What To Do in Orlando in December 2025 + Best Things To Do in Florida?
What To Do in Orlando in December 2025 (Plus The Best Things To Do in Florida)
If you’re Googling what to do in Orlando in December 2025 or wondering about the best things to do in Florida in December 2025, you’re in the right place. This guide keeps it simple: real events, real weather, and real ideas for families, couples and first-time visitors.
Florida & Orlando Weather in December 2025
December is one of the easiest months to plan a Florida trip. Humidity drops, storms calm down, and you still get plenty of sunshine. You can spend mornings at theme parks, afternoons at the pool or beach, and evenings under Christmas lights without freezing.
Orlando in December 2025
- Daytime: roughly 70–75°F (21–24°C)
- Nights: around 55–60°F (13–16°C)
- Vibe: T-shirt by day, light jacket at night
Perfect for theme parks, outdoor events, and walking around Christmas markets without sweating.
Rest of Florida
- North Florida: cooler (think jeans + light layers)
- Central Florida: similar to Orlando
- South Florida & Miami: usually warmer, great for beach days
You won’t get guaranteed “summer heat”, but you do get comfortable, dry weather that’s much easier for kids, older travellers, and anyone who doesn’t love humidity.
What To Do in Orlando in December 2025
Let’s start with the big question: what to do in Orlando in December 2025 if you only have a few days. The short answer: mix theme parks, holiday events, and at least one “local” night with lights and food.
1. Walt Disney World Christmas & Holiday Events
From mid-November through December 31, 2025, Walt Disney World goes all-in on Christmas. Expect park-wide decorations, special treats, Christmas trees in every direction, and holiday entertainment most nights.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (select nights through December 21, 2025) – a separately-ticketed night event at Magic Kingdom with a Christmas parade, snow on Main Street, cookies, cocoa, and shorter ride lines.
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (Nov 28 – Dec 30, 2025) – storytellers from around the world, seasonal food booths, and the Candlelight Processional with choir and orchestra.
- Resort-hopping – you can ride the monorail and check out resort lobbies (like the giant gingerbread houses) even without park tickets.
2. Universal Orlando Resort: Christmas at The Wizarding World
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure decorate for the holidays too. Highlights:
- Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with music, lights and hot Butterbeer
- Holiday parade with giant balloons and familiar characters
- Plenty of seasonal snacks and photo spots across the parks
Popular dates in December 2025 will sell out. You can compare park tickets, Kennedy Space Center day trips, and other Orlando tours here:
3. SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld Orlando turns into a Christmas park on select nights in December with millions of lights, themed shows and a holiday fireworks finale over the water. It’s very family-friendly and usually less intense than Disney or Universal.
4. Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
At Harry P. Leu Gardens, Dazzling Nights runs from late November 2025 into early January 2026. It’s an immersive light walk through the gardens with music, projections, and photo spots. It feels more relaxed and romantic compared to the big theme parks.
5. ICE! at Gaylord Palms
Step inside a huge ice world carved by hand, kept at around 9°F. There are ice slides, themed rooms, and walk-through displays. Kids love it, and it gives you a “real winter” experience in the middle of Florida.
6. Downtown Orlando: Lake Eola & Local Events
If you want to see where locals actually go:
- Lake Eola Christmas Tree Light Show in downtown Orlando
- Holiday markets and food trucks around downtown and nearby neighborhoods
- Winter Park’s canals, shops and occasional boat parades
It’s an easy Uber or car ride from the theme park areas and gives you a break from long ride lines.
7. Easy Day Trips From Orlando in December
- Kennedy Space Center – cooler weather makes it comfortable to walk the exhibits and rocket garden.
- Cape Canaveral & Cocoa Beach – a quick “beach day” add-on to any Orlando trip.
- Crystal River – December is manatee season; you can join guided snorkel or viewing tours.
Best Things To Do in Florida in December 2025
Once you’ve ticked off Orlando, you can look wider. Things to do in Florida in December 2025 range from art fairs in Miami to Christmas lights in St. Augustine and warm beach days on the Gulf coast.
1. St. Augustine Nights of Lights (North Florida)
Must-see Christmas lightsFrom November 15, 2025 to January 11, 2026, historic St. Augustine is covered in millions of white lights. You can walk, ride a trolley, or take a boat tour to see the old town glow at night.
- Walk around the Plaza de la Constitución and bayfront after dark
- Book a Nights of Lights trolley or boat tour for easy viewing
- Grab dinner in the old town with lights all around you
2. Miami & Miami Beach: Art Basel and Miami Art Week
In early December 2025, Miami turns into one big art and nightlife hub.
- Art Basel Miami Beach (Dec 5–7, 2025) – the main art fair on Miami Beach
- Miami Art Week (early December) – dozens of satellite fairs and events around Wynwood, Downtown and the Design District
- Evening rooftop bars, beach walks and waterfront dinners
In December, boat cruises, Everglades airboat rides, and Miami city tours book up faster than usual:
3. Gulf Coast Beaches: Clearwater, St. Pete & Tampa Bay
December on the Gulf Coast is usually mild and sunny enough for long beach walks, sunset views and sometimes even a swim on warmer days.
- Clearwater Beach – soft sand, sunsets, family-friendly vibe
- St. Pete Beach – more laid-back, with artsy St. Petersburg nearby
- Tampa Riverwalk – Winter Village pop-ups, skating, and food stands along the water
4. Everglades & Wildlife Tours
Cooler, drier winter weather makes Everglades airboat tours and wildlife viewing more comfortable, with fewer bugs than in summer. You can access tours from the Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Naples side.
5. Florida Keys & Key West
December is peak season in the Keys for a reason:
- Warmer water and breezy evenings
- Snorkelling, sunset cruises and sailing trips
- Key West’s holiday boat parades and Duval Street nightlife
Suggested December 2025 Itineraries
Here are simple, realistic plans you can copy and tweak based on your dates and budget.
3–4 Days: Orlando-Only Short Break
- Day 1: Arrive, Disney Springs or ICON Park in the evening
- Day 2: Magic Kingdom or EPCOT (stay for nighttime shows)
- Day 3: Universal Studios or Animal Kingdom
- Evenings: Lake Eola lights, Dazzling Nights or ICE! at Gaylord Palms
7 Days: Orlando + Beach
- Days 1–3: Orlando parks and holiday events
- Day 4: Kennedy Space Center + Cocoa Beach
- Days 5–6: Tampa / Clearwater or St. Pete Beach
- Day 7: Return to Orlando, last-minute shopping and fly home
10–14 Days: Florida December Highlights
- Days 1–4: Orlando (Disney, Universal, local lights)
- Days 5–6: St. Augustine Nights of Lights
- Days 7–9: Miami & Miami Beach (Art Week/Art Basel if your dates match)
- Days 10–12: Florida Keys or Gulf Coast beaches
- Extra days: Everglades tour, Crystal River manatees or extra beach time
Getting Around: Orlando Airport Transfers & Florida Transport
December is busy, especially around Christmas and New Year. Booking your airport transfer or car service before you land makes the whole trip easier.
Orlando Airport Transfers & Local Car Service
If you’re arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO) with kids, extra luggage or elderly parents, a pre-booked car service is usually less stressful than trying to grab a last-minute ride.
- Meet-and-greet at the airport
- Fixed pricing (no surge surprises on peak days)
- Space for luggage, strollers and theme-park shopping
This booking link is provided by Orlando Car Service & Transfers and uses a secure online reservation system. You can pre-book your ride for December 2025 dates.
Do You Really Need a Car in Orlando?
- Staying only at Disney or Universal? You can often rely on resort transport, Uber/Lyft, and shuttles. A car is helpful but not essential.
- Planning outlets, different parks, beach days, and St. Augustine or Tampa? A rental car or mix of car service + day tours will give you much more freedom.
FAQ: Orlando & Florida in December 2025
Is December 2025 a good time to visit Orlando?
Yes. Weather is mild, humidity is lower, and all the major theme parks run special Christmas and holiday events. Early December is usually quieter. The week between Christmas and New Year is the busiest and most expensive.
What should I pack for Orlando in December 2025?
Think layers. Pack T-shirts, light trousers or jeans, a light sweater or hoodie, and a thin jacket for evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and you’ll still want sunscreen for midday sun.
Are there enough things to do in Florida in December 2025 beyond Orlando?
Definitely. You can combine Orlando with St. Augustine Nights of Lights, Art Basel in Miami, Gulf Coast beaches like Clearwater and St. Pete, the Everglades, or a few nights in the Florida Keys for warmer weather and water activities.
Is it warm enough to go to the beach in December?
It depends on the day and where you go. Around Clearwater, St. Pete and Miami, many days are comfortable for sitting on the beach and sometimes for swimming, especially in South Florida. Even when the water feels cool, sunsets and walks on the sand are still worth it.
How far in advance should I book December 2025?
For flights, park tickets, and central hotels, booking several months ahead is smart, especially if you’re travelling over Christmas or New Year. For car service and tours, try to book as soon as your dates and rough plan are locked in.
Where should first-timers stay?
If your focus is theme parks, staying near Disney or Universal keeps things simple. If you want nightlife and local restaurants, look at International Drive or Downtown Orlando and use car service or rideshare to reach the parks.
Comments
Post a Comment