Orlando’s theme parks are magical year-round, but holiday energy injects next-level special into every visit. If your magical vacation wand is wavering between Disney’s holiday fireworks displays, Universal’s slightly edgier holiday shows, and SeaWorld Orlando's wintery wonders, let us help you land on the perfect holiday party for you.  

Here’s a rundown of all the theme park festivities you can look forward to in 2024. 

Walt Disney World Resort  

The “Most Magical Place on Earth” takes on an entirely new meaning once November rolls around.  

Mickey’s Holiday Parties at Magic Kingdom 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with joyous celebrations throughout Magic Kingdom.  

This separately ticketed, after-hours event features Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade, featuring Mickey and his beloved pals decked out in their Christmas finest. Even Santa makes an appearance floating down Main Street, U.S.A.!  

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration is a yuletide stage show in front of Cinderella Castle, starring none other than Mickey Mouse himself. Talented performers and a cast of your favorite Disney characters sing and dance to a medley of cheerful holiday tunes.  

It wouldn’t be a celebration at Magic Kingdom without an impressive fireworks display. Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show lights up the sky with dazzling fireworks that can be seen throughout the park, accompanied by classic Christmas carols. 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party also has exclusive event merch, special holiday food and beverages, and merry makeovers of classic rides like Space Mountain and Mad Tea Party.  

If you’re not looking to spend extra on event tickets, there will still be plenty of Christmas cheer at all of the Walt Disney World theme parks.  

During the day, Magic Kingdom is adorned with garlands, wreaths, baubles, and ribbons for an extra festive aesthetic. The classic Jungle Cruise ride takes on a Christmas persona as the “Jingle Cruise” this time of year. You can also enjoy the Frozen Holiday Surprise show at Cinderella Castle featuring Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Kristoff. 

Find out How Other Countries Celebrate the Holidays at EPCOT 

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays celebrates holiday traditions from around the world. Their nightly Candlelight Processional is a beloved retelling of the story of Christmas, complete with a massed choir, a full orchestra, and a new celebrity narrator every night.  

Hollywood Studios Puts the “Holly” in Holiday Celebrations 

At Hollywood Studios, the holidays take over the Hollywood Tower Hotel with nightly festive projections. Toy Story Land transforms with larger-than-life seasonal decorations. Be sure to catch a performance of the popular For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration with a special holiday finale starring the loveable Olaf.  

Animal Kingdom – The “Wild Card” for Holiday Festivities 

At Animal Kingdom, you can get up close and personal with the Merry Menagerie, artisan-sculpted puppets of charming arctic animals. Have your picture taken with Mickey & Minnie in their holiday finest at the Adventurer’s Outpost and watch the Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition projection show in the evening.  

Other Disney Holiday Celebrations to Consider 

There are also plenty of merry memories to be made at Disney Springs and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park this holiday season, too.  

Universal Orlando Resort 

Both of Universal Orlando’s theme parks, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, are jam-packed with Holiday cheer this season. From Nov. 22 – Dec. 31, 2024, you can experience all the holiday magic with the price of your theme park ticket.  

The Grinch and Harry Potter Holiday Celebrations at Islands of Adventure 

In Islands of Adventure, you can get up close and personal with the anti-Christmas Grinch himself in Seuss Landing. “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” is a must-see live performance telling the classic story of the Grinch, complete with music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller.  

The Grinch character meet-and-greet is an ever-popular experience at Islands of Adventure. Just prepare yourself for plenty of sarcasm and sass.  

Not too far from Seuss Landing, you’ll find the snowy village of Hogsmeade. At night, Hogwarts castle comes to life with lights and music themed for the season. You can also shop for exclusive holiday merch and enjoy a warm Butterbeer as you wander the streets of Hogsmeade.  

Butterbeer and Holiday Parades at Universal Studios

Over in Universal Studios Florida, you’ll find similar treats and decor adorning Diagon Alley. Magical songstress Celestina Warbeck croons a set of wizarding world holiday favorites in a delightful and dazzling experience that will have you dancing in the streets. 

Who says you can only enjoy the Macy’s parade on Thanksgiving Day? In Universal Studios Florida, the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is a joyous celebration with talented dancers, your favorite Universal characters, and real retired Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ballons.  

There are plenty of other holiday touches scattered throughout both parks, too. From colorful decor to tasty seasonal treats, there’s always something new and festive to discover at Universal Orlando Resort at Christmastime.  

SeaWorld Orlando 

Held on select days from Nov. 8, 2024 – Jan. 2, 2025, the Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando is an event bursting with colorful Christmas lights, delicious holiday treats, and a full itinerary of award-winning entertainment. 

 Mrs. Claus stars in a hilarious show called Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen, all about her attempts to share her famous Christmas cookie recipes on social media. O Wondrous Night brings the story of the nativity to life with live animals, life-size puppets, and dozens of beloved Christmas carols.  

Winter Wonderland on Ice is a must-see experience featuring world-class ice skaters and show-stopping lights and music. Surrounded by towering fountains and sparkling Christmas trees, it’s a wonderful way to experience the joy of the season.  

There is also a spectacular fireworks display each night of the event that lights up the sky to the sounds of festive Christmas songs.  

In Sesame World, families can enjoy the Sesame Street Christmas Parade featuring energetic performances, your favorite Sesame Street characters, and joyously decorated floats. Stop by Big Bird’s nest to hear him share some of his favorite Christmas (and Chanukah) stories. 

Throughout the theme park, you can have your picture taken with Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and other beloved holiday characters. Rent a pair of skates and spend some time ice skating, experience magical snow flurries, and wander through the sparkling Sea of Trees.  

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is also known for its incredible specialty food and drinks. Plan to arrive hungry so you can fill up on holiday classics and innovative new flavors that will leave you wanting seconds.  

We’re Happy to Host Your Family this Holiday Season 

One of the biggest perks to staying at a Rosen Inn this holiday season is how close you’ll be to all the theme park holiday action.  

We offer free daily shuttles to Universal Studios and SeaWorld. Our Walt Disney World Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, Rosen Inn at Lake Buena Vista, offers a free shuttle to Disney theme parks. Our other three Rosen Inn properties have a Disney shuttle available for a small fee.  

With comfortable accommodations, affordable room rates, and fabulous amenities, we’ll happily be your home for the holidays.