10 Things to Do in Orlando in December

The last month of the year is a popular time to visit Orlando for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the cool weather is a relief from the Florida heat. Secondly, many special celebrations take place during this month, surrounding the Christmas season. As a result, the city's theme parks and events are at their peak, offering a myriad of entertainment options to visitors.

From the majesty of EPCOT to the euphoria of Grinchmas at Universal, every corner of the city offers festive magic and in this article I list the best things to see and do in Orlando in December.

SeaWorld transforms into a winter wonderland in December embracing Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Visit the dazzling**"Sea of Trees**", where a hundred Christmas trees float on the lake, creating a glowing forest with a gigantic 21.5-metre central tree.

The Sesame Street Christmas parade brings joy to fans with endearing characters. Don't miss the**"Winter Wonderland on Ice**", where world-class skaters perform acrobatic stunts under the shadow of the park's light display. Rudolph's Christmas Town also makes it into the top things to do in Orlando with kids. It offers an immersion into Rudolph's history, with an outdoor skating rink for the whole family.

Each night SeaWorld closes the day with a fireworks and fountain show synchronised to seasonal music, it's an experience with a magical glow.

Details of interest

• Address: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando.
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 09:00 - 21:00 hours. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 09:00 - 22:00 hours. However, for special events such as Christmas or New Year's Eve, opening hours may vary.

Immerse yourself in the holiday magic when you visit Universal Orlando during December and celebrate Grinchmas, an experience that combines joy and fun for the whole family in a 2-for-1 event. What's it all about?

The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, one of the best shows in Orlando, has become a holiday classic where pop culture icons come to life. The event is a Universal collaboration with Macy's, and features floats, parades and live performances inspired by films such as "My Favourite Villain", "Madagascar", "Minions", "Shrek" and many other nods to Universal's filmography.

As if that weren't enough, Dr. Seuss fans have the opportunity to delight in the antics of "The Who" and the undisputed grumpy Grinch. Also, Father Christmas and "Hogwarts" valedictorian Harry Potter are present at this Christmas event that is reinvented every year at Universal Orlando Resort.

Details of interest

• Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando.
• Hours: Grinchmas runs from the third week of November through December 31. The parks are open from 09:00 - 20:00 hours.

Yes, some of the best things to do in Orlando include shopping. What's interesting is that while in other cities flea markets are the tradition, in Orlando it's the outdoor m alls that get the attention. The most popular are:

• Downtown Disney Christmas Market, known as Disney Springs, is a sensory delight from the house of mouse. With rows of stalls displaying everything from handmade ornaments, a fantasy of decorations to Disney products, this market immerses you in the joyous seasonal atmosphere.Where is it located? 1486 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista.

• Another gem is The Promenade at Sunset Walk, a complex that combines trendy shops, upscale restaurants and special events such as The Street Market on Saturday nights. The motto of this market is "It's all happening here", and they certainly live up to that phrase.Where is it located? Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. Kissimmee.

• Looking for exceptional deals? Head to Orlando Premium Outlets on International Drive, the ideal destination to get your favourite brands at irresistible prices. Make shopping an immersive experience and discover the best deals while you get into the Orlando holiday spirit - don't miss out on these fun shopping opportunities!Where to find the discounts? 4951 International Dr. Orlando.

Experience the excitement of the NBA in Orlando during your stay in December. The season's games come alive with a special atmosphere. Don't miss your chance to soak up the basketball heat at the Amway Center. Make sure you know how to buy tickets to an NBA game in Orlando in advance, especially for the exciting match-ups against teams like the Miami Heat, perennial home rivals.

If you plan ahead, you could find some amazing deals. Even for the most sceptical, basketball fever is a good plan to include among the things to do in Orlando at night.

Details of interest

• Address: 400 W Church St, Orlando.
• Hours: Depends on the game.

Day trips to Kennedy Space Center from Orlando pique the curiosity of thousands any time of year, and in December it offers a unique connection to the stars, creating unforgettable memories by offering the chance to send a postcard into space this holiday season.

Tour the NASA facility, see its incredible rocket exhibit, have lunch with an astronaut, stand on the launch pads and enjoy the many interactive space-related resources at this centre located just an hour's drive from downtown Orlando.

Gather your family or friends to enjoy the Pepsi® Zero Sugar Holiday Village, a festive park within the complex with daily parties, DJs, immersive experiences and educational activities. The experience combines the awe of the space with the holiday spirit, not to be missed in December.

Details of interest

• Address: NASA Kennedy Space Center Fire Rescue Station #4, Florida 32899.
• Hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 - 18:00 hours. Please note that it is closed on Christmas and New Year's Day.

Experience the holiday magic at ICON Park by riding The Wheel, the Ferris wheel with the best views of the city at 121 metres high. Enjoy a serene escape from the holiday hustle and bustle and capture breathtaking photos of Orlando.

In addition to the panoramic view, ICON Park hosts a Santa workshop throughout the month of December, where children can meet Santa, hand him their letters, have their photos taken, and even receive a surprise gift from their parents.

This amusement park is a perfect place to take one of the best tours in Orlando given the range of attractions on offer. Namely, you can:

• Enter WonderWorks, a 2,600-metre space with more than a hundred interactive exhibits to challenge the minds of adults and children.
• EnterMadame Tussauds Museum, the multiverse of celebrities in wax.
• Enter the Orlando Museum of Illusions, an immersive museum where nothing is as it seems.
• Enter the Sea Life aquarium in Orlando, an aquarium with over 5,000 fish and dozens of exhibits, where Sharky, the on-site mascot, brings Christmas from the depths of the sea.

Explore the different experiences at ICON Park and create unforgettable memories in Orlando in December!

Details of interest

• Address: 8375 International Dr, Orlando.
• Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm. Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 - 24:00 hours.

Wrap up warm, then experience the unique ICE! ice sculpture exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort. Admire the incredible creations made from tons of ice and slide down the two-story ice slides. This holiday tradition allows families to explore a 5,000-square-foot frozen attraction filled with unique ice sculptures.

A team of 40 artisans work for at least six weeks to transform 7,000 blocks of ice into new themed masterpieces each year, from "The Whos" and the Grinch to**"Snoopy and Charlie Brown**".

On the other hand, it's not just the sculptors who shine - on the boards, actors often have their show with a classic play. Enjoy theatrical performances, such as the immersive play inspired by "Elf", where you follow Buddy the Elf on an interactive adventure to bring Christmas cheer to Kringle 3000.

Get ready for escape rooms, circuses, choirs, games, workshops, gingerbread houses, surprises, photos and the theme of the year in this frozen adventure at Gaylord Palms Resort in December.

Details of interest

• Address: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Kissimmee, Florida.
• Hours: Monday - Sunday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm.

With your LEGOLAND Florida Park ticket, you can enjoy a Bricktacular Christmas every December. The park is filled with colourful attractions and millions of LEGO bricks form the most creative decorations of the season.

The star of the event is the 9-metre Christmas tree, completely made of LEGO, accompanied by a light show, ideal to enjoy with the little ones in the house.

Let your imagination run wild with a themed treasure hunt, festive building activities, the Pirate River Quest ride, as well as the chance to meet LEGO Father Christmas and LEGO Toy Soldier. Celebrate the holidays LEGOLAND Florida style, where holiday fun includes shows, giveaways, parades, games, twinkling lights and surprises for the whole family to enjoy.

Details of interest

• Address: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, Florida.
• Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm.

Attend the EPCOT International Festival, a culinary tradition that draws families from around the world, allowing you to explore the holiday cuisines of a dozen countries.

Stroll among the pavilions, shop seasonally and enjoy costumed performers who illustrate each country's holiday spirit. Then follow the Gingerbread Cookie Trail, buy a variety of these themed treats and get stamps in your biscuit passport accompanied by a special reward.

Finally, I recommend listening to the moving Candlelight Processional, where celebrities tell the Christmas story accompanied by an orchestra. With traditional foods, live music, light displays, parades and cultural exhibits, there's no doubt why EPCOT is one of the best Orlando theme parks to visit in December with family and friends.

Details of interest

• Address: Walt Disney World Resort, Bay Lake, Florida.
• Hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 - 21:30 hours.

Make a sweet experience at Chocolate Kingdom one of your Christmas things to do in Orlando. During your visit to the factory, you'll be able to observe the entire manufacturing process. From the ideal type of cocoa bean for each chocolate bar, to the tempering just before the final bar.

Accompanied by an expert chocolatier, explore the factory, the assembly tables and visit the cocoa tree greenhouse, a mystical chocolate river (no Oompa Loompas, we checked). Finally, a traditional machinery that is active.

Feel the magic comparable to that of Mr. Wonka! Plus, take the opportunity to create your own personalised chocolate bar and take it home as a delicious souvenir of this experience included in the best Orlando sightseeing passes.

Interesting details

• Address: 9901 Hawaiian Ct, Orlando.
• Hours: Monday - Sunday 11:30am - 5:00pm.

Enjoy the magical holiday season by attending the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra's Christmas concert, a highlight in December.

Immerse yourself in the festive magic as the orchestra showcases its exceptional talent, performing an eclectic selection of holiday classics, from serene melodies to lively carols. The concert hall is imbued with the emotionality of strings, winds, brass and percussion, creating a symphony that lifts the spirit and warms the heart. Father Christmas takes the stage to merge his voice with the rest of the performers.

From classical repertoire to disruptive proposals, the orchestra's concerts vibrate with the audience, making for a memorable experience.

Details of interest

• Address: 425 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando.
• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Unlike the heat of July, December is perfect for outdoor activities; in fact, December is among the best times of the year to visit Orlando's parks, according to Business Insider.

Orlando in December offers lovely weather. Daily highs drop to 21.5°C, creating a cool and pleasant atmosphere. Lows drop to 12°C, providing cool but comfortable nights, and while temperatures are variable, they rarely drop below 15.5°C or rise above 27.7°C. The recommendation is to keep an eye on the official weather page for changes.

Orlando is buzzing with festive energy and activities, making the city a hot holiday destination because you'll be in the middle of peak season.

The first fortnight is your best bet if you're looking to avoid crowds, as many schools are still in session. Fares are cheaper these days, offering smart savings for early travellers. However, be prepared for a surge in visitors mid-month, when schools close and the magic of the festivities increases.