The holiday season is bursting with festive events across Tampa Bay and Orlando, offering magical experiences for visitors of all ages. From theme parks to zoos and aquariums, local attractions are transforming into winter wonderlands filled with dazzling decorations, special performances, and seasonal cheer.

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Theme Parks Holiday Highlights

Walt Disney World Resort Dates: November 8 – December 31 Disney World offers two special ticketed holiday events this year:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom (Nov. 8 – Dec. 20)
• Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios (Nov. 9 – Dec. 21)

Park-wide holiday attractions include:

• Frozen Holiday Surprise at Cinderella Castle
• Holiday-themed Jungle Cruise (Jingle Cruise)
• Nightly holiday projections
• Festive decor throughout parks
• Santa photos at Disney Springs

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Christmas Town Dates: November 15 – January 5 This family-friendly event offers:

• Miles of sparkling lights
• Themed food and beverages
• Ice skating shows
• Fireworks on select nights
• Santa’s workshop
• Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland
• Holly Jolly Express
• Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan (December 7, 2-7 p.m.)

Universal Orlando Holiday Celebration Dates: November 22 – December 31 Highlights include:

• Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
• Grinchmas
• “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle”
• Holiday decor at all Universal hotels
• Special holiday menus
• Tree and menorah lighting ceremonies
• Strolling carolers

Legoland Florida: Holidays at Legoland Dates: Select dates, November 29 – December 31 Festive features:

• New 30-foot Lego Christmas Tree (365,000 Lego bricks)
• Meet festive Lego characters (Santa, Elves, Gingerbread Man)
• Limited-time holiday treats
• Kids’ New Year’s Eve event with rides and early fireworks

SeaWorld Orlando: Christmas Celebration Dates: November 16 – January 5 Exciting offerings:

• Outdoor ice rink
• 70-foot centerpiece holiday tree
• “Sea of Trees”
• “O Wondrous Night” Nativity show
• Sesame Street Christmas Parade
• Rudolph’s Christmas Town
• Santa meet-and-greet
• Holiday Reflections Fireworks
• Multicultural celebrations (Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Three Kings)

Area Festive Attractions

The Florida Aquarium: YuleTides Dates: November 29 – January 5 Unique experiences:

• Holiday tree made from upcycled beach materials
• Coastal holiday boat parade
• Interactive “caroling”
• Character appearances
• Sand sculptures
• Santa photo opportunities

Brevard Zoo

• Holiday Kickoff Weekend (November 30-December 1)
• Jolly Days (December 21-23) Activities include:
• Festive decorations
• Holiday music
• Themed food and beverages
• Craft stations
• Santa photos
• Animal treat “unwrapping”

ZooTampa: Christmas in the Wild Dates: Select nights in November and December Magical moments:

• Illuminated animal sculptures
• Light shows
• Live entertainment
• “Realm of the Nutcracker” dance performance
• Mrs. Claus storytime
• Santa visits

Gaylord Palms ICE! Dates: November 15 – January 4 Featuring “Elf” movie theme:

• 2 million pounds of ice
• 20,000 square feet of displays
• Hand-carved ice sculptures
• Two-story ice slides
• Live ice carving demonstrations

Central Florida Zoo: Asian Lantern Festival Dates: Select nights, November 15 – January 19 Celebrating the Year of the Dragon:

• Dozens of hand-constructed lantern displays
• 3/4 mile illuminated path
• Exclusive food and beverages
• Santa visits (December 13 and 20)
• Family-friendly New Year’s Eve countdown

Each of these attractions offers unique ways to celebrate the holiday season, promising memorable experiences for families, couples, and individuals looking to embrace the festive spirit in the Orlando and Tampa Bay areas.

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(Image credit: Dad’s Guide to WDW)