Discover the Best Events in Orlando this December 2024

Orlando shines bright every December, offering an incredible array of festive events, thrilling performances, and magical experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re drawn to the enchantment of the theme parks, the vibrant local festivals, or world-class shows, Orlando has something to make your holiday season unforgettable. Here’s your guide to December’s can’t-miss events.

Theme Park & Attraction Holiday Celebrations

1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Experience the wonder of the holidays with Mickey and friends at this after-hours event featuring a snow-filled Main Street, holiday-themed parades, and exclusive treats.
2. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays – Walt Disney World Celebrate global holiday traditions with live entertainment, festive foods, and the iconic Candlelight Processional, narrated by celebrity guests.
3. Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s – Universal Orlando Resort This larger-than-life parade brings beloved characters, massive balloons, and a sprinkling of holiday magic to the streets of Universal Studios.
4. Grinchmas – Universal Orlando Resort Delight in the Whos down in Whoville and see the Grinch in a live stage show full of heartwarming holiday cheer.
5. Deck the Seas – SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium Follow the wintery waves through our enchanting underwater wonderland, where you’ll discover frost-tastic facts about our incredible sea animals!
6. Disney Jollywood Nights – Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Step into a shimmering scene with merry mash-ups, themed entertainment, festive Character encounters, many favorite attractions and more.

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Local Events & Festivals

1. Winter Park Christmas Parade – Winter Park Central Florida’s longest-running holiday parade features festive floats, marching bands, and community performers.
2. Holiday on the Drive – College Park This family-friendly street festival offers food, live music, crafts, and a visit from Santa.
3. Lake Eola Tree Lighting Ceremony – Downtown Orlando Join locals for the lighting of the stunning 72-foot Christmas tree, accompanied by holiday music and performances.
4. Dazzling Nights – Harry P. Leu Gardens Transforming the 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens into a stunning winter wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music and beautiful sculptures, the family-friendly Dazzling Nights invites you to embark on an unforgettable, interactive holiday adventure.
5. Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival – Lake Nona Oh, What Fun! is a magical, open-air winter wonderland with nightly snowfalls, live entertainment, classic Christmas tales with Santa and Mrs. Claus, fun photo ops, and memorable encounters designed to amaze and enchant.
6. Dinos in Lights – Orlando Science Center Add some sparkle — and dinosaurs — to your holiday season with Dinos in Lights, featuring your favorite Cretaceous creatures in a whole new light.
7. 38th Annual Festival of Trees – Orlando Science Center Hosted by the Orlando Museum of Art and presented by the Council of 101, the annual Festival of Trees showcases 30 designer-inspired decorated trees, stylish holiday wreaths, exceptional gingerbread houses, entertaining and design concepts, and more.
8. Christkindlmarkt – Luminary Green Park Experience the magic of a traditional German Christmas market at Luminary Green Park in downtown’s Parramore District. Immerse yourself in festive cheer with delicious treats, unique gifts, and holiday entertainment.

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Concerts & Shows

• Wreck the Halls (Select Dates, Nov. 14 – Dec. 21, 2024)
• A Christmas Nutcracker Tale (Nov. 22 – 23, 2024)
• Sugar Plum Fairy’s Winter Tale (Nov. 29, 2024)
• Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker (Nov. 30, 2024)
• A Christmas Carol (Select Dates, Nov. 27 – Dec. 22, 2024)
• A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage (Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 30 – Dec. 29, 2024)
• Derek Hough: Dance for the Holidays (Dec. 3, 2024)
• Becoming Santa (Dec. 5 – 7, 2024)
• The Holiday Drag Exxxtravaganza Show (Select Dates, Dec. 5 – 29, 2024)
• The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show (Select Dates, Dec. 5 – 29, 2024)
• Four Lost Santas: Amahl and the Night Visitors (Dec. 6 – 8, 2024)
• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical (Dec. 6 – 8, 2024)
• The Nutcracker by Orlando Ballet (Select Dates, Dec. 6 – 22, 2024)
• Flamenco del Sol: The Nutcracker (Dec. 8, 2024)
• Youth Theater: A Christmas Story the Musical (Dec. 13 – 15, 2024)
• The Grinch (Dec. 16 & 19, 2024)
• Phantasmagoria’s Victorian Haunted Holidays (Dec. 19, 2024)
• Phantasmagoria’s An Even More Haunted Victorian Christmas (Dec. 20 – 21, 2024)
• UCF Knights Season of Joy (Nov. 25, 2024)
• A Celtic Christmas (Nov. 26, 2024)
• Elf in Concert (Nov. 29, 2024)
• Pops Series: Home for the Holidays Featuring Byron Stripling in Holiday Swing (Nov. 30, 2024)
• Around the World at Christmas (Dec. 5 – 6, 2024)
• Brass Band of Central Florida: ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas (Dec. 6 – 7, 2024)
• Season of Wonder Handbell Concert (Dec. 7, 2024)
• Symphony Storytime Series: Holiday Harmonies (Dec. 7 – 8, 2024)
• Holiday Pops in Winter Park (Dec. 8, 2024)
• Candlelight: Holiday Special Feat. The Nutcracker and More (Dec. 10, 17 & 18, 2024)
• The Sugarplum Ball in Concert (Select Dates, Dec. 13 – 14, 2024)
• Sleigh: It’s Christmas Actually! (Select Dates, Dec. 13 – 22, 2024)
• Holiday Pops at Innovation High School (Dec. 13, 2024)
• King Guys Cool Yule Band With Guest Vocalist Michelle Amato (Dec. 13, 2024)
• Holiday Pops at Della Phillips Pavilion (Dec. 14, 2024)
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve Tour (Dec. 14, 2024)
• Bach Festival Society: A Classic Christmas (Dec. 14 – 15, 2024)
• Holiday Brunch Feat. Michael Andrew (Dec. 15, 2024)
• Spirit of the Season (Dec. 15, 2024)
• Sunday Punk Matinee X-Mas Special 2024 (Dec. 15, 2024)
• Orlando Gay Chorus: Merry Everything — The Gayest Time of Year (Dec. 16, 2024)
• Jinglerock Orlando (Dec. 19, 2024)
• Holiday Heartstrings: A CeCe Teneal Experience (Dec. 19 – 20, 2024)
• Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings (Dec. 22, 2024)

Plan Your December Getaway with Magical Arrivals

Orlando’s December lineup is bursting with holiday cheer, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn. Whether you’re visiting for the theme parks, local festivities, or world-class performances, Magical Arrivals is here to make your stay stress-free.

With our Orlando Airbnb concierge services, we handle everything from personalized guest goodie bags to local activity recommendations, ensuring your trip is seamless and magical. Book with us and enjoy the best of Central Florida any time of the year!

Let us make your Orlando adventure unforgettable! Visit Magical Arrivals today.