By Kate Cohen
October 9, 2026
There’s no better place to revel in the magic of the holiday season quite like Orlando.
Even when the festive feasts of Christmas Day have finished, the city’s celebrations continue at the theme parks and beyond.
Here are our best tips for visiting Orlando between Christmas and New Year’s.
Key Takeaways
- What is Orlando Like Between Christmas and New Year's?
- Orlando Weather Between Christmas and New Year's
- How Crowded is Orlando During Christmas Week?
- Theme Park Tips for Visiting During the Holidays
- Money Saving Tips for Visiting Orlando During Peak Season
- What Are Some Other Things to Do in Orlando During Christmas Break?
- Rosen Inn: An Affordable Orlando Hotel Near Universal
What is Orlando Like Between Christmas and New Year’s?
We won’t sugar coat it: the week between Christmas and New Year’s is one of the busiest tourism periods of the year.
A lot of people have the days between holidays off from school and work, making it an ideal time to travel.
Plus, a lot of special holiday events and festivities continue through the first of the year, meaning the celebrations don’t end after Santa returns to the North Pole.
The influx of visitors at the end of the holiday season is an even better reason to choose to stay at a hotel conveniently located to the area’s major attractions, like Rosen Inn.
Orlando Weather Between Christmas and New Year’s
The weather in Orlando between Christmas and New Year’s is traditionally mild and downright beautiful.
Daily high temperatures average in the low to mid-70’s with lows that can drop into the mid-50s.
Of course, Florida weather can be unpredictable, and both cooler and warmer fronts are possible.
By late December, Orlando’s rainy hurricane season has come and gone. However, while rainstorms are uncommon in late December, it’s always a good idea to pack a poncho, just in case.
If you’re planning a holiday trip to Orlando, our recommendation is to dress in layers. Plan on wearing lightweight clothing to keep you comfortable during peak temperatures in the afternoon but bring a jacket or hoodie to keep you warm just in case it gets chilly.
Don’t forget to pack the most important part of your Orlando wardrobe: comfortable walking shoes.
How Crowded is Orlando During Christmas Week?
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is typically one of the busiest weeks of the year for Orlando tourism – especially the theme parks.
In fact, New Year’s Eve is historically considered the single busiest day of the year at Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom has been known to close early on New Year’s Eves past, hitting maximum capacity by midday.
Standby lines for well-known theme park attractions can be hours long. It may be near impossible to find dining reservations, let alone quick service seating.
It’s no surprise that this time of year, Lightning Lane Passes and Express Passes are very popular. These specialty passes allow guests to bypass lines for specific attractions, potentially saving hours of time.
At Walt Disney World, Lightning Lane Pass prices are surge-based, meaning they rise in cost during busier times of the year (yes, especially the week between Christmas and New Year’s). You can either purchase them for individual rides or splurge on a Premiere Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which grants one-time entry to every Lightning Lane attraction in the park – for a pretty penny, of course.
At Universal Orlando, Express Passes prices are also date-based, meaning you’ll be paying more if you plan to visit during the holidays. They don’t offer an a la carte option, however, so passes include access to every featured express pass line once per day. Prices are per park.
If you have the room in your budget to splurge for a Lightning Lane Pass or Express Pass, this is definitely a good time for it.
Universal Orlando allows guests to purchase Express Passes months ahead of time. However, Walt Disney World only releases a limited amount of Lightning Lane passes three days prior to ticket start dates.
This means that if you’re hoping to grab Lightning Lane passes for your trip, you’ll want to be stationed on their website at exactly 7 a.m. three days before your visit.
At the end of the day, there’s no way to avoid crowds at this time of year. You can, however, plan for them and set yourself up for a fun, enjoyable experience.
Theme Park Tips for Visiting During the Holidays
Arrive early
One of the best ways to beat heavy crowds at Orlando theme parks is to get an early start.
Arriving as soon as the park opens is affectionately known as “rope dropping,” meaning you can make a beeline to your must-do ride or attraction as soon as you’re able.
You may still find yourself in a line, but you can bet you’ll have a shorter wait time than if you tried later in the day. Less waiting means you can spend more time on rides and meeting characters, making the most of your itinerary.
If you’re driving to a theme park, earlier arrival also typically means easier parking. While there’s no shortage of parking spaces, future you will thank you for getting a closer spot than the ones available for afternoon arrivals.
Use Mobile Apps
Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando each offer their own app that can save you time and stress throughout your visit.
Use the theme park apps to monitor wait times for rides and attractions, which can help you plan your day efficiently.
Mobile food ordering is a huge benefit of the apps, allowing you to skip standing in line at quick service dining spots. Instead, you can order ahead and pick up your food when it’s ready, giving you more time to enjoy the theme park experience.
Pro tip: Check out show schedules to plan for a bit of seated and perhaps air-conditioned entertainment. Your feet will appreciate the rest.
Prioritize Your Must-Do Attractions
Orlando’s theme parks are packed with so much to do that it’s impossible to experience it all in one day.
Make a list of your must-do rides and attractions so you can plan your day around the experiences that matter most to you.
Then, start with the more popular list items earlier in the day, so you can hopefully take advantage of shorter lines. Leave the less popular attractions for afternoon hours when many patrons will be waiting in line for the rides you’ve already done.
Another key to having a great day at the theme parks is to build flexibility into your schedule. Having a strict itinerary is a recipe for disaster when there is so much beyond your control.
Instead, leave yourself time to walk from place to place, accommodate crowds, stop for a snack or a bathroom break, and even navigate potential ride closures.
Most importantly, leave some flexibility in your day for those unexpected moments. Some of the best theme park memories are the ones you never planned, so be sure to leave a little room for magic.
Consider Midday Breaks
If you’re planning to rope drop but also want to see the fireworks at night, you may want to think about taking a midday break.
One of the perks of staying in a hotel near the theme parks is that it’s easy to head back to your room for an afternoon rest.
Many families traveling with kids find it helpful to return to their hotel room for a nap or quiet time before pushing through to the end of the day.
While you’ll only have to pay for parking once per day, you’ll still want to be strategic at this busy time of year. If you leave the theme park midday and it reaches capacity while you’re out, you likely won’t be able to reenter after leaving.
Looking for the perfect budget-friendly Orlando hotel close to the theme parks for your holiday trip? Rosen Inn is mere minutes from Universal Orlando’s theme parks, offering the perfect proximity to make every moment of your vacation count.
Money Saving Tips for Visiting Orlando During Peak Season
The holidays are already an expensive time of year. Here are some tips to make your budget go further in Orlando.
Stay Near the Attractions
There are plenty of perks to staying close to the theme parks, including making it easier to take a midday break.
You’ll also save money on rideshares since you’ll have less distance to travel, and therefore, lower costs when you pay per ride.
Plus, when it comes to the busiest time of the year in Orlando, time is money. Staying close means you’ll spend less time on the road and more time making memories in the parks.
Rosen Inn is a Universal Orlando Partner Hotel, meaning we also offer a complimentary scheduled shuttle to and from Universal Orlando theme parks. It’s a great option for travelers on a budget, especially if you’re flexible with your schedule.
Eat a Combination of Park and Off-Site Meals
It’s no secret that dining can be a huge line item on your vacation budget.
You’ll probably want to indulge in your favorite theme park treats, or book a special character dining reservation. Who doesn’t want to toast to the end of the year with a fun, themed drink?
Save money for these treats and more and supplement your other meals with off-site options while still satisfying your appetite.
The area surrounding Orlando’s theme parks is known as the city’s entertainment district. It’s home to hundreds of restaurants, from familiar franchise favorites to award-winning independent eateries that locals love.
You’re also allowed to bring your own snacks into the theme park, so stock up with strategy. It’s never a bad idea to have a few filling options on hand to enjoy while waiting in line or walking to the next attraction on your list.
Staying at Rosen Inn? Enjoy a delicious hot breakfast buffet from the comfort of your hotel at our onsite restaurant, The Palms Dining Room. Our buffet offers a variety of tasty options, and best of all, kids 5 and younger dine for free with each paid adult.
You can also stock up on to-go snacks and beverages at Lite Bite Mini-Market to keep you fueled and hydrated during your day of adventure.
Travel with a Daily Budget
Preparing a daily budget is one of the best ways to make sure you’re not overspending on vacation.
Make a plan that accounts for how much you’ll spend on food each day, as well as transportation and parking costs.
Planning to shop for exclusive holiday theme park merch? Set a specific budget for souvenirs to avoid going overboard.
You’ll also want to set aside part of your budget for photo packages, Lightning Lane or Express Passes, and any other admission fees for tours and experiences you may want to try.
What Are Some Other Things to Do in Orlando During Christmas Break?
Orlando’s theme parks are undoubtedly the biggest draw to the area during the holidays. But there are plenty of other festive things to do to enjoy everything The City Beautiful has to offer.
Spend some time exploring the International Drive District, an area known as the heart of Orlando’s tourism and entertainment industries. Here, you’ll find a variety of family-friendly attractions, exciting bars and restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Try your hand at Mini Golf at one of the area’s engaging courses that offers fun for the whole family.
Find fantastic bargains at Orlando’s many outlet malls featuring great discounts on well-known brands like Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Coach, and dozens more.
When it comes to the holidays, there will still be plenty of festive cheer to go around in the days following Christmas. Check out events like the Dr. Phillips Frontyard Holiday Festival (through Dec. 31, 2026) or the spectacular Dazzling Nights light event at Leu Gardens (through Jan. 3, 2027).
Rosen Inn: An Affordable Orlando Hotel Near Universal
Orlando is a magical destination year-round, but it offers even more wonder and enchantment during the holidays.
With the right planning, you can navigate crowds and costs like a pro, making meaningful memories and enjoying the final days of the holiday season.
When you choose to stay at Rosen Inn, you’ll be prioritizing convenience, comfort, and affordability during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Our hotel is the perfect place to stay while visiting Orlando in December.
Our exceptional staff is ready to welcome you to your holiday home-away-from-home. We hope to host you soon!