Holidaze

Orlando is a wonderful place to be for the holidays. There are many fun events to enjoy with family and friends. I am going to mention a few of my favorites.

1. Ice! at the Gaylord Palms:

ICE! 2009

I have been to this event the past several years and it just gets better every year. Basically you get to wear a parka and walk through a 9 degree ice wonderland. There are also ice slides at the end! Here is a little more about the event:

November 20, 2010 – January 2, 2011
Open daily, including holidays. Hours vary.

Click here to purchase tickets.

ICE! is Florida’s favorite frigid Christmas tradition, with over 18,000-square-feet of frosty 9-degree bliss played out in a winter wonderland of exciting hand-carved sculptures. And this year it’s really all that it’s cracked up to be, featuring duel 30-foot slides and an all-new, awe inspiring tribute to the unforgettable classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. This beloved story of childhood imagination, whimsy, and hope comes to life right before your family’s eyes! And while you’re thawing out from this coolest of attractions, you can all bask in the dazzling lights of the magnificent Christmas Tree Lighting and spirited Luminescence Christmas show. You may feel a chill in the air, but you’ll feel warmth in your heart as you create wonderful Christmas memories that last a lifetime.

The award-winning attraction is carved by a team of 40 artisans from Harbin, China. The talented artisans spend more than a month in Kissimmee creating this one-of-a-kind attraction. Harbin is best known for its annual International Ice and Snow Festival, where more than 2,000 sculptors annually carve a 100-acre walk-through ice park, using ice from the nearby Songhua River.

2. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party:

I went to this for the first time last year and it was a lot of fun! There is snow falling on main street, complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and a holiday parade and fireworks spectacular. It runs select dates in November and December.

Cinderella's Castle

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party features are below:

Click here for dates and ticket information.

*The enchanted Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle
*Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself
*An exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza — Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season
*Live entertainment featuring Disney Characters
*Meet and greet opportunities with Disney Characters
*Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa
*A magical snow fall on Main Street, U.S.A.
*Many of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions

3. Now Snowing in Celebration

I went to this the year before last and it is a great little event. The main street in Celebration has a snow fall and there is various holiday entertainment around the Town Center.

Here is some additional information:

Nightly Snow Falls at 6, 7, 8 and 9 PM. Photos with Santa, Strolling Holiday Carolers, an Ice Rink,  Entertainment and more!!!

A Celebration tradition! Join Celebration Town Center as they kick off 12th  Annual Now Snowing event with a Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 27th from 5:30-9 PM.  This special tree lighting event will feature live music, a special entrance by Santa Claus himself, and family fun for everyone.

Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers an all new ice rink  and a schedule filled with surprises. Now Snowing is a month long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens Carolers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, the Celebration Express train, and nightly snowfall at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 PM.

4. Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art:

I have not been to this event yet but heard great things about it, especially the Gingerbread Village. I hope to attend this year. This event runs November 13-21.

Below are some of the festival areas:

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Trees & Vignettes /  Deck The Halls
Browse our beautifully decorated designer trees and vignettes available for sale or visit our Deck The Halls area to purchase a smaller tree or wreath.
Gingerbread Village
Enjoy the delicious aroma of beautifully crafted gingerbread houses which are available for sale.
Toyland Town & Shop
A fun place for children to play games, do crafts and visit wtih Santa at scheduled times or come and purchase some items in our gift shop, priced especially for small pockets.
Entertaining By Design, Sponsored by Winter Park Magazine
Win a spectacularly designed tabletop, jewelry, gift certificates and other exciting items in our drawings.
Holiday Boutique & Holiday Garden
Shop for everyone on your gift list in our one of a kind boutique or our garden for all of your holiday outdoor decor needs.
Special Displays
View our beautiful private collections of holiday items and our Department 56 Christmas Village.
Festival Cafe
Take a break and enjoy some delicious food and beverages.

Hope everyone’s holidays are very happy!

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