By Kate Cohen
Orlando’s theme parks deliver immersive, magical experiences year-round.
When the holidays arrive, Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando take the magic to the next level.
There are spectacle-filled shows, dazzling fireworks, epic parades, and satisfying seasonal sweets perfect for celebrating with family and loved ones.
With so many festivities to enjoy, you may be wondering, “Which theme park does Christmas best?”
First, let’s take a look at the magic you’ll find waiting for you at each of the Orlando theme parks.
Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is made up of four fantastic theme parks, all of which celebrate the holidays in unique ways.
Here is a brief look at what you’ll find at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom this holiday season.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom goes all-out when it comes to holiday decorations. Main Street U.S.A. is decked out with garland, twinkle lights, and ornaments. On one side of the street is a massive Christmas tree and larger-than-life presents, and on the other end is the famous Cinderella Castle.
Catch a performance of “Frozen Holiday Surprise” on the Cinderella Castle stage for a dazzling holiday experience featuring Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf. Then, take a ride on the Jungle Cruise, which has a festive holiday overlay and a seasonal rebrand to the “Jingle Cruise.”.
Magic Kingdom also hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights throughout the holiday season. This separately ticketed event includes an elaborate parade, a special fireworks show, characters in their finest holiday attire, and special seasonal food and beverages to enjoy.
While Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party is a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of the season, tickets run between $169 and $219, making this event a seasonal splurge.
EPCOT
EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays is a celebration of the world’s holiday traditions.
As you wander through the World Showcase, you’ll learn about holiday legend and lore from charismatic storytellers.
Enjoy EPCOT’s annual Candlelight Processional, a moving performance of the story of Christmas as told by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a massed choir and a 50-seat orchestra.
Treat yourself to holiday food and beverages that reflect a variety of cultural traditions and experience the classic ride, Living with the Land, with beautiful holiday overlays.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios gets a festive holiday makeover for the months of November and December.
The usually spooky Hollywood Tower Hotel transforms into the Hollywood Toy Hotel every night with a beautiful projection show to celebrate the season. Other attractions, including For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, have a playful holiday twist.
Visit your favorite Toy Story characters in Toy Story Land and explore larger-than-life seasonal decorations that will make you feel toy sized.
Animal Kingdom
During the holidays, you can interact with the Merry Menagerie, a collection of life-sized artic animal puppets like penguins, reindeer, and polar bears.
At night, the Tree of Life glistens with a magnificent show of lights and projections specially themed for the holidays.
Say hi to Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost; they’ll be dressed in their holiday best and ready for pictures.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort’s holiday festivities are whimsical and playful, centering around beloved Christmas stories.
Let’s explore the holiday magic you’ll find in each of Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks this year.
Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure is home to Seuss Landing, which during the holidays transforms into Who-ville.
Meet the Grinch for a dose of sassy holiday spirit and catch him and a cast of resident Whos in a performance of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, an epic retelling of the classic The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
Enjoy meandering through Hogsmeade, which is decked out in twinkling lights and other holiday decor for the season. At night, Hogwarts Castle lights up with a beautiful holiday projection show, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.
Universal Studios Florida
Next door to Islands of Adventure in Universal Studios Florida, you can “ooh” and “aah” over an incredible holiday parade. Universal’s Holiday Parade features your favorite DreamWorks Animations characters from movies like “Shrek” and “Madagascar.”
The parade also features a selection of retired Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons that soar overhead through the streets of Universal Studios Florida.
Diagon Alley is decked out for the holidays, adorned in colorful garlands, baubles, and lights. The famous songstress Celestina Warbeck and her backup Banshees will be performing wizarding holiday favorites for a festive musical celebration.
In both Universal Orlando parks, you’ll find exclusive holiday merch, seasonal treats, and plenty of unique photo-ops ideal for capturing new holiday memories.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration is a park-wide, family-friendly holiday extravaganza.
Held on select days throughout the holiday season, Christmas Celebration features a variety of live entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and delicious specialty food and beverages.
Enjoy shows like O Wondrous Night, a telling of the story of Christmas with over 30 beloved carols, live animals, and life-size puppets. Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen is a hilarious holiday cooking show following Mrs. Claus as she attempts to share her favorite Christmas cookie recipes on social media.
“Winter Wonderland on Ice” is a show-stopping extravaganza with a backdrop of twinkling trees and festive fountains. The Holiday Reflections: Firework Finale is the perfect way to end a day of celebration with dazzling fireworks set to your favorite holiday songs.
In Sesame Street Land, you’ll find all of your favorite furry and feathered friends celebrating the holidays. The Sesame Street Christmas Parade features festively decorated floats and exciting performances with characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and more.
Santa Claus will be visiting SeaWorld Orlando for photos and meet-and-greets, as well as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Bumble the Abominable Snowman.
Which Theme Park Does Christmas Best?
Each Orlando theme park observes and celebrates the holidays in their own unique way.
Determining which does Christmas “best” depends on what it is you’re looking to get out of your holiday theme park experience.
Here are our thoughts on choosing the right theme park for your holiday celebrations this year.
For Families with Young Children
Families with smaller children may find SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration ideal with beloved Sesame Street characters, Santa meet-and-greet opportunities, and a variety of live shows from which to choose.
The Disney theme park holiday celebrations are also great for younger children. Frozen-inspired attractions are always popular, and the holiday decorations in Magic Kingdom create a festive winter wonderland that brings imagination to life.
For Adults
You don’t have to be a kid to be swept up in the magic of the holidays.
Universal Orlando’s holiday celebrations are great for kids and grown-ups alike.
Take the opportunity to experience a viral meet-and-greet with the Grinch for a holiday interaction dripping with sarcasm and sneers. Then, treat yourself to a hot butterbeer spiked with firewhisky for a treat that will warm you from the inside out.
Universal’s Parks are also home to some of the best thrill rides in Orlando, perfect for adrenaline junkies and coaster enthusiasts.
EPCOT’s holiday celebrations are also ideal for adults. Experience a variety of unique global flavors throughout the International Festival of the Holidays paired with refreshing beverages for guests 21+.
For Foodies
Every Orlando theme park offers an array of tasty holiday treats that feature seasonal spices and flavors.
EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays features holiday foods from around the world, making it a unique and tasty choice for your celebrations.
SeaWorld Orlando’s menu lineup is packed full of festive flavors and seasonal seasonings. You can enjoy everything from Santa’s Cronut Chicken Sandwich to a fried turkey feast. Make any holiday drink a little jollier with a splash of your favorite spirit.
If you’re headed to SeaWorld Orlando for their holiday menus, keep in mind their Christmas Kitchens don’t open until 4 p.m.
For the Ultimate Holiday Celebration
If you’re looking for an all-out Christmas extravaganza, there’s nothing quite as magical as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.
The after-hours event is worth every penny if you’re looking to experience holiday magic in a way only Walt Disney World can deliver.
Your entire evening will be full of Christmas wonder with rides, shows, parades, and meet-and-greets that exude holiday cheer.
Stay at Rosen Plaza for Your Next Holiday Theme Park Vacation
Whichever theme park’s holiday celebration you choose, we’re confident you’ll have fun and make an abundance of special holiday memories.
At the end of the day, rest your head in one of the sophisticated, spacious rooms at Rosen Plaza. Our comfortable beds are perfect for recharging after a day of holiday celebrations in the theme parks.
If you happen to be staying with us on Christmas Day, we invite you to join us for our spectacular Christmas Day buffet. We’ll be serving familiar festive favorites and innovative new flavors to delight every palate.
We hope to see you this holiday season.
