2023-12-01

8 Holiday Events and Attractions at Orlando Theme Parks

Are you a theme park fanatic who wants to spend their next holiday getaway somewhere with easy access to attractions? If so, booking your trip with Margaritaville Resort Orlando is the way to go.

When vacationing in Orlando, Florida, you have a wide variety of theme parks to choose from, including Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and several locations at Walt Disney World. These parks host celebrations designed to get you into the holiday spirit.

Experience excitement in your winter retreat with our checklist. Here are eight holiday events and attractions to enjoy at Orlando theme parks.

1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom

If you plan on visiting Disney’s Magic Kingdom, experiencing Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a must. Live music and entertainment are designed for the whole family, and the holiday lights are worthy of your holiday photo collection.

Celebrations for the occasions include Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebrations stage show, the Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show, and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Guests can treat themselves with cookies, hot cocoa churros and cranberry citrus soft-serve floats.

Christmas firework show at the Magic Kingdom - Walt Disney World

2. Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular at Universal Orlando

Fans of the Grinch who are staying at Margaritaville will have the opportunity to see the Dr. Seuss icon in person at Universal Orlando Resort. The park will host the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” a show that re-tells “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” live.

You can watch the show at Seuss Landing in Islands of Adventure, where you can enjoy other Dr. Seuss-themed attractions and rides. If your kids have never seen any of the Grinch movies before, this is a great way to introduce them.

The Grinch at Universal Orlando

3. SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld fans who want to spend their next holiday retreat at the park will enjoy SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. The occasion allows guests to view live entertainment and holiday lights while checking out the park’s aquatic life.

Shows in the celebration include Elmo’s Christmas Wish, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, the “O Wondrous Night”, and the Holiday Reflections fireworks finale. Kids can snack on winter sweets while parents can enjoy holiday-themed margaritas, martinis, and cocktails.

Young boy looking at a dolphin

4. Holidays at LEGOLAND

Are you or your kids Lego fans and thinking of getting them one of the construction toys as a holiday gift? You can get ideas for your gift while also having fun with your family during Holidays at LEGOLAND.

Your kids can take part in scavenger hunts while meeting Lego Santa and Lego Gingerbread Man, while also exploring several holiday villages. You can enjoy holiday food and shopping and end the day with the Lego City Holiday Light Spectacular.

LEGO Santa and Gingerbread Man characters in front of the LEGOLAND Florida park entrance

5. Universal Orlando's Holiday Parade

Thanksgiving in New York City is not the only chance you have to witness Macy’s holiday parade. Staying at Margaritaville in Orlando for the holidays gives you the opportunity to see Universal Studio’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

Take pictures of the parade’s giant balloons themed after Macy’s and a variety of holiday themes. Your kids will get to see characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar films, as well as Illumination’s Despicable Me.

Minion float in the Macy's Universal Orlando Christmas parade

6. Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios

A day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios requires attending Jollywood Nights to celebrate the holidays properly. Christmas Gertie cookies are among the many holiday sweets you get to enjoy, and adults can end the night with crafted cocktails.

Save time during the day to take your kids on the park’s rollercoasters and other rides. The night can be reserved for a “Nightmare Before Christmas” sing-along, live entertainment and holiday-themed fireworks.

Couple enjoying the Christmas decor at Disney's Hollywood Studios

7. Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Universal Orlando

Getting the most out of a visit to Universal requires time at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. One way to make that easier is with Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

Diagon Alley in Studios Park treats guests with performances by Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. Hogsmeade at IOA shows off the “Magic of Christmas” nighttime projection show in Hogwarts Castle.

The Diagon Alley fire-breathing dragon during Christmas at Universal Orlando

8. International Festival of the Holidays at Disney's EPCOT

Visiting Epcot is an opportunity to learn about different cultures through fun attractions, including holiday and winter traditions. That’s why we recommend experiencing Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays.

Events at this festival include the Holiday Cookie Stroll for the chance to taste different holiday-themed treats and the Candlelight Processional to witness the retelling of the Christmas story. You can also take your kids to see Living in the Land, festive décor, and other attractions.

Group of friends enjoying dessert in front of the Christmas tree at EPCOT

Combining theme park excitement and holiday fun is easy when you spend your next winter retreat in Orlando. Book with Margaritaville today for an adventure the whole family can enjoy.