Orlando goes all in on the holidays. As a local, it’s easy to pull a Grinch and ignore all of that festive cheer. But trust us, this would be a huge mistake. Here are a few local holiday activities everyone should have on their calendar this year.

Drive around Orlando to see all of the Christmas lights displays Various Locations Dazzling Christmas lights displays can be found all around Central Florida. Over at Orlandochristmas, they keep a running list of all the places you can go to view the displays, from local neighborhoods (like the one pictured above in Celebration) to professional displays done by theme parks. Photo via Jennifer Leigh Wfla/Facebook
Go to the only Florida town with “snow” 610 Sycamore St., Celebration | 407-566-4007 If you’re one of the native-born Floridians desperately wishing you could see snow, this nightly event at Celebration Town Center may be the answer. In addition to an ice skating rink, every night through Dec. 31 visitors can experience “snow” falling on the street. Photo via Experience Kissimmee, Florida/Facebook
Experience year-round Christmas cheer at the appropriately named Christmas, Florida Highway 50, east of Orlando The appropriately named Christmas is a city that celebrates, well, Christmas all year-round, with decorations around every corner. While you’re here, check some of their quirky attractions, including the world’s largest alligator shaped building. Photo via Christmas RV Park/Facebook
Sip some holiday libations at Frosty’s Christmastime Lounge 50 East Central Blvd. | 407-969-0911 For those who aren’t into the gift giving and tree decorating side of the holiday, come to Frosty’s to instead get into the Christmas spirit by getting blasted with Christmas-themed cocktails and beers. Open year-round. Photo via Frosty’s Christmastime Lounge/Facebook
Chop down your own tree like our ancestors did at Oviedo Choose and Cut Christmas Trees 1001 Geneva Drive, Oviedo | 407-235-8101 Cut down your own tree this Christmas to ensure you get the best one. On Saturdays and Sundays up until Christmas, you can cut down your own tree for $45 per tree, and they even provide the saw. Photo via oviedotreefarm/Instagram
Celebrate a unique take on the holiday season at A Drag Queen Christmas 425 N. Bumby Ave. | 407-228-1220 If you’re still feeling the holiday spirit on Dec. 28, go see this festive drag show starring previous Rupaul’s Drag Race contestants. Tickets range from $29 to $159, and all ages are welcome. Photo via Katherine Gaines
Take the kids, or our adult self, to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista | 407-939-5277 Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the happiest place on earth on select nights through Dec. 22. In addition to Disney’s nightly christmas parade, guests can see special shows and fireworks, meet characters in their festive outfits, grab some holiday treats, and ride Magic Kingdom attractions. $86-$99 per person. Photo via Comfort Inn Maingate/Facebook
Watch Grinchmas and Macy’s Holiday parade at Universal 6000 Universal Blvd. | 407-363-8000 Both of Universal’s Orlando theme parks get into the holiday spirit. At Islands of Adventure, guests can catch a classic re-telling of Dr. Seuss’ the Grinch as part of Grinchmas, and over at Universal Orlando you can see their version of Macy’s Holiday Parade. Both events are included with theme park admission, and run until Jan. 1. Photo via Universal Studios Entertainment/Facebook
Hop back in time at the Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | 863-712-1222 Take a step back in time as you tour this 20-room 1930’s estate and see how families celebrated the holidays in a bygone era. The estate will have the holiday home tour going until Jan.8, and admission is $20 for adults and $9 for kids. Photo via Bok Tower Gardens/Facebook
Zipline, pet farm animals, and meet Santa at Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest 35317 Huff Road, Eustis | 352-357-9863 On this farm, holiday experiences range from farm animal zoos and pony rides to a zip line and an elf maze. You can also choose and chop down your own Christmas tree as well as visit with Santa. Prices for experiences vary, and the event continues until Dec. 22. Attractions are only open on the weekends, during the week it’s tree sales only. Photo via santaschristmastreeforest.com
Holidays at Legoland (One Legoland Way, Winter Haven; 888-690-5346) Dates open: Nov. 25-27, Dec. 3-4, Dec, 10-11, Dec. 17-18, Dec. 22-31. Cost: Ticket prices range from $94 – $163, prices for Florida residents vary, as well. Credit: Photo via Legoland Florida/Facebook
Get cultured at Holidays Around the World at Epcot 200 Epcot Center Drive | 407-939-5277 Visit each of World Showcase’s 11 countries to witness how those around the world celebrate the holiday season. Live music, costumed performers, and seasonal food and beverages are all part of the event, which is included with admission into Epcot. Runs until Dec. 30. Photo via jasonb1976/Instagram
Experience the ice sculptures, sledding and more at Gaylord Palms 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee | 407-586-4423 Gaylord Palms has a wide variety of events they put on for the holidays, including snow tubing in real snow. Their most popular event is ICE!, an annual walkthrough of ice sculptures and ice slides. This year’s theme is Charlie Brown. For $46 per person, you can experience both ICE! and tubing. Photo via Inside The Magic/Facebook
Take some pictures of Victorian holiday history at Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular 1031 Camphor Lane, DeLand | 386-873-0167 Fun fact, the Victorians actually started many of our modern Christmas traditions, including gift giving and Christmas trees. Therefore, it would only be fitting to visit this 1880’s Victorian mansion all decorated for the holidays. The mansion will be decorated through Jan. 15. A tour costs $25, and reservations are required. Photo via Kelsey Arnold
Enjoy the Christmas decorations at the Leu House 1920 North Forest Ave. | 407-246-2620 The historic Leu House, located in Harry P. Leu Gardens, is interesting to visit at any time. However, seeing it decorated for the holidays is extra special. In addition the festive decor, visitors can also take special holiday classes on topics like wreath making and holiday gifts. Admission is $10, and Leu House is closed on Christmas Day. Photo via A Clore Interiors/Facebook
Seaworld’s Christmas Celebration (7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821; (407-545-5550) Dates open: Nov. 11 – Jan. 3 Cost: Park tickets $55 – $78, event upgrades range from being free to $55 Credit: Photo via rumoaorlando/Instagram
Ice skate at Winter in the Park 150 W Morse Blvd., Winter Park | 407-599-3203 One staple of winter time is ice skating, and usually Floridians are limited in their participation. However, each year Winter Park hosts an ice rink in Central Park West Meadow. You can skate around for $12 (price includes skates) through Jan. 8. Photo via City of Winter Park/Facebook
Learn to shred the gnar at Winterclub Indoor Ski and Snowboard 2950 Aloma Ave., Winter Park | 407-618-1123 Ski and snowboard without ever leaving the comfort of the indoors. Although it may cost you $49 minimum for a 60 minute session, it’s definitely cheaper than those expensive ski lodge trips that some people take this time of year. Plus, this place is open year-round. Photo via Winterclub Indoor Ski and Snowboard
See classic stories in a whole new way at “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” 812 E Rollins St. |407-447-1700 Until Dec. 31, you can catch this comedic take on classic Christmas stories such as A Christmas Carol, Frosty the Snowman, and more. Tickets range from $13-$50 depending on which day you choose to go. Photo via Orlando Shakes/ Facebook
Head to the Christmas Farmers Market at Winter Garden’s Tis the Season Winter Garden, variety of locations | 407-877-5481 Winter Garden offers a whole month of events in December, including a Christmas Farmer’s Market, light shows, the Santa Run, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Events run on select days from Dec. 2-Dec. 24. Photo via thewgmagazine/ Instagram
Catch Mad Cow’s annual cabaret “It Was a Very Good Yule: At The Movies” 54 West Church St. | 407-297-8788 Mad Cow presents a holiday themed cabaret show each year, and this year’s theme is at the movies. Come here songs from favorites like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, as well as new songs inspired by holiday movies such as Elf. The show runs from Dec. 8-23, and tickets start at $15. Photo via a-whittenberg/ Instagram
Ride on the ferris wheel and watch holiday movies at Light Up UCF 12777 Gemini Blvd. | 407-823-3070 Visit the CFE Arena for ice skating, light shows, carnival rides, and holiday films daily from Nov. 18-Jan. 7. Prices vary for skating and rides, but the films and light shows are free! Daily hours and events vary, so make sure you check their site before you head out. Photo via UCF SGA/Facebook
Listen to Christmas music at Lake Eola 512 E Washington St. | 407-246-2121 Every day from 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Lake Eola will be playing Christmas music to help get you in the mood for the holiday season. So bring a blanket, lay out, and enjoy hearing favorites like “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town”. Photo via LakeEolaPark/Twitter
Take advantage of the Solar Bears holiday deals to catch some ice hockey games 400 W Church St. | 407-440-7000 If you’ve never seen a live hockey game, you’re in for a treat. The action at Solar Bear games is fast-paced and exciting. This holiday season would be the time to give it a try, as they have a deal which gives you 4 games of your choice between Dec. 2 and Feb. 17 for as low as $92. Photo via Orlando Solar Bears/Facebook
Learn about the religious side of Christmas at the Holy Land Experience 4655 Vineland Road | 407-872-2272 You may have forgotten with all of the gift buying, but Christmas is actually a religious holiday. The Holy Land Experience will help you learn about the biblical roots. In additional to all of the normal educational exhibits, you can watch a musical about Jesus’ birth, younger visitors can participate in a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt, and more. Admission is $50 for adults and $35 for children. Photo via Holy Land Experience/Facebook