Orlando Christmas Highlights

While Orlando’s theme parks are obvious highlights for the festive season this month, they certainly don’t have the monopoly on Christmas crackers in the city as a whole.

In fact, one of the best ‘secrets’ of the season is that you’ll find some of the best Yuletide displays outside the parks, at places like Altamonte Springs, International Drive and downtown Orlando.

And, when it comes to providing a true winter extravaganza – complete with one of the most eye-popping visual feats of them all – it’s hard to beat the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, where their extensive Christmas programme is arguably the best in Florida.

So, with that in mind, and for all our guests who are heading to central Florida this December, here is a handy guide to all the festive events you can see, without visiting Disney and Co!

International Drive

For a big light-up occasion, it’s hard to beat ICON Park, in the heart of the tourist corridor that is I-Drive. This fab 20-acre entertainment and dining complex transforms into a classic holiday wonderland from December 1-31, centred on the iconic 50ft decorated tree.

Then there is a nightly “snowfall” (from 7-8pm) on the Central Lawn, The Wheel’s holiday light and music show, periodic carolers and, of course, Santa himself.

This latter comes in the form of the super-cute Santa Workshop Experience, a chance to meet the Chief Elf in a clever setting of North Pole magic, which comes with the bonus of a free ride on The Wheel for all children who take the photo package.

Winter Garden

OK, regular readers of the blog will know we at Debbie’s Villas are big fans of the city suburb of Winter Garden, which offers a year-round delight of shops, cafes and events, and that only increases during the festive season.

As well as their Christmas Tree lighting and signature parades, there are a series of daily and weekend events that truly make this a most wonderful time of the year.

Don’t miss the Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, street entertainment, Holiday music and the Saturday Very Merry Farmers Market, plus the nightly Winter Garden Light Show from 6-9pm. For full details, see the Winter Garden events page.

Winter Park

Not to be outdone, this ritzy suburb is full of festive charm, with its own take on a full Yule parade, a tree-lighting ceremony and even a novel Holiday Boat Parade.

The history-rich Hannibal Square Heritage Center has its own Light Up Hannibal Square event, while the lovely Morse Museum offers Holiday Friday Nights at the Morse, with free entry from 4-8pm. There are concerts in Central Park, classic carols and more, with some beautiful lighting throughout the park and along Park Avenue. Find all their events on this link.

At the same time, nearby Leu Gardens offers one of the best set-piece events in town. Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens conjures up an epic scene of lanterns, lights and interactive features that are guaranteed fun and wonder for all the family.

This year, they have added a stunning light show featuring 100 10ft tall beacons, a show-stopping 30ft tall tree covered in gold sequins and a winter Florida display created by the resident horticulturalists, and that’s on top of the traditional snow, light tunnels and laser displays.

Downtown Orlando

Lake Eola Park provides the focal point for another eye-catching display of Christmas festivities and decorations. Downtown’s signature 72ft tree will be lit up in striking fashion at the park’s Washington plaza entrance, supported by more lights, tunnels and set-pieces along the one-mile lakeside path.

Additionally, visitors should look out for holiday-themed films and performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, as well as festive food trucks and the splendid Holiday Market at weekends.

Altamonte Springs

Another of our favourite suburban areas is this pleasant city just north of downtown, which has featured in our blog before. For Christmas, the area of Cranes Roost Park is the place to be,

Here, the lovely lake setting features live music, fireworks, train rides and Santa throughout the month. Here’s where you can take a lakeside stroll surrounded by fully 200,000 lights and pay a visit to the town’s brilliant 60ft Christmas tree, decorated with thousands of ornaments.

Kissimmee

Another of the must-see local highlights in recent years is Night of a Million Lights at the fabulous 89-acre charity complex of Give Kids The World Village, just off Highway 192 in Kissimmee.

Here, amid a festive tableau of immaculate proportions, this glittering ticketed event features a sparkling Christmas tree trail, seasonal music, holiday treats, tram rides and a winter marketplace. The event runs until January 1 and ticket prices vary by date (www.gktw.org/lights/tickets.php).

The ultimate Christmas event, however, continues to be the one that virtually takes over the whole of the extensive Gaylord Palms Resort on West Osceola Parkway. Christmas at Gaylord Palms is a magnificent presentation of activities, shows and treats that covers the whole festive scene.

With an elaborate Cirque stage show, an Alpine Village, snow-tubing, snowball throwing, ice slides, story time with Mrs Claus, Meet Santa, special food and drinks, and a profusion of trees and lights, this is THE event for an all-action Yuletide celebration.

It is topped, of course, by the annual ICE! walk-through attraction. This year’s theme is A Charlie Brown Christmas, and it features 10 immersive scenes carved from more than 6,000 blocks of ice. It includes a chance to crawl through Snoopy’s doghouse, slide down a two-storey ice-slide and all the Peanuts gang in a heart-warming highlight of the season.

ICE!, and other events at the Gaylord Palms, do need to be booked in advance, but you can also just wander the extensive resort to admire the many festive elements, including the big stage shows.

And there are still more Christmas events and happenings to enjoy, at places like Orlando Science Center, Disney Springs, Pointe Orlando and the big shopping malls. There’s also the town of Celebration (just off Highway 192), where the locals really go to town with their decorating and whole roads get into the festive spirit, while there is the Snowing Nightly spectacle along Market Street.

What festive event or set-piece would YOU most want to see this Christmas? Give us your thoughts on our Facebook, X and Instagram pages… and don’t forget to interact with us on Pinterest and now TikTok too!