Here in Orlando, we’re gearing up for another joyous holiday season. 

Our world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World, are ready to welcome locals and travelers alike to their sparkling holiday celebrations. 

There’s so much more to experience in The City Beautiful during the most wonderful time of the year, so let’s get started. 

To help make the season truly special for your family, we’ve prepared the best unique traditions Orlando has to offer. From heartwarming holiday plays to festive fun in the sun, these traditions will make for merry memories year after year. 

If you’re planning a trip to Orlando this winter, check out these hidden gem holiday activities for creating one-of-a-kind family moments. 

Here’s our top holiday traditions in Orlando for you and your family 

Key Takeaways

• Extraordinary Holiday Events
• See a Spectacular Show
• Attend a Christmassy Concert
• See the Lights
• Shop Fa-La-La-Local
• Stay Close to the Holiday Fun at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista

Extraordinary Holiday Events

The holidays are all about spending time with the ones you love most. 

And Orlando is filled with a variety of family-friendly activities to help spend quality time together in a new, joyous way. 

Oh what fun it is to learn this holiday season at the Orlando Science Center and Orlando Museum of Art. Watch the festive lights on fossils dance to holiday music at Dinos in Lights or meander through the Festival of Trees, a grove of over 30 designer Christmas trees with photo ops with Santa. 

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be dazzling guests this year with their Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild. Step into a spectacular scene of larger-than-life glowing lanterns in this family-friendly, after-hours affair. 

Art lovers in your family will adore the Colorful Christmas event at the Crayola Experience. Head over to The Florida Mall to make this season bright with handmade gift making, holiday photo ops, and a seasonal scavenger hunt. 

Nothing says holiday fun in the sun like Gatorland's Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down event. The theme park and wildlife preserve will be decking the halls with creative displays, interactive character experiences, and special entertainment exclusively for the holidays. 

Splash into the season at beloved holiday tradition on Florida’s Space Coast – Surfing Santas at Cocoa Beach. Watch hundreds of surfers trade wet suits for Santa suits as they hit the water for a great cause. 

See a Spectacular Show

One of the best ways to experience the magic of the holidays is to catch a dazzling show that can only be seen this special time of year. 

In 2025, you can catch a variety of show-stopping productions hosted at Orlando’s world-class and hidden gem performing arts venues. 

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, located in the heart of downtown Orlando, is your home for sensational stage productions. Catch breathtaking depictions of The Nutcracker presented by Orlando Ballet, A Christmas Nutcracker Tale presented by Central Florida Ballet, and many more holiday shows. 

Orlando's non-profit Shakespearean theater, Orlando Shakes, specializes in family-friendly plays perfect for winning the hearts of children (and those who are children at heart). Last year’s shows included Sleigh: It’s Christmas, Actually! and depictions of A Christmas Carol. 

Orlando Family Stage is another local performing arts venue hosting heartwarming plays fit for all ages. This year, viewers can catch fresh shows as well as the return of A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage. 

Attend a Christmassy Concert

Singing timeless Christmas tunes is part of what makes the holidays truly special.  

And it's even more special hearing the sounds of the season come to life before your very eyes. 

Catching a seasonal concert is a unique way to spend time as a family, and Orlando’s music venues make it easy to hear your favorite holiday hits in real time. 

At the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, immerse yourself in the delightful sounds of A Drummer Boy Christmas: The Live Experience and Holiday Heartstrings: A CeCe Teneal Experience. 

Another place to hear merry music as a family is The Plaza Live. Their Symphony Storytime Series is designed for little ears and bring childhood classics to life. This year’s series includes The Goldilocks Quartet, Holiday Harmonies, Little Red Riding Hood, and A Treeful of Monkeys. 

More of this year’s feel-good concerts include Holiday Pops at Della Phillips Pavilion and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve Tour at the Kia Center. 

See the Lights

All across town, sparkling decor that lights up the night sky is putting the “beautiful” in The City Beautiful. 

While places like Disney World are known for their impressive lights and firework displays, there are lots of local spots throughout Orlando noted for their amazing light shows. 

The charming city of Winter Garden, west of Orlando, hosts brilliant light displays in their historic downtown district during the holidays. Immerse yourself in dancing lights as you walk the tinsel-covered streets leading up to a glistening Christmas tree in the center of the district.  

Winter Park is another hidden gem city east of Orlando that decorates its streets, trees, and buildings for the holidays. The city hosts a variety of family-friendly nighttime events perfect for seeing stunning lights, including Winter on the Avenue and Light Up Hannibal Square. 

At the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park lights up the night sky throughout the month of December. See the glistening skyline become even brighter for the holidays or visit the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show among many more family-friendly festivities. 

Shop Fa-La-La-Local

Show your loved ones how much you appreciate them this year with a special gift from one of Orlando’s small businesses. 

Audubon Park is a vibrant, hidden gem district east of downtown Orlando with specialty retailers and local boutiques. Visit the East End Market to find thoughtfully crafted holiday gifts from stores including The Neighbors and Freehand Goods. 

Near Disney World, you’ll find Market Street in Celebration, Florida – a lively town with unique gift stores and presents for everyone on your list. After shopping, catch a glimpse of “snowfall” before your very eyes at Celebration’s Now Snowing event. 

Just north of downtown Orlando lies Ivanhoe Village, complete with antique stores and charming boutiques. Bring your family for a day of specialty shopping, delicious dining, and lots of indie flair for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. 

Stay Close to the Holiday Fun at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista

Whether you’re stopping by like Santa or savoring an extended visit, Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista is ready to welcome you home for the holidays. 

Our inviting, family-friendly hotel provides a comfortable place to rest after exploring all of Orlando’s seasonal showcases. Plus, our convenient location near the theme parks puts you right in the middle of even more holiday celebrations, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. 

If you’re in town on Dec. 25, we would love to host you at our Christmas Day buffet. Savor delicious holiday dishes and enjoy special discounts including free meals for children 5 and under. 

We look forward to being a part of you and your family’s seasonal traditions this year.