For clients looking for an out-of-the-ordinary Christmas, Ocean Florida recommends combining Kissimmee and Universal Orlando Resort for a fun-filled extravaganza. After soaking up the authentic southern charm in Kissimmee with traditional Christmas festivities, they can turn up the thrill factor for a yuletide celebration at Universal.
Here are some of the unique highlights of this unique Christmas holiday twin-centre:
Kissimmee’s Christmas highlights
From Christmas parades, tree lighting ceremonies, and other holiday celebrations in the historic Old Town area to Kissimmee’s enchanting natural scenery, Kissimmee is guaranteed to entertain at Christmas. Here are just some activities to tick of the list:
Christmas in Colour
This drive-thru light show features millions of lights in the shape of giant snowmen, candy canes and other Christmas icons, synchronized to holiday music, all enjoyed from the comfort of your own car, from where you can hang your head out in awe.
Ice Rink at Celebration
Get your skates on and take to the ice rink for some quality family festive fun. Located in the charming small town of Celebration, the ice rink is usually open from late November till early January. It’s a chance to enjoy a traditional winter activity in the warm climate of Florida! And if you do crave the cosiness of snow, head to Market Street for Now Snowing, a nightly snowfall event throughout the festive period. There are also sleigh rides, a Santa meet-and-greet and an annual tree lighting ceremony.
Gatorland’s Holiday Ho Ho Ho Down
Where else would you see a gator dressed as Santa Claus other than at the ‘Alligator Capital of the World’? Gatorland’s Holiday Ho Ho Ho Down features a host of family-friendly entertainment, including live music, festive food, and craft vendors. Plus, of course, the animals are joining in on the merriment. Get the ultimate Florida holiday photo with Gator Claus and Krampus Croc and meet a host of other seasonal characters. The event runs during December weekends.
The Holidays at Old Town
For a traditional holiday celebration, head to Old Town in Kissimmee. The brick-paved streets are lined with festive cheer, including a towering 40-foot Christmas tree adorned with unique decorations. Old Town is a wonderful place to shop all year-round, but it pulls out all the stops at Christmas, making seasonal shopping here a must. Plus, many restaurants offer festive additions to their menus.
Universal’s Thrilling Festivities
Universal Orlando Resort goes all out for Christmas, with the whole resort turned into a winter wonderland. Visitors are greeted by an array of holiday lights, wreaths, and garlands. Here are some not-to-be-missed activities:
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
Included in your park ticket, this daily parade includes giant balloons, colourful floats featuring some of Universal’s biggest stars from the likes Despicable Me, Madagascar and Shrek, plus dancers, entertainers, and street performers, with a fun-filled holiday soundtrack. Make sure to stick around for Santa’s grand entrance to top it all off.
Grinchmas™ at Universal
Nothing says holiday cheer more than a visit to Who-ville. During Christmas, Suess Landing is transformed into the lovable land of the Whos, featuring an assortment of holly jolly celebrations. Don’t miss the main event, the Who-liday Spectacular, where the re-telling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas comes to life in a hilarious live show, with the infamous green man himself along with a colourful cast of Who-ville residents. Keep your eyes peeled for the perfect photo op with a wandering Who.
Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
Both Hogsmeade,™ in Universal Islands of Adventure, and Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida, go all out for the holidays with plenty of festive decorations and entertainment. Venture through the snow-capped rooftops and garland-adorned doorways of Hogsmeade, then grab a hot Butterbeer™ and enjoy yuletide performances from the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. And when evening falls, revel in The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle™ light show, which transforms the iconic castle into a magical canvas of holiday-themed images and animations.
With savings of up to £471 per person, Early Park Admission* while staying at a Universal hotel, low deposits, and incentives of up to £600, there’s never been a better time to book with Ocean Florida – the UK’s No.1 Independent Florida specialist. Call 01708 200 521 or visit ocean-florida.co.uk/agents.
*T&Cs apply.