Holidays in the Theme Parks

ORLANDO, Fla. — The holidays are the most festive time of year in the theme parks of Central Florida, and here is a run down of the festive fun you can experience this year in the parks!

Let's start  at the Walt Disney World Resort where the holidays are well under way.

With glittery Cinderella Castle as its centerpiece, the Magic Kingdom shines its brightest during the holidays as seasonal music fills the air, decorations dazzle, and the A Frozen Holiday Wish magically transforms Cinderella Castle with glistening ice.

Then on select nights Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party features special entertainment, characters in their holiday finest, tasty treats, and an all-new nighttime show – Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.

Over at Epcot yuletide traditions from around the world are the heart of the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays with holiday decorations and entertainment, themed merchandise, festive cuisine, and costumed storytellers in many of the 11 World Showcase nations.

Then Epcot's grandest holiday tradition – the Candlelight Processional – features the retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator backed by a 50-piece orchestra and massed choir three times a night on the American Gardens Theater Stage.

Holidays at Disney's Hollywood Studios mean extra holiday cheer in every corner of the park!

In addition to the holiday touches and festive décor throughout the park, including seasonal fun inside Toy Story Land, Olaf's special holiday finale in For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along, guests can enjoy two nighttime shows exclusive to the season.

Sunset Seasons Greetings brings the Hollywood Tower Hotel to life throughout the night with projections from some of your favorite Disney classics, laser effects, and "snow".

And you'll want to end your day with the nighttime spectacular "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" featuring iconic music, fireworks, special effects, and state-of-the-art projections that create a one-of-a-kind holiday experience at the iconic Chinese Theatre.

Disney's Animal Kingdom will introduce the biggest holiday season in its two-decade history, with festive new entertainment and holiday décor in every land. Daytime and nighttime, guests will experience the majesty of nature and holiday magic.

Guests will enjoy new experiences around the Discovery Island, watching the Tree of Life awaken with a series of wintry tales with a holiday musical score, Holiday Hoopla in Dinoland, the celebration of Diwali, delicious treats, out-of-this-world holiday fun at Pandora – The World of Avatar, and of course the park's Christmas tree decorated with traditional ornaments and hidden animals.

Finally, over at Disney Springs the holidays are just for shopping and delicious food! This holiday season festive decorations, live entertainment, including toy soldier stilt walkers and carolers, will serve up holiday cheer alongside the returning Christmas Tree Trail and Stitch's Holiday Gift Hunt.

You'll want to Holiday Like This with fun throughout the Universal Orlando Resort!

Stepping off on November 16th, Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's fills the streets of Universal Studios Florida with merry and mayhem as more than 30 larger-than-life balloons and floats, hundreds of performers, and holiday fun featuring the Minions and other beloved characters from Illumination's Despicable Me, Shrek and family, and the friendship of Madagascar.

The highlight of the parade is when Santa stops on the Streets of New York to illuminate the larger-than-life Christmas Tree.

Then on select nights during the holiday season best-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller, returns to Universal Studios Florida with live concerts filling the air with the traditional sounds of the season.

Come face-to-face with the maven of mischief himself during Grinchmas at Universal Orlando.

You'll feel like as if you are in the middle of Whoville with "Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular" – a live retelling of Dr. Seuss's holiday classic starring The Grinch – and special appearances by the merry Whos from Who-ville as they prepare for their favorite holiday throughout Seuss Landing.

For even more holiday fun, enjoy a separately-ticketed breakfast on select dates that includes meet and greets with the mean, green one and his friends at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is transformed for the Holidays into a wizarding wonderland as the streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are filled with decorations, seasonal beverages such as hot Butterbeer, holiday treats, and the sounds of special holiday-themed performances from the Frog Choir and one of the wizarding world's most popular singing sensations, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.

And, as night falls, get wrapped up in the holiday spirit as Christmas moments inspired by J.K. Rowling's stories come to life on Hogwarts castle for "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle."

Head over to Winter Haven to celebrate the holidays the LEGOLAND way weekends starting November 29th! This jolly time of year features a combination of seasonal shows, special treats, twinkling lights, fun photo ops, exclusive character meet and greets, activities for LEGO builders of all ages, and more!

The best gift of all is that Holidays at LEGOLAND festivities are included in general admission!

It's Christmas every day at SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration from November 23 through December 31st!

SeaWorld Orlando transforms into a holiday wonderland with over 3 million twinkling lights. Meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends and share Rudolph's family fun and holiday traditions while making spirits bright. SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration is where holiday memories are made. The season meets the sea daily included with park admission.

This winter, guests can celebrate Christmas in a unique, heartwarming and authentic way at The Holy Land Experience, which kicks off its holiday season November 26 through January 4, 2020.

Visitors will experience a full schedule of original theatrical productions, an exciting live Nativity scene and interactive holiday-themed shows and displays throughout the park — all designed to cheer every heart with the splendor of the season while reinforcing the powerful message of faith at the heart of Christmas.

Christmas entertainment is included with admission to the Holy Land Experience, and the park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Cox Media Group