Although Walt Disney World puts on a pretty impressive show at Christmastime, it’s far from the only holiday celebration to get you in the spirit with jolly songs, decorations, and shows aplenty.
Grinchmas and Macy’s Holiday Parade
Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Orlando
December 6, 2014 – January 3, 2015
Grab some roast beast and join the Whos down in Whoville for a very merry Grinchmas celebration. The story of how the Grinch stole Christmas is retold in the Wholiday Spectacular show with music by Manheim Steamroller. The band will also perform live at the Universal Studios Music Plaza Stage on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2014.
Also at Universal you can see the annual Macy’s Christmas Parade. At this event the floats that came to life during Thanksgiving once again take to the skies, along with performances by marching bands, favorite characters, and the Rockettes!
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
November 22 – December 31
Of the theme parks, SeaWorld is probably the more Christmas-focused over general winter holiday-focused, including more religious Christmas music piping through the park as well as the O Wondrous Night live nativity show. Other highlights are the Winter Wonderland on Ice, the special nighttime Shamu Christmas Miracles, Elmo’s Christmas Wish and the Sea of Trees, with over 100 trees lit up over the lake, dancing to music.
Even in Florida, you’ll really feel like you’re in a winter wonderland when you visit the 32-degree Empire of the Penguin ride and exhibit and join the fun at The Polar Express Experience.
Gaylord Palms ICE!
November 15 – January 4
While not necessarily a theme park, Gaylord Palm’s Christmas celebration is a favorite of locals and guests alike. The incredible 4-star resort boasts a 54-foot christmas tree with a lighting ceremony every night, live stage shows with holiday music, and ICE! Don a big winter coat (provided by Gaylord Palms) and venture into the 9 degree attraction where you will find 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice, four slides for snow tubing, and live-action ice carving. This year’s theme is The Nutcracker, complete with accompaniment from the Tchaikovsky score.
Grinchmas photo © 2014 Universal Orlando Resort.
Gaylord Palms® ICE! photo © 1996 – 2014 Marriott International, Inc.
