Though the holiday season in Florida lacks the warm fire and white Christmas vibe, the state’s biggest attractions are here to get you in the holiday spirit. Theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld are extending their hours throughout the month of December, and adding special holiday shows and events that will have you feeling like it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Here's a rundown:
Holiday Hours: Park hours vary between different parks and different days. Check out the Disney calendar for more information.
Special Events: All four Disney parks will be decked out for the season to get visitors feeling the magic of the holidays. Events will include:
MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY - Join Mickey at the Magic Kingdom for this winter celebration featuring live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and a holiday parade.
HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD – Ring in the season with holiday traditions from all around the world at EPCOT. The holiday season at Epcot includes many live performances, a candle light processional and an incredible firework show.
THE OSBORNE FAMILY SPECTACLE OF DANCING LIGHTS - Celebrate 20 years of lights as you walk through a twinkling Hollywood Studios. The event occurs daily at dusk and continues until the park closes.
Holiday Hours: The park is open until 5 p.m. during the week, but has extended hours until 10 p.m. on weekends. Hours are extended Dec 21, 22 & 23 until 10 p.m. and the park will be open on Dec. 24 and 25 until 8 p.m. Busch Gardens is also open on New Years Eve, and will allow guests to roam the park until 1 a.m. after ending the night with fireworks at Gwazi Field.
Special Events: MEET SANTA AND FRIENDS – Santa is welcoming visitors into his home while elves are hard work. Tell Santa your biggest Christmas wish and get a photo to remember the day.
LIVE SHOWS AND PERFORMANCES – Busch Gardens always features live performances during the holiday season. From “Elmo’s Christmas Wish” to “Carol of the Bells” and even a “We Three Kings Show” there’s something for everyone to enjoy and sing along with.
CHRISTMAS TOWN VILLAGE – Filled with all your holiday favorites. The town is decorated to fit the season as you shop for the perfect holiday gifts.
CHRISTMAS TOWN EXPRESS – Climb aboard the Christmas Town Express and take part in a traditional Christmas sing-a-long on a beautifully lit train, circling the Serengeti.
SEE THE LIGHTS – Lights disguise the park to brighten everyone’s holiday spirit. The park will become unrecognizable as it is covered in over a million lights.
Holiday Hours: Both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are open all month long with hours extended to 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. December 20th through Decmber 31st. (See the Universal website for date-specific details.)
Special Events: First up, events at Universal Studios:
THE MACY’S HOLIDAY DAY PARADE – Couldn’t make it to New York City this year? No problem. Enjoy streets filled with giant balloons strait from the big apple’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade is held every day and includes an appearance by Santa Claus himself.
HOLIDAY SHOWS – Sing-a-long to the shows “A Barney Holiday” and “The Blues Bothers Holiday Show” as they break out the classics for both parents and kids to enjoy.
Now, the special events at Universal’s Islands of Adventure:
GRINCHMAS – A holiday favorite comes to life as Universal’s Islands of Adventure celebrates Christmas with The Grinch. Seuss Landing is transformed into wintry Grinchmas and the streets are filled with happy Who’s. You won’t want to miss the special Who-liday Spectacular, a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale starring The Grinch. You can also line up for meet and greets with the Grinch and pose for a photo op.
THE GRINCH & FRIENDS CHARACTER BREAKFAST – Separate tickets are required to start your day with the Grinch. Enjoy your breakfast while the people of Whoville dance around the dining room. Diners will be able to get up close and personal to the Grinch.
Holiday Hours: SeaWorld is extending its hours all month long. Until Dec. 31st, you can enjoy a variety of shows and winter experiences until 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. (hours vary depending on the day -- for a full list of times, visit Seaworld's page here). The park will also welcome in the New Year with extended park hours until 12:30 a.m. on December 31st. Enjoy a spectacular firework display as Seaworld and its park goers wave goodbye to 2015.
Special Events: SHAMU® CHRISTMAS MIRACLES – A nighttime killer whale spectacular that includes trained marine animals, soaring through the air to reflect a story of peace and friendship.
O WONDROUS NIGHT – This show feeds the holiday spirit with over 30 carols, life-size puppets and live animals. This performance is one for everyone to enjoy and will surely spark the holiday warmth everyone is looking for.
THE POLAR EXPRESS EXPERIENCE – Journey through the North Pole with your family and climb aboard The Polar Express, as you experience the popular holiday film firsthand.
ELMO'S CHRISTMAS WISH – SeaWorld continues to keep a classic favorite alive, even through the holidays. Join Elmo and his friends as the Sesame Street crew takes part in a musical celebration. Watch as Elmo searches for his Christmas wish with the help of Rosita, Grover, Zoe and Cookie Monster.
WINTER WONDERLAND ON ICE – This ice skating extravaganza is breathtaking. Dazzling, professional skaters bring Christmas to life on ice.
SEA OF TREES – It’s a wintry watery wonderland created by a sea of holiday trees. Walk through the glistening forest containing over 100 trees, while holiday classics play and warm your heart.
