Its the most wonderful time of the year, and Christmas Day is a time for family and friends to come together, sharing magical moments, creating memories to cherish forever, and here in Orlando there is so much to do on Christmas Day for everyone to enjoy!
Orlando is one of the most popular destinations in the world for the holidays, and no wonder, with so much to see and do, the list is longer than Santa's nice list.
While many towns and cities across the country all but close down for Christmas Day, here in Orlando, Christmas Day is a day full of holly jolly fun, with the theme parks in full flow, and many attractions, shops, and restaurants all open for festive fun.
We've come up with a bumper holiday list to keep even the most energetic Christmas Crew happy on Christmas Day!
What's To Do In Orlando On Christmas Day
Theme Parks
As you would expect, all Central Florida's theme parks are open on Christmas Day, and as well as the most wonderful time of the year, it's the most busy time of the year, and while you may not get on many rides, the holiday entertainment more than makes up for it.
The atmosphere in the theme parks is something very special on Christmas Day!
Magic Kingdom Park
Get wrapped up in all things merry and bright with sensational sights and dazzling delights at Magic Kingdom Park, with holly, jolly trimmings and theming throughout Main Street, U.S.A.
Plus on Christmas Day, the Magic Kingdom is full of additional holiday entertainment including Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show high in the sky above Cinderella's Castle ,Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade featuring Santa and A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, a rocking dance party in Tomorrowland for everyone. Plus, get the perfect picture with Mickey and the gang dressed in their Christmas best, discover holiday overlays for iconic attractions including Space Mountain and Jungle Cruise.
EPCOT International Festival Of The Holidays
Surround yourself with seasonal sights, sounds and the flavors of the holidaysduring the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, a beloved extravaganza boasting themed Holiday Kitchens and a scrumptious Holiday Cookie Stroll.Hear the stirring story of Christmas as told by a celebrity narrator at the much loved Candlelight Processional, all accompanied by an orchestra and massed choir.
Even the Guardians of the Galaxy are getting in on the fun by trading their classic-hits playlist for a mash-up of seasonal jams at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Then, behold heartwarming performances around World Showcase, including Canadian Holiday Voyageurs, Las Posadas with Mariachi Cobre, the Chinese Lion Dance, and holiday storytellers.
This joyous celebration is included with admission to EPCOT, with food and beverages being available for purchase.
Animal Kingdom
At Animal Kingdom Theme Park, experience the magic of nature with a holiday twist. Be sure to swing by Discovery River to wave hello to some of your favorite Disney Characters aboard decked-out flotillas. Included with park admission, highlights at Animal Kingdom include: Delight in winter wonders as Discovery Island springs to life with artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals — like penguins, reindeer, foxes and polar bears. See Santa Claus as he sails down the Discovery River to a jolly, world-beat holiday soundtrac, then feel the beat as a colorful group of percussionists cruise along the Discovery River.
Plus, be sure to check out holiday-themed decor and Tree of Life Awakenings - Holiday Edition, where the beloved tree shimmers and sparkles each evening, accompanied by a heartwarming musical score.
Holidays At Disney’s Hollywood Studios
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, embark on yuletide adventures and create memories you’ll cherish all season long, all including with park admission. Gaze in wonder as the Hollywood Tower Hotel is transformed nightly by holiday projections, alternating with the Beacon of Magic. Catch the Santa Claus Merry Motorcade, where old St. Nick will travel up Hollywood Blvd. in his candy-apple red convertible, packed with a sack of presents, then enjoy For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, featuring Olaf!
Disney Springs
Enjoy a host of holiday-themed activities and savor the comforting flavors of the season while shopping for the perfect gifts for everyone on your list! Highlights Include festive holiday tunes with live musical performances and DJs. Plus, encounter Toy Soldier Stilt Walkers and Snowflake Skaters. Enjoy the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth, as you come across a collection of elaborately decorated Disney Christmas trees throughout the neighborhoods of Disney Springs. Flurries are in the forecast for Disney Springs Town Center. In the evenings, delight in a magical snowfall, adding an extra touch of wonder to your holiday shopping.
Holidays At Universal Orlando Resort
Scream, laugh and shout your jingle bells off on Christmas Day at Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort. Join the celebration of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as Hogwarts castle lights up for the holidays and festive decor brightens up the streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Enjoy a hot Butterbeer while both the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees put a holiday spin on their performances. Larger-than-life balloons float through the streets of Universal Studios Florida in Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, along with appearances by the Minions from Illumination’s Despicable Me and some of your favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar films.
Get together with the resident Whos in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where you can enjoy the music and fun of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring the Grinch. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, Part of Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort There are even more festivities in store around every corner of Universal Orlando Resort. You’ll find tasty holiday food and drinks, character encounters and more. And to top it all off, you’ll want to stay at one of Universal’s spectacular hotels, where you’ll find even more themed food, decorations and festivities. And it’s only at Universal Orlando Resort, with all festivities included with park admission.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld Orlando’s award-winning Christmas Celebration offers the sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday season.
Included with theme park admission, the event transforms SeaWorld Orlando into a winter wonderland with more than 3 million sparkling lights.
Enjoy all the family-friendly holiday entertainment, from the iconic Sea of Trees that dance to music as they light up the central lagoon, to delicious holiday treats.
Experience fan-favorite holiday shows and seasonal entertainment throughout the park. And be sure to stay late to finish your evening with an impressive holiday firework show.
Holidays At LEGOLAND Florida Resort
At LEGOLAND Florida Resort, this jolly time of year features a giant LEGO Christmas tree, unforgettable seasonal shows, holiday characters, special treats, LEGO activities, twinkling lights and more during Holidays at LEGOLAND!
Highlights include, the giant LEGO tree that lights up to holiday tunes, and don't forget to take “elfies” with your favorite holiday LEGO Characters.
Christmas Town At Busch Gardens Tampa
Celebrate the year with holiday cheer & gather with family and friends to create merry memories. Experience the joy of the season up close with animal encounters, thrilling rides, holiday inspired culinary delights and festive shows like Christmas on Ice. Keep the holiday spirit shining bright from day to night with millions of twinkling lights and dazzling fireworks, plus heartwarming moments with Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Attractions
It might surprise you that so many attractions are open in Orlando onChristmas Day, but they are, and they are ready and waiting to share the big day with you, and your family!
Fun Spot America Huge Christmas
With locations in both Orlando and Kissimmee, Fun Spot America's HUGE Christmas is open on Christmas Day. Holiday events include merry and bright lights, festive decor, selfie walls, and Christmas treats including gingerbread sundae and Christmas candy apple.
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience Orlando
Add a little color to your Christmas Day by heading to Crayola Experience Orlando, open on December 25 from 12 pm -6 pm. Holiday highlights includes animatronic Christmas characters, a singing light show, a giant snow globe, and more.
Ice! At Gaylord Palms
Gaylord Palms is transformed into a holiday wonderland at Christmas with so much do including the spectacular ICE! Experience, plus Cirque: Spirit of Christmas, ice tubing, atrium light show and more.
Night of a Million Lights
Night of a Million Lights is a dazzling display of lights that literally transforms H20 Water Park in Kissimmee into a twinkling winter wonderland, all benefitting Give Kids The World.
Medieval Times
Bring in Christmas with the majestic knights and ladies at Medieval Times. Open on Christmas Day for 5 pm and 8 pm shows, your entire family will enjoy the dinner and rousing show.
