What's Open on Christmas Day in Orlando: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
Think beyond movie theaters—here's what to do on Christmas Day!
Melanie Preis
Melanie Preis is a writer, editor, wife, and mom of three (including her beloved bernedoodle). Before joining Mommy Poppins, she worked at StyleBlueprint, Turner Broadcasting, and HowStuffWorks. She loves reading, anything Bravo, art fairs, and, of course, her bernedoodle.
Latest posts by Melanie
Shop Atlanta Holiday Gift & Christmas Markets; Eat, Drink, and Be Merry at Holiday Popups
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
A magical Christmas market provides opportunities to buy one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends this holiday season. The Atlanta holiday bazaar and Christmas market spots usually feature great shopping from artists, craftspeople, and creative minds seeling items you wouldn't find in big box retailers or online -- it's like walking through an Etsy wonderland! Here's the best part: Christmas market locations offer more than great artisans —many of these events may have Santa sightings, live music, food trucks, freebies, and more. In addition to popup shops, come fun Christmas popup restaurants and eateries, with holiday themes, seasonal spirits, and merry activities.
Take a look at our favorite Atlanta Christmas market events and holiday popups sure to make everyone smile!
Best Last-Minute Gifts for Christmas & the Holidays You Can Buy on Amazon
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
The holidays are here and that means the scramble for last-minute gift ideas and then last-minute gift shopping is inevitable. Thankfully Amazon offers super quick delivery for most gifts...and you get to avoid chaotic stores, busy parking lots, and competitive shoppers. Procrastinators, forgetful gifters, and at-home shoppers: put your worries aside with our helpful guide to gifts that arrive soon after you place your order.
These last-minute gift ideas are all tried and true, tested and beloved. And to keep the love of reading alive at every age, we've included a great literary gift in each category.
Take a look at some of our favorite unique holiday gifts to satisfy every age group! For more great gift ideas, check out the Mommy Poppins Holiday Gift Guide 2024, including the hottest toys and Christmas gifts for kids, cool stocking stuffers, and much more.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Orlando
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
For many Orlando families, local Christmas light shows are a treasured holiday tradition. These holiday lights are a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, and Orlando has no shortage of options. From dazzling Christmas light displays at the theme parks to lighted boat parades, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to see Christmas lights here in Central Florida.
Get an exclusive look at the magic of the holidays at Give Kids the World Village via a Holiday VIP Tour; enjoy one of the many lighted parades, by land and by sea, throughout Central Florida; and awe at the Christmas lights from the comfort of your own car during Magic of Lights. Read on for the very best holiday light displays around Orlando and Central Florida. For more dazzling light shows in local neighborhoods, check out our awesome list of Christmas Light Displays in Orlando Neighborhoods.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Atlanta
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
Currently being updated for 2025!
Christmas light shows add another layer of beauty during the holiday season, and we've got our favorite dazzling holiday lights drive-thru events and Christmas light shows in Atlanta. This year families will find familiar favorites like Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden and IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta. Plus, back after a five-year hiatus: Magical Nights of Lights at Margaritaville Lanier Islands, a six-mile drive-thru of spectacular, festive holiday lights. We also love a free light show, like Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody. Whether you choose to walk or drive through these fabulous holiday and Christmas lights, make sure you open your eyes and hearts to the awe of this special time of year!
We have even more amazing holiday ideas in the Atlanta Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide, including information about Must-Do Christmas Events to Book Before They Sell Out, Polar Express Train Rides, Christmas Towns and Festive Hotels Near Atlanta, and more.
Orlando Christmas Bucket List for Kids: 25 Things to Do in Orlando This Holiday Season
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
Fill up your Christmas bucket list in Orlando, while Santa works on his naughty or nice list! We've rounded up some of our favorite must-do Christmas activities and events in Orlando that families will definitely want to hit up this holiday season. From the twinkling magic of holiday lights to exciting Christmas events at Orlando theme parks, we've got awesome ideas to finish the year with a bang!
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Orlando
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
The Nutcracker ballet is the quintessential holiday event for families, and luckily, Orlando has several productions to choose from. Families may prefer to attend the classic version of The Nutcracker, performed by professionally trained dancers from Orlando Ballet and Central Florida Ballet, or something a bit more modern, like this pyrotechnic version!
Besides The Nutcracker, there are many holiday shows for every age group and interest. As theaters and venues open doors for holiday shows and events, lucky Orlando residents and tourists have their pick in choosing some of the best holiday shows around!
Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Near Atlanta
Submitted by Melanie Preis on
Ice skating near Atlanta is the quintessential winter activity, whether you're ready for the Olympic trials or can barely stand upright. Though it may take a few turns around the ice skating rink to get your "ice legs," families enjoy spending time together spinning, skating, and realistically, falling down, together. These seasonal outdoor ice skating rinks pop up from November through early 2025. Families can find lots of ice skating in Atlanta, most of which include music and hot chocolate. We've rounded up the best ones and even included one that requires no skates at all (sock skating at Fernbank)!
Take a look at our favorite ice skating spots to nail that triple toe loop or cling to rink walls! Want more ideas this holiday season? Check out the Atlanta Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for great winter events. If you need more ideas of things to do in Atlanta, visit our Atlanta events calendar.
