Orlando is full of holiday magic around every corner. The air smells of seasonal treats, twinkling lights glow on every street, and cheerful music fills the city with energy. Staying at Avanti International Resort puts you close to all the excitement, making it easy to explore theme parks, festive happenings along International Drive, and unique day trips around the city. Here are 15 things to add to your Orlando holiday itinerary.
Theme Parks: Magical Adventures for the Whole Family
The theme parks in Orlando go all out for the holidays, transforming rides, shows, and attractions into festive wonderlands. From glittering lights to seasonal performances, every corner offers a new adventure.
1. Walt Disney World® Resort – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Select nights, Nov. 8–Dec. 22, 2026) – Celebrate the holidays at Magic Kingdom with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, featuring festive entertainment, holiday fireworks, the Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, character appearances, and trick-or-treating throughout the park. Walt Disney World’s holiday season runs Nov. 13, 2026–Jan. 6, 2027.
2. Universal Orlando Resort – Holidays at Universal Orlando (Nov. 14, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027) – Universal Orlando transforms for the holidays with Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, seasonal food and drinks, and festive experiences throughout Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe.
3. SeaWorld Orlando – Christmas Celebration (Nov. 6, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027) – Celebrate the season with millions of sparkling lights, holiday shows and entertainment, seasonal food and drinks, Santa and holiday character experiences, and festive displays throughout the park.
4. LEGOLAND Florida Resort – Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida (Nov. 21, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027) – Celebrate the holidays LEGO-style with seasonal entertainment, festive activities, Santa meet-and-greets, holiday characters, and a spectacular 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree.
5. EPCOT® – International Festival of the Holidays (Nov. 27–Dec. 30, 2026) – Experience holiday traditions from around the world with cultural performances, storytellers, seasonal food and drinks, live entertainment, and festive décor throughout EPCOT.
International Drive: Festive Fun Around Every Turn
Along International Drive, the city is alive with lights, music, and seasonal cheer. Explore holiday displays, seasonal treats, family-friendly attractions, and festive experiences without venturing far from Avanti International Resort.
6. ICON Park Holiday Experiences – ICON Park turns festive for the holidays, with the Orlando Eye lighting up in seasonal colors, nightly snowfall on The Lawn, and the 50-foot I-Drive District Holiday Tree serving as a centerpiece for holiday photos. Families can also visit Santa at The Santa Workshop Experience and enjoy seasonal entertainment, including holiday movies and live performances.
7. Winter Fun at Dezerland Park – Head to Dezerland Park for a festive indoor experience on International Drive. Past holiday programming has included Winter Wonderland décor, seasonal treats, the Wonderland Express, visits with Santa, toy-making activities, and “ice skating.”
8. JoJo’s ShakeBAR Winter Wonderland – Stop at JoJo’s ShakeBAR at Pointe Orlando for an over-the-top holiday treat. Past holiday celebrations have included festive décor, seasonal milkshakes, ornament painting, gingerbread-house decorating, and visits with Santa. JoJo’s is also known for its decadent desserts and lively dining atmosphere.
9. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium – Deck the Seas – Dive into holiday fun at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium with festive underwater displays, seasonal activities, and holiday-themed experiences.
10. Holiday Dining & Seasonal Events at Pointe Orlando – Explore seasonal menus, festive treats, shopping, entertainment, and holiday events throughout Pointe Orlando. The area is also home to restaurants and attractions that make it easy to turn an afternoon or evening into a holiday outing.
Pro Tip: Book direct with Avanti International Resort and receive two complimentary one-day I-Ride Trolley passes, making it easy to explore International Drive’s attractions, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment without a car.
Holiday Day Trips and Seasonal Experiences
A short drive from International Drive brings even more ways to celebrate the holiday season, from illuminated gardens and holiday markets to seasonal shows and unique local attractions.
11. Leu Gardens – Dazzling Nights (Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027) – Walk through a ¾-mile holiday light experience at Harry P. Leu Gardens featuring immersive light displays, live music, interactive experiences, seasonal food and drinks, and new experiences for 2026.
12. Winter Park & Downtown Orlando Holiday Markets – Browse handcrafted gifts, seasonal décor, local goods, food, and festive drinks while exploring holiday markets and events throughout Winter Park and downtown Orlando.
13. Gatorland – Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down (Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20, 2026) – Celebrate the holidays with Gatorland’s alligators and animals during this festive event, featuring seasonal entertainment and activities alongside the park’s classic attractions.
14. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards – Enjoy wine tastings, live music, seasonal events, and holiday décor at this scenic winery located just outside Orlando.
15. Dr. Phillips Center – The Nutcracker (Dec. 4–27, 2026) – Experience Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday ballet, The Nutcracker, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts during the holiday season.
Stay at Avanti International Resort
After a day filled with festive fun, Avanti International Resort is the perfect spot to relax. Unwind in spacious, modern rooms, splash in the pool, or enjoy a seasonal treat in the lively lobby. With convenient access to International Drive and shuttle service to major theme parks, the resort makes your holiday visit easy and fun.
Visit our Explore page for more details on attractions and nearby activities. Check out our events calendar to see what’s happening in the city during your trip. Book Your Stay at Avanti International Resort and put yourself close to Orlando’s top attractions on International Drive.
Orlando Holiday FAQs
1. How close are ICON Park and other I-Drive holiday events to Avanti International Resort?
Avanti International Resort is located directly across from ICON Park and in the heart of International Drive, putting guests close to many of Orlando’s popular holiday attractions, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. As a Universal Partner Hotel, Avanti International is also conveniently located near Universal Orlando Resort and offers scheduled shuttle transportation to the theme parks.
Guests can walk to many nearby I-Drive experiences or use the I-Ride Trolley to explore the area. Guests who book directly with Avanti International Resort receive two complimentary one-day I-Ride Trolley passes, making it easy to get around International Drive during a holiday getaway.
2. Where are the best spots for holiday photos near I-Drive?
ICON Park’s I-Drive District Holiday Tree, seasonal displays throughout International Drive, and holiday attractions around Pointe Orlando offer festive photo opportunities. Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens is another option for illuminated holiday photos.
3. Are there free holiday light displays in Orlando?
Yes. Orlando and the surrounding communities feature free holiday light displays and seasonal events throughout the holiday season.
4. What are the best holiday events in Orlando for families?
Orlando offers holiday events for all ages, from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort to SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration and Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida. Families can also enjoy festive experiences beyond the theme parks, including Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens, Gatorland’s Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down, holiday activities along International Drive, and seasonal performances throughout the city.
5. Are there holiday performances or concerts near International Drive?
Yes. Orlando offers a variety of holiday performances, concerts, and seasonal entertainment throughout the holiday season. Visitors can see The Nutcracker at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, enjoy live entertainment at Orlando’s theme parks, and find seasonal performances and events at venues throughout International Drive, Pointe Orlando, and downtown Orlando.
