There’s that certain chill in the air—the kind that accompanies the sound of bells ringing, the scent of pies cooking, the sight of bright lights twinkling, and the feel of everything that is holiday cheer. Ah, wintertime.
The holiday season brings festivities and tidings galore. This winter, instead of the humdrum prepackaged gift—give the gift of memories.
Trips to local holiday hotspots are ideal for family members and friends alike. Time spent together can be worlds more rewarding than the traditional gift. Good times come with all the trimmings, serves everyone, and best of all, no assembly required!
There are many ways to wish Happy Holidays this winter. Whether you say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or Happy Kwanzaa—however you celebrate the holiday season, be sure it is with good memories that will last throughout the coming year.
Holiday Merrymaking
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| Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party ©Disney |
It’s easy to enjoy the holly-days this winter. To create holiday cheer: Combine loads of season’s greetings. Mix in best wishes for the coming year. Sprinkle with laughter. Garnish with a mistletoe. Enjoy and repeat!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Magic Kingdom
Theme Park, Orlando
A true wintertime delight, Mickey and friends transform the park into a festive celebration complete with live entertainment, a spectacular fireworks display and a very merry holiday parade.
Select nights in November-December.
Holidays at Busch Gardens
Tampa
Whether you bring your Christmas crew or simply create mistletoe magic with that special someone, Busch Gardens is a welcoming spot for any frosty wintertime celebration. Be sure to bring your friends and family to the New Year’s countdown between Dec. 27-31, which features a dazzling fireworks display.
Special events on select nights in Nov.-Jan.
Wild Wonderland
Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa
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| The Polar Express Experience © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and SeaWorld, Orlando |
Lions, tigers and live reindeer—oh my! Enjoy the zoo after dark this December for a truly unique holiday fete. On Dec. 31, enjoy a family-style daytime New Year’s Eve celebration. “Noon New Year’s Eve” features games, arts and crafts, live entertainment, fun educational displays and more. Noisemakers, hats and a juice toast will ring in the New Year at noon.
Select nights in December.
The Polar Express Experience
SeaWorld, Orlando
All aboard for a truly one-of-a-kind holiday celebration. Bring friends and family for a fun-filled journey to the North Pole as SeaWorld is transformed into a magical holiday attraction.
Select nights in November-January.
Macy’s Holiday Parade
Universal Studios
For a fun holiday respite, make tracks to Universal Orlando this winter. The Macy’s Holiday Parade features authentic floats and balloons from the Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. From Dec. 26-31, there will also be a big finish with Universal 360—A Cinesphere Spectacular display at the end of every night.
Select nights in December-January
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| Grinch Show ©2 009 Universal Orlando Resort |
Grinchmas
Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando
Gather your loved ones, don your red and green, and venture to Islands of Adventure for a whimsical holiday celebration. The park will be transformed into a frosty Grinchmas wonderland, which will feature the popular live musical show How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Select nights in December-January.
Holidays Around the World—Candlelight Processional
Epcot Theme Park, Orlando
Ring in the holiday season with a celebration of international traditions. The Candlelight Processional is held nightly and features storytelling of the story of Christmas by a celebrity narrator—it’s even accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir!
Select dates in November-December.
St. Augustine
Amphitheater
With thousands of lights, a 20-foot Christmas tree, hand painted decorations, vintage-themed holiday scenes, and even an ice slide—St. Augustine’s Winter Wonderland is sure to become a holiday tradition for your family.
Select dates in November-January.
Holidays at the Estates
Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
This Fort Myers landmark should be a surefire stop for you and your family this holiday season. As the inventor of the light bulb, Edison’s home will be illuminated in sheer holiday charm. Also features live entertainment.
Select dates in December-January.
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| Ice Igloo. Gaylord Palms Resort. |
ICE!
Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee
Two million pounds of ice have been carved to create a truly unique holiday experience in the Sunshine State. ICE! takes guests on a journey to the North Pole with cool scenes, dramatic lighting and an exciting narrative track, all to set the tone for a memorable experience.
Select dates in November-January.
Christmas at Whitehall
Whitehall Flagler Museum, Palm Beach
Throughout December, Whitehall is transformed in a Christmas wonderland of grand style with Gilded Age decorations. The first Sunday of December features an entire day of fun events, including the Tree Lighting—when the 16-foot Christmas tree will be illuminated for all to see.
Select dates in December.
Letters from Christmas!
Christmas
Now you can have your holiday cards and letters postmarked “Christmas”! The small town of Christmas, FL, has a post office near the Fort Christmas historical site that sees plenty of activity during the holidays. The fort itself celebrates an annual festival the first weekend in December, featuring holiday arts and crafts. Christmas is located east of Orlando on Hwy. 50, and the historical park and museum are located at 1300 Fort Christmas Rd.
Before you go, be sure to visit AAA.com/Fun or your local AAA office for discounts on select attraction tickets.