Peterbrooke Chocolatier Winter Park Fl
Ready to give yourself a very chocolatey Christmas? Indulge in all things cocoa and nice at Peterbrook Chocolatier. This European-style chocolate shop delivers a high-quality hot chocolate that’s topped with whipped cream, crushed peppermint, and a solid chocolate rim.
Pro Tip: Need to bring the sweet treats home for some very thirsty elves? Peterbrooke also sells various hot chocolate bombs and blocks in flavors like peppermint, Mexican Hot Chocolate, dark, white, and vegan dark chocolate.
You can also purchase holiday-themed chocolate snowmen, a chocolate house building kit, and the ever-popular peppermint bark.
Baby, its cold outside in Orlando, but that doesnt mean Christmas is nowhere to be found.
All over central Florida, theme parks, parades, and Santas villages are illuminated by the smiles of happy children and sparkling festive lights.
Whether you are jingling all the way home with Harry and Hagrid or marveling at the beauty of the Nutcracker ballet, there are so many ways to celebrate the snowy season here in Orlando.
However you decide to spend your Floridian holiday, we hope you are surrounded by all of the joy, gratitude, and hope of this happiest time of year!
Celebrate The Holidays In The Theme Parks
From the return of the EPCOT Candlelight Processional to holiday magic in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Orlando’s theme parks are touched with an extra dose of magic during the holidays. We’ve got a guide to celebrating the holidays at Disney and also at Universal to help you plan your holiday date nights.
Light Up The Holidays At Altamonte Springs
For a firework show you dont need an entry ticket for, head to Altamonte Springs in December 4th. Here they have their Light Up the Holiday event which includes a firework show at 6:30. I have been there for their Fourth of July fireworks and they are honestly the best I have seen outside of Disney! So definitely check this out for free fireworks, in addition to holiday displays and entertainment.
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Oh What Fun Holiday Festival
Enjoy this winter wonderland in Lake Nona Town Center featuring outdoor skating, snow, twinkling lights and dazzling decorations, festive treats, and one-of-a-kind performances that are guaranteed to spread some much-needed holiday cheer. Snow fall happens hourly. Some activities, like ice skating, are available to enjoy for a fee.
Santas Enchanted Forest At Hialeah

For a Christmas themed carnival with rides, shows, lights and treats, Santas Enchanted Forest is one of the biggest events near Miami. Now in Hialeah this year, this seasonal amusement park is fun for all ages. It opens right after Halloween and costs about $30 per person. Highlights include the light displays, giant Christmas trees and carnival rides.
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Light Up The Holidays At Cranes Roost Park In Altamonte Springs
Date & Time: December 4 – January 2 starting at duskCost: FREELocation: Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs
Celebrate the season with the City of Altamonte Springs at the annual Light Up the Holidays event at Cranes Roost Park. Along with live music and entertainment, train rides, kids activities and Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy one of the only Christmas fireworks displays in Orlando. Don’t miss out on the 200,000 Christmas lights and the 60-foot tree that remain on display throughout the season.
The Holiday Fountain Show happens hourly from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night with the water and lights synchronized with holiday music. There will also be live music on December 3, 10, and 17 from 7 – 9 p.m.
Winter Weather In Orlando
Tired of spending Christmas in the cold? Then head to the Sunshine State! The weeks before and after Christmas are wonderfully warm, allowing you to swap frosty winter mornings for family pool time. Temperatures in Orlando can reach the mid-70s through December so youll be able to leave your winter jacket at home. Its the ideal destination for winter sun and warm weather. If you fancy a family beach vacation this Christmas, then Orlando is a great place to go. This super-detailed guide has more tips on the best time to visit Florida.
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Mickeys Christmas Party In Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom also exclusively offers an after hours Christmas party at Disney, one of the most popular Disney Christmas events. This special event includes everything from access to rides, holiday treats and drinks, snow on main street and performances throughout the evening.
Note: Disney just announced the event lineup for Disney Christmas 2021 that will include a Disney Very Merriest After Hours party plus Minnies Wonderful Christmas Fireworks. It looks like the best time if youve ever considered Disney World at Christmas time!
Looking to spend more time in Disney World at Christmas outside of Magic Kingdom? Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot also offer a number of decorations and special performances during the holidays. Most of the festivities occur from the beginning of November until the beginning of January, however, actual dates vary. For more info on Walt Disney World Christmas events, see here.
Winter Park Boat Parade & Water Ski Extravaganza
Only in Orlando at Christmas can you celebrate by watching an elaborate holiday-themed show on Lake Virginia!
The activities start at 3 PM with the Rollins Ski Team performing a daring and holiday-themed showcase of water acrobatics choreographed to your favorite Christmas tunes. The best views can be seen from Rollins College, the Cornell Fine Arts Museum, and Dinky Dock if you are coming to attend this Christmas event in Orlando.
At 5:30, the competitive boat parade begins! Contestants take this community tradition very seriously and completely deck out their boats, with prizes awarded for Best Boat, Best Winter Park Boat, and of course, Best Santa Boat. This is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in Orlando like a true Floridian.
The Winter Park Boat Parade & Waterski Extravaganza is free, but donations are accepted. A concession stand is also available. All proceeds go to the Winter Park High School food pantry, which alleviates hunger in the area. If you are looking for free things to do in Orlando for Christmas, this is the place to be.
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Christmas In Winter Garden Florida
With the help of the citys elves, Winter Garden transforms into a festive wonderland with beautiful decorations and dazzling lights. Over the festive period, a whole host of seasonal activities are on offer including making a gingerbread house, outdoor festive films and the annual Santa Bike Ride.
You will also find the Winter Wonderland maze, holiday-themed photo locations and the Very Merry Farmers Market.
Explore Magic Kingdom At Walt Disney World Resort
Explore the incredible Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort with your kids this Christmas. Visit Mickeyâs Christmas party and have fun meeting popular Disney characters. Visit the sparkling Cinderella Castle, and feast on lip-smacking sweets. Wave at your Disney pals as you watch the festive parade. Marvel at Minnieâs splendid fireworks show. You will find many surprises as you tour the park.
Walt Disney World Resort
A post shared by Shawn Petrunak on Dec 17, 2016 at 2:40pm PST
If you are looking for a spectacular musical act in Orlando, catch a performance by the Singing Christmas Trees at First Baptist Orlando. For more than 30 years, this event has been one of the most beloved yuletide traditions of Central Florida. This show is a Christmas classic that features a powerful drama, a great choir, praiseworthy dance, a full orchestra, and two incredible 45-ft tall Christmas trees adorned with 250,000 lights. Before the event starts, stroll through the amazing Bethlehem Village, or visit the petting zoo to meet some lovely, live animals with your kids.
Singing Christmas Trees
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Holiday Events At Walt Disney World
Through December 30, 2021
Magic Kingdom has put Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party on hiatus this year, but they are still bringing home the magic with with an after-hours Very Merriest After-Hours Party. Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are also decorated and will have character cavalcades throughout the day. The Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Holidays starts on November 26-December 30, 2021 with the sights, sounds and tastes of the season from cultures around the world.
Garden Grove Christmas Lights

Dates & Times: Evenings in DecemberCost: FREE Location: Garden Grove Circle, Winter Park, Florida
This neighborhood has been one of my favorite Christmas light displays for years. It started out with just a couple of houses going all out for Christmas, but now quite a few homes in the neighborhood get into it.
Parking is limited and some people choose to just drive the circular neighborhood. Your best bet is to find parking anywhere in the neighborhood and walk the short loop.
The main house is one of the first ones you see when you drive in. This house is completely covered and even features a display in the garage and in the windows. Several other houses in the neighborhood also go all out, so don’t just see this first house and leave.
Again, remember that this is a private neighborhood and private residences. Please be respectful of their property and the work they put into these displays.
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Where To Watch Christmas Movies
It doesn’t get more classic than cuddling up to watch holiday films together! From free outdoor movies to Christmas classics returning to the big screen, here’s where to see holiday movies in Orlando this season.
Friday nights November 26 December 17, 6pm Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co.Enjoy free outdoor screenings of Christmas classics plus onsite vendors.FREE
- The Santa Clause December 3
- The Grinch December 17
What To Do In Orlandos New Years Eve
The New Year celebrations: Are you going to Orlando for New Year celebrations? Visit the largest theme parks and fireworks. During New Years Eve, the fantasy in the sky Fireworks at Magic kingdom is at 11:50 PM before the celebration at the front of the castle. On New Years Eve, Epcothas a special finale for Harmonious. Alternatively, you may watch New Years music and fireworks festival at SeaWorld.
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Greg Warmoth Reindeer Run
Date & Time: December 11, 2021 at 7:15 a.m.Cost: $32 and upLocation: Usually at SeaWorld Orlando
Run 3 miles through SeaWorld Orlando with the Greg Warmoth Reindeer Run. While the first part of the race is in the parking lot, after that you run all through the SeaWorld park before it opens.
In addition to running through the park, each participant gets a long-sleeve tech shirt and a cookie cutter medal. On top of the medal and t-shirt, participants can purchase a single-day SeaWorld tickets for a 30% discount. Register for the race or find out more here.
The Nutcracker Ballet By The Russian Ballet Of Orlando
What is Christmas in Orlando without a family trip to see the Nutcracker? Enjoy the arts this season with this Tchaikovsky classic.
Every year, the Russian Academy of Ballet performs one free performance of the most famous Christmas ballet, the Nutcracker, at the Walk Disney Amphitheater in Eola Park in downtown Orlando! It is truly one of the more memorable holiday shows in Orlando.
The entire family can dream of sugar plums dancing in their heads after watching the actual Sugar Plum Fairy dance on pointe and the toy soldiers pirouette around the stage.
The performance is free, but we recommend arriving early, as there are limited seats available. Check the Russian Ballet of Orlandos website to confirm dates and times to plan your experience! This is one of those things to do in Orlando for Christmas that you wont soon forget.
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Bok Tower Gardens At Lake Wales
For those who love tasteful Christmas decorations, Bok Tower has the perfect event. Starting in November, they offer a Holiday tour. Here the Pinewood Estate, as well as the gardens, are decorated beautifully for the holidays. You can also see a Holiday Concert with the Orlando Philharmonic orchestra for $35. Its the perfect excuse to see the gardens, tower and more!
Downtown For The Holidays
Orlando City offers an array of holiday happenings in December. Take a stroll around Lake Eola and check out the dazzling display of oversized Holiday decor. The official tree lighting ceremony takes place on December 3rd. After then you can catch the Christmas Tree Light Show. The 64-foot wonderland Christmas tree coming alive with synchronized lights and music.
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Catch a Holiday Movie in the Park. Take a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for a family holiday movie under the stars, free for everyone. 2022 Dates Not Yet Released
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Jolly Creek Holiday Festival
Last year the Jolly Creek Holiday Festival and Marketplace took place in Kissimmee, but 2021 dates have not been confirmed yet. You can pick up gifts, see it snow, make crafts, eat smores, meet Santa, experience live music performances, and more.
Where: Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, 2001 E Southport Rd, Kissimmee.
When: Select nights from November 20th to December 13th, 2020. Then daily from December 18th to January 2nd, 2021.
Cost: Festival Only $10 for Children under 13 and $18.99 for adults. Festival plus an Airboat Ride $31.50 for children under 10 and $36 for adults.
Chill Out At Gaylord Palms Ice

Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center features their ICE! event annually and it has certainly become a tradition for most families celebrating Christmas in Florida.
Guests are invited to stroll through a winter wonderland filled with elaborate ice sculptures that all represent the theme for that year. Over 2 million pounds of ice is hand-carved to created a magical experience for all ages.
The temperature inside the ICE! exhibit is a very chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit, but dont worry because all guests are provided a calf-length winter coat to wear during your visit. Sizes include infant, child, and up to adult 4X.
Christmas in Florida can sometimes be a bit on the warmer side, so visiting ICE! is a great way to cool down and get into the festive winter spirit.
Ticket prices start at $14.99 child/$28.99 adult, but make sure you look for specials and ask about discounts. ICE! is wheelchair and stroller accessible, so it is a really great family-friendly event and one of the best Things To Do in Orlando At Christmas!
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is located in Kissimmee, Florida.
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South Florida Christmas Things To Do
If you want to celebrate the holidays without any chance of feeling the cold, head south for Christmas on warm, sandy beaches. This area rarely gets a chill this time of year, so you can relax in the sun while still getting a taste of the holidays. Miami has the most South Florida Christmas things to do, but you can find festive events from West Palm Beach to Key West. Here are a dozen ideas for holiday happenings in South Florida.
Holiday Light Displays + Fountain Show At Cranes Roost Park
Enjoy over 200,000 lights on more than 100 holiday displays at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs. The lights are turned on each night at dusk. There is also a fountain show nightly at 6, 7, 8 and 9pm. A crowd favorite, the Plaza fountain features special shows with dancing water and dazzling lights choreographed to classic holiday tunes.
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Key West Holiday Fest
Head on down to the Florida Keys for very tropical holiday treat! The Key West Holiday Fest features boat parades, walk of lights street parade, and the harbor of lights.
Celebrate Christmas in Florida with your toes in the sand and egg nog in your hand! Reserve a spot for a special holiday tour at Key West Inns.
Bring your pets on specified dates for pictures with Santa! The majority of this event is free, but expect to pay for tours, photos with Santa, and drinks.
Honestly, there are so many amazing things to do in Key West In December, and celebrating your Florida Christmas there is just one of the many!
Christmas in Key West means snorkeling and diving by day, and strolling the quaintly decorated streets by evening. You wont want to miss it.
When Does Christmas At Seaworld Start
The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration will take place from November 12th 2021 to January 2nd 2022.
There are so many other things to see and do during this season at the SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration such as:
- Meeting Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Eating your way around the holiday food festival
- Go Christmas shopping
- Watching the holiday fireworks show
- Hanging out with the Sesame Street characters during the Christmas Parade
- Playing in the snow
- Going ice skating
Dont forget that you can buy some unique Christmas gifts from SeaWorld all over the park, but particularly in the Christmas Market.
You can even customize your holiday gifts while youre in the park like this Christmas tree ornament.
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Walk Around Cranes Roost Park
If youre looking for holiday lights, then Cranes Roost is a great place for that! Located in the heart of Uptown Altamonte, Cranes Roost is decorated with more than 100 holiday displays and over 200,000 lights are on these displays. There is also a 60-foot tall Christmas tree, which is the highlight of the park.
Aside from the lights, theres also a holiday fountain show, which features special shows with dancing water and dazzling lights. The performances for the fountain show run nightly at 6, 7, 8 and 9 P.M.
Both the lights and fountain show will be available until January 1st. This is an annual event and one worth checking out.