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Don’t let this lukewarm weather fool you, the holiday season is in full swing in Orlando. But there’s only so much time left to knock off all these activities from your holiday bucket list. Shake off the bah humbugs, ya Scrooge, and check out a few of these quality holiday activities.
Wednesday-Friday, Dec. 21-23Dickens by Candlelight at Lowndes Shakespeare CenterPhoto by Kristen WheelerWednesday-Thursday, Dec. 21-22Ginger Minj: Mary, Did You Know? at the Footlight Theatre at Parliament HouseFriday, Dec. 23James Brown Holiday Jam at Lil IndiesWalk through the Tunnel of Lights at Lake Eola
512 E. Washington St.
The Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show is an Orlando favorite. If you head out to this holiday display, be sure to stroll through the tunnel of lights for an unforgettable experience.
Photo via bernardteller/InstagramCrush a boozy snow cone 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 gailyw/InstagramHead to Winter in the Park for some ice skating
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 tiffany7799/InstagramBask in the “snow” at the Celebration Town Center
701 Front St., Celebration, Fla.
Snow’s-a-fallin’ in Celebration and it’s just begging to be basked in. It’s not often that Floridians get to enjoy snow in any fashion, so get your snow angels in while you can.
Photo via Experience Kissimmee, Florida/FacebookGet some comfy shoes on and prepare for Epcot’s Holidays Around the World
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/InstagramSend someone a postcard from Christmas, Fla.
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 christmaholic/InstagramCatch the nightly Holiday Fountain Show at Crane’s Roost
274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs, Fla.
Spending the holidays at Crane’s Roost is classic in Central Florida. Walk the trail with friends and family while you’re illuminated by large, colorful Christmas light displays.
Photo via rolypolypanda/InstagramImmerse yourself in the decorations and live music at Bok Towers
1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, Fla.
Bok Tower Gardens is a wonderful destination for a day trip any other time of the year, but around Christmas? It just so happens to be THE destination in Central Florida. Tour the spectacularly decorated mansion or walk the gardens while relaxing to holiday music.
Photo via boktowergardens.orgChristmas in the Shire
14645 Grand Cove Drive
The Shire offers one of Orlando’s largest private Christmas light displays. With over 100 trees illuminated by lights, this is definitely a holiday house that packs a big punch.
Photo via Christmas in the Shire/FacebookEnjoy the Macy’s Holiday Parade right here at Universal Studios Orlando
6000 Universal Blvd. | 407-363-8000
It’s all about getting into the holiday spirit at Universal Orlando where you can see their version of Macy’s Holiday Parade. This event is included with theme park admission, and runs until Jan. 1.
Photo via becannegram/InstagramRide the ferris wheel at Light Up UCF
12777 Gemini Blvd.
This slice of the UCF campus transforms into a wickedly fun winter theme park. It’s the perfect backdrop for a night to remember with friends. Hop on the ferris wheel or try to keep balanced while ice skating.
Photo via Light Up UCF/FacebookExplore all the Christmas festivities at the Gaylord Palms
6000 Osceola Pkwy., Kissimmee, Fla.
The Gaylord Palms atrium is already a sight for sore eyes, but during the holidays this hotel truly becomes the winter wonderland Orlando deserves.
Photo via marriott.comStroll through Harry P. Leu Gardens while it’s decked out for the holidays
1920 N. Forest Avenue
The Leu Gardens has gets itself a makeover at Christmastime. Take a tour of Orlando’s most beloved home in its most festive iteration ever.
Photo via Harry P. Leu Gardens/FacebookCheck out a 30 ft-tall Lego tree Legoland’s Christmas Bricktacular
One Legoland Way, Winter Haven | 877-350-5346
Taking place from Dec.17-18 and 24-30, this annual holiday celebration is home to a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree made entirely of thousands of Lego bricks, as well as meet-and-greets with Lego Santa. The event is included with park admission, with upgrades such as a fireworks dessert party available.
Photo via Legoland Florida/FacebookTake the kids, or feel like a kid again, at 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/FacebookTravel back to the 1880s with a tour around the Stetson Mansion
1031 Camphor Lane, Deland, Fla.
There’s the way your mom decorates her house, and then there’s the way the Stetson Mansion decks the halls. Taking a tour of this vintage home is nothing short of awe-inspring.
Photo via Stetson Mansion Tours/FacebookSip on Tiki drinks while holiday shopping at Artegon
5250 International Drive
Christmas shopping finally doesn’t have to suck! Not only does Artegon house the most unique shops in Orlando for gift-giving, it also has one or two options for you to take a breather and get boozy.
Photo via sincerelybecca/InstagramPut on some plaid and chop down your own Christmas tree in Oviedo, Fla.
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/InstagramPick out barrels of strawberries at Pappy’s Patch U-Pick
501 Florida Ave, Oviedo, 407-366-8512
Strawberry season ranges from Dec. to April. Coincidentally, those are the perfect months to go out and pick anything. Strawberries are only $2.75 a pound, so go crazy.
Photo via melissaeharris/Instagram