Orlando is an exciting location to visit all year round. While most people visit the Sunshine State during summer, the winter months are full of festivities and things to see that make the whole area come alive. No matter what you’re after, there will be something unforgettable to experience during your winter holiday here.

This winter, there is a wide range of events and other things to do in the Orlando area. From parks to parades, sports to ice skating, discover some of the best things you could get up to over the next few months.

Visit the Theme Parks

Of course, if you’re visiting Orlando at any time of year, chances are you’ll want to visit one of the theme parks! Orlando leaves you spoilt for choice when it comes to big rides and unforgettable experiences, no matter when you choose to visit. That being said, there are some special events you can catch when visiting this winter.

At Walt Disney World, Epcot hosts its International Festival of the Arts every year from mid-January until mid-February. In 2020 it begins on 17th January and goes on until 24th February. Perfect for any artistic families, the park is filled with exhibits, workshops and interactions for the event, while there are new unique foods to discover across its many regions.

One of the biggest events of the year at Universal Studios Orlando takes place in late-winter. Every night from 1st February to 1st April, the park will host its Mardi Gras celebration, which means nights full of colour and excitement. A parade runs through the park every night, while there is also live music and some big names on select nights! The 2020 lineup is yet to be announced, so keep an eye on our website to discover who is performing. The park also offers authentic New Orleans food during the event, further helping to create a unique, energetic atmosphere. If you’re visiting at the turn of the year, you may also be able to catch the end of Universal’s big Christmas celebrations, which run until 6th January.

Early January also sees SeaWorld host its annual Three Kings Celebration, sharing the famous story of Jesus’ birth. Running from 4th to 6th January, the event has a Latin theme alongside the classic nativity, meaning there are some exciting food options to enjoy. In February, SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival brings a range of international street foods to the park, along with a selection of local craft beers. There are also music performances taking place during the event, which usually runs until May.

For younger visitors, LEGOLAND Florida is a hugely popular park to discover just outside of Orlando in Winter Haven. During late January and early February, the park is throwing LEGO Ninjago Days, featuring unique activities and meet-and-greets themed around the franchise. This event runs on the last weekend of January and the first two of February.

Watch American Sports

Major sports events are the perfect way to sample Orlando’s local atmosphere. No matter what your preference, it’s easy to get swept up in the passion of local pride by getting down to some of the significant sports events happening in the area this winter.

Orlando Magic are one of the biggest sports teams representing the area, plying their trade as one of the best in America’s National Basketball Association. The team play at Downtown Orlando’s Amway Centre, and while they are hugely popular, the frequency of games means that there’s always a chance to see them in action! The NBA season is in full swing from October to April, with six or more home games every month to try and catch.

Another team that calls the Amway Centre their home is the Orlando Solar Bears, a hockey team in the ECHL competition. While not as big as Orlando Magic, hockey is still one of America’s most popular sports, and its fast pace and lively atmosphere make for an entertaining evening. Again, the ECHL season runs throughout the winter period, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to watch a game.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Orlando at the end of January, you may be able to catch the NFL Pro Bowl! One of the biggest sports in America stages its showpiece event in Camping World Stadium, pitting some of the league’s best players against each other, with a sprinkling of legendary figures from the game. As you can imagine, tickets for this event, on Sunday 26th January, can be expensive and hard to come by. However, the fun isn’t just had at the stadium. On the days before, ESPN’s Wide World of Sports at Disney World hosts the NFL Pro Bowl Experience, a free event full of American football fun!

Any fans of motorsport will not want to miss making a trip to the famous Daytona International Speedway during their visit to Florida. Located around one hour’s drive from Orlando, the world-renowned location is a mecca for racing fans across the globe. February is a great chance to see Daytona in action as it hosts its annual Speedweeks event. Running from the 8th until the 16th, the stadium hosts a range of activities and races, culminating in the famous Daytona 500 Nascar race! There are both multi-day and specific event tickets available, so be sure to check it out if you’re a racing fan!

Visit the Beaches

While it might seem strange to consider a trip to the beach during winter, in Orlando, temperatures are still relatively warm. Average temperatures generally stay in the high teens and low 20s during January and February, while sea temperatures remain above 20 degrees celsius. Therefore, visiting Florida’s coasts is not out of the question!

Beyond racing, Daytona Beach is also famous for its golden stretch of sand. The beach itself is famously flat and dense underfoot, with some areas designated for even more motorsports! The Daytona Pier and Boardwalk are full of classic amusements and entertainment to be enjoyed.

Another of the most popular coastal locations within reach of Orlando is Cocoa Beach. A 75-minute drive from Kissimmee, the area has something of a tropical feel as the name suggests. It is one of the more popular beaches for surfers in the Florida area thanks to its consistent waves, and there are many companies providing chances to try a watersport for yourself.

Enjoy Shopping in Orlando

There’s never a bad time to enjoy some shopping, but early in the year is a better time than most. With Christmas sales in full-swing, it’s the perfect time to treat yourself.

There are many places to shop in Orlando, but the majority of people will take advantage of Orlando’s Premium Outlets. Places like The Florida Mall and The Mall at Millenia are full of the biggest brands, often at great prices! Disney Springs is a great place to shop if you’re looking for something unique, while places like Kissimmee are perfect if you’re looking to buy something more independent and local.

Try Ice Skating

As mentioned previously, winter in Orlando is a mild affair when it comes to the local temperature. If you’re looking for that winter chill, why not head to a rink and try a spot of ice skating in Orlando?

One of the most popular is The Ice Factory of Central Florida located in Kissimmee, which offers public skating sessions on their hockey rinks every day, along with a special DJ and light-themed events on weekends. The RDV Ice Den is another popular spot which offers similar deals, including lessons in basic skating, hockey and figure skating.

Experience the Local Festivals

As usual, the vibrant community of Orlando comes to life throughout the winter with a range of unique festivals to discover. In mid-February, ICON Park hosts the Orlando Wine Festival, including live entertainment and all the food and drink you could want. The $20 entry fee includes a ride on their famous wheel, so it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Orlando while it’s on.

If you’re willing to travel, nearby locations are hosting a range of BBQ festivals throughout the winter period. The highlight of these is Smoke on the Water, in Winter Haven, which is where LEGOLAND is located. On the weekend of the 7th and 8th of February, it is a music festival famous for its authentic BBQ stalls, perfect for tasting the American favourite.

While these are some of the big events happening during the winter months in Orlando, it doesn’t scratch the surface as to things you can discover! With such a range of attractions and activities available, we’re sure you’ll love your stay here! We offer a variety of Orlando villa holidays at Debbie’s Villas, so if you’re yet to decide the perfect time to visit, why not get in contact with our team? We would be happy to help you plan the perfect trip!

Image credits:

• Mardi Gras at Universal: CC by Jared