Christmas Village at Bayou Bend is one of our favorite annual holiday events. Photo courtesy of MFAH.
Holiday Festival at Levy Park, Tree Lightings, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
21 Best Things To Do in Houston with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Disney Junior Play Zone at Katy Mills Mall. Photo courtesy of Simon Malls/Simon Property Group.
29 Free Things To Do Indoors in Houston: Indoor Places To Play On Cold and Rainy Days
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Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
Santa's Wonderland is a whole holiday lights extravaganza. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland, A Texas Christmas Experience at College Station
Houston’s Brightest: Top Christmas Light Shows and Drive-Thrus for 2025
Beautiful neighborhood Christmas lights are all around Houston. Photo courtesy of the Franck's Christmas Light Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Houston
Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.
27 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston for Kids
There are so many ways to see The Nutcracker in Houston this season. Photo courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Houston
It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Best Places for Santa Photos in Houston This Holiday Season 2025
College Station is perhaps the closest Christmas town to Houston. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland at College Station, Facebook
Top 10 Christmas Towns in Texas to Light Up Your Holiday Season
See alligators in Beaumont, about 90 minutes from Houston. Photo courtesy of Gator Country Wildlife Adventure Park
Fall Day Trips From Houston for Families
Christmas trains near Houston 2025. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston in 2025
With activities for all, Texas Ren Fest is the largest Renaissance-themed attraction in the county.
Texas Renaissance Festival: A Magical Fall Tradition for Houston Families
Buffalo Bayou Park has trails, climbing structures, and skate park, slides, and more. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.
Things To Do in Houston That Everyone Will Love - From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston
Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
Why HMNS at Sugar Land Is a Must-Visit for Houston Families
Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places to Earn Scout Badges in Houston
Unique Birthday Party Venues in Houston for One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties
Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
Gymnastics Gyms in Houston: Places to Take Gymnastic Classes, Camps, or Open Gym
Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Where to Find the Coolest Arcades for Kids in Houston
The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school
Best Mommy and Me Classes for Houston Babies and Parents 2025
Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
Houston’s Best Claw Machine Arcades Where Kids (and Parents) Can Actually Win
A crafting party at one of these venues or at home is the perfect celebration for a creative kid. Photo courtesy of Color Me Mine
Best Crafting Parties for Teens in Houston
Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
Fun Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Venues in Houston
These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
Best Ice Cream Spots In Houston For Kids
Pick your own flowers at one of these Houston farms. Photo courtesy Summer Skye Gardens
Sunflowers, Tulips, and More Pick-Your-Own Flower Farms Near Houston
Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
Houston Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Best Playgrounds in Houston: Destination Playgrounds Worth the Drive
NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Attractions and Things To Do in Houston that are Kid-friendly
John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids
Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
Family-Friendly Houston Breweries Where Kids Can Play, Too
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens
Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday
Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
Austin with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Austin, Texas
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip
The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston
Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Houston Day Trips and Family Getaways Guide
Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
Houston's bucket list for kid activities
100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up
Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Fun Preschool and Toddler Classes in Houston for Little Learners
Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
Kid-Friendly Salons and Spas Near Houston
Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston for Kids
Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Kid-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Houston
Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend is one of our favorite annual holiday events. Photo courtesy of MFAH.
Holiday Festival at Levy Park, Tree Lightings, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids

30 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Experience the illuminating Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Photo by the author
Experience the illuminating Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Photo by the author
11/30/25 - By Charlotte B

As the calendar inches toward Christmas and the holidays, Central Florida is shining with seasonal celebrations to enjoy with your family this December. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Orlando in December!

The theme parks are in full force for December, with lights and festive holiday decor, which include SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, Holidays at Universal Orlando, and Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays. Christmas parades take place in cities all around Central Florida, including Apopka, St. Cloud, and Winter Park. And don't miss the spectacular ICE! exhibit at Christmas at Gaylord Palms, as well as the enchanting Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Read on for the top events in Orlando and happening around Central Florida this December!

And from all of us at Mommy Poppins, have a happy and healthy holiday season and new year!

Find more December fun in our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for Orlando Kids. We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Lake Nona's holiday festival features fun activities for the whole family, including snowfalls, live shows, and entertainment. Photo courtesy of the festival
Lake Nona's holiday festival features fun activities for the whole family, including snowfalls, live shows, and entertainment. Photo courtesy of the festival

Top Things to Do in Orlando with Kids this December

Christmas on the Farm at Santa's Christmas Tree Forest

Eustis
Select days through December 20, 2025
Admission to this event includes access to the farm, Christmas tree lot, and u-cut tree field as well as the hayride, petting zoo, and Jolly Acres play area complete with jump pillow, barrel train rides, maze, trike track, and more. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island

Longwood
Select days through December 25, 2025
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland has returned for the holiday season, offering festive activities throughout December. Guests can enjoy daily “snow” flurries, a Christmas tree forest featuring a 30-foot tree, visits from beloved Christmas characters, and a chance to meet Santa at his on-site Workshop. READ MORE

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Lake Buena Vista
Daily through December 30, 2025
Discover holiday traditions at Epcot's 11 World Showcase nations with live holiday entertainment, seasonal foods and treats, festive decor, and the famous annual candlelight processional. READ MORE

Celebration's Now Snowing

Celebration - FREE
Daily through December 31, 2025
Celebration's annual Now Snowing event features snowfall nightly, as well as ice skating, strolling Carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides, and photos with Santa. READ MORE

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Orlando
Daily through January 4, 2026
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. READ MORE

Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens

Orlando
Select nights through January 4, 2026
Year 6 brings more lights and a longer path for the biggest Dazzling Nights yet! Live music all night long and more live entertainment offerings. READ MORE

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration

Orlando
Daily through January 5, 2026
Gather your family and join all your festive friends at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, select dates, November 7 - January 5. This annual event includes millions of sparkling lights, a sea of trees, snow flurries, award-winning live shows, ice-skating, delicious holiday foods, and your favorite Christmas friends like Santa, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and more. READ MORE

Christmas at Gaylord Palms

Kissimmee
Daily through January 7, 2026
Experience so much Christmas with dazzling displays, tempting treats, holiday shows, and festive activities. ICE! features beloved scenes from "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" brought to life through colorful, colossal ice sculptures. READ MORE

Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo

Sanford
Select nights through January 18, 2026
This holiday season, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will glow once again as it hosts the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild. Wander the three-quarter-mile pathway filled with all-new, handcrafted lantern scenes, each glowing with thousands of LED lights. Ocean-inspired landscapes meet mythical creatures, from graceful ice dragons and unicorns to a new twist on our beloved showcase dragon. READ MORE

Oh What Fun! Lake Nona Holiday Festival

Orlando - FREE
Select nights, December 5-21, 2025
Oh, What Fun! returns to Lake Nona Town Center this December! Visit Peppermint Square (Lake Nona Town Center) for a magical holiday festival filled with nightly snowfalls, live entertainment, local vendors, festive treats, and endless photo ops, including a towering 24-foot Christmas tree. READ MORE

Orlando Ballet's The Nutcracker

Orlando
Select days, December 5-24, 2025
Step into a world of holiday magic with breathtaking battles, sparkling snowfalls, and larger-than-life sets in this unforgettable celebration of the season. Follow Clara’s enchanting journey through the Land of Sweets, filled with soaring choreography, dazzling costumes, and whimsical wonder. READ MORE

Avalon Aglow

Orlando - FREE
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Avalon Aglow is a free community event featuring a parade, a bounce park, real snow, train rides, community performances, pictures with Santa, and fireworks to end the night. READ MORE

Christmas at Hamlin

Winter Garden - FREE
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Christmas at Hamlin promises a blend of holiday traditions and festive fun for all. The inaugural Lighting of the Tree will take place at 6pm, kicking off a brand-new annual holiday tradition for Hamlin. Thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate a magnificent 25-foot Christmas tree transforming the night into pure holiday enchantment. READ MORE

St. Cloud Annual Christmas Parade

St. Cloud - FREE
Saturday, December 6, 2025
The theme of this year's St. Cloud Christmas Parade is "The Magic of Christmas," with more than 100 community organizations and businesses with floats and displays participating. READ MORE

Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade

Winter Park - FREE
Saturday, December 6, 2025
The annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade marches down Park Avenue with more than 80 organizations, including marching bands, local police and fire departments, floats, and Santa Claus himself. READ MORE

Gatorland's Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho-Down

Orlando
Weekends, December 6-21, 2025
Gatorland's signature holiday extravaganza unfolds with a delightful mix of holiday tunes, festive displays, interactive characters, and seasonal treats available for purchase. Capture the essence of a Floridian holiday by snapping a photo with Gator Claus aboard his swamp-worthy sleigh. Meet the mischievous Krampus Croc and sing along with the Florida Skunk Ape as he performs his favorite “Cryptid carols.” READ MORE

Holiday Movie Night at Cranes Roost Park

Altamonte Springs - FREE
December 11 & 18, 2025
Enjoy an outdoor holiday movie with the family at Cranes Roost Park, surrounded by thousands of holiday lights. READ MORE

Celebrate the Season at Reiter Park

Longwood - FREE
Friday, December 12, 2025
Join the festivities at the City of Longwood's annual Celebrate the Season event. This holiday street party features an array of activities, including photo opportunities with Santa, music by DJ Dennis, live performances, kids activities, and more. READ MORE

Christmas on the Farm at Southern Hill Farms

Clermont
Select days, December 6-14, 2025
At Christmas on the Farm Christmas Festival events, enjoy festive fun for the whole family, including snow showers, holiday movies, seasonal treats, Christmas shopping in the Southern Hill Farms Merry Market, and more. READ MORE

Apopka Christmas Parade

Apopka - FREE
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Get ready for one of Apopka’s most beloved holiday traditions—the 49th Annual Apopka Christmas Parade! This year’s theme, "Miracle on Park Avenue," will bring the magic of the season to life with dazzling floats, marching bands, local organizations, and a special appearance from Santa Claus himself. READ MORE

Oviedo Winterfest

Oviedo
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Fresh from the North Pole, tons of fun await at Center Lake Park! With the purchase of an all-inclusive wristband, you will have unlimited access to all the different activities, rides, and attractions. READ MORE

Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade

Winter Park - FREE
Saturday, December 13, 2025
The Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade, hosted by the Rotary Club of Winter Park and the city's Natural Resources & Sustainability Department, sets sail on Saturday, December 13, at 6 p.m. READ MORE

Chanukah on the Park

Winter Park - FREE
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Get ready for one of Central Florida's largest Chanukah celebrations! This annual outdoor festival brings together the entire community for a fun evening of music and joy to kick off the first night of Chanukah. READ MORE

Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition

Merritt Island
December 19 & 20, 2025
Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition returns to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for two nights. This festive after-hours event features live entertainment, a holiday dance party, festive décor, and a brand-new holiday drone show that journeys through NASA’s historic programs from Apollo and Shuttle to Artemis. READ MORE

Holiday Nights at Give Kids The World Village

Kissimmee
December 20 & 21, 2025
Give Kids The World Village is partnering with CFCArts this holiday season to host a magical evening of festive family fun, all in support of a great cause. Guests can enjoy live music from local Central Florida performers, stroll through the Village, play mini golf, watch a holiday movie, and access select attractions. READ MORE

City of Longwood Chanukah Celebration

Longwood - FREE
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Visit Reiter Park for a Chanukah Celebration featuring Cruz & Roxy Monkey Business, Israeli Chassidic rockstar Barak Grossberg, helicopter gelt drop, Chanukah man on stilts, face painting, bounce house, photos with Spiderman, grand Menorah lighting, Chanukah crafts, food and drink, doughnuts, gelt, and dreidels. READ MORE

Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center

Merritt Island
December 21-30, 2025
This December, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosts Holidays in Space, a festive celebration blending holiday spirit with the excitement of space exploration. The event features an all-new drone show that highlights NASA’s greatest achievements, as well as the return of Kennedy Under the Stars for two themed nights. READ MORE

Happy Noon Year Kids’ Party at the Promenade

Kissimmee - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Ring in the “Noon Year” with a family-friendly celebration at the Promenade at Sunset Walk. Enjoy a festive confetti blast along with live entertainment from DJ Scotty B and Mr. Harley, plus street performers, games, bubbles, and complimentary party favors. Kids can also ride The Pearl Express Steam Engine and bounce on bungee trampolines. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Legoland Florida

Winter Haven
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
End the year with a bricktastic bang at Kids' New Year's Eve! "Midnight" comes early for families at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, celebrating the New Year together with brick-bursting fireworks and awesome entertainment, all without missing their bedtimes. READ MORE

New Year's Eve at SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Countdown to the New Year in SeaWorld style, with sea life, music, entertainment, and a fireworks display. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Celebration Town Center
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Apopka Christmas Parade Route
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

About the Author

Charlotte Blanton
Charlotte Blanton, a Central Florida native and mom of three, holds a business degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). After a career in corporate finance, she pivoted to stay home with her kids and found her passion for writing through Mommy Poppins. She loves exploring local theme parks and discovering fun activities for families in Central Florida.
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