Should You Visit Orlando in December? Yes! Here’s Why.
Should you visit Orlando in December? Yes! As an Orlando local, I love to share about all the exciting things happening in this city during the holidays. December is one of my absolute favorite months to explore this city and all it has to offer.
The weather is perfect, there are a ton of special holiday events happening and the theme parks become even more magical. If you are thinking about planning a trip in the winter months, keep reading because in this post, we’ll explore why Orlando in December should be on your travel bucket list.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
Orlando in December: Perfect Weather
One of my favorite parts about Orlando in December is the mild weather. If you have ever visited Orlando in the summer (or really any part of Florida) you know how hard it can be to enjoy all of the outdoor activities with the high heat and humidity.
This is why the December weather is perfect. The average temperature will hover around the mid-60s Fahrenheit. This allows you to enjoy all outdoor activities without getting overheated.
The humidity is also much lower which helps to keep the “feels like” temperature close to the true temperature.
Another difference in the weather from the typical summer forecast is much less rain.
There is nothing more frustrating than your theme park day being ruined by the “every afternoon” rainstorm that occurs during the summer. Plan a trip in the winter and you are much less likely to have your plans stormed out.
Theme Park Celebrations
Planning a trip to Orlando in December for the holidays? There are plenty of festive activities all over town to lift your spirits and get you in the holiday mood!
We really enjoy all the Disney World events and highly recommend these special parties for family-friendly fun!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – This event takes place at Magic Kingdom and will run from November 8th, 2024 – December 20th, 2024. It is a special ticketed event that lasts from 7pm-midnight. Tickets range in price from $170-$220 depending on the night. There will be exclusive treats, fireworks show and more!
Disney Jollywood Nights – This is a special ticketed event at Hollywood Studios. It takes place from November 9th, 2024 – December 21, 2024 and will also feature special entertainment, shows and festive activities.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – This is not a special ticketed event – your normal Epcot ticket will allow you entry. There will be special decorations, entertainment and treats. I highly recommend checking out the Candlelight Processional – it is always a highlight of my trip during the holidays!
Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Harry Potter fans in your group? Universal Orlando provides a great Christmas experience in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley with décor, Christmas lights and special shows and food!
Local Holiday Events
Looking for a holiday event in the Orlando area? There are plenty of community events throughout the city that are much lower priced (and sometimes free!) compared to the theme parks.
One of my all-time favorites takes place in the neighborhood of Celebration. You will find “snow” falling on Main Street, horse and carriage rides, ice skating, food and more! This is a great option for families and children of all ages.
Christmas In the Park is another Orlando tradition that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! The 46th annual celebration takes place on December 5th, 2024, in Winter Park, FL. The Morse Museum will light up the Tiffany Windows in Central Park while the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble Perform. This show lasts for about two hours and is a perfect way to kick off your holiday celebrations!
If you’re looking for free holiday activities – I highly recommend the Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs. It is interactive, making it perfect for couples or families and there is a prize at the end if you complete the entire trail. You can check out more about it my blog post.
Pro Tip: Make it a full evening in Disney Springs and grab a drink or bite to eat in Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. They turn it into a completely immersive Christmas decoration experience (It feels like you are stepping inside of a Christmas Tree!). Read about it here.
Looking for more local events? Read my post about a Winter Wonderland in the Sunshine State.
Fewer Crowds and Shorter Lines
One of the main benefits of visiting Orlando in December is the chance for fewer crowds and shorter lines. However, this is only true if you visit in early December. Taking a trip at the perfect point in-between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the best chance of getting relief from all the other tourists.
As an Orlando local, it has just become part of life here to deal with the traffic, crowds and tourists. Lately, it feels like there isn’t a “down season” anymore so make sure you pack your patience!
Accommodation
Finding affordable accommodation in Orlando during the month of December can be tricky but not impossible! I highly recommend doing your research to see if you can find any good deals. I have listed some of my personal favorite areas to stay below.
Disney Resorts – If you are visiting the parks during your time in Orlando, I always suggest staying on Disney property. Yes – it can be a little more expensive BUT it is very convenient and always helps to make a little extra magic.
If you are a Florida resident or an annual pass holder, Disney will often have some great deals on hotel stays that you can check out here.
VRBO – If you are planning more than just the theme parks while visiting in Orlando, I love to stay in a VRBO. The fully private options are amazing, and I appreciate the ability to cook in a kitchen and have a little more space to spread out. If visiting in early December, the prices are typically normal.
Hotels – There are plenty of hotels all throughout the Orlando area. If you are looking for a hotel that is close to entertainment, I suggest the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando. It is close to ICON Park where you can walk to restaurants, entertainment and nightlife.
Transportation
If you are planning on flying to Orlando, you should look at booking tickets early. The tourist popularity of the city can make finding a last-minute flight deal pretty tricky.
The Orlando International Airport (MCO) can become very crowded (I would know as I’ve come way too close to missing my flight on multiple occasions). I suggest arriving to the airport at least two hours before your departing flight to minimize any problems that could arise.
Pro Tip: If you have a hard time finding flights into MCO, check out neighboring airports. My favorite is the Sanford airport. It supports smaller airlines which usually results in cheaper flight prices. Plus, it’s only about a 30-minute drive into Orlando.
Traveling from inside Florida? Check out the Brightline. This high-speed rail connects Orlando to Miami with stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. It will save you the headache of driving in crazy Miami traffic!
Tips for Visiting Orlando in December
Plan in advance
Book Accommodations Early
Pack layers
Prepare for other tourists
Arrive early to activities
Have you been to Orlando in December? I would love to hear your thoughts and experience in the comments.
Looking for more activities? Check out this post about Budget-Friendly Travel Tips for Exploring Florida
