Holiday Happenings on I-Drive

Friday, December 8, 2023
The holiday season is in full swing, and International Drive is bustling with a spectacular lineup of festive events that are sure to enchant visitors of all ages. From dazzling light displays to festive celebrations, here's a sneak peek into the exciting holiday happenings that are bringing the magic of the season to life right here in Orlando’s Most Dynamic Neighborhood!
 

Holidays at Universal

During the holiday season, Universal Orlando pulls out all the stops to offer guests an unforgettable festive holiday season where the magic of the holidays meets the excitement of your favorite movies and characters. Aside from the many thrilling experiences that await you during a day spent at Universal Orlando - you can also sprinkle some holiday magic into your visit.
 
Experience Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can enjoy seasonal shows, decor, and tasty treats in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure. Stand in awe as you watch giant balloons fill the streets at Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s with characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek! And of course, you can’t miss a trip to Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure, where you can get together with resident Who’s and enjoy the music and fun of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring the Grinch himself! This holiday season, there’s no shortage of festive fun for the family at Universal Orlando. Learn more today.
 

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season at SeaWorld Orlando during their award-winning magical Christmas Celebration! SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is a family-favorite annual holiday celebration in Orlando! And this year, many of their most popular holiday event features will return alongside some all-new festive experiences for you to enjoy with family and friends in the heart of Orlando!
 
 
Returning favorites include the mesmerizing Sea of Trees with over three million lights choreographed to music, Rudolph’s Christmas Town, and the beloved Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale. And this year, get ready for new enchantments like "Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen," a delightful show blending holiday magic and culinary chaos, and the debut of the Christmas Market in Wild Arctic Plaza featuring a winter wonderland filled with culinary delights and festive music. Go ice skating, enjoy the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, and even check for special Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations happening throughout the season, too. Its a season of magic and wonder at SeaWorld Orlando, from the breathtaking live shows, to the enchanting holiday decor and festive fun - the whole family is sure to enjoy an unforgettable experience filled with wonder and joy. Get all the details here.
 
Credit: Funspot.com

Fun Spot’s Huge Christmas 

Fun Spot America is spreading holiday cheer with their Huge Christmas event, that makes finding festive fun at a great price in the heart of Orlando a Christmas-dream come true! Enjoy all of your favorite Fun Spot America attractions, plus dazzling lights, festive decorations, special holiday entertainment, tasty holiday treats, themed Foto spots, and more, making it the perfect place to create cherished memories with loved ones this holiday season! Stop to appreciate the Trees of Light, snap memorable holiday-themed photos with your loved ones, and relish in the Christmas spirit with festive fun around every corner. Learn more about celebrating the holiday season at Fun Spot here
 

ICONic Holiday Fun at the one and only ICON Park

The Santa Workshop Experience

The jingle bells are ringing at ICON Park because Santa is officially back in town, bringing guests in Orlando the opportunity to get the best holiday photos around Orlando with an experience that many say is second only to a visit to the North Pole!
 
 
Make a reservation to meet with Santa in The Wheelhouse at ICON Park, where you’ll step into a winter wonderland and your kiddo’s can get their annual photos with the big man in red himself! But the fun doesn’t stop there! Each child who participates will receive a free ride on the new Carousel on The Promenade, a complimentary ride on The Wheel in a holiday-themed capsule, and access to the VIP no-wait line! Guests accompanying the child can also receive 50% off their ticket to ride The Wheel.
 
Tip: Be sure to connect your phone to your capsule’s bluetooth system so you can play your family’s favorite Christmas carol playlist as you enjoy views of the City Beautiful from 400 ft up for a truly memorable experience in the heart of Orlando!
 

Other Holiday Happenings at ICON

But this holiday season, there’s even more to enjoy around ICON Park for a dazzling experience! Throughout December, the entire 20-acre outdoor entertainment complex will transform into a festive wonderland! Take a stroll and stop by the official holiday tree of the I-Drive District, revel in the magic of nightly snowfall on The Lawn, and enjoy the sound of live carolers every Saturday evening and throughout the holiday week from December 23rd to 25th. Plus, look to the sky to watch as The Wheel joins in the holiday spirit with a captivating light show, choreographing its 64,000 LED lights to a festive soundtrack at 8 pm and 10 pm on select nights, followed by a special appearance by Santa!
 
Also, attractions like the Museum of Illusions and SEA LIFE Orlando will be putting together special holiday experiences for guests to enjoy throughout the season. With free parking and no admission charge, a trip to ICON Park to embrace the magic of the holiday season is a must during your time on I-Drive this holiday season! Get all the details about the holiday happenings at this ICONic family-favorite destination and start planning for an incredible holiday celebration!
 

The Nutcracker by The Central Florida Ballet

Get ready to experience the timeless tale of the Nutcracker brought to life by the Central Florida Ballet at the world-famous Orange County Convention Center on December 16th and 17th. Since its debut in 2001, this production has captivated audiences with its blend of Tchaikovsky's timeless score and cutting-edge technology, featuring dazzling pyrotechnics and fiber-optic innovations that bring the classic tale to life. From breathtaking aerialists to an awe-inspiring Christmas dream illuminated by phosphorescent paint and moving props, every moment promises a magical experience for the entire family. Don't miss the chance to explore the Nutcracker Boutique, boasting an array of holiday treasures, or participate in the online Nutcracker Silent Auction. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the joy of dance and create unforgettable memories with loved ones this holiday season! Learn more today!
 

Ugly Sweater Party at Howl at the Moon

On December 22nd, head to Howl at the Moon to partake in the Ugly Sweater tradition and embrace the holiday hilarity! Dig out that outrageous holiday sweater and join in the festive fun at Howl at the Moon with live music, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere that will have you dancing the night away! And when choosing your sweater for the occasion, remember: the uglier the sweater, the better, because your crime against fashion gives you the chance to win a prize in their Ugly Sweater Contest! Learn more
 

Krampus Party at Gods and Monsters

Seeking a unique twist on the holiday season? Gods and Monsters is Orlando’s favorite stop for comics, graphic novels, toys, games, movie merch and more, and is home to a locally-famous bar, VAULT5421, their post-apocalyptic craft beer bar, complete with gaming areas, an arcade, and atrium! If you’re visiting I-Drive this holiday season, it is the perfect time to experience a Gods and Monsters party at their Killer Krampus Party on December 16th!
 
This event is free and gives guests a chance to enjoy photo ops with Krampus, sip on themed cocktails, jam to dark tunes and watch classic Krampus films as cosplay cage-dancers keep the party going late into the night! Plus, if you attend wearing your favorite Winter Solstice Monster cosplay or festive holiday attire, you’ll receive 1 free shot or soda with your first bar purchase! Explore the darker side of holiday folklore with this unconventional celebration featuring themed activities and a delightfully sinister ambiance. Get all the details today! 
 

Breakfast with Santa at Maggiano's 

Drool-worthy bites with Santa… there’s no better way to start a day of festive family fun on I-Drive! Make your holiday celebrations extra special by starting the day with Breakfast with Santa at Maggiano's on select days from 8:30am- 10:30am through December 17th. Treat your family to a delightful morning filled with a buffet boasting all your breakfast favorites, holiday crafts, and, of course, a chance to meet Santa himself. Get the details here
 
As the holiday season unfolds, International Drive becomes a magical destination where the spirit of the season comes to life in captivating ways - and no matter how you do the holidays, there’s festive fun for everyone in Orlando’s Most Dynamic Neighborhood! Join us in creating unforgettable memories and spreading joy throughout the season at these festive events, and be sure to check out all of the upcoming events coming to I-Drive at InternationalDriveOrlando.com/events to make this holiday season one for the books!
 
12/8/2023