Celebrate the holiday season in style by combining two Floridian gems: Kissimmee and Universal Orlando Resort. Soak up authentic southern state charm in Kissimmee with traditional Christmas festivities, then turn the thrill factor up to 25 for a yuletide celebration at Universal Resort. After all, 'tis the season for giving, and in times like these, it’s about time you gave yourself the gift of this heartwarming, multi-centre adventure…
Kissimmee’s Holiday Season Highlights
Kissimmee’s perfect blend of nature, culture, and shopping means there are plenty of ways to dabble in festivities. You will find Christmas parades, tree lighting ceremonies, and other holiday celebrations in the historic Old Town area while Kissimmee’s natural scenery is especially enchanting around this time of year. Here’s just a few of the holiday highlights we recommend ticking off your list…
Christmas in Colour
Prepare to have your senses dazzled at this magical drive thru light show. Cruise by millions of lights in the form of giant snowmen, candy canes, and a host of other Christmas delights, all synchronized to holiday music. Enjoy Christmas light displays like you’ve never seen them before all from the comfort of your own vehicle, where you’re free to hang your head out in awe. This Kissimmee event makes for the perfect family bonding time and is sure to warrant plenty of photo opportunities.
Ice Rink at Celebration
Get your skates on and take to the ice rink for some quality family festive fun. Located in the charming small town of Celebration, the ice rink typically runs from around late November to early January. This is the ideal chance to enjoy a traditional winter activity even in the warm climate of Florida. Although if you do crave a bit of snow, Celebration is the place to be. Head to Market Street for Now Snowing, a nightly snowfall event throughout the festive period. And if that’s not enough to fill up your holiday spirit tank, there is also Christmas sleigh rides, Santa meet and greets, and the annual tree lighting ceremony.
Gatorland’s Holiday Ho Ho Ho Down
Where else would you see a gator dressed as Santa Claus other than at the ‘Alligator Capital of the World’?
Gatorland’s Holiday Ho Ho Ho Down features a host of family friendly entertainment, including live music, festive food, and craft vendors. Plus, of course, the animals are joining in on the merriment. Get the ultimate Florida holiday photo with Gator Claus and Krampus Croc and meet a host of other seasonal characters. This event is included in the price of your ticket, and it runs throughout the weekends in December, so be sure to add this to your holiday itinerary.
The Holidays at Old Town
For a slice of traditional holiday celebration, head to
Old Town in Kissimmee. These brick paved streets are lined with festive cheer, most notably the iconic Christmas tree, standing at over a whopping 40 feet and adorned with unique decorations. And although Old Town is a wonderful place to shop at any time of the year, it pulls out all the stops for Christmas, making seasonal shopping here a must. Plus, many restaurants offer festive additions to their menus so you can indulge in holiday themed treats throughout the day.
Universal’s Thrilling Festivities
Universal Orlando Resort goes all out for Christmas and in our experiences, there’s few better ways to revel in the magic of the season than in the midst of thrilling rides, iconic characters, and immersive experiences. Plus, the whole resort is turned into a winter wonderland, where you’re greeted by an array of holiday lights, wreaths, and garlands. While the Christmas ambience is palpable throughout the entire resort, these attractions are sure to create treasured holiday memories…
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
Included in your park ticket, this daily parade sets off Universal’s holiday season with a bang. Watch in awe as larger than life balloons float by followed by colourful floats featuring some of Universal’s biggest stars from the likes of Minions from Illumination’s Despicable Me, Madagascar, and Shrek. But the parade isn’t just floats and balloons. Dancers, entertainers, and street performers also make their way down the parade route to a fun filled holiday soundtrack. And make sure to stick around for Santa’s grand entrance to top it all off.
Grinchmas™ at Universal
Nothing says holiday cheer more than a visit to Who-ville. During the festive season, Suess Landing is transformed into the lovable land of the Whos, featuring an assortment of holly jolly celebrations. Don’t miss the main event, the Who-liday Spectacular, where the retelling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas comes to life in a hilarious live show, where you’ll see the infamous green man himself along with a colourful cast of Who-ville residents. Then keep your eyes peeled for the perfect photo op with a wandering Who.
Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
For magic like no other, the
Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Christmas is the place to be. Both Hogsmeade™ in Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida go all out for the holidays with a slew of festive decorations and entertainment. Venture through the snow-capped rooftops and garland adorned doorways of Hogsmeade. Then grab a hot Butterbeer™ and enjoy some yuletide performances from the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. And when evening falls, revel in The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle™. This stunning light show transforms the iconic castle into a magical canvas of holiday themed images and animations, sure to mesmerize all muggles.
For a gift that keeps on giving, check out our Kissimmee and Universal Resort holiday options today. 
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