Spending Christmas in Orlando

Orlando’s best-loved theme parks give their visitors some Christmas treats throughout December including special parades, fireworks displays and unforgettable live performances. Many people don’t realise that Florida’s winters are actually drier than the summers and those in the know often choose to visit Orlando in and around the festive season when temperatures are milder and there are no afternoon downpours.

With cheap flights to Orlando available throughout the winter, the Christmas period is a great time to visit. In the early weeks of December crowds will be low, so those that are flexible will travel dates can beat the queues of peak season. Orlando accommodation prices are also at their lowest during this period, so there’s some fantastic holiday bargains to be had, as well as the following Christmas specials to enjoy.

Magic Kingdom

The highlight of the festive period at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is undoubtedly Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (or MVMCP) which runs from mid-November through to December 20^th. The best party in town, MVMCP features exclusive Christmas parades, the Holiday Wishes fireworks and even fake snow. There are also some special shows to enjoy including Celebrate the Season which takes place with the castle as a backdrop.

Another great advantage is that there is a limitation on the number of tickets sold, meaning smaller queues on the rides. By securing a ticket, party-goers can ensure more time at the parks (until midnight). Buy tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Epcot Centre

Visitors to Epcot can experience Christmas around the world! For those that don’t know, Epcot features a range of mini-‘countries’ within one park; small showcases of nations as diverse as China, Morocco, Mexico and the UK to name a few. Each country has its own storytellers to keep kids enthralled with stories of each nation’s traditions.

There’s also the Candlelight Processional – a traditional Christmas choir joined by a 50-piece orchestra and narrator in the America Gardens Theatre. Meal packages including dinner a one of Epcot’s national restaurants. There’s also a special twist on Epcot’s much-loved Illuminations: Reflections of Earth firework display (pictured) – always an awe-inspiring way to end the day.

Universal Studios

Universal doesn’t quite pull out all the stops compared to some of the other Orlando parks but there are still some Christmas treats in store. Anyone that missed the enormous balloons and floats of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade gets another chance to see them at Universal’s version of the New York spectacular.

At Islands of Adventure the popular Dr Seuss book ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ is depicted in the Grinchmas stage show featuring Mannheim Steamroller. Grinch fans can then breakfast with the creature himself - not to mention other popular Dr Seuss characters - at The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.

Globehunters provides cheap flights to Orlando throughout the year as well as a range of Orlando holiday packages. Book with us online or call 020 3384 6000 to speak to one of our expert travel agents.

If you’ve ever spent Christmas in Orlando, let us know what you thought below!