2012 Christmas Events at Florida Theme Parks

It's the most wonderful time of the year...at Florida's theme parks. Disney World and the Sunshine State's other parks are magical throughout the year. By adding an overlay of Christmas and holiday cheer, the parks supersize the magic and fun between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

Of course, supersized fun can also mean supersized crowds. The week between Christmas and New Year's is among the busiest -- if not THE busiest -- of the whole year at Disney World and Florida's theme parks. But bustle is part of the holidays, right? Besides, the parks extend their hours, increase the capacity of attractions, and offer a bunch of special events. So, put on your Santa hat and your matching red shorts while we check out the holidays in the theme park capital of the world.

Christmas at Disney World

The entire resort gets decked out for the holidays. Special events include Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Epcot's Candlelight Processional, and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Read more at Christmas 2012 at Disney World.

Christmas at Universal Orlando

You'll just have to take my word on this, but I used to go to Universal Studios Florida around the holidays, saw the few measly decorations, and thought that the park really should have done something more to get into the spirit of the season. Its New York backlot area was just screaming for some tinsel. "And there's a (faux) Macy's department store," I'd ponder. "What a perfect tie-in for...a Christmas parade!" Well, they must've read my mind. Universal has been going all out the past few seasons -- and Macy's has figured prominently in the holiday hoopla.

Are you planning to head to Universal Orlando at Christmas time? Get discounted Universal Orlando tickets in advance of your visit. Buy direct from Universal Orlando.

For the latest discounts and special offers, visit my Florida Theme Park Deals page.

Universal Orlando Holiday Season Photo Gallery

Universal Studios Florida
Macy's Holiday Parade and other holiday fun

• 2012 dates: December 1 to January 1 (2013)
• Included with admission

It's Universal's version of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The theme park rendition includes some of Macy's signature giant balloons, including Uncle Sam and a toy soldier, plus floats, clowns, and guest marching bands. Santa Claus and his reindeer wrap up the parade with a big ho-ho-ho (and not just any Santa, but the actual, authentic, Macy's-certified one, straight from the Big Apple).

Mannheim Steamroller, the musical group known for its quirky takes on Christmas classics, will be performing at the park on December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23. There will also be a Holiday Village (merch alert!) with gifts, holiday treats, and crafts-making. The park will also offer smaller holiday shows featuring some of the its characters such as the Blues Brothers.

Official Holidays at Universal Studios Florida info

Islands of Adventure
Grinchmas

• 2012 dates: December 1 to January 1
• Included with admission

A musical presentation of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" will be performed in the park's Seuss Landing. The furry green Grinch will also meet and greet guests. For an extra fee, the park offers a character breakfast with the Grinch. Reservations are recommended.

Official Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure info

SeaWorld Orlando SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration

• 2012 dates: Select dates from November 17 through December 31.
• Included with admission

SeaWorld adds some holiday cheer to its marine park in the form of special shows, festive decorations, and live holiday music from classical musicians and carolers. "O Wondrous Night" tells the Christmas story. Younger kids will enjoy the show, "A Sesame Street Christmas." The skating show, "Winter Wonderland on Ice," promises holiday cheer. (It must be expensive to keep the ice frozen in sunny Florida!)

The Wild Arctic motion simulator ride gets a holiday makeover into The Polar Express Experience. Scenes from the film are repurposed for the ridefilm attraction. Other features include Sea of Trees, a display of decked-out Christmas trees with lights that are synchronized to carols. Each evening ends with "Holiday Reflections," a fountains and fireworks show. Official SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration info

Legoland Florida Christmas Bricktacular and Kid's New Year's Eve

• 2012 dates: The Christmas event will be held weekends in December. The "New Year's Eve" event is scheduled for December 26 to 31.
• Included with admission

The park offers a low-key holiday event with a huge Christmas tree made out of Lego blocks, appearances by a Mr. S. Claus, and a Kids' "New Year's Eve" (that will actually take place at a kid-friendly 7 p.m. over the course of a few days) featuring fireworks and music.

Busch Gardens Tampa Christmas Town

• 2012 dates: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Nov. 30 to Dec. 23.
• Requires a separate admission. Discount tickets available online at Christmas Town official site.

The first-ever event at the Florida park will include holiday themed presentations such as "Three Kings' Journey" and the ice skating show, "Angels of Peace." The Christian music band, Jars of Clay, will perform. The park's train will be transformed into the Christmas Town Express. There will also be plenty of twinkling lights, a Sesame Street-themed holiday area, and a Christmas Town Village with real snow.