Best Places to Warm Up in Orlando During the Holiday Season
Do you plan on trading in scarves and winter jackets for sunglasses and shorts during your next holiday vacation? If so, Orlando is the perfect oasis for an escape from winter’s ice-cold temperatures and heavy snow while creating new festive memories.
While the occasional chilly nights can be a reminder of winter back at home, there is a spot around every corner of O-Town where you can keep toasty and march on to the next item on your vacation’s itinerary.
Staying warm is all part of the adventure, from exploring the thrills of world-famous theme parks to taking selfies with your favorite childhood characters. Gift shopping is a breeze without northerly chill, and live performances turn up the heat with electrifying showcases.
Below we list the best places to warm up in Orlando during the holiday season. Each place offers festive entertainment the whole family can embrace.
Key Takeaways
- Dezerland Park
- The Florida Mall
- EPCOT & Disney's BoardWalk
- Orlando Science Center
- Universal Orlando Resort & CityWalk
- Lake Nona's Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
- Disney Springs
- Stay Toasty and Thrilled for Orlando Holidays
Dezerland Park
The heart-pounding action of Orlando is a reliable source of warmth this holiday season. A prime example is Dezerland Park, the largest indoor attraction in the Sunshine State.
Fun for all ages awaits your group, from laser tag and indoor karting to axe throwing and bumper cars. Younger kids can show off their gaming skills at Arcade Orlando and their athleticism at Jumpstart with a game of dodgeball or slam-dunk basketball.
Dezerland Park’s Orlando Auto Museum is an automobile enthusiast’s dreamworld, offering a tour of classic cars, military vehicles, and cars from legendary movie franchises. The ice-skating rink transports you to an indoor winter wonderland free of biting chills.
Kids ages 3 to 12 get the royal treatment and refresh themselves after the day’s activities at the Princess Pamper Spa. Take the gang on a trip back in time at Old Time Photos for a retro photo shoot that remembers your day at Dezerland Park in style.
The Florida Mall
As soon as you step inside The Florida Mall, an assuring warmth takes over as you prepare to check off each item on your shopping list.
Whether you’re looking for your children’s favorite toys or that new outfit your spouse has been dreaming of, the perfect gift is calling. Stop by the mall’s Dining Pavilion for a lunch break where each bite is a toasty energy boost for the rest of your shopping spree.
Families can show off their creativity at Crayola Experience and bring home wonderful works of art to hang up on the refrigerator. The exhilarating Play Park and Game Over escape rooms keeps the kids warm with excitement.
Bring your Florida Mall shopping adventure to a cozy end with a visit from Santa Claus himself. Nothing treats parents to a cozy vibe like watching their kids read their wish lists to Jolly Old Saint Nick.
EPCOT & Disney's BoardWalk
If the thrills of EPCOT are on your itinerary, this year’s International Festival of the Holidays is a must. From November 28 through December 30, the holiday season becomes a global experience.
Kids can learn about the lore and legends of Christmas at Holiday Storytellers, and St. Nick is right around the corner for more family photos. Expand your tastes with the holiday kitchens that offer savory cuisine for a heartwarming pick-me-up for the rest of the day’s theme park action.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season lights up the park with the beats of gospel, R&B, and hit holiday songs. Warm up inside for the Candlelight Processional, where a celebrity narrator and a magnificent mass choir tell the story of Christmas through epic musical performances.
When the evening calls for a break from EPCOT’s festival, Disney’s BoardWalk is the place to be for toasty entertainment. A walk along Crescent Lake treats you to beautiful views of the boardwalk and waterfront with the occasional showcases of magicians, jugglers, and other street performers.
Nothing warms the heart like a meal at the boardwalk’s restaurants, from BoardWalk Deli’s toasty sandwiches to the elegant seafood at Flying Fish. Share a delicious pizza with the gang at the Pizza Window before satisfying your sweet tooth with the treats of BoardWalk Ice Cream.
A campfire on the Village Green keeps everyone cozy as you gaze at the stars lighting up the nighttime sky. The “Movie Under the Stars” brings the whole family together for a warm and entertaining end to the evening.
Orlando Science Center
Warm holiday extravaganzas take an educational turn with a day at the Orlando Science Center. An afternoon at this museum is a must for parents with curious kids.
Kids can jump into 2theXtreme! and show off their mathematical knowledge and imagination in virtual worlds. The activities of KidsTown are perfect for children ages 7 and younger. From the building exercises of Explore It to the exciting challenges of Isaacs Family Climb Time, learning is all fun and games.
Parents can help older kids channel their inner scientists at the museum’s live programs. Experience how pilots navigate the skies in FlightLab, join open experiments at Dr. Dare’s Lab, and take in a beautiful view of the cosmos at the Observatory.
The museum’s immersive theaters keep you toasty while you enjoy educational films that spark a newfound passion for science. This visit may even spark an idea of what to get science-loving kids for the holidays.
Universal Orlando Resort & CityWalk
The theme park holiday festivities continue at Universal Orlando Resort from November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026. When the thrill rides aren’t warming you up with one adrenaline rush after another, the park’s merry adventures will do the trick.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s rolls through the streets of Universal Studios Orlando with the characters your whole family grew up with. Iconic characters from the Shrek, Madagascar, and Despicable Me franchises spread holiday cheer aboard colorful floats.
More festive cheer awaits at Universal Islands of Adventure’s Seuss Landing™, where you can watch a live retelling of the Grinch’s story with The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular. The sarcastic green trickster and the Whos put on a spectacle that will make your heart grow three sizes that day, as will a photo-up with the Grinch and the gang.
As if the holiday season wasn’t magical enough, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ takes it to another level with merry music and festive décor at Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade™ in Universal Islands of Adventure. Sip a warm pint of Butterbeer™ as you watch the park light up with the Christmas spirit during the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle projection show.
Universal CityWalk awaits as the evening calls for a break from the holiday theme park adventures. Dining gets a warm boost with heart-racing melodies and tributes to musical legends at Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom and the Hard Rock Café.
There’s no such thing as too many sweets during the holidays, and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen has everything from your favorite desserts to heartwarming treats you didn’t even know existed. These snacks will get the energy rushing for an extra round of souvenir and gift shopping before the night’s end.
Indoor fun is right around the corner at Hollywood Drive-In Golf, where friendly competition turns into a journey through the worlds of 1950s sci-fi and horror movies. Speaking of film, the latest hit is calling at Universal Cinemark for your group to cozy up in your movie theater seats as you enjoy the adventures of iconic heroes on the big screen.
Lake Nona's Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
Staying cozy this holiday season in Orlando doesn’t means that you have to sacrifice outdoor experiences. One way to take advantage of the mild temperatures is with a visit to the Lake Nona Town Center for this year’s Oh, What Fun!® Holiday Festival on select weekends from December 5 to December 21.
The town center turns into “Peppermint Square,” a wonderland that fills the sky with magical snowfall each evening to give the illusion of winter’s delicate touch. Tour the holiday market while shopping for gifts and souvenirs made by local vendors and artisans.
Holiday-themed treats and drinks light up the tastebuds with warmth and festive passion. Professional singers and dancers dazzle with nightly performances that bring the Christmas spirit to O-Town.
The streets fill with colorful floats, holiday music, and cheerful characters on December 13 as the Christmas parade makes its way through the Town Center. Mr. and Mrs. Clause stop by at Santa’s Cottage for sing-alongs, meet-and-greetings, and photo-ops to add to your Christmas album.
Disney Springs
The worries of last-minute holiday shopping float away at Disney Springs. With the ideal gifts for children, friends, and spouses just steps away, there’s always an opportunity to stop and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Disney-themed Christmas trees tower over the streets as you enter stores decked out in holiday décor with your shopping list. A break from the shopping spree requires a warm, hearty meal, whether you’re in the mood for Southern hospitality at Homecoming or an Irish dish at Raglan Road. The Boathouse is perfect for exquisite cuisine and gorgeous sunset views.
It wouldn’t be the holidays without sugary indulgence, and the treats of Gideon’s Bakehouse warm the soul for more holiday activities. You can also stop by Sprinkles, Salt & Straw, and Marketplace Snacks for more delightful recharges.
Nighttime chills take a backseat to the grooves flowing through Disney Springs from the live musical performances that offer a fun little dance break. Santa will also be paying another visit in case you have any last-minute gift requests.
Stay Toasty and Thrilled for Orlando Holidays
While some vacationers seek out snow-covered destinations for their holiday escapes, Orlando is paradise for those in need of a warmer, more sunny retreat.
Indoor and outdoor destinations throughout O-Town keep you and the gang nice and toasty for your merry extravaganzas. From festive celebrations to activities for the whole family, staying cozy in Orlando is a walk in the park.
Book your next holiday adventure with Rosen Inn closest to Universal today and prepare for Orlando’s very own winter wonderland filled with merry moments to cherish.
