If you’re spending Christmas in Orlando then you’re in for a treat! The theme park capital of the world celebrates the holiday season in spectacular style. Here’s a look at some of the best Christmas events in Orlando for 2025.
No matter the season, Orlando is always a fun place to go. When it comes to Christmas, there’s nowhere better! Throughout the holiday season, the world-famous theme parks roll out elaborate festivities that supersize the excitement. Incredible decorations, theatrical parades, and spectacular fireworks are just part of the action.
Away from the theme parks, there are plenty of smaller offerings too – many of which are free! If you’re spending Christmas in Orlando and are looking for the best things to do, check out our handy guide.
Winter weather for Christmas in Orlando, 2025
If you’re tired of spending Christmas in the cold, the winter weather for a Christmas in Orlando promises to be the perfect early gift! That’s because the weeks before and after Christmas are wonderfully warm, allowing you to swap frosty winter mornings for family pool time. Temperatures in Orlando can reach the mid-70s through December, so you’ll be able to leave your thermal winter jacket at home. Spending Christmas in Orlando is the ideal time of year for winter sun vacationers seeking a blend of great vacay weather and festive magic.
Christmas Orlando at Disney World 2025
Holiday season: November 14 - December 31, 2025.
Get Disney Orlando Christmas Tickets: Disney World Tickets
No Christmas in Orlando is complete without a magical trip to Disney World. This year, Disney promises the perfect chance to “celebrate the merriest season”, with its themed holiday season, which runs from November to December, 2025. Transforming all four theme parks and Disney Springs into a winter wonderland, park visitors can explore and experience the unique festive decorations, special holiday events, tasty festive cuisine, and more.
Magic Kingdom
Expect a jolly festive atmosphere, with magical holiday trimmings along Main Streets, U.S.A and in every corner of the park, including festive theming of iconic park experiences, such as the ‘Jingle Cruise expedition’. Tuck into sweet treats and festive beverages too, which are all included in your ticket price.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, 2025
Event Dates: Select evenings from November 7 through December 21, 2025:
November – 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28 and 30.
December – 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19 and 21.
Time: 7pm – midnight.
This popular must-see family-friendly event promises festive parades, spectacular fireworks, falling snow on Main Street and special character meet-and-greets. The top must-see Christmas Orlando events in Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party include:
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, 2025
Enjoy a festive-filled parade performance of dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers, beloved characters including Elsa and of course Santa Claus himself, who rides past to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, 2025
Experience this colorful festive spectacle, which is hosted by Minnie and encompasses magical fireworks against a musical score of the most favorite Christmas carols
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, 2025
Cinderella’s Castle stages a merry yuletide show, starring Mickey Mouse and his friends – with live dance performances and plenty of |Christmas sing-along moments.
Christmas Characters & Dance Parties at Magic Kingdom, 2025
Whilst you’re in the Magic Kingdom Park look out for popular Disney characters decked out in their holiday finery. There’s also a fun Frozen Holiday Surprise with Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and the snowgies at Cinderella Castle from 8.15pm, which is beautifully decked out as a frozen wonderland. Magic Kingdom is also decked out with a Santa’s Christmas Carnival, the Club Tinsel dance party in Tomorrowland and a Disney Jr. Jingle Jam at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe.
Hollywood Studios
Be dazzled by the Hollywood Tower Hotel, which is adorned in festive lighting and holiday projections nightly, alongside some unique themed stage shows and even a holiday skating show and 1930s style jazz- for a fun-filled evening of entertainment.
Disney Jollywood Nights
Event Dates: Select nights from November 8 through December 22, 2025.
November – 8, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29.
December – 1, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 22.
Time: Officially 7.30pm – 12:30am (with early entry available from 5.30pm).
This 5‑hour after‑hours party offers themed entertainment – from Miguel at Holiday Fiesta en la Calle near the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith and the “Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” to “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After”. Expect festive photo-ops, specialty menus and an official Jollywood Nights merchandise collection to immortalise your magical night.
Image credit: Disney Destinations
Disney Holidays in Hollywood
Time: 7.30pm – 12.30am.
Hosted on Jollywood nights, this inspired, festive stage show at Theater of the Stars sees Kemit the Frog and Miss Piggy host a holiday get-together with beloved Disney characters.
“What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along”
Time: Showtime runs throughout the evening, at 7.30pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm. 11.30pm and 12.30am.
This unique Jollywood Nights show brings together Jack Skellington and a touch of festive wonder to sing-along songs, like “Sally’s Song”.
The Tip Top Club, Hollywood Studios
Time: Sets begin at 7.30pm, 8.10pm, 8.50pm, 9.30pm, 10.30pm, 11.10pm and 11.50pm.
Immerse yourselves in the 1930s jazz scene over Jollywood Nights, with a lively “twilight soiree” at this popular jazz club.
Pixar Disco at Hollywood Studios
Time: 7.30 – 9.30pm & 10.30pm – 12.30am.
Get ready to boogie on down! Pixar Place will be the venue for a fun holiday dance party each event night, attended by a host of famous Pixar characters, including Edna Mode, Frozen and Joy.
“Glisten!”
Time: 8.10pm, 9.10pm, 10.30pm, 11.10pm and 12 midnight.
Also held on event nights, this holiday-themed skating show promises to be a beguiling spectacle featuring world-class skaters performing to festive tunes such as “Be Our Guest” on an ice rink, in front of the Chinese Theater.
EPCOT
Immerse yourselves in festive magic from around-the-world, with a trip to experience seasonal cheer and traditions from around the world. Don’t forget to visit old St. Nick, for a fun festive photo that is sure to become a treasured holiday keepsake.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, 2025
Event dates: November 28 – December 30, 2025 (select dates and times TBD).
Celebrate with global holiday traditions, lively storytellers and the upbeat “JOYFUL! A Celebrate of the Season” tribute show, alongside global food booths serving festive cuisine and the famous Candlelight Processional.
EPCOT Candlelight Processional
Event dates: November 28 – December 30, 2025.
Time: 5pm, 6.45pm and 8.15pm.
Held at America Gardens Theater, this is a must-see EPCOT event for those looking to spend Christmas in Orlando. Brimming with tradition, hear the story of Christmas from a famous narrator, who is accompanied on stage by a 50-piece orchestra, stirring herald trumpets and the Voices of Liberty.
Visit Disney Springs for Christmas in Orlando
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail
Disney Springs will be adorned in seasonal decorations, inviting visitors to take a festive stroll past 20+ themed Christmas trees, while experiencing special entertainment including snowfalls, live music – with the opportunity to savor some tempting holiday treats.
LEGOLAND Christmas in Orlando, 2025
Holiday Season: Select days, December 6, 13, 20, 24 – 31, 2025.
Lego fans can experience a “bricktacular” form of merriment at LEGOLAND Florida – which will not only offer its many run rides and attractions but also be decked out with fun festive decorations and a popular family-friendly event.
For the perfect way to combine Lego with yuletide cheer, immerse your family in the Santa meet-and-greets, jolly holiday-themed shows and festive scavenger hunts.
Universal Orlando Christmas Events 2025
Holiday Season: November 21 2025 – January 4, 2026
Get Universal Tickets: Universal Studios Tickets
Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
Included in your park admission, enjoy soaking up the festive magic from this classic parade – a staple in the Universal calendar for Orlando Christmas events and full of iconic themed floats – including larger-than-life balloons and character appearances from the Minion’s Despicable Me and DreamWorks Animations, including Shrek.
Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Explore the wizarding world of Christmas, along the festively-decorated Hogsmead and Diagon Alley. Savor seasonal treats along the way and be awed by the impressive projection spectacular at Hogwart’s Castle.
Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure
For Grinch fans, the popular “Grinchmas” is packed full of “who-liday” punch – with Whoville decked in Christmas cheer, the popular “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” stage show and fun Grinch meet-and-greets and character breakfasts to feast on.
Christmas in New York at Universal Studios, Florida
For lovers of a Big Apple Christmas, the New York-inspired streets at Universal Florida promise plenty of seasonal sparkle, with relaxed walks through Gramercy Park and Central Park, as well as the Rockefeller Center-inspired Christmas tree, which serves as the perfect backdrop to seasonal photos.
Other Christmas in Orlando Events 2025
Aside from the spectacular offerings at the world-class theme parks, Orlando offers plenty of Christmas events and activities when you’re out and about – many of which are free!
Christmas in Orlando City Parades
Experience the festive magic at one of the many city parades – from Winter Park (72nd annual) and Sanford Parade of Lights to the Longwood Christmas Parade. You’ll also find unique boat parades in Winter Park and Conway Lakes, perfect for taking in starry-lit festive water displays.
Orlando Winter Wonderlands 2025
Families and couples will adore magical trips to the best Orlando Winter Wonderlands – from the one at Celebration (Now Snowing) and “Oh, What Fun!” (Lake Nona) to Hamlin Holidays Fair up at Wekiva Island – each promises to get you in the Christmas spirit!
Orlando’s Best Christmas Light Shows
Night owls will enjoy taking in the iconic light shows in and around Orlando over the holiday season. From the “Dazzling Nights” at Leu Gardens to local garden light shows and holiday projections in attractive neighborhoods such as Lake Nona and Winter Gardens.
Traditional Things to do for Christmas in Orlando
Another great festive past-time over the holidays in Orlando is to head to one of the Christmas markets and holiday bazaars, festive concerts and ballet performances, such as the Nutcracker and open-air movie nights (to make the most of the mild winter weather).
Orlando New Year’s 2025-2026
If your Sunshine State getaway is extending past Christmas and into the New Year you have a great choice of citywide events to beckon in the New Year. Aside from the winter events and light displays from over Christmas, there are some must-see displays and events catering to all ages.
Visitors can take in late-night celebrations and firework displays over December 31 to early January at both Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, plus experience New Year’s Eve DJ parties at Universal Studios and Universal CityWalk. Families with young kids will also be able to get behind the fun, with LEGOLAND Florida hosting an early New Year’s firework display at 8pm.
Celebrate Christmas in Orlando with a luxury villa
Make your holiday extra special, by renting a luxury villa in Orlando. With amenities like private pools, movie theaters, all-weather games’ rooms and themed kids’ bedrooms, you’ll have all the space and comfort you need for fun, festive gatherings.
Add even more magic to your Christmas in Orlando vacation – from festive door wreaths, decorations and Christmas trees, to private chef experiences, character meets, best-rate Disney and Universal Park tickets, seamless transportation and more.
