Things to Do in Orlando in Winter 2019 - December & January Activities & More

If you’re looking to get away from the cold and snow, then Orlando is a pretty great place to visit. Weather will be temperate, never really getting beyond light sweater weather (and that only in the evening), and it will be consistently comfortable indoors and out. Orlando also tends to be more popular during the summer and late fall, so January through the end of March is actually a really good time to visit. You’ll get more reasonable airfare and lodging, and enjoy shorter lines at theme parks and other big-name attractions. If you’re looking for things to do in Orlando in Winter 2019-2020, check out our list of the best holiday activities and attractions.

Save on Winter Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Orlando pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available Orlando passes, attractions & prices. Please note, some of these special winter events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Orlando pass.

LEGOLAND® Florida Christmas Bricktacular

When:December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 20-31 2019 LEGOLAND® Florida is bringing back their annual holiday celebration with lots of fun and festive activities and shows. Get photos in front of the 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, a life-size Santa, reindeer, and sleigh made of thousands of LEGO® and DUPLO® bricks. You'll get to meet LEGO Santa and a LEGO Toy Soldier when they make appearances at the park during select times, test your engineering skills alongside Master Model Builders, and join in on holiday-themed scavenger hunts through the streets of MINILAND USA with the chance to win prizes. Plan to stay until park close to catch the famous fireworks spectacular over Lake Eloise set to classic holiday melodies. Getting in: LEGOLAND® Florida tickets are included with the Go Orlando pass and holiday events are included with admission, unless otherwise noted.

Kennedy Space Center - Holidays in Space

When: December 13-31, 2019 with daily shows at 5:00 pm This holiday season at the Kennedy Space Center, you'll get to enjoy festive décor and an all-new kinetic light show like you've never seen before. Snap a selfie with the massive NASA ornament at the entrance, and snag a space-themed ornament or holiday gift from the gift shop. Getting in: Kennedy Space Center tickets are included with the Go Orlando pass and holiday events are included with admission unless otherwise noted.

Commune with Nature

Since the weather is going to be quite lovely, it would be shame not to spend some good quality time communing with nature. If you’re a big fan of the wilderness, then a tour of the Everglades (via super fun airboat) may be perfect for you. Can’t get enough of the gators seen on your adventures? Then head to the world-famous Gatorland, the official alligator capital of, well, just about everywhere. Getting in: Everglades Airboat Tour tickets and Gatorland tickets are included on the Go Orlando pass All-Inclusive Pass.

Florida Aquarium - Santa Visits the Aquarium & Snow Days at the Aquarium

When: 

• Saturdays with Santa:December 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Snow Days: December 26-31, 2019, 12:00 -5:00 pm.

Head to the Florida Aquarium for special holiday-themed Orlando fun this 'SEASon' to meet Santa, watch his diving elves in exhibits throughout the day, and run around the outdoor play area with real snow. Getting in: Florida Aquarium tickets are included with the Go Orlando pass and holiday events are included with admission, unless otherwise noted.

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens

When: Select dates, November 16, 2019-January 6, 2020 If you're in search of more holiday fun, then head to Busch Gardens to enjoy their extravagant Christmas Town festivities. Soak up sparkling holiday lights, a visit to Santa's House, enjoy Yuletide Shows, and much more. Shop for holiday gifts in Christmas Town Village, meet Rudolph and other characters, and even see some snow! Getting in: Busch Gardens tickets are an available option on the Go Orlando Build Your Own Pass.

The Nutcracker

Where: Orlando Ballet When: December 13-23, 2019 It's a classic for a reason. Everybody loves the timeless story, magnificent sets, and breathtaking choreography. Take the whole family and start a new holiday tradition. Insider Tip: Be sure to buy tickets in advance; this popular show often sells out. Getting In: Nutcracker tickets are separately ticketed and are not included on the Go Orlando pass.

Light up UCF

Where: CFE Arena, University of Central Florida When: Various dates throughout December 2019 until January 5, 2020 This is one of the best Christmas lights shows in all of Florida. In addition to a large outdoor ice rink for skating, guests can enjoy a number of seasonal carnival rides. Visit Santa's Workshop to scope out new toys, pop into the Holiday Film Festival, and stick around in the evening for the Holiday Light Show. Getting in: This event is free and open to the public, however, activities such as skating and rides are ticketed separately.

SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration

When: Until December 31, 2019 Make holiday traditions and memories with SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration for seasonal fun and holiday-themed events. You'll get to meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, take a picture with Santa in his workshop, go on a stroll through the festive 'sea of holiday trees,' watch performances like: Elmo's Christmas Wish, Winter Wonderland On Ice, O Wonderous Night®, Clyde and Seamore's Countdown to Christmas, and even a special nighttime Shamu® Christmas Miracles show by the Shamu family. Getting In: SeaWorld Orlando tickets are not included on the Go Orlando pass.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

So there you have it. Our list of a few things to do in Orlando in the winter, including holiday events, other seasonal activities in December, January, and more. Remember, many of these options are included on the Go Orlando pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Winter events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Orlando pass. We hope you plan to add a few of these fun options to your winter vacation itinerary.