Don’t be fooled by our palm trees and warm weather; in Orlando, we love Christmas as much as any snow-covered city.  

From extravagant light displays to festive visits with none other than Santa Claus himself, the spirit of the season is alive and well in the City Beautiful.  

At Rosen Inns, we’ve been celebrating Christmas in style for decades, making the holiday season special for our guests year after year.  

Here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate Christmas in Orlando.  

This blog was last updated on January 31, 2024. All events are based off 2024 participation. Stay tuned for 2025 updates.)  

Feast on a Christmas Day Buffet

For many families, the best part of Christmas is sitting down to a beautiful meal and spending time at the table together.  

Whether you’re away from home for the holiday or a local looking to avoid a kitchen full of dishes, a great Christmas Day buffet is a wonderful way to celebrate together.  

Rosen Hotels & Resorts knows the importance of a traditional, celebratory meal on Christmas. That’s why we host not one, but five Christmas Day buffets at our hotels.  

Enjoy a buffet menu laden with classic holiday dishes at Rosen Inn International, Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, and Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, perfect to accompany quality time with the ones you love most.  

Our sister properties, Rosen Plaza, Rosen Centre, and Rosen Shingle Creek also host magnificent Christmas Day buffets and multi-course dinners that take holiday dining to the next level.  

Whatever your culinary preference and your budget, Rosen Hotels & Resorts has a Christmas Day feast that allows you to savor every bite knowing you get to be the guest while we indulge you as your host.

Say Hello to Santa  

Even Santa can’t resist an Orlando vacation leading up to his busiest day of the year.  

You can find the big man in red visiting several Florida malls, serving as the guest of honor at wintery celebrations, and even bringing magic to Disney Springs throughout the season.  

One of our "Most Florida” Santa sightings is at Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland event. Head to the banks of the Wekiva River and visit Santa, join Mrs. Claus for cookies and story time, and enjoy live holiday entertainment.  

Nearby on International Drive, ICON Park hosts Santa in his workshop for a wonderfully detailed Santa experience that typically includes discounted admission to other family-friendly ICON Park entertainment.  

Lake Nona’s Oh, What Fun! celebration features snowfall, tasty treats, seasonally themed acrobatic circus shows, and of course, story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus at their cozy cottage.  

Looking for all the best places to see Santa this Christmas? Check out all our favorite Santa spots here.  

Take in Christmas Lights  

One of the best parts of the Christmas season is watching the world around you transform into a twinkling paradise of festive lights.  

In downtown Orlando, Lake Eola glitters with lights and decorations, perfect for an evening stroll around the lake set to the sounds of joyous Christmas music.  

Leu Gardens hosts Dazzling Nights, an immersive light event with interactive light exhibits guests of all ages can enjoy. It’s the perfect family night out or cozy holiday date activity.  

We’ve highlighted the best places to see Christmas lights in Orlando for you here.  

Visit the Theme Parks  

While Orlando’s theme parks are magical year-round, during November and December, they exude festive cheer that could rival the North Pole.  

At Disney’s Magic Kingdom, you can attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a separately ticketed event with special holiday parades, fireworks, treats, and character meet-and-greets.  

All the Disney theme parks get a special holiday makeover for the season and special touches that will surely get you into the spirit for celebrating.  

Universal Studios Florida also observes the holidays with a special parade featuring retired Macy’s balloons and your favorite Dreamworks characters from movies like Shrek, Madagascar, and Despicable Me.  

Next door at Universal’s Islands of Adventure you’ll find Seuss Landing has been taken over by the Who’s and the dastardly green Grinch with his comical shenanigans.  

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration is full of festive treats, jolly parades and activities, and opportunities to meet Santa, Rudolph, and other Christmas characters.  

For more details on how Orlando theme parks celebrate Christmas, check out our blog here.

Finish your Holiday Shopping

Still looking to cross a few friends and family members off your Christmas list? Orlando is home to some of the best malls, outlet malls, shopping complexes, and charming main street shops in Florida.  

Check out discounted fashion, accessories, home goods, and more from the biggest names at the Orlando International Premium Outlets and the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.  

Disney Springs is a fabulous outdoor shopping complex with stores selling the hottest Disney merch and treasures from brands like Anthropologie, lululemon, and Free People. A shopping day at Disney Springs is entertainment in and of itself.  

If you’re looking to shop local and get a small-town experience, make your way to neighborhoods like Winter Garden, Winter Park, and Ivanhoe Village.  

Here is our list of Orlando’s best destinations for holiday shopping this year.  

Stay at a Rosen Inn for Your Holiday Celebrations

Whatever excitement you have planned for the holiday season, be our guest at a Rosen Inn property.  

Our friendly, welcoming staff will ensure you feel cared for and comfortable during your stay so you can focus on making memories, upholding family traditions, and creating new ones.  

We can’t wait to ho-ho-host you for the holidays this year.