Kick-off the Holiday Season on I-Drive

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The air is crisp, the festive spirit is palpable on International Drive and the annual I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting event is just around the corner! There’s no arguing International Drive is the place to be during the holidays, so save the date and join us on December 1st to kick off the holiday season in the heart of Orlando!

I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting Event

On December 1st, join the I-Drive District for our popular annual Tree Lighting event for the perfect family celebration to kick off the holiday season! Enjoy watching as we deck the halls and light up the sky with a dazzling 50-ft Holiday Tree! The festivities kick-off at 6 PM at ICON Park, Orlando’s Largest Outdoor Entertainment District, and it promises to be an evening filled with singing, dancing, live performances, special guest appearances and special holiday surprises for the ultimate kick-off to the holiday season in the heart of Orlando!
Whether you lay out a blanket on The Lawn at ICON Park to enjoy the twinkling lights and holiday vibes, or you grab dinner at some of the popular dining spots around ICON Park like Uncle Julio’s or Yard House where you can dig into a delicious al fresco meal on their large outdoor patios for a front row seat to the event festivities – the possibilities are endless for an evening that is sure to have everyone in your crew feeling the holiday cheer. Get all the details here.
But the celebrations don’t stop there: Make a day of it! There are plenty of ways to embrace all the festive fun that makes the holiday season so special! Check out these other holiday happenings along I-Drive for a merry day spent making new memories in Orlando’s Most Dynamic Neighborhood!

The Santa Workshop Experience

Santa has set up shop at ICON Park! Through December 24th, families can partake in the joyous Santa Workshop Experience, an annual event that has delighted thousands of children over the past few years, and has been said to be second only to a visit to the North Pole. Step into The Wheelhouse at ICON Park that has been transformed into a winter wonderland!
Kids can meet Santa, snap cherished holiday photos, and enjoy complimentary rides at some of ICON Park’s most ICONic rides! Like a free ride on The Wheel in a private capsule that has been decked out with holiday flare, a free spin on the new Carousel on The Promenade, and even access to the VIP no-wait line! Adults accompanying the child can also enjoy 50% off their tickets to The Wheel, so everyone can get in on the fun!
Don’t forget! You can sync your phone to the capsule’s Bluetooth system to enjoy your favorite holiday songs while enjoying breathtaking views of the area from 400-ft up! This is a fan-favorite holiday tradition, so be sure to make a reservation in advance. Get all the details here.

A Sweet Start to the Season at JoJo’s ShakeBAR Orlando

JoJo’s ShakeBAR has transformed into a winter wonderland with all the fixings for a holiday experience worth savoring! From their delectable and bountiful holiday-themed shakes, unique hot chocolates and festive cocktails to special activities like holly jolly mixology classes, gingerbread house decorating, and a festive ornament painting activity happening on select days throughout the season!
And on December 1st, they’ll be hosting their ornament painting event from 11 am to 10 pm, so you can enjoy this festive activity with the family, while slurping down tasty treats and fueling up on delicious diner-American favorites before you head to ICON Park for the Tree Lighting event!

Cheers to the season!

Pre-Game at The Hampton Social before kicking off the festivities at ICON Park, with a special holiday-themed cocktail! Through December 31st, The Hampton Social at Pointe Orlando will be offering a limited-time cocktail called the Mistletoe Kiss! Happy Hour at The Hampton Social is Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm, so enjoy sipping on your Mistletoe Kiss cocktail for a steal, and know that for every Mistletoe Kiss cocktail sold during December, Tito’s Vodka will donate $1 to the Giving Kitchen, for up to $3,000 in donations! It’s the perfect opportunity to cheers to the season while spreading holiday joy, and also a great spot to enjoy some spirits before heading to ICON Park to catch the Tree Lighting! Learn more here.

A Chill(y) After Party at IceBar Orlando

The festive fun at the Tree Lighting event is sure to have you feeling the holiday spirit, and once the event comes to close, you may find yourself looking to keep the festive fun going strong! If this is you, a stop at IceBar Orlando for an end cap is sure to be the perfect ode to the holiday season! Bundle up in gloves, sweaters, jackets, and scarves, and head into Orlando’s only ice bar, home to the Largest Permanent IceBar in the World! Enjoy signature cocktails, delectable bites in the Fire Lounge, or if you’re avoiding the winter weather, relish in the perfect Florida winter weather on their Polar Patio. However, you decide to enjoy IceBar, it’s sure to have you feeling all the winter vibes while right here in Orlando!
As the holiday season approaches, mark your calendar and join us for the beloved I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting in the heart of Orlando – a tradition that promises joy, laughter, and the creation of unforgettable holiday memories. And be sure to browse a full list of holiday events along International Drive Orlando for a season filled with merriment and new memories.
Join us as we celebrate the magic of the season on International Drive Orlando, where festive fun and holiday-inspired events await around every corner!