Things to Do in Orlando During the Holidays
The most awaited time of the year is finally here! Celebrate the holidays in style by booking a trip to Orlando to spend a special vacation at the Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista. Come enjoy endless sparkling lights and special events you’ll forever treasure with your family! Here are just a few of the jolly events you must attend this season:
Walt Disney World® Resort
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Select Nights, Nov. 8 – Dec. 22, 2022
At Walt Disney World ®Resort, join Mickey and his friends on select nights during “Very Merriest After Hours” at Magic Kingdom® Park! Some of the perks include watching the exclusive “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” show and being able to take a pic of Santa, Olaf, and some of your favorite Disney pals during “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”.
Please note: Entertainment offerings for “Very Merriest After Hours“ are subject to change without notice. Admission to this event requires a separately priced ticket. Ticket valid only during specific event hours and subject to availability.
EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays
Daily, Nov. 25 – Dec. 30, 2022
The EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays will leave you amazed with all the sounds, sights, and flavors of this magical season. You’ll get to try delicious recipes at the Holiday Kitchens placed throughout the park and get to go on a sweet Holiday Cookie Stroll!
Holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Daily, Nov. 11 – Dec. 30, 2022
Watching the Tree of Life come alive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ®Theme Park will absolutely be one of your favorite experiences this holiday season. “The Beacons of Magic” and “Holiday Awakenings” shows will alternate, one shining with a warm and beautiful light as enchanted fireflies gather to call forth the magic of nature; the other coming to life with a series of wintry tales, complemented by familiar and heartwarming holiday music.
Holidays at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Daily, Nov. 11 – Dec. 30, 2022
Don’t forget Disney’s Hollywood Studios ® and their amazing projections on The Hollywood Tower Hotel. This is the perfect event for smaller kids as it features their favorite friends through on-screen appearances! Mickey, Minnie, Olaf, and friends will be there, as well as the Santa Claus Merry Motorcade.
More Theme Park Holiday Celebrations
Holidays at Universal Studios
Nov. 11 – Jan. 3, 2023
Take a stroll through Diagon Alley over at Universal Studios and don’t forget to claim your spot early to watch the classic “Macy’s Holiday Parade” featuring huge balloons, floats, with appearances by some of your favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar. Have your camera ready because this is the real deal. You’ll actually feel like you’re live in NY during the Thanksgiving Parade because the balloons are exactly the same and the whole parade is one jolly celebration!
Holidays at Islands of Adventure
Nov. 12 – Jan. 1, 2023
Wizards beware! This event will create ever-lasting memories for the whole family! Watch the castle light up for the holidays and cheerful decor brightens up the streets of Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and enjoy The Grinchmas™ Who-holiday Spectacular starring The Grinch.
Seaworld ®Orlando’s Christmas Celebration™
Nov. 11 – Jan. 3, 2023
SeaWorld Orlando brings a winter wonderland to life with more than 3 million sparkling lights this holiday season. Guests get to enjoy a breathtaking ice-skating extravaganza called “Winter Wonderland on Ice,” meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, visit with Santa himself at the Wild Arctic and see “Sesame Street Christmas Parade.
Non-Park Holiday Events In Orlando
Craving even more Christmas cheer this holiday season? Take a look at some of the other cheery activities and events taking place all over town:
Now Snowing in Celebration FL
Nightly, Nov. 26 – Dec. 31, 2022
Price: Free
Join Celebration Town Center for their 20th Annual “Now Snowing” event. This event has become a long-running tradition with locals and visitors. The snow is scheduled to fall at 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:00 PM every night. Guests can participate in ice skating, train rides, ride on horse-drawn carriages, visit gift shops, visit Santa, and more.
Santa Photos at The Mall at Millenia
Nov. 11 to Dec. 24, 2022
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Make lasting family memories at The Mall at Millenia by snapping a picture with Santa and his helpers after shopping in one of the most prestigious malls in Orlando! Expect a DJ dance party starting at 5:30 PM, and Santa will arrive between 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Click here for more information regarding the Santa Photo Experience.
I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting
December 1, 2022 at 6PM
Price: Free
Gather up for a glittering lighting ceremony of the 50-ft Holiday Tree sponsored by the I-Drive District. Plus, enjoy the wonderful performance or artists Jonathan McFadden and Dr. Phillips HS Dance in Motion Company.
Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park®
Nov. 5 to Dec. 24, 2022
The Santa Workshop Experience offers a photo session with Santa, a free train ride from the complimentary parking garage to Santa’s Workshop (plus free valet parking after 4 p.m.), a complimentary ride on The Wheel in a private holiday capsule (additional riders get 50% off admission), holiday beverages and more.
Dazzling Nights
Nightly, Nov. 25 to Jan. 1, 2023
Orlando’s natural park Harry P. Leu Gardens, will transform its 50-acre park into a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, musical displays, shining forests, and beautiful sculptures. More Event Details Here
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience at the Florida Mall
Nov. 20 to Jan. 3, 2023
Meet animatronic Christmas characters and listen to them tell stories as you solve their riddles. Craft unique gifts for the family or dive into a life-sized snow globe. Watch a light show starring Scarlet and her singing reindeer friends!
Lake Nona’s Oh, What Fun!
Dec. 7 to Dec. 24, 2022
Watch menorah lightings each night of Hanukkah from Nov. 28 – Dec. 6, 2021, then visit Lake Nona’s “Oh, What Fun!,” a magical, open-air winter wonderland with creative decorations, delicious treats, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, nightly snowfalls, and hourly live entertainment!
70th Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade
Dec 3, 2022
The Winter Park Christmas Parade is a free event in Winter Park where kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Over 80 organizations participate, including local police, marching bands, fire departments, scouting groups, and local dignitaries.
Our hotel is centrally located, just minutes away from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and all major outlet malls like the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. Book your trip now to make forever-lasting memories at the Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena vista this holiday season. Our commitment to you is to provide excellent service and an ideal location for your trip to help enhance your magical Orlando experience!