Honestly, where does the time go? It felt like the summer was only just starting and we already find ourselves deep into the second half of the year. This means Christmas is fast approaching! We already know about the Christmas celebrations at Disney World Resort, which starts November 8, but what about the other festive events throughout the United States’ number 1 vacation destination, Orlando?

Traditional Christmas Events

There are some annual events, which simply scream Christmas, while others deploy a family fun activity and give it a Christmas theme. But these 3 events are incredibly traditional activities for the Christmas Season, which one do you prefer?

The Nutcracker

December 2–18, 2022 | Steinmetz Hall | 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Bring the entire family for the adventures of young Clara as she explores the fantasy world of the Mouse King, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mother Ginger. The enchantment of Orlando Ballet’s annual favorite make The Nutcracker a not-to-be-missed holiday tradition. Taking place at Dr. Phillips Performing Arts. Buy tickets here.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Friday, December 02, 2022 | 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Each year, the City of Orlando celebrates the start of the festive season with the official tree lighting ceremony of the 72-foot Christmas Tree at Lake Eola Park. On December 2nd, make your way to the park for an evening of pure Christmas delight with live entertainment, food stands and much more! Upon publishing this article, the opening times are TBC, click here for updates

Christmas Parade

There are two great parades worth seeing this year in order to celebrate Christmas to the max. The first takes place at 9-10: 30 am on December 3rd and it is the longest running parade in Central Florida. It will be parading through Winter in the Park, don’t miss Ye Old Hometown Christmas Parade. The second parade worth noting is the Universal’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida. For spectacular floats and huge Christmas themed balloons, like the Thanksgiving Macy’s parade, stand in the theme park’s streets for this evening delight. Check in the park for dates and times.

Other Spectacular Christmas Events in Orlando

Legoland Florida Resort will be adding some Christmas fun celebrations this year.  You can admire a 30-foot Lego Christmas Tree without an additional park ticket. Also, children can meet Lego Santa and play in his sleigh with reindeer. A family photo here would make a great Christmas card for next Christmas.

Wizards and Muggles are invited to Universal’s Island of Adventure to experience Christmas at Hogwarts. Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially opens on November 12^th, get your wands ready! As well as Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade being winterly transformed, visitors can eat and drink seasonal treats, see the “Singing Sorceress” Celestina Warbeck perform festive songs and embrace the jolly season as Hogwarts is lit up like a Christmas Tree, complete with laser show.

With so many exciting Christmas celebrations to experience, which ones will you choose? Either way, you are sure to return home feeling full of festive cheer.

Don’t miss out on other holiday celebrations in Orlando such as: Universal Orlando Holiday Celebrations, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Sea World Orlando Christmas Celebrations, and much more!