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tree branches covered with various colors of string lights
tree branches covered with various colors of string lights
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Culture > Entertainment

6 Festive Activities in Orlando To Get You in the Holiday Spirit

Ashley Mauzy
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCF chapter.

As we enter December, the holiday season officially begins! Here are six events you should check out in Orlando this holiday season.

Night of a Million Lights at Give Kids the World Village

Night of a Million Lights runs from November 12 to January 2. This event features a 360-degree dancing light show, a tree trail, festive music, treats and holiday displays. Give Kids the World Village is an 82-acre non-profit resort in Kissimmee that allows families with ill children a weeklong wish vacation at no cost. All of the profits from all tickets and merchandise during this event go towards helping Give Kids the World continue to fulfill this mission. Purchase tickets for this event here. 

Winter Park Boat Parade

On December 11 at 6 p.m., the Winter Park Rotary Club is organizing a holiday boat parade on Lake Virginia. Visitors can watch from Dinky Dock Park to see the impressive boat and dock decorations created by business sponsors and Winter Park residents.

Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs  

Walk around Disney Springs to spot 20 decorated Christmas trees based on popular Disney movies and characters, like Moana, Frozen and Beauty and the Beast. For this event, you can pick up a map and stickers from Basin, Amorette’s Patisserie, the BOATHOUSE, City Works Eatery & Pour House or Under Armour Brand House. As you walk around and see the trees, you mark your progress with stickers and once your map is complete — you can redeem it at one of the locations listed above for a prize.

Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens

Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens runs from November 19 through January 9. This event features an 8,000 square foot light maze, 185 hanging Moroccan lanterns, a forest of lights and a newly redesigned show. To purchase tickets for this event, visit dazzlingorlando.com. 

Theme Parks

Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando both fill their parks with lights, trees and festive decorations. At Universal Studios, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is decorated with lights and festive decor. You can watch the Nighttime Lights at the Hogwarts Castle, and there’s also a holiday parade each night.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom hosts Disney Very Merriest After Hours that runs on select nights from November 8 through December 21 after the park closes. This event features a parade, firework show and lets you take advantage of short wait times. You can purchase tickets here. 

If going to theme parks isn’t your thing, but you love Disney, you can visit the Disney Resorts and Hotels to see their decorations too. My personal favorite is the Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

Christmas at Gaylord Palms

During the holiday season, the Gaylord Palms is decorated with over two million lights and a 60 foot Christmas tree. This event features many activities, including a Christmas tree trail, indoor sledding, a light show and more.

Orlando and the Central Florida area have countless holiday activities, so there’s bound to be something everybody will love. Happy Holidays! 

Ashley is a senior at the University of Central Florida majoring in Communications with minors in Mass Media and Spanish. She's a lover of animals, plants, and good food. When she isn't writing or doing homework you can find her spending way too much time on TikTok, cooking, or looking for a new houseplant.