What Are the Best Things to Do with Kids Between Christmas and New Year's in Orlando?

There is no shortage of fun during the post-Christmas week of winter break in Orlando. From neverending entertainment at Orlando theme parks to free holiday activities and outdoor live shows, there are some amazing things to do for families. Keep the holiday spirit going, from the end of Hanukkah to the joy of Kwanzaa, with the great holiday events of winter break!

Tips for Enjoying Winter Break in Orlando

Winter vacation is a huge draw to Orlando so be prepared for lots of crowds at local events and theme park programming. We recommend buying tickets early and making as many reservations as possible to save on time and guarantee a spot at your favorite winter event.

More Family Holiday Guides for Orlando

• Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Orlando
• Snow Park, Snow Tubing, and More Snow Events in Central Florida
• Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Orlando

Hang out with The Grinch and his friends during winter break at Universal. Photo courtesy of Universal

Top Family Events and Activities in Orlando During Winter Break

Holidays at Orlando Theme Parks

1. Holidays at Disney Springs — Lake Buena Vista

Visit Disney Springs and stroll the trail of Christmas trees. Kids can dig for fossils at T-Rex Café, ride the carousel and Express Train, and watch toy soldier stilt-walkers and snowflake skaters. Also, enjoy a bowling alley, movie theater, and more. 

2. Holiday Decorations at Disney Resorts — Lake Buena Vista

You don't have to be a resort guest to enjoy the festive Disney magic at Disney's deluxe resorts. Visit Disney resorts during winter break to see stunning decorations —see gingerbread houses and displays at some of the resorts. If you visit at night, check out the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the outside balcony of the Contemporary.

3. Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort - Orlando

During the holidays at Universal, families can enjoy the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

4. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays - Lake Buena Vista

Discover holiday traditions at EPCOT's 11 World Showcase nations with live entertainment, seasonal foods, festive, and the famed annual candlelight processional, running through Dec. 30, 2025.

5. New Year’s Eve — Various Locations

Disney's Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios are all open until midnight on New Year's Eve. Visit the Magic Kingdom for DJ dance parties and a special fireworks display. At Epcot, countdown to the new year again and again as you travel around the World Showcase as the clock strikes midnight in each country. 

Festivities at SeaWorld include music, entertainment, and a fireworks display at midnight. For younger kids, Legoland Florida offers a brick drop at an earlier kid-friendly hour as well as dance parties and special building activities throughout the day.

Spend the holiday break at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens' Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild. Photo by the author

Outdoor Things to Do During Christmas Vacation in Orlando

6. Leu Gardens — Orlando

Explore this 50-acre garden oasis and enjoy the holiday-themed exhibit, Dazzling Nights. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the patio or lawn area and let the kids walk off some energy.

7. Asian Lantern Festival at Central Florida Zoo — Sanford

This event at the Central Florida Zoo is based on Asian lanterns and showcases larger-than-life illuminated sculptures. Each sculpture is lit by thousands of LED lights, creating an amazing ambiance. Sample from food trucks and peruse Asian crafts for sale. 

8. Manatees at Blue Springs State Park — Orange City

Every winter, hundreds of manatees from the St. Johns River migrate to Blue Springs State Park, seeking shelter from the cold. Visitors can walk along the boardwalk and watch these gentle giants in the clear water. Blue Springs also has a playground, gift shop, cafe, and historic frontier house.

9. Illuminate Lantern Festival at Aquatica Orlando - Orlando

Step into a nighttime festival that transforms Aquatica into a luminous world of wonder. Enjoy the beautiful sights, dynamic sounds and tasty themed treats from now until January 31, 2026.

10. U-Pick Strawberries - Multiple Locations

December is the start of strawberry season in Orlando, and many local u-pick farms are open during winter holiday break for families to enjoy a day outdoors picking the delectable fruit.

11. Local Playgrounds

The mild weather makes winter break the perfect time to get outdoors and visit one of Central Florida's amazing local playgrounds. We suggest mapping out a few to visit, packing a picnic, and making a full day of free outdoor family fun.

12. Snowcat Ridge Snow Park - Dade City

Enjoy the thrill of snow under the Florida sun at Snowcat Ridge Snow Park. This winter wonderland features an awesome snow tubing hill, snow-covered Arctic igloos, an ice skating ribbon and Santa's Christmas Lane.

13. Central Florida Soap Box Derby's Holiday Rally - Sanford

Bring the kids to Derby Park's soap box derby, where you can watch the races, play at the playground and more during December 27 & 28, 2025.

Indoor Winter Fun in Orlando

14. Orlando Science Center — Orlando

Kids love the expansive KidsTown area with interactive play stations, as well as other exhibits including Kinetic Zone, with engineering activities; Our Planet, complete with a six-foot suspended projection sphere to learn about space; and Dino Digs, with large fossil replicas; and a holiday lights show.

15. Orlando Ice Den — Orlando

Orlando Ice Den offers public ice skating seven days a week for ages 3 and older. Be sure to check the rink's hours, as it varies for public skating. Find out more about classes for figure skating, hockey, and more.

16. Escape Rooms

Plan a fun outing for older kids and teens to a local escape room. Work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and beat the clock!.

RELATED: Must-Do Christmas and Holiday Events in Orlando

Gaylord Palms is a holiday lover's delight! Photo courtesy of Gaylord Palms

17. Christmas at Gaylord Palms — Kissimmee

There are so many holiday activities at Gaylord Palms! Have a great time with Christmas light displays, Santa, ice tubing, and the popular ICE! Experience, featuring two million pounds of colorful, sculpted ice. 

18. Now Snowing — Celebration

Through New Year's Eve, this annual event brings nightly snowfall to Florida. Stroll the streets of downtown Celebration while enjoying carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating, train rides, and seasonal performances.

19. Crayola Colorful Christmas — Orlando

Kids will love this colorful Christmas event at Crayola Experience, complete with holiday activities, including a life-size snowglobe, Christmas light show, and more. Kids enjoy the indoor color playground and hands-on activity stations.

20. Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center — Merritt Island

Through December 30, 2025, take a trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex for the annual Holidays in Space event, featuring a new drone show, holiday light displays, and street performances.

21. POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance - Kissimmee

This new musical features magic and a holiday cirque show through the whole month of December until January 6, 2026.

22. Downtown for the Holidays - Orlando

Nightly through January 6, 2026, enjoy the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree light show and take a holiday stroll through Lake Eola Park and the business district of downtown Orlando.

Are There Any New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Weekend Events for Kids in Orlando?

YES! There are so many awesome things to do on New Year's Eve and weekend in Orlando, including SeaWorld Orlando, Crayola Experience Orlando, and Dave & Buster's. Check out even more great Orlando events in our New Year's weekend roundup and New Year's Eve events for families.

FAQ – Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year's in Orlando

Q: What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year’s in Orlando?
There are so many great events and activities in Orlando between Christmas and New Year's, including those at Disney World, Universal and more.

Q: Are there any free things to do with kids after Christmas in Orlando?
Take the kids to wander Orlando neighborhoods to see gorgeous Christmas lights, as well as fun at parks and more.

Q:What indoor activities are open between Christmas and New Year’s?
Check out the Orlando Science Center, The Florida Mall (and all of its attractions), WonderWorks, and more.

Q: Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas?
Yes, many holiday displays stay open past Christmas, all the way through New Year's and the first weekend in January.

Q:What family events are happening on New Year’s Eve in Orlando?
Celebration's Now Snowing stays open until New Year's Eve, Family New Year's Eve at Boxi Park, and so much more!

Q: Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in Orlando?
Yes, Orlando museums, zoos, and attractions are open during winter break. Hours may vary on holiday dates, specifically New Year's Eve and Day.

Make sure to enjoy your winter break, you've earned that sleep-in time. And a happy new year from everyone here at Mommy Poppins!