Christmas in Orlando doesn’t come with snow, but it does come with lights, ice, parades and a party bus. If you’re wondering where the fun is this holiday season, here are our top picks for Christmas 2026, from walk-through light shows to a night out where nobody has to drive.
Quick Picks by Crowd
Our Top 5 for Christmas 2026
1Ride a Party Bus Through Orlando’s Lights
- Every Wed & Sun
- Dec 9 – Jan 3
- $47.41 per ticket
We’re a little biased, but this is the easiest way to see Orlando’s best Christmas lights without sitting in traffic. Light Up The Holidays is our festive party bus tour: you board at The Mall at Millenia at 6:00 PM, the holiday playlist goes on, and we drive you to mystery stops packed with dazzling lights.
Cookies, egg nog, apple cider and Christmas goodies are on board (plus spiced rum for guests of legal drinking age). Ugly sweaters are highly encouraged, and the bus leaves at 6:15 PM sharp.
2Walk Through Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
- Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
- Harry P. Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens turns into a walk-through light show for the season, and this year’s version is its biggest yet. New for 2026: a 50-foot illuminated snowman in the Rose Garden, a 60-foot tunnel of glowing poinsettias, a forest of choreographed Christmas trees and a Twinkle Market where you can grab a bite and a drink while the lights put on a show.
Best for: couples and families who want a relaxed evening stroll close to downtown.
3Bundle Up for ICE! at Gaylord Palms
- Nov 13, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
- Kissimmee
Christmas at Gaylord Palms brings back ICE!, a frozen walk-through world carved entirely from ice, and this year it features The Polar Express. It’s one of the few places in Central Florida where you’ll need a coat in December, and it pairs well with the resort’s other holiday activities.
Best for: families with kids and anyone who misses a real winter.
4Celebrate Christmas at Universal Orlando
- Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
- All three parks
Universal goes all in for the holidays: Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. 2026 is also the first holiday season with festive décor at Epic Universe, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and the Isle of Berk.
Best for: theme park fans and big groups with a full day to spare.
5Find the Magic at Walt Disney World
- Very Merry: Nov 8 – Dec 22
- Jollywood: Nov 7 – Jan 5
- EPCOT: Nov 27 – Dec 30
Disney stretches the season across three parks. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes over Magic Kingdom on select nights, Disney Jollywood Nights brings a separately ticketed holiday party to Hollywood Studios, and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays fills World Showcase with holiday food and traditions from around the world.
Best for: Disney lovers. Book the party nights early, since they’re separately ticketed and popular nights can sell out.
Dates are as announced by each venue for the 2026 season. Check their official websites before you go, since schedules and ticket options can change.
How to Do Christmas in Orlando Without the Stress
- Book early. Party nights, weekends and the week before Christmas sell out first.
- Go on a weeknight. Weeknights are usually calmer than weekends, and our Wednesday rides are a great pick.
- Skip the driving. Traffic and parking are the fastest way to lose your holiday spirit. Ride with us on Light Up The Holidays, or book a private ride to any event on this list.
- Dress the part. A festive sweater makes every photo better.
Want a Private Ride to Any of These?
Heading to a theme park party, the gardens or an office holiday outing with a big group? Our fleet is available for private bookings all season long, from The Royale stretch Hummer for up to 14 guests to The Adventure party bus for up to 30. Everyone rides together, and nobody has to drive home.
Quick FAQs
When does the Christmas season start in Orlando?
Most of the big holiday events start in early to mid-November. Disney and Universal begin their celebrations in early and mid-November, Gaylord Palms opens Nov 13, and Leu Gardens lights up Nov 20. Light Up The Holidays runs Wednesdays and Sundays from Dec 9 to Jan 3.
What’s the easiest way to see Christmas lights in Orlando without driving?
Let someone else drive. Light Up The Holidays takes you to the lights on our party bus, and if you’d rather visit any other spot on this list, you can book a private LimoVenture ride for your group.
Is Light Up The Holidays family-friendly?
Yes. It’s open to all ages, so the whole family can come along.
What should I wear?
For our party bus, the uglier the Christmas sweater, the better. For ICE! at Gaylord Palms, bring a warm layer because the attraction is kept cold.
