Holiday Shows and Performances in Orlando

Although the balmy Florida temperatures do not reflect a snow white Christmas, all of Orlando's theme parks magically change into winter wonderlands. A trip to Orlando's theme parks can help you get into the spirit of the season.

The snow may not be real, but the transformation of the town makes you feel like the holidays have arrived and Santa Claus is on his way. Take a look at what the theme parks have to offer.

01 of 06

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Park hosts Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights November through December. Tickets to attend the event cost extra. The park is emptied early and reopens exclusively for ticketholders.

Included with your ticket entrance are a festive live stage show, a special fireworks display, and a jolly holiday parade with Mickey, Santa, and other familiar Disney friends. See Cinderella's Castle sparkle with white lights and experience a magical snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.

02 of 06

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

The IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth fireworks show at Epcot at Walt Disney World. — Benjamin D. Esham/Wikimedia CommonsCC-BY-SA-3.0-US

Visitors to Epcot from mid-November to the end of December are treated to a celebration featuring the way countries around the world celebrate the holidays. Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays is included with the price of the admission to the park and includes a character tree-lighting ceremony and candlelight processional retelling the story of Christmas with a choir and a 50-piece orchestra.

Other seasonal highlights include the Illuminations firework and waterwork show set to a holiday theme and "Joyful," a gospel-inspired holiday music show.

03 of 06

Grinchmas at Universal's Islands of Adventure

Grinchmas at Universal Studios, Los Angeles — Courtesy of Universal Studios

For the holiday season, Seuss Landing at Universal's Islands of Adventure is transformed into the world of Grinchmas from mid-November to the beginning of January. Included with park admission, Dr. Seuss fans can meet the Grinch in his lair and be treated to a live musical stage show.

The show is based on the beloved Dr. Seuss story and Universal Pictures award-winning, live-action version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

04 of 06

Macy's Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida

The famous Macy's Holiday Parade comes to Universal Studios Florida. Macy’s, known for its annual Thanksgiving Day parade in New York complete with oversized marching balloons, has designed the parade experience at Universal Studios from mid-November to the beginning of January. The parade is included with regular park admission.

The parade includes festive balloons and favorite Universal characters. A mass of Minions, cheery Santa Claus, and favorite characters from Dreamworks' movies Madagascar and Shrek are all scheduled to amaze the parade audience.

Continue to 5 of 6 below.

05 of 06

SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration — Leigh Caldwell/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

On select nights from the end of November to the end of December, Seaworld hosts holiday specials to reflect the season during SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration.

Included with regular park admission, you can expect to see carolers and classical musicians performing favorite holiday renditions. Festive attractions include the Shamu Christmas Miracles show, Winter Wonderland on Ice, and The Polar Express Experience.

06 of 06

Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Florida

LEGOLAND Florida welcomes the holidays with their Christmas Bricktacular event held on select dates in December.

The event features a giant Christmas tree made of thousands of LEGO and DUPLO bricks, holiday-themed scavenger hunts, and LEGO building activities. You can meet LEGO Santa and a LEGO Toy Soldier all set with a backdrop of sparkling lights, and festive decorations, the occasional snow flurry and a dramatic fireworks celebration.