Christmas Events in Orlando (that aren’t theme parks!)

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Christmas in Orlando may bring to mind the magical theme park decorations at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida and I’m a big fan of Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but those come with a high price tag! A notable attraction during the holiday season is the giant LEGO Christmas tree at Legoland Florida, featuring an impressive 360-degree light show. But today I’m sharing some of my favorite alternative ways to enjoy Christmas in Orlando without having to buy a theme park ticket! Let’s get in the holiday spirit!

Kelsey Weinkauf/Unsplash

Gingerbread Houses at the Disney Hotels

Dates: Grand Floridian opened November 6, 2024, Animal Kingdom Lodge November 24, 2024, BoardWalk November 12, 2024, Contemporary Resort November 8, 2024, Wilderness Lodge November 21, 2024

Every holiday season, several of Walt Disney World’s deluxe resorts decorate their lobbies with larger-than-life gingerbread creations. The largest and most well-known of these gingerbread creations is the larger gingerbread house in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa that serves as a seasonal shop to sell, you guessed it, gingerbread treats! The other hotels do thematic gingerbread displays and you may see a gingerbread giraffe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or a gingerbread lighthouse at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.

Visiting these hotels is free, but parking is restricted, especially during the holiday season. Your best bet is to park at Disney Springs and take the free shuttle bus to the resorts of your choice.

Lori Barbely

Hi, I’m Lori. But you can call me Lors. I’m a middle-aged New Jersey-born gal, currently based in Orlando, Florida. My background is in editorial travel photography and writing and I've been to more than 30 countries. I’m obsessed with tropical locales and my favorite city is Tokyo. Have camera, will travel! I’m a Disney adult, Lord of the Rings fan, certified crazy cat lady, and sushi addict! I hope this blog inspires your wanderlust. Feel free to follow me on Instagram for snippets of daily life on and off the road.