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8 Holiday Experiences to Explore in Orlando This Season
In partnership with Christina Petsos (@somehowimeverywhere)
Orlando does the holiday season especially well. There are countless moments happening across the region that feel creative and experiential.
This guide is inspired by the experiences captured by Christina Petsos, known to many locals as @somehowimeverywhere. Through her ongoing exploration of Orlando, Christina highlights the small details, festive energy and unexpected joy found in places both familiar and new.
If you're looking to start new traditions or simply explore the city through a fresh lens we invite you to step out and enjoy the Orlando Life this December!
Christmas Festival at Amber Brooke Farms
Location: Eustis / Williston (varies by date)
When: Fri-Sun through the season
Admission: $15.95-$19.95
Website: Link
Amber Brooke Farms is known for their fall festival, but their Christmas Festival transforms the space into a cozy holiday escape. Guests are greeted by giant decorated trees (perfect for photos) before taking a tractor ride into the heart of the farm. Once there, families can enjoy holiday crafts, Santa visits, face painting, falling snow, letters to Santa, festive entertainment and endless photo ops. U-pick offerings are available throughout the season, including strawberries, sunflowers and zinnias.
Included with admission: farm tours, barrel train rides, jump pads, ball zones, slide hills, playgrounds, tug-of-war, duck races and more.
Optional add-ons: gel blasters, archery, gemstone mining and seasonal treats.
Christmas trees are also available for purchase.
Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas Trail
Location: Plant City
Admission: General $35 | VIP $47 (online only)
When: Last day is the 14th.
Website: Link
For those who love Halloween as much as Christmas, Sir Henry’s offers one of Florida’s most unique mashups: a haunted holiday trail, often described as “Creepmas.” Each December, the popular haunt transforms into a winter-themed scare experience featuring brand new haunted houses, a slay ride overlay, and an escape game.
Expect jump scares, immersive sets, and plenty of screams. Guests can also enjoy free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus food, drinks and themed merchandise.
The attraction is run by volunteers and supports charitable causes (which makes the visit feel even more meaningful).
Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
Location: Harry P. Leu Gardens
When: Now through Jan 4, 2026
Admission: $31.50-$39.50 (adult), $29.50-$37.50 (child)
Website: Link
Dazzling Nights has become one of Orlando’s most anticipated holiday traditions, and this year’s sixth edition is the most expansive yet. Guests can wander through a glowing landscape filled with giant crystal chandeliers, immersive art installations, interactive snowball zones and light-filled gardens.
Highlights include:
- A 50ft illuminated star in the Rose Garden
- A brand new Holiday Village with food, drinks, shopping and an acrobatic show
- Candy Cane Crossing, featuring synchronized lights and oversized sweets
- “The Cathedral,” an 80ft tunnel inspired by stained glass
- The Crystal Kingdom, complete with snow flurries and playful Yetis
- A Winter Solstice installation surrounded by fiery lights
Parking fills quickly, but a complimentary shuttle is available from AdventHealth’s Innovation Tower garage.
Earl the Squirrel’s Mistletoe Pines Ski Lodge (Green & Red Coconut Club)
Location: Universal Orlando CityWalk (2nd Floor)
Admission: Free
When: Throughout December
Website: Link
Universal’s Green and Red Coconut Club transforms once again into one of the city’s most joyful holiday pop-ups. This time the experience is themed as Earl the Squirrel’s Mistletoe Pines Ski Lodge. The experience is completely free to explore and filled with details, from themed rooms to scavenger hunts and interactive games.
Inside, guests will find:
- A cozy ski lodge living room
- Multiple themed photo ops
- A (fake) ice skating rink and dance floor
- Upstairs and downstairs bars with separate drink menus
- The wildly popular toasted meringue hot chocolate (with or without alcohol)
- A scavenger hunt featuring Earl's 12 Days of Christmas
- Balcony games like Jenga and axe-throwing (fake axes)
Parking at CityWalk is free after 6pm, making this an easy nighttime outing.
Nutcracker Holiday Tea at Ette Hotel
Location: Salt & The Cellar by Akira Back, Ette Hotel
When: Saturdays & Sundays in December
Admission: $95 per guest
Website: Link
Ette Hotel has partnered with Orlando Ballet to bring a Nutcracker themed afternoon tea to Salt & The Cellar. Guests are treated to a beautifully arranged presentation of tea sandwiches, scones and pastries served in a ballet inspired commemorative box.
Ette also offers a hotel + ballet ticket package, which includes:
- A one night stay
- Two orchestra level tickets to select Orlando Ballet performances
- VIP transportation to and from Dr. Phillips Center
- A welcome bottle of sparkling wine
- An autographed Orlando Ballet poster
- Complimentary breakfast at Salt & The Cellar
Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island
Location: Wekiva Island, Longwood
When: Various events through December
Admission: Check website
Website: Link
Winter Wonderland returns to Wekiva Island with its signature 30ft Christmas tree, snow flurries near the General Store, themed cabanas and a charming Santa’s Workshop filled with details kids love.
New this year:
- North Pole Nook Pop-Up Cabana
- Holiday Market (Nov 30th, 1-5pm)
Wekiva Island continues its tradition of supporting Kids House of Seminole County, collecting unwrapped toys from now to Dec 15th. Visitors can also enjoy free gift wrapping on select dates, special discounts, and surprise character appearances like the Grinch.
This is one of the region’s most spirited outdoor settings, combining Florida nature with holiday magic.
ICE! at Gaylord Palms
Location: Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee
Admission: Starting at $33 (children 3 and under free)
When: Now through Jan 5th
Website: Link
ICE! is a holiday staple in Central Florida, and this year’s theme brings Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to life through 10 massive scenes hand carved from more than two million pounds of ice. Some sculptures reach 20ft tall, and guests can stay inside the exhibit as long as they like.
The temperature inside is a brisk 9º, so extra layers, gloves, and hats are strongly recommended. Parkas are provided, but you’ll enjoy the experience more if you bundle up.
Beyond ICE!, Gaylord offers an entire lineup under “So. Much. Christmas,” including:
- Pomp, Snow & Cirqueumstance stage show
- Laser light show (free)
- Alpine Village
- Snow tubing
- Storytime with Mrs. Claus
- Gingerbread decorating
- Jack Frost Chocolate Factory
- Escape room
- Christmas tree trail
- Santa meet-and-greet
Bundle passes are the most cost-effective way to experience multiple activities.
Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo
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Location: Sanford
When: Select nights through Jan 18th
Admission: $26.99 (discounts for passholders and 4 packs)
Website: Link
The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild is a stunning nighttime walk through more than 30 illuminated displays spread along a 3/4 mile loop around the zoo. Each year brings an entirely new collection of lanterns, and this season’s theme includes ocean life and mythical creatures.
Visitors can stroll the loop as many times as they like until closing, making later entry times ideal for a calmer experience. Interactive elements, like smoke filled bubbles that guests can pop, add to the fun.
Special nights include:
- Santa Nights: Dec 21-23
- Sensory Nights: Jan 13th
- Family Friendly NYE Countdown: 7pm & 8pm
This festival is one of Central Florida’s most breathtaking holiday traditions and a favorite among locals who appreciate its artistry and peaceful atmosphere.
Images for this article have been provided by Christina Petsos
