There will be a new Ferris Wheel experience at Enchant Christmas in St. Pete in 2026.

The Best Christmas Events for Families in Tampa Bay

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Celebrate Christmas in Tampa Bay!

The holiday season is here, and it’s safe to say that people are more than ready for some festive fun. Get ready for even MORE holiday cheer since some Christmas experiences will be even bigger and brighter than last year! Whether you want to meet Santa, take in the dazzling Christmas lights, or celebrate the season at local theme parks, we’re sharing our list of favorite Christmas events in Tampa Bay for families– and we’re breaking it down by theme to help you find an event that best suits you.

More events will be added as soon as they’re announced, but for now, check out everything that we know is coming for the holiday season!

Related: The BEST Free and Cheap Holiday Events in Tampa Bay

*Keep in mind that dates, times, and events are subject to change, so be sure to check with each destination’s website or social media pages before you go. Want to add your family-friendly event to our holiday events lists? Email us at editor@tbparenting.com.


The BEST Christmas Light Displays in Tampa Bay!

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Best Christmas events in Tampa Bay
You’ll find millions of holiday lights throughout Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

There are so many ways and places to enjoy the splendor of Christmas lights in Tampa Bay! Among our favorites: Busch Gardens Christmas Town boasts millions of twinkling lights, and Enchant Christmas in St. Pete is a not-to-miss indoor holiday light spectacular. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite holiday light displays in Tampa Bay.

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Tampa

  • Dates: Daily November 14, 2025 – January 5, 2026
  • Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Dr.

Enjoy park-wide festive fun at this award-winning holiday event. The park becomes filled with holiday cheer and guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist. Ride the Holly Jolly Express train, view millions of twinkling lights from the top of a roller coaster, visit Santa in his workshop, and spend time with Rudolph and his friends from the classic holiday movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Guests can also enjoy festive live shows and take part in special holiday dining and shopping. Christmas Town is included with admission.

ZooTampa Christmas in the Wild in Tampa

  • Dates: Select nights November 27 – December 31, 2026
  • Location: 1101 W. Sligh Ave, Tampa

This year’s Christmas in the Wild promises to be the biggest and brightest yet! Enjoy returning favorites like the illuminated Ice Cavern, Gingerbread Jubilee, meeting Randolph the reindeer in person at Randolph’s Reindeer Games, getting silly in the land of Ticky Tacky Christmas, and more!  

Plus, Enchant Christmas is RETURNING TO ST. PETE!

  • Dates: November 20 through December 27, 2026
  • Location: Tropicana Field in St. Pete

Enchant Christmas is officially returning to St. Petersburg and bringing back the holiday magic that families, friends, and festive spirits have been waiting for. From November 20 through December 27, Tropicana Field will once again transform into a dazzling winter wonderland anchored by the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze. Guests can expect breathtaking larger-than-life light sculptures, millions of twinkling lights, festive experiences around every corner, and an all-new holiday adventure: Night of the Nutcrackers. Tickets are on sale now at EnchantChristmas.com

kids playing on the light-up dance floor at Enchant Christmas in St. Petersburg this Christmas
The light-up dance floor at Enchant Christmas is a hit with families!

Yuletide on the Range

Cowboy Santa invites you to kick off the holiday season at The James Museum in downtown St. Pete for a festive and fun celebration. Come see the 12-foot Yule Cactus, enjoy art making for all ages, photos with Cowboy Santa, live music from Tampa Bay band Local Honey, and more! This event is FREE to attend.

Cowboy Santa at Yuletide on the Range at The James Museum in St. Petersburg

 

(Keep scrolling for some awesome DRIVE-THRU holiday light experiences in Tampa Bay!)


Holiday Family Fun Worth the Drive at Theme Parks and Attractions

Unwrap Bricktastic Family Traditions during HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND event is included with admission! You can meet several event-exclusive characters and more holiday fun!

We’re pretty lucky to be within a quick drive to some world-renowned theme parks! Take advantage of it during the holidays. Here are some of our family’s favorite events at theme parks and more holiday attractions:

FEATURED: ice!™ featuring The Polar Express™ at Gaylord Palms Resort

  • Dates: November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027
  • Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee

A Beloved Christmas Classic Gets a Whole New Look! This holiday season, families can experience The Polar Express in a whole new way at Gaylord Palms Resort. From Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, 2027, ice! featuring The Polar Express™ brings the beloved story to life with more than 2 million pounds of colorful ice, larger-than-life scenes, familiar characters, and two-story ice slides. Inside, it’s a chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit, but parkas are provided. Beyond the immersive ice! attraction, families can enjoy ice tubing, holiday lights, Santa visits, gingerbread decorating, and live entertainment during Gaylord Palms’ So Much Christmas celebration. Tickets, packages, and special offers are available at ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com. Save up to 25%* with code FAMILY

*Valid Online Only. Maximum 8 tickets per order. Taxes and fees may apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Discount not valid on previously purchased tickets. Blackout dates may apply | THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Guests wearing blue parkas inside ice! at Gaylord Palms with the Polar Express train and ice slides
Inside ice! at Gaylord Palms Resort

Holidays at LEGOLAND in Winter Haven

  • Dates: Select dates November 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027
  • Location: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven

Get ready to celebrate an awesome holiday season at LEGOLAND Resort! This bricktacular event features unforgettable seasonal shows, LEGO holiday character experiences, sweet treats, and special activities. Light displays will twinkle throughout the park, and a giant LEGO Christmas tree is sure to mesmerize guests with its 360-degree light show. From November 21 through January 3, you can also join in their Kids’ New Year’s Eve festivities. Holidays at LEGOLAND is included with admission.


Visit with Santa Claus in Tampa Bay

Eat breakfast with Santa at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Eat breakfast with Santa at Clearwater Marine Aquarium on December 20, 2025!

Santa is making his rounds in Tampa Bay before his big adventure to deliver holiday cheer to kids around the world on Christmas Eve! We’ve put together a list of some of the best spots to take pictures with Santa in Tampa Bay. You can also eat breakfast with Santa in Tampa Bay! One of our favorite stops for the jolly old elf is Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Breakfast with Santa, be on the lookout for the 2026 date coming soon!


Set Sail on A Pirate’s Christmas Cruise with The Lost Pearl

The Lost Pearl pirate ship in Tampa, a Pirate's Christmas Cruise
Pirate’s Christmas Cruise on The Lost Pearl

November and December bring an extra sprinkle of holiday magic with “A Pirate’s Christmas.” Families can join White Beard and his jolly pirate crew for a festive 1-hour cruise full of games, sing-alongs, and even “snow” on the high seas. Kids will love writing letters to Santa and mailing them at Tampa’s only floating North Pole buoy, while every child receives a gift from the treasure chest. Parents can relax with a cocktail in hand while elves and holiday games entertain little ones. It’s the perfect way to add a Florida twist to your family’s holiday traditions. You can book your Christmas cruise here!


Check Out a Drive-Thru Holiday Lights Event

In addition to all the awesome walk-through Christmas light displays, there are plenty of drive-thru holiday lights experiences too! There are some really cool drive-thru events that you can enjoy from your car!

Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village

  • Dates: November 26-December 27. 2026
  • Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Dover

Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village returns with over 1.5 million lights across a 2-mile drive-thru. In Santa’s Village, enjoy Tiny the Tanker, festive shows, kids’ crafts, games, Santa visits, camel rides, holiday rides, movies, firepits, and shopping in the Holiday Market and Historical Village. Celebrate hometown holiday magic with family and friends!

Wonderland of Christmas Lights & Santa’s Christmas Village in Auburndale

  • Dates: Select nights from December 3-26, 2026
  • Location: 1052 US-92, Auburndale

This is a drive-through Christmas lights event! First, you and your family will drive through Christmas lights for a mile to experience spectacular lights! New this year are Holiday Igloo Experiences and Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides. After seeing the drive-through Christmas lights, you can visit Santa’s Village featuring rides, entertainment, a visit with Santa, and Holiday activities for children and adults of all ages! Visitors are also encouraged to bring a toy for Toys for Tots. 

2026 Drive-Thru Holiday Lights to be Announced

Celebration of Lights at the Concourse in Shady Hills-Pasco County

  • Dates: 2026 TBA
  • Location: 11919 Alric Pottberg Rd., Shady Hills

Drive or walk one mile through a beautiful display of larger-than-life holiday lights at the Concourse in Shady Hill’s annual Celebration of Lights event. You can also park to board a mini train over to Safety Town, a miniature town decorated with lights. Santa will even be there! Tickets go on sale on November 1. Drive-through only dates are December 23, 26, and 27, 2025.

Holiday Lights at the Chick-fil-A on Waters Ave in Tampa

  • Dates: 2026 TBA
  • Location: 6299 Waters Ave., Tampa

This Chick-fil-A store is taking holiday decorating to a whole new level, and they’re back at it again this year. Add this to your family’s holiday bucket list! Follow their Facebook page here for updates.

The Best Christmas Events for Families in Tampa Bay
The Burton Family House

ABC’s The Great Christmas Lights Fight House in Valrico

  • Dates: 2026 TBA
  • Location: 2014 Sydney Road, Valrico

The Burton Family is once again going big with their amazing lights display! Their home was featured on ABC’s The Great Christmas Lights Fight in 2023 and we recently had the chance to talk to them about their experience. Their home is located at 2014 Sydney Road in Valrico. While it is free to experience their light display, they do ask for donations towards The Kitten Place and Raining Cats and Dogs. Lights turn on at 7 pm with a worship hour every Sunday from 6 pm-7 pm. Want more? We’re sharing the BEST Holiday Light Displays in Tampa Bay here.


Go Ice-Skating or Play with Real Snow in Tampa Bay

The Best Christmas Events for Families in Tampa Bay
Go ice skating at Winter Village!

Enjoy Outdoor Ice Skating at Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa 

  • Dates: November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027
  • Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa

You and the kids can skate along downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink and even try a game of street curling at Winter Village. But that’s not all. Not only will they be hosting fun, themed nights, but you can meet Santa, Elsa, Olaf, the Grinch, and the Gingerbread Man on Sunday character visits! You can also get some holiday shopping done at The Shops of Winter Village and try some seasonal holiday sips and treats from The Cafe. We love that Pirate Water Taxi’s River of Lights departs from Winter Village! This is a chance to experience all of the floating light displays while singing along to your favorite holiday music. It’s a must-do!

Go Sledding at Snow Fest at North Straub Park in St. Pete

  • Date: 2026 TBA
  • Location: North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr., St. Petersburg

Adults and kids can purchase a wristband for $5 for toboggan sledding in North Straub Park! There will also be inflatables, arts and crafts tents, food trucks, and more. Stay in the area til after sunset to enjoy the Christmas lights and displays at Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park, and the new St. Pete Pier.


To be Announced:Christmas Themed Mini Golf, Putt The Pier

  • Dates: 2026 TBA
  • Location: Majeed Foundation Coastal Thicket
  • Cost: $13 per person

Putt the Pier has returned with a joyful waterfront mini-golf experience and plenty of holiday spirit! This custom 18-hole course winds along the St. Pete Pier with cheerful Christmas obstacles, sparkling décor, twinkling lights, and themed challenges at every turn. Putt through giant ornaments and candy-cane tunnels and navigate holiday scenes and playful holiday characters!

Guests can enjoy classic and modern holiday music throughout the course, for a warm and lively atmosphere perfect for a family night out!


Where to See Holiday Movies in Tampa 2026

St. Pete Holiday Movie in the Park

  • Dates: December 5 and 12, 2026
  • Location: Crescent Lake Park
  • Cost: FREE

Enjoy a free holiday movie in the park! Holiday activities begin at 6:30 p.m., and the movie starts at 7 p.m.

  • December 5: “Christmas with the Kranks” at Huggins-Stengel Field
  • December 12: “Nightmare Before Christmas” at Vinoy Park

Cozy Up for Holiday Movies at Tampa Theatre (TO BE ANNOUNCED)

It's a Wonderful Life at Tampa Theatre Holiday Classics
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at Tampa Theatre’s Holiday Classics

The Tampa Theatre is bringing back Holiday Classics on select days!

  • Dates: 2026 TBA
  • Location: Tampa Theatre, Downtown Tampa

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Tampa Theatre! Enjoy timeless Holiday Classics like Miracle on 34th Street, Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life every Sunday afternoon. Choose “naughty or nice” with late-night Friday REWIND hits like Die Hard and Gremlins, or Wednesday night Big Pictures like The Muppet Christmas Carol. And all are welcome for a FREE community screening of Saint Nick of Bethlehem on December 6! For tickets, ornaments, gift ideas and more, visit TampaTheatre.org/holidays

Holiday Movies at Sparkman Wharf

  • Dates: 2026 TBA
  • Location: Sparkman Wharf

Don’t miss a few classic holiday movies playing at Sparkman Wharf this season, where the first 25 guests will receive a themed sweet treat! There are other outdoor movie experiences too, like downtown Clearwater, and other locations in Tampa Bay.


Check out a Holiday Boat Parade

River of Christmas Lights in Tampa with Pirate Water Taxi in Tampa

  • Dates: Select days, November 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027
  • Parade cruise on December 19, 2026, 6:15 pm

Don’t miss this water taxi cruise to view Tampa’s Christmas lights and holiday decorations.  The Christmas Light cruise departs from the Tampa Convention Center, and the Christmas Light cruise includes Holiday Christmas carols and visits with pirate elves! Write a letter to Santa and pop it in the North Pole buoy. There is also a special Christmas light cruise for the Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade on December 19, 2026.

Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Tampa

  • Date: December 19, 2026, at 6:15 pm 

As you enjoy the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk among the festive holiday lights as the area transforms into a winter wonderland. Highlights of the Holiday Spectacular include a 35-foot-tall LED-lighted Christmas tree that floats in the harbor, a holiday selfie station at the Pirate Water Taxi ticket booth, a floating gingerbread lighted display, and a lighted pine tree forest. Hotels, restaurants, and bars along the Riverwalk will also have festive lighted displays.

Annual Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade and Celebration

  • Date: 2026 TBA

Watch the parade from a spectacular vantage point and participate in the events at Treasure Bay. A DJ, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, interactive entertainers, and food/beverage concessions will be available.

READ MORE: 15 Awesome Holiday Street Parades and Boat Parades in Tampa Bay

 


Go experience the Nutcracker in Tampa Bay

Where to see the Nutcracker in Tampa Bay The Straz Center
Next Generation Ballet’s The Nutcracker at The Straz in Tampa.

There are several performances of the Nutcracker in Tampa Bay, including a show-stopping performance by the Next Generation Ballet at the Straz in Tampa.


Experience the MAGIC of the Holidays with Zubrick Magic

Zubrick Magic Holiday Shows If you’re seeking to make this holiday season truly enchanting, there’s one essential experience you can’t miss in Tampa Bay: the Zubrick Magic Theatre. On select days starting November 12, 2026, through January 3, 2027, prepare to be captivated by the exceptional illusionists Chris and Ryan Zubrick as they perform Christmas-themed magic sprinkled throughout their performance.


Attend a Holiday Performance in Tampa Bay

These are a few of our favorite kid-friendly holiday shows in Tampa Bay! (We’re sharing even MORE holiday shows in Tampa Bay here)

Annie

  • Dates: November 12-22, 2026
  • Location: Straz Center, TECO Theater

Follow the spirited young orphan, Annie, whose endless optimism helps her overcome life at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage and embark on an adventure for a heartwarming musical that celebrates resilience, hope, and the power of finding family in unexpected places!

Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play

  • Dates: December 3-23, 2026
  • Location: Straz Center, Shimberg Playhouse

Come together with TampaRep for a heartwarming holiday classic performed as a live 1940s radio broadcast where a department store Santa insists that he is the real Kris Kringle.

Disney Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in Concert

  • Date: December 5-6, 2026
  • Location: Mahaffey Theater

Experience “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on the big screen in full symphonic glory with GRAMMY-winning composer Danny Elfman’s musical score performed live to the film.

Holiday Pops: Tampa Bay’s Beloved Holiday Tradition

  • Date: December 10-13, 2026

Celebrate the sounds of the season, from “Sleigh Ride” to James Stephenson’s “BasSOON it Will Be Christmas“ featuring The Florida Orchestra’s amazing bassoon section.

Classical Christmas

  • Date: December 18-19, 2026

Michael Francis leads The Florida Orchestra in a celebration filled with the timeless music of the holidays from Bach and Handel and Tchaikovsky.

‘Twas the Night Before … by Cirque du Soleil

  • Date: December 18-29, 2026
  • Location: Straz Center, Morsani Hall

Experience a festive flurry of love and cheer featuring the incredible acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil, performed by a cast of 26 artists from all over the world.

A Very Broadway Christmas

  • Date: December 19, 2026
  • Location: Straz Center, Ferguson Hall

This special Dress Rehearsal offers Tampa audiences an exclusive first look at the holiday spectacular before it embarks on its Florida tour featuring vocalists from Broadway, a live band, show-stopping dancers, and Christmas music.


Head to the Museum for Pint-Sized Holiday Fun!

Gingerbread Village at Glazer Children's Museum
Gingerbread Village at Glazer Children’s Museum

Gingerbread Village at Glazer Children’s Museum

  • Dates: November 1 – December 31, 2026
  • Location: 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa

Glazer Children’s Museum is getting into the holiday spirit with a gingerbread-inspired wonderland, sponsored by Macy’s, Gingerbread Village. Located on Level 2 of the museum, children can step into a sweet winter wonderland to build a gingerbread house made from recycled materials like cardboard, pipe cleaners, bottle caps, and more.


Visit Robert’s Christmas Wonderland in Clearwater

Robert's Christmas Wonderland Clearwater
The Christmas Tree room at Robert’s Christmas Wonderland Clearwater in 2023. Photo by Laura Byrne.

If you’ve lived in the Tampa Bay area for a while, you’ve probably visited Robert’s Christmas Wonderland at least once. Located at 2951 Gulf to Bay Blvd., this local treasure is open year-round and has the most beautiful holiday decorations, ornaments, and trees. You can literally spend an entire afternoon simply exploring the store and dreaming up new ways to decorate your own home. We love visiting to pick out a new ornament each year, which is a fun tradition many local families share and one your family can start this year. The best part is, you get to support a local business too!


All aboard! Experience the coolest holiday-themed train rides in Tampa Bay

Kids on the North Pole Express
North Pole Express. Photo by Brie Gorecki.

Holly Jolly Express at Busch Gardens Christmas Town

  • Dates: November 13, 2026 – January 4, 2027
  • Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The Holly Jolly Express at Christmas Town at Busch Gardens is a must-experience when you attend! You can sing along to holiday music as you take a ride around the park and take in all of the beautiful lights!

North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish

  • Dates: Select days, November 27-December 22, 2026
  • Location: 12210 83rd Street E., Parrish

The North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum is a 35-minute family favorite in Tampa Bay. You and the kids can board the open-air train for a ride to the North Pole, where there are themed activities and a visit with Santa. Tickets tend to sell out fast, so be sure to buy your ticket early!

The Rudolph Limited Mini Train Rides with Largo Central Railroad

  • Dates: December 11-13, 18-20, 26-27, 2026
  • Location: 225 Central Park Dr., Largo

Largo Central Railroad is offering its themed “The Rudolph Limited” mini-train rides that take you and the kids on a beautiful ride through the park that is lit and decorated for the holidays. Tickets are $12 each if paid in cash.

Celebration of Lights at the Concourse in Shady Hills-Pasco County

  • Dates: 2026 TBA
  • Location: 11919 Alric Pottberg Rd., Shady Hills

Drive or walk one mile through a beautiful display of larger-than-life holiday lights at the Concourse in Shady Hill’s annual Celebration of Lights event. You can also park to board a mini train over to Safety Town, a miniature town decorated with lights. Santa will even be there! Drive-through only dates are December 23, 26, and 27, 2025.


Explore Holidays of Christmas Past

An Old Florida Christmas at Manatee Village

  • Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 10 am-3 pm
  • Location: 1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton
  • Cost: FREE

Enjoy a day filled with make-and-take crafts, shopping, holiday fun, entertainment, and food!

Henry B Plant Museum’s Victorian Christmas Stroll in Tampa

  • Dates: 2026 TBA
  • Location: 401 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa

Each room in the historic Henry B Plant Museum will be beautifully decorated with a different theme. You just might leave with a list as long as Santa’s full of decorating ideas!  Tickets start at $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $12 for kids. There are discount days, too.

Christmas in the Country at Cracker Country at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa

  • Date: 2026 TBA
  • Location: 4800 Hwy 301, Tampa

Christmas in the Country is where you and the kids can experience an old-fashioned Christmas through holiday traditions from the 19th century! There will be carols, historical interpretations, decor, holiday keepsake collecting, and more. You’ll also be able to churn butter and make salt dough ornaments. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $14 for adults and $12 for seniors and kids ages 6-11. Kids 5 and younger get in for free. Some activities cost an additional fee.


Experience Winter Waterland at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (TO BE ANNOUNCED)

The Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park proudly presents Winter Waterland on select nights from December 12-13 and December 19-20, 2025. The entrance fee starts at $14.64 per person. Children two and under are free. Take a festive stroll through the park, which is lit up with holiday lights, watch An Elf Story underwater mermaid show, take a picture with Santa and his mermaid elves, and MORE!


Write a Letter to Santa

Letters from Santa
Photo by Darlene Barlows Photography at Tampa’s Winter Village for Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.

Did you know your child can get a letter from Santa? The United States Postal Service’s “Greetings from the North Pole” program makes this possible, with a real postmark from the North Pole and all! You’ll want to get your child’s letter in the mail no later than December 1, 2026, to be safe. We’re sharing the details on what you need to know here.


Celebrate Christmas on the Farm in Tampa Bay

There are so many fun Christmas on the Farm events that not only showcase pretty lights, but also give you and the kids a chance to get up close with farm animals! We’re sharing our top picks here. Ananda Farm in Terra Ceia will be hosting their holiday event with holiday lights and decor, Santa meet-and-greets on select days, seasonal food and drinks, live music, and more! There are also 15 awesome attractions for kids to explore, like the giant treehouse and bounce pillows. It may not be set up for the holidays, but a visit to a local citrus grove for an afternoon U-Pick is a perfect day outside for families seeking some natural Vitamin D and Vitamin C! We checked out Dooley Groves in Ruskin for their December u-pick of sugarbelles which was a great experience. Find more u-pick farms in Tampa Bay here.

Winter Wonderland

  • Dates: Fridays and Saturdays, December 5, 2026-January 3, 2027
  • Location: Westgate River Ranch

Celebrate the Holiday Season with the Annual Winter Wonderland Experience at Westgate River Ranch! Enjoy a festive Hayride with classic Christmas Carols and explore their Enchanted Forest adventure.

Get lost in a delightful holiday maze, discover sweet surprises at the candy land playground, and jingle all the way through the Florida outdoors. Wrap up your journey at the festive tree farm, where unforgettable memories and delectable treats await, promising to delight your taste buds! Join them for a magical holiday celebration!


Awesome Christmas Events in Orlando – since it’s so close to Tampa Bay!

 

ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ at Gaylord Palms Resort

  • Dates: November 13, 2026, – January 3, 2027
  • Location: Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee

For the very first time, ice!™ featuring The Polar Express™ will be featured at Gaylord Palms Resort in 2 million pounds of intricately carved ice sculptures in ICE!, the resort’s signature holiday attraction. Strike a pose in the iconic hot chocolate scene, slide into whimsical photo setups, or visit the 11-foot Santa Claus made out of ice in this winter wonderland made for memory-making. Experience the splendor of the holiday season at Gaylord Palms. 

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration

  • Dates: Select dates November 6, 2026 – January 4, 2027

Head to SeaWorld Orlando to make new holiday memories with festive shopping, delicious food, and dazzling live shows inspired by the natural world. Stroll the lakeside Christmas Market and pick out unique, artisan-crafted gifts. The Christmas Celebration is included with park admission.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

  • Dates: Select nights, November 8-December 22, 2026
  • Location: Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will bring back old favorites like cocoa and cookies at designated locations throughout the park, snow on Main Street, a themed parade and fireworks show, and more. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays starts on November 27-December 30, 2026, with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the season from cultures around the world.

Holidays at Universal Orlando

  • Dates: November 14, 2026-January 3, 2027

Head to Universal Orlando Resort for the biggest, loudest, awesomest holiday celebration of the season! Celebrate with seasonal shows and decorations at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Sip on hot Butterbeer in Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure as they come to life with magical lights and festive events. The Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s features larger-than-life balloons, with appearances by the Minions and characters from Shrek and Madagascar. Head over to Whoville for The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring The Grinch himself.


More events coming soon as they’re announced! Related: