Sleigh into the holly jolliest time of year at Holidays at Legoland Florida Resort. Photo courtesy Visit Orlando
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in Orlando: Holiday Events, Turkey Trots, and More Things To Do
Orlando isn't known for getting snow, but visitors to Cross Christmas can experience
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Orlando
Enjoy Central Florida Ballet's classic Nutcracker production for a fun family event. Photo courtesy of the ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Orlando
Kids love meeting Santa at The Santa Workshop Experience, full of holiday magic. Photo by the author
Best Spots to Take Pictures with Santa in Orlando
If you haven't experienced Christmas at Gaylord Palms, add it to your calendar this season, including the return of the iconic ICE! Photo courtesy of Marriott International
30 Best Things to Do in Orlando November 2024 with Kids
Visit Gatorland's play area during a visit to this beloved Florida roadside attraction. Photo Charlotte B
Quirky, Cool Roadside Attractions Near Orlando for Kids
Catch air at some of the best Orlando skate parks for kids and teens.
Best Skate Parks in Orlando for Kids
The shark from Jaws makes a terrifying appearance at the new Universal Mega Movie Parade! Photo courtesy Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Mega Movie Parade Creates Silver Screen Magic at Universal Orlando Resort
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
11 Scenic Train Rides Through Florida for Families
Sleepover with the dinosaurs at the Orlando Science Center. Photo by Charlotte B
Spend the Night at the Museum: 9 Museums and Zoos that Host Sleepovers in Orlando
Get ready to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos, right after Hispanic Heritage Month. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
10 Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 Activities to Celebrate with Kids
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
18 Cool Ways to Tour Orlando with Kids
Things will get spooky upon the development of a land dedicated to the dastardly deeds of Disney villains at Walt Disney World.
D23 Releases Exciting News about Walt Disney World & More
Race aboard Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge located within Super Mario Land at the upcoming Universal Epic Universe.
Epic Universe and More Exciting Attractions Coming to Universal Orlando
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
Best Food Halls in Orlando for Kids and Families
Stay cool and dry this summer while battling dinosaurs at an Orlando arcade! Photo by author
Best Arcades in Orlando for Kids & Teens
Toddlers and young kids can let loose with their prehistoric friends at Dinosaur World's cute playground. Photo by Charlotte Blanton
30 Fun Things to Do with Orlando Toddlers and Preschoolers in Summer
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
10 Ways to Survive Orlando Theme Parks When It Rains
Obstacle courses are part of the water play at Island H2O Water Park.
Best Outdoor Water Parks in Orlando for Family Fun
Teens and tweens love the wet and wild fun at Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon. Photo by author
Best Things to Do at Walt Disney World with Teens and Tweens
Enjoy the self-guided trail where you can
Secrets of Discovering Moana's Journey of Water, Now Open at EPCOT!
Swim at the freshwater Juniper Springs in Silver Springs, Florida. US Forest Service photo by Susan Blake
Top 10 Natural Springs in Florida Near Orlando
Lion Country Safari near West Palm Beach is home to more than 900 animals, including giraffes, lions, and zebras. Photo courtesy of the park
10 Drive-Thru Safaris and Wildlife Drives near Orlando
Swim and paddle with adorable manatees during your stay at the aptly-named Manatee Cove Apartment. Photo courtesy of VRBO
17 Best Family-Friendly Hotels and Camping near Florida's Natural Springs
Spend a relaxing day tubing the pristine waters of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Photo by Jackie Jones
Secrets to Ichetucknee Springs State Park with Kids
Celebrate your child's birthday party at Gatorland. Photo courtesy of Gatorland
21 Top Orlando Birthday Party Venues for Kids to Celebrate
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland makes the the perfect outdoor day trip.
100 Free Fun Things to Do in Orlando with Kids
The beaches of St. Augustine are fun, free ways to spend a weekend trip from Orlando. Photo by Mancy Carter
Best Budget Weekend Trips for Orlando Families
Splash and play all day long at the Peppa Pig Theme Park!
A Guide to Peppa Pig Theme Park: Little Piggies Love this Legoland Attraction
The secluded St. Augustine Beach is a perfect respite from daily life. Photo Photo by Mancy Carter
St. Augustine with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in St. Augustine, Florida
Create magical moments at Hollywood Studios, including those with Florida's only snowman, Olaf!
Secret Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World With Babies and Toddlers
Orlando toddlers and preschoolers will have a wonderful time at Peppa Pig Theme Park.
35 Things To Do with Preschoolers and Toddlers in Orlando Before They Turn 5
SeaWorld Orlando theme park, zoo and aquarium offers exciting rides and roller coasters, up-close animal encounters. Photo by the author
100 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Before They Grow Up (Other than Theme Parks)
The Yardery is a fun Orlando restaurant for both kids and adults...and even dogs!
Best Orlando Restaurants with Play Spaces for Kids
Splash around in the water feature at Bok Tower's Hammock Hollow Children's Garden. Photo courtesy of Bok Tower Gardens
25 Secret Orlando Spots Kids Will Love
Get close and personal with the friendly dolphins of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Photo courtesy of aquarium
Best Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Encounters in Orlando and Central Florida
See a replica of the moon landing with this Moonscape.
Florida's Kennedy Space Center: A Kid-Friendly Visitors Guide
Check out our list of the best Orlando parks to host birthday parties!
Top Orlando Parks for Kids' Birthday Parties
Spend a few hours exploring Orlando with Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours. Photo courtesy of the company
3 Days in Orlando with Kids (Minus the Theme Parks): Itinerary From a Local Mom
Adventures await you and your little piggies at Rebecca Rabbit's Playground at Peppa Pig Theme Park. Photo courtesy of Legoland
30 Things To Do with Orlando Babies Before They Turn One
Enjoy a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in the beloved stage show, Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. Photo courtesy Universal Orlando
Fall Festivals, Holiday Events, and More Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend With Kids

Things to Do in Orlando this Weekend with Kids: Winter Fest, Holiday Parades, Polar Express

Snow is in the forecast for Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland. Photo by Jessica Swatts
Snow is in the forecast for Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland. Photo by Jessica Swatts
12/11/19 - By James Smith

Impossible to believe, isn't it? But in just two weeks Santa visits the Orlando area. And while we might not be expecting snow, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Assuming you've completed a sufficient amount of your shopping, this is an ideal weekend to sample a host of Central Florida's holiday offerings. Things like: a holiday parade in Oviedo; a boat parade in Winter Park;  a parade of holiday lights in Kissimmee; winter festivals in Longwood, Maitland, and Oviedo; and of course, a pair of Disney holiday events.

It's hard to escape holiday-themed entertainment this time of year, but if you'd like to, why not take part in a Sunday morning art adventure or enjoy a sensory-sensitive morning at the Crayola Experience.   

As always, see our holiday guide for the best seasonal entertainment in the Orlando area. And remember, our events calendar is loaded with fun, family events right through New Year's Day.

Sign up for our FREE newsletters to receive posts such as this right to your inbox.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Thrill to the pageantry of the Asian Lantern Festival. Photo courtesy of Central Florida Zoo
Thrill to the pageantry of the Asian Lantern Festival. Photo courtesy of Central Florida Zoo

Things to Do With Kids in Orlando All Weekend

Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo

Sanford
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

The Polar Express Train Ride

Tavares
Families can experience the Polar Express right here in Central Florida. Take an actual train ride that mimics the movie: Get your ticket punched, enjoy entertainment with hot cocoa and a treat, interact with characters and listen to a reading of The Polar Express. READ MORE

Outdoor Holiday Movies at Wekiva Island

Longwood
Wekiva Island will be showing holiday movies each Sunday throughout the holiday season.  READ MORE

The Heart of Christmas at The Holy Land Experience

Orlando
During the Christmas season, enjoy a musical that follows two families searching for the heart of Christmas and watch stories from the Bible come to life. There are also many interactive experiences throughout the attraction, including a live nativity with real animals. READ MORE

Dinos in Lights at Orlando Science Center

Orlando
Families with little dinosaur fanatics will want to add this to their holiday to-do list. Every 30 minutes between 11am and 3:30pm, the DinoDigs area transforms into a festive light display choreographed to music. Each show lasts four minutes with a surprise ending. READ MORE

Holidays at Walt Disney World

Lake Buena Vista
Holiday magic is pouring from every corner of Walt Disney World! Guests can enjoy a Frozen Holiday Wish castle show, Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show. READ MORE

Holidays at Disney Springs

Lake Buena Vista - FREE
Celebrate the holidays at Disney Springs with a Disney Christmas Tree Stroll, snow flurries, toy soldier stilt-walkers, and snowflake skaters. Visit with jolly Old St. Nick through December 24. A virtual queue is available to meet with Santa. READ MORE
You never know who might show up at the Kissimmee Festival of Lights Parade. Photo courtesy of the parade
You never know who might show up at the Kissimmee Festival of Lights Parade. Photo courtesy of the parade

Things to Do With Kids in Orlando, Saturday, December 14

Oviedo Christmas Parade

Oviedo - FREE
The Oviedo Christmas Parade features holiday floats, local bands, and more. Parade departs the Oviedo Gym & Aquatics Center at approximately 7pm and flows through Oviedo Boulevard ending at the corner of Center Lake Lane and City Plaza. READ MORE

Winter Park Christmas Boat Parade

Winter Park - FREE
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

Kissimmee Festival of Lights

Kissimmee
The City of Kissimmee's Festival of Lights features an annual parade and holiday festival, a celebration of the holiday season. Experience the enchantment as community, business, and groups illuminate the streets with dazzling floats. Embrace the spirit of the season and come together to create cherished memories and spread joy throughout the community. READ MORE

Snow Fest at RDV Ice Den

Maitland
The annual winter event at RDV Ice Den includes ice skating, snow slide, bounce houses, face painting and real snow. READ MORE

Oviedo Winterfest

Oviedo
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
Enjoy a traditional holiday tea service at the American Girl store. Photo courtesy of American Girl
Enjoy a traditional holiday tea service at the American Girl store. Photo courtesy of American Girl

Things to Do With Kids in Orlando, Sunday, December 15

Holiday Tea at American Girl

Orlando
Enjoy a holiday tea with treats and drinks for kids and adults.  Kids can make festive scarves for their dolls and design silly sweaters on paper dolls.  READ MORE

Art Adventures at Orlando Museum of Art

Orlando
Parents, caregivers, and kids can explore the gallery and participate in a hands-on art activity. READ MORE

Christmas Festival Luau at Horsepower Ranch

Geneva
Experience a Mele Kalikimaka Christmas with hula dancers, fire performers, and Santa arriving with Clydesdales.  There will also be hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, ziplines, a polar plunge slide, train rides, face painting, and more.   READ MORE

Places featured in this article: