Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island is back with a supersized Christmas tree, snow flurries, Christmas lights, Santa, and more! Photo courtesy Wekiva Island

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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 the holidays during winter break at Legoland Florida Resort. Photo courtesy of Legoland Florida Resort

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Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for Orlando Kids

The whole family can dig in at Rosen Plaza on Christmas. Photo courtesy Rosen Plaza (Orlando)

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Enjoy a single, tandem, or family ride atop the snow tubing hill at Snowcat Ridge. Photo courtesy of Snowcat Ridge

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Orlando isn't known for getting snow, but visitors to Cross Christmas can experience

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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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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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Kids love meeting Santa at The Santa Workshop Experience, full of holiday magic. Photo by the author

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Sleepover with the dinosaurs at the Orlando Science Center. Photo by Charlotte B

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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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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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Things will get spooky upon the development of a land dedicated to the dastardly deeds of Disney villains at Walt Disney World.

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Race aboard Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge located within Super Mario Land at the upcoming Universal Epic Universe.

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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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Toddlers and young kids can let loose with their prehistoric friends at Dinosaur World's cute playground. Photo by Charlotte Blanton

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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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Enjoy the self-guided trail where you can

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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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Create magical moments at Hollywood Studios, including those with Florida's only snowman, Olaf!

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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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Check out our list of the best Orlando parks to host birthday parties!

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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 Garden Santa Bike Ride is a casual paced ride that includes caroling and strolling the beautiful Oakland Park, with Santa leading the ride.

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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

11/24/24 - By Melanie Preis

For many Orlando families, local Christmas light shows are a treasured holiday tradition. These holiday lights are a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, and Orlando has no shortage of options. From dazzling Christmas light displays at the theme parks to lighted boat parades, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to see Christmas lights here in Central Florida.

Get an exclusive look at the magic of the holidays at Give Kids the World Village via a Holiday VIP Tour; enjoy one of the many lighted parades, by land and by sea, throughout Central Florida; and awe at the Christmas lights from the comfort of your own car during Magic of Lights. Read on for the very best holiday light displays around Orlando and Central Florida. For more dazzling light shows in local neighborhoods, check out our awesome list of Christmas Light Displays in Orlando Neighborhoods.

Looking for other fun Christmas events in the area? Be sure to visit our Orlando Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide. Sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.