The holiday season transforms International Drive into a wonderland filled with sparkling lights, festive cheer, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether you’re a local or visiting Orlando for the season, there’s no shortage of magical activities to fill your days and nights. Here’s your ultimate guide to holiday happenings on I-Drive this December.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
Celebrate the holidays with SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, a spectacular event where the park sparkles with over three million twinkling lights and is bursting with festive cheer. Enjoy captivating holiday shows like Winter Wonderland on Ice and O Wondrous Night, which tells the nativity story with puppetry, music, and live animals. Meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and don’t miss the chance to wander through the shimmering Sea of Trees reflected in the park’s lagoons. The kids will love the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, and the whole family can savor seasonal treats like peppermint hot cocoa and warm gingerbread cookies.
Add some thrill to your holiday celebrations with SeaWorld’s Coasters After Dark. Ride iconic attractions like Manta, Mako, and Ice Breaker under the sparkling glow of holiday lights. These nighttime rides offer an exhilarating perspective of the park, letting you enjoy the magic of the season while satisfying your need for speed. The illuminated backdrop of the Sea of Trees and other holiday displays make this event a visual and adrenaline-packed delight.
Beach Nights at Aquatica
Celebrate the season with a tropical twist at Beach Nights at Aquatica, where the fun of a beachside retreat meets the magic of the holidays. Every Saturday evening in December, gather under the stars for a holiday movie night like no other. Stretch out on Aquatica’s sandy beaches or cozy up with a blanket as festive family favorites light up the big screen. Whether you’re enjoying a beloved classic or introducing a new favorite to your family, Beach Nights at Aquatica offers a unique and memorable way to celebrate the season.
Holidays at Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort comes alive with holiday magic, featuring special celebrations at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Experience the hilarious Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, where the Grinch and the Whos from Whoville spread holiday mischief and joy. At Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is decked out in seasonal décor, and the enchanting holiday projections on Hogwarts Castle are a must-see. End your day at the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, with enormous balloons, festive floats, and appearances by beloved characters like the Minions and Santa himself.
ICON Park: A Hub of Holiday Cheer
ICON Park is a must-visit destination on International Drive during the holidays, offering a vibrant mix of festive activities, dazzling sights, and family-friendly fun. This open-air entertainment complex transforms into a winter wonderland, blending holiday traditions with a distinctly Floridian charm. As the iconic Orlando Eye lights up in seasonal colors, the entire park comes alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season.
Nightly Snowfall: Each evening, the park becomes a winter wonderland as snowflakes drift down against a backdrop of dazzling lights. It’s the perfect way to feel the holiday spirit in the heart of Florida.
Deck the Seas at Sea LIFE Aquarium: Dive into festive fun with Deck the Seas, where you’ll encounter Santa’s underwater helpers, holiday-themed exhibits, and a chance to write a letter to Santa that will be delivered by scuba divers!
The Santa Workshop Experience: ICON Park’s Santa Workshop is a magical encounter for families. Kids can visit with Santa, share their wish lists, and snap photos to commemorate the moment.
Frostbites Winterland Adventure at the Museum of Illusions: Step into a frosty world of optical illusions, where holiday-themed exhibits and decorations add a seasonal twist to mind-bending fun.
I-Drive District Holiday Tree: This towering tree is a centerpiece of holiday celebrations on I-Drive. Adorned with lights and ornaments, it makes for the perfect holiday photo backdrop for visitors of all ages.
Winter Fun at Dezerland Park
Winter Wonderland | December 1 – 31
Dezerland Park, Orlando’s largest indoor entertainment center, transforms into a Winter Wonderland this December. Stroll through festive décor while enjoying family-friendly activities like seasonal treats and taking a ride on the Wonderland Express. Kids will delight in meeting Santa at his workshop and crafting their own toy. “Ice Skating” is also back this year, providing fun for adults and children!
Orlando Holiday Market | December 7 & 8
Shop local and get into the holiday spirit at the Orlando Holiday Market hosted at Dezerland Park. This two-day event features dozens of vendors offering handcrafted gifts, home décor, festive apparel, and more. Live music, food trucks, and family activities add to the festive atmosphere, making it a fun outing for the whole family. It’s a great way to support small businesses while finding unique gifts for your loved ones.
JoJo’s ShakeBAR Winter Wonderland
This holiday season, JoJo’s ShakeBAR transforms into a festive hotspot bursting with seasonal magic and activities for everyone. Known for its over-the-top milkshakes and nostalgic vibe, JoJo’s is taking holiday celebrations to the next level. Step inside to find whimsical décor inspired by the season, from twinkling lights to Instagram-worthy holiday displays that make it feel like a winter wonderland. Whether you’re looking to enjoy family-friendly fun, a festive date night, or a holiday outing with friends, JoJo’s offers a perfect mix of creativity, flavor, and festive cheer.
Ornament Painting: Families and groups can get crafty by decorating their own ornaments. JoJo’s provides all the materials, so you can leave with a personalized keepsake for your tree.
Holly Jolly Mixology: Adults can enjoy mixology classes featuring holiday-inspired cocktails like spiked eggnog or peppermint martinis. Perfect for date nights or friends’ outings, these sessions are as entertaining as they are delicious.
Seasonal Menu Items: Indulge in JoJo’s holiday milkshakes, decked out with festive toppings like candy canes and gingerbread cookies. Pair them with savory bites from their special holiday menu for the ultimate seasonal treat.
Live Entertainment and Festive Parties
Ugly Sweater Party at Howl at the Moon | December 20
Howl at the Moon’s annual Ugly Sweater Party is a holiday tradition filled with laughter, live music, and tacky fashion. Grab your gaudiest holiday sweater and enjoy themed drinks like Jingle Juice and Polar Espresso Shots while the dueling pianos rock out to festive tunes. Prizes for the most outrageous sweaters add an extra layer of fun to this unforgettable evening.
Hard Rock Live Holly Jolly Holiday Party | December 21
Gather up the whole band and join us in the beautiful Hard Rock Live for this kid friendly event and meet Santa Friday, December 20th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm! Celebrate the joy of the season with light bites, a holiday themed cookie decorating kit, a live DJ spinning festive tunes and pictures with Santa Claus included, it’s a rockin’ way to celebrate the season.
Holiday Matsuri | December 20–21
Holiday Matsuri at the Orange County Convention Center combines anime, cosplay, and holiday fun. Featuring costume contests, themed performances, and a holiday market, this event offers a unique twist on traditional holiday celebrations. Fans of pop culture and gaming will find this a perfect holiday gathering.
International Drive truly shines during the holiday season, offering a magical blend of festivities, entertainment, and dining that caters to all ages. Whether you’re marveling at dazzling light displays, experiencing the thrill of coasters after dark, or savoring holiday-inspired dishes, I-Drive has everything you need to make this season unforgettable. Create cherished memories with loved ones, discover unique traditions, and immerse yourself in the joy and wonder of the holidays. No matter how you choose to celebrate, International Drive is the ultimate destination for holiday cheer.