What's Open on Christmas Day 2025 in Orlando: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
Think beyond movie theaters—here's what to do on Christmas Day!
Melanie Preis
Melanie Preis is a writer, editor, wife, and mom of three (including her beloved bernedoodle). Before joining Mommy Poppins, she worked at StyleBlueprint, Turner Broadcasting, and HowStuffWorks. She loves reading, anything Bravo, art fairs, and, of course, her bernedoodle.
Latest posts by Melanie
Cirque du Soleil's Gorgeous Luzia Comes to Atlanta
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
Step into Cirque du Soleil's newest world of fantasy with Luzia, which entertains Atlanta families now through January 25, 2026. This amazing show takes guests through a make-believe Mexico, with stunning colors, breathtaking acrobatics, and South of the border inspirations. Keep reading to find out more about Luzia and if you should bring kids to the show before it rolls out of Atlanta.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Atlanta
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
Christmas light shows add another layer of beauty during the holiday season, and we've got our favorite dazzling holiday lights drive-thru events and Christmas light shows in Atlanta. This year families will find familiar favorites like Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden and IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta. Plus, back after a five-year hiatus, Magical Nights of Lights at Margaritaville Lanier Islands -- a six-mile, drive-thru of spectacular holiday lights. We also love a free light show, like Holiday Lights at Dunwoody's Brook Run Park. Whether you choose to walk or drive through these fabulous holiday and Christmas lights, make sure you open your eyes and hearts to this special time of year!
We have even more amazing holiday ideas in the Atlanta Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide, including information about Must-Do Christmas Events to Book Before They Sell Out, Polar Express Train Rides, Christmas Towns and Festive Hotels Near Atlanta, and more.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Orlando
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
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 Nights; 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.
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Atlanta
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Atlanta knows Christmas lights and how to show up, and show off, for the holidays! Neighborhood Christmas lights include intricate designs, clever themes, and surging electricity bills. Residential holiday lights include houses that offer walking tours; other houses welcome families to drive by and tune radio frequencies to their synchronized Christmas lights; and some houses are a part of an entire neighborhood that creates a collective attraction!
In fact, enjoy Christmas lights AND do charitable work—some of the homes mentioned below are part of Cobb EMC's Christmas lights map, where you can vote for your favorite and the top three winners get $500 to donate to the charities of their choice!
What’s Open on Thanksgiving in Orlando? Family-Friendly Places & Stores
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
Turkey time is almost here and you may be wondering what’s open on Thanksgiving in Orlando. As you prepare for your holiday feast, let the grandparents and babysitters entertain the kids by bringing them to these attractions and family-friendly places in Orlando open on Thanksgiving!
27 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Atlanta for Kids
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
'Tis the season for holiday activities around Atlanta! Families looking for wholesome merriment have plenty of options this holiday season, including Illuminights at Zoo Atlanta and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Center for Puppetry Arts. You can't go wrong with one of Atlanta's biggest holiday mainstays and Christmas events, Stone Mountain Park Christmas or try something new like Elf the Musical at the Fox Theatre. Feeling nostalgic for Atlanta holiday traditions? The Pink Pig will once again be at the Georgia Festival of Trees. We've included even more great ideas to have an amazing Atlanta Christmas with kids!
Christmas Towns & Festive Hotels Near Atlanta That Will Blow Your Mind
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
Hear those sleigh bells ringing?! That means Christmas events near Atlanta are coming! Christmas towns and festive hotels near Atlanta are happy to welcome Santa, hard-working elves, and of course, your family! We've rounded up wonderful winter places near Atlanta to take kids and enjoy incredible decorations, seasonal activities, and a general feeling of holiday magic. Check out these over-the-top holiday destinations within driving distance of Atlanta, especially perfect for overnight, holiday-themed getaways.
