Holiday Magic in the Sunshine State: Best Florida Theme Parks to Visit at Christmas

Christmas is one of my family’s favorite time of the year.  Christmas music, beauty of the lights and the family togetherness is looked forward to each year.  When our family decide to try something out of the ordinary and go to Florida for Christmas it was a bit hard to picture.

Florida transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season, with iconic theme parks rolling out festive decor, exclusive events, and special treats. From dazzling light shows to parades and meet-and-greets with Santa (and even The Grinch!), a Christmas vacation at Florida’s theme parks creates magical memories for both kids and adults.  After experiencing Christmas in Florida is has now become one of our most favorite Christmas memories.

Walt Disney World: A Fairytale Christmas

Walt Disney World’s four parks are decked out in sparkling holiday decor from early November through December.  Some of the biggest highlights are:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: This special ticketed event at Magic Kingdom runs on select nights with exclusive parades, shows, treats, and rare character sightings. Smells of peppermint fill the air, artificial snow falls over Main Street USA- truly breathtaking for Disney lovers.

• Christmas Decor and Shows: Cinderella Castle glows with seasonal lights, Main Street USA has “snow,” and characters are dressed up in their festive best.

• EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom: Each park hosts unique shows and themed treats all with the holiday vibe felt throughout.

Universal Orlando Resort:

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure go all out for the holidays:

• Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogwarts shines with lights and projections, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade are decked in festive decor, and Butterbeer flows.

• Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s: Watch enormous balloons and beloved characters parade through the park.

• Grinchmas at Seuss Landing: Enjoy the “Who-liday” Spectacular, meet The Grinch, and experience Seuss Landing transformed into Who-ville.

• Seasonal Food and Resort Decor: Universal’s on-site hotels sparkle with holiday decorations and offer seasonal meals and activities.

LEGOLAND Florida and SeaWorld Orlando:

• LEGOLAND Holidays: Walk through a giant Lego brick tree, join elf-tastic shows, meet LEGO characters in holiday outfits, and enjoy special treats.

• SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration: The park glows with 3 million lights, the Sea of Trees, and nightly fireworks, with holiday shows and sweets for all

Tips for Visiting Theme Parks at Christmas

• Book Everything Early: Christmas season is busy—reserve park tickets, special events, dining, and hotels well in advance.  It is best to plan out your Christmas trip at least one year in advance.

• Arrive Early and Use Apps: Get to parks at opening and use the parks apps for real-time waits, dining, and special events.  This will also show you what is an additional cost and what is included within your base park admission.

• Pack for Changeable Weather: Florida can be cool in the morning, warm by day, and chilly at night. Bring layers, rain gear, and comfy shoes.

• Capture the Magic: Take plenty of festive family photos by iconic displays and decorated trees.

• Pack Your Patience: Remember that when you travel around the holidays it is not a question of if it will be busy- it is guaranteed to be busy.  So prepare yourself and your kids.  Seeing the theme parks brought to life by Christmas is worth it to experience it as a family.

For more family travel tips and tricks be sure to check out Blog – Together We Can Travel