in Orlando, a site sponsored by the Magic, the city's most popular basketball franchise.

This site also features simulators, brain teasers and interactive games. WonderWorks is the perfect place to spend a fun day with family or friends, creating unforgettable memories while immersed in a world of science and entertainment.

Walking along the illuminated paths of Leu Gardens at Christmas in Orlando is a truly magical experience. This beautiful botanical garden is transformed during the festive season into a spectacle of light and colour. On the trails you will find yourself surrounded by a resplendent landscape, decorated with festive decorations.

Along the way you'll see different themed scenes celebrating the Christmas season. From classic winter scenes to re-enactments of eve tales, every corner of Leu Gardens is an illuminated work of art. Pathways wind through light-covered trees and decorated shrubs, creating a visually stunning experience.

Along the pathways you can also enjoy festival music, Christmas choirs and melodies that create a seasonal ambience. In addition, during the night, you will come across Christmas characters, such as Father Christmas and his helpers, who will be ready to take pictures with you and spread the joy of the season.

Walking along the illuminated paths of Leu Gardens at Christmas time is a perfect way to get into the festive spirit and enjoy the beauty of nature in a magical setting, even if you are planning a short stay in the city. If that is your case, here is a list of activities for you to discover Orlando in 3 days.

Orlando stands out for its theme parks and family entertainment, but also for the number of shopping malls that you can find in the city and that during Christmas will offer you seasonal discounts on Christmas Eve products but also on clothing, electronics and a wide variety of items.

One of the top places to visit on a shopping tour is the Mall at Millenia, an elegant mall that houses luxury shops and world-renowned brands. During the holiday season, this place is transformed into a paradise of discounts and special offers, to the point that it is not uncommon to get a shuttle from Orlando airport to the mall.

If you want a less exclusive option you can opt for the popular Orlando International Premium Outlets, a mall that is known for its numerous discount shops, where you can find sales all year round, but especially during the Christmas season.

Visiting these malls in Orlando during the Christmas season will give you the opportunity to get discounts and enjoy a unique shopping experience. Whether you are looking for gifts for your loved ones or just want to enjoy the excitement of the holiday sales, these sites will provide you with options for every taste.