The Best Winter Activities in Central Florida

Living in FL, you know that winter doesn’t really feel like winter. It’s literally 80 degrees in the middle of December. That’s why I like going to winter/holiday themed events and activities! It makes me feel like we at least have a little winter even if we don’t.

***This is based on stuff that I have personally done. I obviously have not done everything so if there’s something I missed out that you think is great please let me know in a comment below***

***Websites for events are linked. Just look for the underlined words!

1) Gaylord Palms ICE! Show

I loved this show! They basically have a bunch of ice sculptures! They are so pretty! I couldn’t believe how detailed everything was. It was also really cold though so if you do decide to go, bring a jacket… and maybe gloves! They also have ice slides at the end which are super fun!

  • This show runs until January 7th.
  • Adult tickets: ~$30
  • Child tickets: ~$15

For more information, click the following link to go to their website.

2) Light up UCF

They light up the area around the CFE arena and they do a light show! They also have a wheel, a ride, ice skating, a trolley, and an ice slide! The ice show and the slide were my faves!

They also do carriage rides and pictures with Santa!

  • I believe this ends on the 31st of December so hurry and go if you haven’t!
  • Pricing varies (see website below). We paid $20 for the “ultimate package”

For more information, visit Light Up UCF’s website.

3) “Now Snowing” in Celebration

They do nightly “snow” starting at 6, 7, 8, and 9 pm every night. The snow is basically soap but it’s super cute and adorable! We also went on the train ride which was also cute. In addition, they’ve got ice skating, carriage rides, and pictures with Santa. That area is super cute in itself and they have cute little restaurants, an ice cream shop, and a boutique!

  • Ends December 31st
  • Ice Skating: $10 for 1/2 hours
  • Horse and Carriage Rides: $45 (includes 4 people)
  • Photos with Santa: Price varies

4) Mount Dora “Light Up”

I love Mount Dora. It’s the cutest town! Think Star’s Hollow from Gilmore Girls. The actual “light up” already happened but the lights are on every night. 5 o clock would be a good time to go since everything in Mount Dora is basically closed at 6. I’m not sure if they stay later in December, sorry can’t remember. It’s free for everyone to come and watch the lights. Their tree is so adorable and the lights change with the music. They have different events going on throughout the month. I think this ends in the end of December but I’m not too sure. They also have the best ice cream at the Village Coffee Pot!

Check out their website for more information.

5) Ice Skating at RDV

Obviously the most wintery activity you can do! Check RDV’s website for public skate times.

6) Santa’s Winter Wonderland Village

It’s kind of like a winter carnival and I think you should definitely go if you’ve never been! They’ve got a bunch of rides and it’s fun!

  • Free parking and admission
  • Open everyday until January 1st (see website linked below for times)
  • Daily wristband: $25
  • 40 tickets for $20
  • 2 tickets for $1
  • 120 tickets for $50

Winter Wonderland Website

7) Festival of Trees

*This event happens in November, so it’s already passed but you should think about checking it out next year!

Not gonna lie, this definitely isn’t the most fun thing on my list but it’s cool to see the different trees. You should check it out at least once in your life! It’s a 9 day event and you can purchase some of the trees!

  • Adults: $15
  • Children: $5

Festival of Trees Website

Hope you guys enjoyed my list – if you did, please like this post and subscribe! Comment your favorite winter or holiday events/activities and tell me about them (whether you live in Florida or not).

Instagram: @sayeedah_


For a more thorough list, check out this article in the Orlando sentinel: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/orl-florida-travel-calendar-december-story.html

2 Comments

  • Reply Superman January 10, 2018 at 3:54 pm

    Yess these are all great! Light up UCF is hands down a must!
    We should go skating one day! 😉

    • Reply sayeedahsparkles January 10, 2018 at 3:59 pm

      Insha Allah Superman

    Comments? I love to connect with you guys!

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