The holidays have arrived at Disney Springs! Stroll through the Tree Trail and enjoy nightly snow flurries...all for free! Photo courtesy of Disney
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Enjoy Central Florida Ballet's classic Nutcracker production for a fun family event. Photo courtesy of the ballet
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Kids love meeting Santa at The Santa Workshop Experience, full of holiday magic. Photo by the author
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The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens transforms into the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild at night! Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Visit Gatorland's play area during a visit to this beloved Florida roadside attraction. Photo Charlotte B
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The shark from Jaws makes a terrifying appearance at the new Universal Mega Movie Parade! Photo courtesy Universal Orlando Resort
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Visitors can actually ride the exhibits at the Florida Railroad Museum, which hosts a variety of experiences throughout the year. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Sleepover with the dinosaurs at the Orlando Science Center. Photo by Charlotte B
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Tour the Florida Everglades aboard the coolest mode of transportation--airboat! Kids will LOVE getting close to nature on a Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures tour. Photo courtesy Visit Orlando
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Gideon's Handmade Cookies, at East End Market, are MASSIVE, like this drool-worthy pistachio toffee chocolate chip cookie. Photo courtesy Gideon's & East End Market
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Stay cool and dry this summer while battling dinosaurs at an Orlando arcade! Photo by author
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The Festival of the Lion King is an entertaining (and dry) place to wait out a rainy afternoon at Disney World. Photo by Ryan Wendler/Disney World
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Obstacle courses are part of the water play at Island H2O Water Park.
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Teens and tweens love the wet and wild fun at Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon. Photo by author
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Swim at the freshwater Juniper Springs in Silver Springs, Florida. US Forest Service photo by Susan Blake
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Lion Country Safari near West Palm Beach is home to more than 900 animals, including giraffes, lions, and zebras. Photo courtesy of the park
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Swim and paddle with adorable manatees during your stay at the aptly-named Manatee Cove Apartment. Photo courtesy of VRBO
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Spend a relaxing day tubing the pristine waters of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Photo by Jackie Jones
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Celebrate your child's birthday party at Gatorland. Photo courtesy of Gatorland
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Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland makes the the perfect outdoor day trip.
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The beaches of St. Augustine are fun, free ways to spend a weekend trip from Orlando. Photo by Mancy Carter
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Splash and play all day long at the Peppa Pig Theme Park!
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The secluded St. Augustine Beach is a perfect respite from daily life. Photo Photo by Mancy Carter
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Orlando toddlers and preschoolers will have a wonderful time at Peppa Pig Theme Park.
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SeaWorld Orlando theme park, zoo and aquarium offers exciting rides and roller coasters, up-close animal encounters. Photo by the author
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The Yardery is a fun Orlando restaurant for both kids and adults...and even dogs!
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Splash around in the water feature at Bok Tower's Hammock Hollow Children's Garden. Photo courtesy of Bok Tower Gardens
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Get close and personal with the friendly dolphins of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Photo courtesy of aquarium
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See a replica of the moon landing with this Moonscape.
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Spend a few hours exploring Orlando with Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours. Photo courtesy of the company
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Adventures await you and your little piggies at Rebecca Rabbit's Playground at Peppa Pig Theme Park. Photo courtesy of Legoland
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The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce hosts the 72nd annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade. Photos by Hughes Fioretti Photography
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New Year's Eve Weekend 2023 in Orlando: Fireworks, Noon Year's Eve, & Balloon Drops

Ring in the New Year with an epic fireworks display at Magic Kingdom. Photo courtesy of Disney
Ring in the New Year with an epic fireworks display at Magic Kingdom. Photo courtesy of Disney
12/27/23 - By Charlotte B

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your holiday weekend list!

The countdown to 2024 is on! This New Year's Eve weekend in Orlando features a host of thrilling activities for the whole family. Ring in the New Year with early celebrations at Brevard Zoo, Orlando Science Center, Monkey Joe's, and more. Older kids can enjoy New Year's Eve fireworks at SeaWorld, Sunset Walk, Mount Dora, and Avalon Park. And start the New Year enjoying the beautiful outdoors at a First Day Hike in one of Florida's amazing state parks. Whatever you choose, have a happy New Year and know Mommy Poppins will be with you in Orlando all through 2024.

Fill up your calendar for the remainder of Orlando's holiday break with strawberry picking, Christmas lights, and more ideas in our Orlando Winter Activities Guide.

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Take the family on a hike to celebrate the new year -- several state parks host an annual First Day Hike on January 1. Photo by the author
Take the family on a hike to celebrate the new year -- several state parks host an annual First Day Hike on January 1. Photo by the author

Things To Do New Year's Eve Weekend in Orlando

Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center

Merritt Island
Through December 30, 2023
Visit the Kennedy Space Center as its transformed into a winter wonderland with holidays light displays, street performances, and more. This event features a projection mapping show called Starflake's Holiday Voyage, as well as a 50-ft tree illuminating the Rocket Garden, astronaut nutcrackers, and more. READ MORE

Happy Noon Year at South Creek Branch Library

Orlando - FREE
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Make some noise and ring in the noon year with your little ones! Join South Creek Branch Library for fun and games with an exciting countdown at noon.  READ MORE

Afternoon Year’s Eve at Orlando Science Center

Orlando
Sunday, December 31, 2023
OSC is celebrating the New Year with hands-on activities, live programming, and ending with an afternoon countdown to ring in the new year. While you're there, catch the Dinos in Lights show and check out the traveling exhibit Backyard Adventures. READ MORE

Avalon Park New Year's Eve Celebration

Orlando - FREE
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Watch fireworks at midnight over Avalon Lake. Local restaurants have festive music and entertainment beginning at 6pm. READ MORE

Family New Year's Eve at Boxi Park

Lake Nona
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Ring in 2025 a little early at Boxi Park with an all-ages party, a countdown, and a ball drop. READ MORE

Jazzberry Jammin' New Year's Eve at Crayola Experience Orlando

Orlando
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Ring in the New Year with mid-day countdowns and a streamer launch at 1pm & 3pm, a DJ dance party throughout the afternoon, character appearances, themed crafts, and more at Crayola Experience Orlando. READ MORE

Moo Years Eve with Bluey at Millie Moo's

Orlando
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Millie Moo's is hosting its annual "Moo" Years Eve party, and this year features a special guest: Bluey! Dance with Bluey and enjoy "snow" and fubbles. Balloon drops take place at 11am & 2pm. Each child receives a glow stick or ring. READ MORE

Mount Dora New Year's Eve Celebration

Mount Dora - FREE
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Visit Sunset Park in Mount Dora for a New Year's Eve celebration. Event takes place from 9pm-12:00am, with fireworks at midnight. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Celebration at Old Town

Kissimmee - FREE
Sunday, December 31, 2023
End 2024 with a bang at a New Year’s Eve Celebration presented by Old Town and Fun Spot. Bring the family for live music & entertainment and fireworks at midnight. READ MORE

New Year's Eve at SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Countdown to the New Year in SeaWorld style, with sea life, music, entertainment, and a fireworks display. READ MORE

New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World

Lake Buena Vista
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Three Walt Disney World theme parks will be staying open until (or past) midnight - including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. Highlights include epic New Year's Eve fireworks displays. READ MORE

New Year’s Eve Kids Balloon Party

Winter Garden
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Visit Uno's Pizzeria in Winter Garden for the New Year’s Eve Kids Party. Dine in with your little ones and ring in the new year at a kid-friendly time with a ginger ale toast, party favors, and a balloon drop. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Teen Night at Astro Skate

Orlando
Sunday, December 31, 2023
This teen night skating event includes a mega balloon drop and a midnight toast. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Brevard Zoo

Melbourne
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Ring in the New Year with the animals at the Brevard Zoo. Celebrate with crafts, games, a ball drop at noon, and a complimentary juice toast. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Monkey Joe's

Orlando & Winter Park
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Enjoy a countdown to noon and ring in 2024 early with the kiddos at Monkey Joe's. There will also be prizes and giveaways throughout the day. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Party at Semoran Skateway

Casselberry
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Ring in the New Year early at Semoran Skateway, featuring a countdown and balloon drop. READ MORE

Rocking New Year 2024 Street Party at Sunset Walk

Kissimmee
Sunday, December 31, 2023
“Rocking New Year” 2024 is an immersive non-stop street party, featuring Scotty B & Project: DJ Slam, live entertainment, laser light show, confetti storm, midnight fireworks, complimentary party favors, and more.  READ MORE

Celebration's Now Snowing

Celebration - FREE
Through December 31, 2023
Celebration's annual Now Snowing event features snowfall nightly, as well as ice skating, strolling Carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides, and photos with Santa. READ MORE

Florida Citrus Tower Holiday Light Show

Clermont - FREE
Through December 31, 2023
Enjoy a light show on the Citrus Tower nightly from 7-8pm & 8-9pm. Citrus Coffee and the Citrus Tower are open for purchases. Hot cocoa and sugar cookies available for the little ones. READ MORE

Holiday Nights at Island H2O Water Park

Kissimmee
Through December 31, 2023
Each evening, Island H2O Water Park transforms into a holiday wonderland, adorned with twinkling island-themed lights that'll rival the brightest North Star. Check out island-festive immersive light displays and snap some holiday-card worthy photos with friends and family.  READ MORE

Light Up Bonnet Springs Park

Lakeland - FREE
Through December 31, 2023
Get ready for a free family-friendly event with fun activities spread over two weeks to celebrate the season. Each night features a different holiday theme with interactive activities. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Legoland Florida

Winter Haven
Through December 31, 2023
Celebrate the New Year at a kid-friendly hour at Legoland. Activities include lights, music, fireworks and a "brick drop" to welcome in 2025! READ MORE

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

Orlando
Monday, January 1, 2024
The annual Citrus Bowl hosts college football teams from the Big Ten and SEC. This year's matchup will be Iowa vs. Tennessee. READ MORE

Citrus Bowl FanFest

Orlando - FREE
Monday, January 1, 2024
This pre-game tailgate party includes games, inflatables, face painters, and more. Food and drinks are available for purchase. READ MORE

Deleon Dunk Pool Plunge

Deleon Springs
Monday, January 1, 2024
Take a plunge in the 72 degree spring waters to kickstart your mind and body for the New Year. Bring a towel, robe, or jacket. Afterwards, warm up around the fire pit with coffee or hot chocolate and enjoy the park. READ MORE

First Day Hike at Florida State Parks

Multiple locations
Monday, January 1, 2024
Take the family on a hike to celebrate the New Year. Several Florida State Parks host an annual First Day Hike on January 1. See website link below for participating parks. READ MORE

Mid-Florida Milers Universal Parks & Resort Walk

Orlando
Monday, January 1, 2024
Mid-Florida Milers is hosting a walk on New Year's Day, in and around Universal Parks & Resorts (does not require admission) and the beautifully landscaped Garden Walk which borders the City Walk Lagoon waterway. Pass many restaurants and attractions such as Margaritaville. READ MORE

Christmas at Gaylord Palms

Kissimmee
Through January 3, 2024
If you haven't experienced Christmas at Gaylord Palms, add it to your calendar this season. Enjoy holiday activities and things to do, including the return of the iconic ICE! experience with two million pounds of colorful ice, a Cirque Spirit of Christmas show, snow tubing, photos with Santa, snow factory, Shine Light Show with thousands of dancing lights, a Christmas Tree Trail, and much more. READ MORE

City of Orlando's Downtown for the Holidays

Orlando - FREE
Through January 6, 2024
Stroll Lake Eola and watch the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree come alive with lights and music. Weekends through December 22, see snowfall and meet Santa at the Lake Eola House. READ MORE

Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo

Sanford
Select days through January 14, 2024
Experience the Zoo like you’ve never seen it before! See dozens of all-new, hand-constructed lantern displays illuminated by thousands of LED lights around the Zoo on a 3/4 mile path. Celebrate the art, beauty and wonder of traditional Asian lantern festivals. READ MORE
Celebrate New Year's Eve at Epcot Center. Photo courtesy of Disney
Celebrate New Year's Eve at Epcot Center. Photo courtesy of Disney

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Places featured in this article:

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Millie Moo's Indoor Play Cafe
Celebration Town Center
Florida Citrus Tower
Florida State Parks
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake