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Your guide to holiday events in Central Florida

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Central Florida, everywhere you go.

The area’s world-class attractions and more are being lit up just in time for the holidays.

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“New theme park events, unique local neighborhood experiences and special hotel deals gives visitors the opportunity to celebrate the holiday season throughout November and December,” Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, said in a news release. “Visitors can also give their loved ones the ‘gift of travel’ for a future trip to make up for missed vacations over the past few years.”

READ: Orlando couple decorates home with Christmas lights to honor COVID-19 victims for 2nd year

Here’s your guide to holiday events across Central Florida:

Walt Disney World

The Disney holiday magic officially starts Friday and on select nights includes:

  • Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park, a separately ticketed event on select nights from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Click here for more info.
  • EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which takes guests on a global holiday celebration with food, performances and more. Click here for more info.
  • Dine with Minnie and friends at Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and more. Click here for more info.
  • Festive flotillas featuring your favorite characters and more holiday twists to the magic of nature at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Click here for more info.

Universal Orlando Resort

This year marks the return of Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Holiday Experience featuring Macy’s balloons. The events begin Friday. Read more here.

READ: Universal’s Holiday Tour: What to expect from this year’s celebration

SeaWorld Orlando

Beginning Friday, Christmas returns to SeaWorld with new festivities at its Christmas Celebration including Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show and Holiday Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Finale which features soaring fountains, dazzling lights and fireworks. Read more here.

READ: SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration starts next week

Legoland Florida

On weekends from Nov. 26 through Dec. 31, Legoland will feature a giant Christmas tree, seasonal shows, holiday characters, treats, activities and more. Click here for more information.

Central Florida will host plenty more beyond the theme parks for the holidays including:

  • The Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park through Christmas Eve. Each child who participates receives a free ticket to ride The Wheel and adults get 50% off. In addition, ICON Park will host its first tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 1 with a 40-foot tall Christmas tree that will be visible from International Drive. Click here for more information.
  • Night of a Million Lights at Give Kids the World, which takes place Nov. 12 through Jan. 2. Click here for more information.
  • Dazzling Nights outdoor holiday event at Harry P. Leu Gardens, which runs from Nov. 19-Jan. 9 and features nearly a mile-long interactive holiday experience with epic lighting, themed photos, live entertainment and more. Click here for more information.
  • Crayola Experience’s Colorful Christmas from Nov. 20-Jan. 3. Click here for more information.
  • Downtown Orlando will host nine free holiday events as part of Downtown for the Holidays. Click here for more information.
  • The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will be hosting holiday-themed performances during its outdoor, socially distanced FrontYard Festival. Click here for more information.

READ: ‘Tis the season: City of Orlando releases holiday events calendar

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.