For more info and ideas happening this holiday season in Central Florida, check out our massive Christmas Activities Guide for Orlando Families.

Hang out with Mr. & Mrs. Clause while vacationing at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin! Photo courtesy Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin

Why These Holiday Getaways are Worth the Trip

There is nothing more magical than Christmas lights, and the warm feelings only get warmer with entire towns and neighborhoods sparkling with those holiday decorations. Holiday getaways are great ways to enjoy family-friendly events and dining, as well as make easy day trips (or even overnight stays).

Insider Tips for Visiting Christmas Hotels & Towns with Kids

Christmas is quickly coming up so it's time to plan now. When planning the perfect holiday destination consider these factors:

• Arrive before dusk for parking and exploring.
• Book hotels early! 
• Though it doesn't get too cold in Florida, pack festive Christmas sweaters and other fun winter gear.
• Check event calendars for parades and tree lightings.
• Combine day trips with an overnight for extra magic.
• Make it a tradition! Visit a new town or hotel each year!

Gaylord Palms is the ultimate Christmas hotel that every family will LOVE! Photo courtesy Gaylord Palms

Festive Hotels Near Orlando

1. Gaylord Palms - Kissimmee

What do you get when you pair three million lights and two million pounds of ice? You get wonderful holiday memories! From November 14, 2025 - January 7, 2026, Gaylord Palms Resort in Central Florida offers amazing holiday food and drinks, fantastic shows and holiday activities, including the beloved ICE! event -- this year's theme is "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." In addition to admiring beautiful ice art, go snow tubing and shop the holiday market. Various packages are available, whether you want to spend the night or just visit for a day trip.

2. The Gasparilla Inn - Boca Grande

Located on the west coast of Florida, just north of Sanibel Island, The Gasparilla Inn gets everyone in the holiday mood with the 12 Days of Christmas. In addition to the beautiful holiday decor inside and out, each day is themed with special activities such as caroling, holiday movies, and gingerbread cookie decorating. Events run December 19-31, 2025, with special holiday options Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

3. JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek - Orlando

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a magical (and delicious) gingerbread village created by the pastry team. Suites are decorated for Christmas including a beautifully adorned tree, custom stockings, and festive sweets. Here, you can visit Santa, attend a tree lighting ceremony, and enjoy The Polar Express movie night. 

4. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes - Orlando

Located in the heart of central Florida's theme parks, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes gets everyone in the holiday spirit with Gingerbread School, Tea Time with Santa, and the Winter Wonderland Market that offers local artisan goods.You'll love sampling a variety of holiday food and drinks at the hotel as well.

5. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort - Lake Buena Vista

Disney knows how to do holidays! Enjoy cookie decorating at Santa's Holiday Hangout, a nightly light show, and storytelling with Mrs. Claus (milk and cookies included)! Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus available certain nights. Rooms can be furnished with a Christmas tree, lights, and decor. Christmas present deliver and stocking stuffing services available as well!

6. The Breakers Palm Beach - Palm Beach

A historic and charming venue in South Florida, the holiday festival at The Breakers Palm Beach is a great place to make holiday memories. In addition to the beautiful lights, trees and decor there are a variety of events and activities such as carnivals with balloon making, animal encounters, and games as well as fireside s'mores, and laser tag! The holiday festival runs December 19, 2025 - January 4, 2026. 

Enjoy countless holiday events during a trip to Seaside during the winter! Photo courtesy Seaside, Florida

Christmas Towns Worth the Drive

7. St. Augustine

Nights of Lights is a special time of year when historic St. Augustine decorates the ENTIRE town with lights. Starting November 15, 2025 with Light-Up! Night, the switch to turn the lights on happens at 6:30pm. There are plenty of places to dine, shop for gifts, and enjoy the charming cobblestone streets. If you are looking for another way to see the lights around town, take a trolley tour or river cruise. Tickets for both fill-up quickly, especially on weekends, so book early!

In addition, Regatta of Lights is a tradition since 1980. This charming boat parade features boats decorated in holiday lights and festive decor. Occurring the second Saturday of December, the parade starts north of the Bridge of Lions with three cannon rounds shot from the Castillo de San Marcos. The parade can be viewed almost anywhere near the river.

8. Amelia Island

The annual Dickens Illuminated Procession occurs on the eve of the Dickens on Centre Christmas Market & Festival on Thursday December 11, 2025. Entertainment begins at 5pm, along with a variety of food trucks. The procession begins at 6:15pm and ends at the illuminated riverfront around 6:45pm.

And speaking of the Dickens on Centre Christmas Market & Festival, this event is inspired by Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, as historic Fernandina Beach transforms to a Victorian Age Christmas village and marketplace. Characters are adorned in fine Victorian dress (guests are welcome to dress-up, too!). Highlights include a 1K beach run, costume dog parade, and live entertainment. Tiny Tim's Kid Zone offers holiday movies throughout the weekend, letter-writing to St. Nick, and Santa photos. This event is free and runs December 12-14, 2025.

Enchanted Village Snow Globe Experience also takes place on Amelia Island December 12-14, 2025 (requires advance ticket purchase). Tickets include entrance inside a human-sized snow globe and is unlike any experience you have had before!

9. Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach has a variety of holiday events to get you in the holiday spirit. Winterfest, December 6, 2025, kicks off the holiday season with food trucks, pictures with Santa, and a foam party! The following Saturday features the boat parade when Cocoa Beach lights up the intercostal! However, the most famous way Cocoa Beach celebrates the holidays is with their Surfing Santas! A unique tradition that started in 2009, this event happens annually on Christmas Eve, 7:30am until noon. This event turns out over 800(!) surfing Santas, with thousands of spectators. This free event raises money for local non-profits. 

10. Seaside

Located on the gorgeous Highway 30A, family-friendly Seaside, Florida loves Christmas as much as the North Pole! The panhandle's Seaside is about a 5.5-hour drive from Orlando and goes all out for the holidays. 2025 events include an outdoor screening of The Grinch, a holiday parade, Children's Theatre holiday shows, a whimsical Christmas village, photos with Santa, and much more!