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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 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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Catch air at some of the best Orlando skate parks for kids and teens.
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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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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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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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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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28 Best Things to Do in Orlando December 2024 with Kids

Experience the illuminating Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Photo by the author
Experience the illuminating Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Photo by the author
11/29/24 - By Charlotte B

As the calendar inches toward Christmas and the holidays, Central Florida is shining with seasonal celebrations to enjoy with your family this December. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Orlando in December!

The theme parks are in full force with lights and festive holiday decor, from SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration to Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays. Christmas parades take place in cities all around Central Florida, including Apopka, St. Cloud, and Winter Park. And don't miss the spectacular ICE! exhibit at Christmas at Gaylord Palms, as well as the enchanting Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Read on for the top events in Orlando and happening around Central Florida this December!

Find more December fun in our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for Orlando Kids, including festive holiday shows, holiday light drive-thrus and Christmas light shows, and local breakfast with Santa events.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters!

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Lake Nona's holiday festival features fun activities for the whole family, including snowfalls, live shows, and entertainment. Photo courtesy of the festival
Lake Nona's holiday festival features fun activities for the whole family, including snowfalls, live shows, and entertainment. Photo courtesy of the festival

Top Things to Do in Orlando with Kids this December

Santa's Christmas Tree Forest

Eustis
Select days through December 22, 2024
Admission to this event includes access to the farm, Christmas tree lot and u-cut tree field as well as the hayride, petting zoo and Jolly Acres play area complete with jump pillow, barrel train rides, maze, trike track, and more. READ MORE

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Lake Buena Vista
Daily through December 30, 2024
Discover holiday traditions at Epcot's 11 World Showcase nations with live holiday entertainment, seasonal foods and treats, festive decor, and the famous annual candlelight processional. READ MORE

Celebration's Now Snowing

Celebration - FREE
Daily through December 31, 2024
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

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Orlando
Daily through December 31, 2024
During the holidays at Universal, families can enjoy the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. READ MORE

Christmas at Gaylord Palms

Kissimmee
Daily through January 4, 2025
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

Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens

Orlando
Select nights through January 5, 2025
Dazzling Nights is back with its winter wonderland of lights throughout Leu Gardens, featuring music and interactive elements. Walk through a 70-ft long light tunnel, see a laser light show, enjoy snowfall, and more. Kids will love exploring the play area as well. READ MORE

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration

Orlando
Daily through January 5, 2025
Enjoy more than 3 million lights on display, a Christmas parade, live shows, ice skating, and more at SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration. Families can also visit Santa near the Wild Arctic area. READ MORE

Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo

Sanford
Select nights through January 19, 2025
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

Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island

Longwood
December 1-25, 2024
Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island is back with a supersized Christmas tree, nightly snow flurries, Christmas lights, Santa & holiday character visits, and special events. READ MORE

Oh What Fun! Lake Nona Holiday Festival

Orlando - FREE
Select nights, December 6-22, 2024
Lake Nona’s annual Oh What Fun! holiday festival returns on select nights in Lake Nona Town Center. Visit Central Florida’s magical, open-air winter wonderland for dazzling decorations, festive treats, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, nightly snowfalls, and hourly live entertainment guaranteed to spread holiday cheer. READ MORE

Orlando Ballet's The Nutcracker

Orlando
Select days, December 6-22, 2024
Enjoy Orlando Ballet's take on the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Parents and children are taken to a world of color, imagination, and magic. READ MORE

Avalon Aglow

Orlando - FREE
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Avalon Aglow is a free community event featuring a parade, a bounce park, real snow, train rides, community performances, pictures with Santa, and fireworks to end the night. READ MORE

Christmas at Hamlin

Winter Garden - FREE
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Christmas at Hamlin promises a blend of holiday traditions and festive fun for all. The inaugural Lighting of the Tree will take place at 6pm, kicking off a brand-new annual holiday tradition for Hamlin. Thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate a magnificent 25-foot Christmas tree transforming the night into pure holiday enchantment. READ MORE

St. Cloud Annual Christmas Parade

St. Cloud - FREE
Saturday, December 7, 2024
The theme of this year's St. Cloud Christmas Parade is "Toys on Parade," with more than 100 community organizations and businesses with floats and displays participating. READ MORE

Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade

Winter Park - FREE
Saturday, December 7, 2024
The annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade marches down Park Avenue with more than 80 organizations, including marching bands, local police and fire departments, floats, and Santa Claus himself. READ MORE

Gatorland's Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho-Down

Orlando
Weekends December 7-22, 2024
Gatorland's signature holiday extravaganza unfolds with a delightful mix of holiday tunes, festive displays, interactive characters, and seasonal treats available for purchase. Capture the essence of a Floridian holiday by snapping a photo with Gator Claus aboard his swamp-worthy sleigh. Meet the mischievous Krampus Croc and sing along with the Florida Skunk Ape as he performs his favorite “Cryptid carols.” READ MORE

Holiday Movie Night at Cranes Roost Park

Altamonte Springs - FREE
December 12 & 19, 2024
Enjoy an outdoor holiday movie with the family at Cranes Roost Park, surrounded by thousands of holiday lights. READ MORE

Celebrate the Season at Reiter Park

Longwood - FREE
Friday, December 13, 2024
This holiday street party features an array of activities including photo opportunities with Santa, music by DJ Dennis, performances by One School of the Arts, an inflatable snow maze, giant fun slides, a Snow Flurry Zone, a trackless train, 10+ food trucks and a major laser light show throughout the event. READ MORE

Ten Days of Christmas at Southern Hill Farms

Clermont
Select days, December 13-29, 2024
At Southern Hill Farm's Ten Days of Christmas events, enjoy festive fun for the whole family, including snow showers, holiday movies, seasonal treats, Christmas shopping in the Southern Hill Farms Merry Market, and more. READ MORE

Apopka Christmas Parade

Apopka - FREE
Saturday, December 14, 2024
The Foliage Sertoma Club of Apopka and the City of Apopka present this annual parade. The theme for 2024 is "A Golden Christmas in Apopka." READ MORE

Oviedo Winterfest

Oviedo
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Fresh from the North Pole, tons of fun at Center Lake Park! With the purchase of an all inclusive wristband, you will have unlimited access to all the different activities, rides, and attractions. READ MORE

Winter Garden Santa Bike Ride

Winter Garden - FREE
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Winter Garden Wheel Work’s Annual Santa Ride is an event for all ages. Meet and greet with Santa  in front of the Oakland Park Amenity Center from 3pm-5pm. Decorate your bikes (and yourselves) and be ready to roll at 6pm. READ MORE

Winter Park Christmas Boat Parade

Winter Park - FREE
Saturday, December 14, 2024
This holiday festivity takes place on beautiful Lake Virginia as the Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Winter Park and Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, sets sail on Saturday, December 14. READ MORE

CRJ Chanukkah Festival

Orlando - FREE
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Join Shalom Orlando to celebrate with fun Chanukkah games & activities, Latkes & sufganiyot, and more. It's fun for the whole family. READ MORE

Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center

Merritt Island
December 20-30, 2024
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

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Legoland Florida

Winter Haven
December 26-31, 2024
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

Jewish Heritage Night with the Orlando Magic

Orlando
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Jewish Heritage Night gives the city of Orlando the opportunity to celebrate and share the fun spirit of the Chanukah season together with the Orlando Magic by promoting unity and positivity, allowing everyone to tap into this incredible holiday. READ MORE

New Year's Eve at SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Countdown to the New Year in SeaWorld style, with sea life, music, entertainment, and a fireworks display. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Celebration Town Center
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Apopka Christmas Parade Route
Congregation of Reform Judaism
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex