1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom
Select nights from now until December 21
There’s nothing like seeing magical snow fall on Main Street USA with all your favorite Disney characters. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is a Florida tradition, as are the holiday fireworks extravaganza and signature Christmas lights on Cinderella’s castle. Enjoy it all with complimentary cookies and hot cocoa. Details.
2.Holidays Around the World
Walt Disney World, Epcot
From now until December 30. Shows start at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
This all-encompassing event showcases holiday icons, traditions and legends from around the globe with storytellers, performances and more. A Disney tradition, the Candlelight Processional retells the story of Christmas with a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir; book reservations now to ensure a seat. Bonus: if you’re looking for unique gifts, the international stores are perfect for one-of-a-kind presents. Details.
3.Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Walt Disney World, Hollywood Studios
From now until January 6, 2013
The Osborne family light show started off as a small tradition for one home in Arkansas, but as the fans grew, so did the venue, and Walt Disney World is now very happy to show it off. The celebration features millions of lights perfectly synchronized with holiday music and timed to the beat. You have to see the magnitude of dazzle to believe it, and on special nights, this breathtaking show can even be complemented by a few magical snow flurries. Details.
4. Festival of the Seasons
Downtown Disney
From now until December 27
The vibrant Downtown Disney transforms into a winter wonderland filled with holiday carolers and live jazz, Latin and pop performances of Christmas tunes. Little ones can meet Santa in his chalet at the Downtown Disney Marketplace, and everyone can enjoy the twinkling Christmastime décor and, of course, the shopping. Details.
5. Macy’s Holiday Parade
Universal Studios
From now until January 1
Didn’t get a chance to make it to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the Big Apple? Well, Universal Orlando is bringing the magic of Macy’s to you — with a holiday twist of course. The nightly parade features floats and balloons from the annual parade in New York City, dazzling lights and an appearance from Saint Nick. Details.
5. Grinchmas
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
From now until January 1
A picture with Santa? Been there, done that. A picture with the Grinch? Now there’s a new holiday tradition! Meet the mean green one for yourself at Suess Landing; it’s been transformed into the whimsical world of Who-ville, complete with a Wonky Tree Lot. Don’t miss the Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular, a live show where characters come to life. (Or have breakfast with all your favorite characters — book now; reservations fill up fast!) Details.
6. SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld
From now until January 1
Christmas just isn’t complete without a few sea lions getting into the holiday spirit or Shamu showing off in the “Shamu Christmas - Miracles” performance. But there’s plenty more to do at SeaWorld: Board the Polar Express, watch the Winter Wonderland on Ice, gaze at the Sea of Trees or experience the live nativity. Details.
7. Holiday Fantasea
Florida Aquarium in Tampa
December 26-30
Extended hours at the Florida Aquarium let you squeeze even more seasonal cheer into your day. And by seasonal cheer, think diving elves, a penguin holiday hangout and real snow to play in. Plus don’t miss the light show and holiday model train at this family-friendly event! Details.
8. Christmas Town
Busch Gardens
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from now until December 23
With over 80 miles of dazzling Christmas lights, there’s plenty to discover at Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. Stroll the lush Poinsettia Parkway; think pink with the twinkling bulbs at Enchanted Flamingo Valley and chill out on Candy Cane Lane. Hungry? Grab a seasonal treat at the Christmas Town Village — all while enjoying live entertainment. Details.
9. Christmas Bricktacular
LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven
Every weekend in December
Help decorate the 30-foot tall LEGO Christmas tree (made of 270,000 LEGOS) and meet and greet with LEGOLAND Florida’s special holiday friends, LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier. Amidst all the holiday decorations and fun, you can search for Santa in the LEGO Santa Scavenger Hunt (Hint: there’s 35 mini Santas hiding in the 30 million LEGO bricks) and tackle that holiday shopping in the six specialty stores. Details.
10. Aqua-Eve
Florida Aquarium in Tampa
December 31
This 21+ New Year’s Eve party has it all: complimentary dinner and dessert, open bar and a champagne toast at midnight. Bonus: You’ll have the best view in town for Tampa’s amazing fireworks display. Details.
11. Kid’s New Year’s Eve
Legoland Florida in Winter Haven
December 31
Your little ones get their own party for 2013 this year — and they don’t even have to stay up past their bedtime. The giant LEGOLAND brick drops at a very kid-friendly 6:00 p.m., complete with fireworks and a DJ dance party. Details.
12. Orlando’s Premier New Year’s Eve Party featuring REO Speedwagon
Universal Citywalk
December 31
Kick off 2013 with REO Speedwagon, and then dance the night away in seven unique clubs— all with live entertainment. Go ahead and give in to your holiday cravings too because this NYE party has an all-you-can-eat buffett with filet mignon, shrimp, desserts and more. Details.
13. New Year’s Eve at Seaworld
SeaWorld
December 31
Play all day with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove, take on the Kraken roller coaster and splash around with Shamu, then bring in the New Year with fireworks, music and more at The Waterfront — the party is included with your regular admission. Details.
14. New Year's Eve Party at DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park
Downtown Disney
December 31
Do something different with the family for New Year’s Eve this year. Admission gets you access to all DisneyQuest virtual reality attractions and classic video games, meet and greets with Disney characters, two DJ dance parties with party favors and more — perfect for the younger ones and the young-at-heart. Details.
