Wyndham I-DriveBlog

With twinkling lights overhead, the aroma of hot cocoa drifting through the air, and the joyful hum of holiday music around every corner, Orlando becomes a truly magical holiday destination. Staying at Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort & Conference Center puts you in the heart of International Drive, with easy access to festive attractions, dazzling light displays, seasonal events, restaurants, and entertainment. From world-class theme parks to holiday experiences throughout Central Florida, here are three ways to make the most of the season in Orlando. 

1. Experience Holiday Magic at Orlando Theme Parks 

Orlando's theme parks go all out during the holidays, transforming their attractions and entertainment into festive experiences filled with seasonal shows, decorations, special food, and holiday characters.

• Walt Disney World® Resort – Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Select nights, Nov. 7–Dec. 20, 2026): Celebrate Christmas at Magic Kingdom with Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, holiday entertainment, Disney characters in festive attire, seasonal treats, and decorations throughout the park.
• Universal Orlando Resort – Holidays at Universal (Nov. 14, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027): Experience the holidays throughout Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure with Grinchmas, festive entertainment, seasonal décor, holiday food and drinks, and opportunities to see favorite characters celebrating the season.
• SeaWorld Orlando – Christmas Celebration (Nov. 6, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027): SeaWorld transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of lights, holiday shows, seasonal entertainment, festive food and drinks, and the opportunity to experience the park's attractions surrounded by holiday décor.
• LEGOLAND® Florida Resort – Holidays at LEGOLAND (Select dates, Nov. 27–Dec. 31, 2026): Families can enjoy LEGO-themed holiday entertainment, festive decorations, seasonal activities, holiday characters, and interactive experiences throughout the park.
• EPCOT® – International Festival of the Holidays (Nov. 27–Dec. 30, 2026): Explore holiday traditions from around the world throughout World Showcase with seasonal food and drinks, cultural entertainment, storytellers, festive decorations, and special holiday experiences. 

2. Explore International Drive Holiday Events 

International Drive sparkles with lights, seasonal treats, and holiday experiences that delight visitors of all ages. Strolling or driving past colorful lights and cheerful music makes the district feel like a festive playground, perfect for capturing the magic of the season:

• ICON Park: Enjoy holiday displays, seasonal entertainment, restaurants, attractions, and views from the Orlando Eye throughout the holiday season.
• SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium – Deck the Seas: Experience the aquarium with holiday décor, seasonal activities, and festive underwater fun, including holiday-themed experiences throughout the attraction.
• Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park: Meet Santa, take holiday photos, and enjoy a festive experience with the family at ICON Park.
• Frostbites Winterland Adventure at the Museum of Illusions: Explore holiday-themed optical illusions and interactive exhibits that create unique photo opportunities and a fun experience for visitors of all ages.
• Seasonal Dining and Entertainment: Restaurants and entertainment venues throughout International Drive add holiday-inspired food and drinks, festive décor, live entertainment, and seasonal events throughout the season. 

Pro Tip: The I-Ride Trolley is an easy and affordable way to explore International Drive without driving between restaurants, attractions, shopping, and seasonal entertainment. Rides are $6, and guests who book directly with Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort receive complimentary I-Ride Trolley passes. 

3. Enjoy Festive Day Trips Around Orlando 

If you want to experience more of Central Florida beyond the major theme parks and International Drive, the holiday season offers plenty of memorable day trips. From illuminated gardens and classic holiday performances to Florida wildlife and space exploration, there are plenty of ways to experience a different side of Orlando during the holidays.

• Gatorland – Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down (Dec. 5–6, 12–13 & 19–20, 2026): Add some Florida personality to your holiday plans with festive entertainment at Gatorland. The event features holiday music, seasonal décor, interactive characters, seasonal treats, and photo opportunities with Gator Claus in his swamp-ready sleigh. Browse arts and crafts vendors, and enjoy Gatorland's alligators, wildlife, and shows. The event is included with regular park admission.
• Leu Gardens – Dazzling Nights (Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027): Harry P. Leu Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of colorful lights, interactive installations, music, sculptures, and festive displays throughout the 50-acre botanical garden. The walk-through experience covers approximately three-quarters of a mile.
• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – The Nutcracker (Dec. 4–27, 2026): Orlando Ballet brings the holiday classic The Nutcracker to Steinmetz Hall with Tchaikovsky's beloved score, elaborate costumes, detailed sets, and Clara's journey through the Land of Sweets. Performances take place throughout December.
• Downtown Orlando – Downtown for the Holidays (December 2026): Lake Eola Park becomes a holiday destination with the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree, synchronized light and music shows, seasonal entertainment, holiday markets, Santa appearances, and festive activities throughout downtown Orlando.
• Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards – Holiday Season: Visit Lakeridge Winery in Clermont for winery tours and tastings, live music, food, and seasonal events. The winery offers a relaxed setting surrounded by holiday décor and is a change of pace from the theme parks.
• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – Holidays in Space: Combine the holiday season with a day of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Holiday programming brings seasonal decorations, entertainment, and special experiences to the visitor complex, offering a festive way to explore spacecraft, astronaut history, and America's space program. 

Stay at Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort 

After a day of holiday lights, theme park celebrations, and seasonal events, return to Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort & Conference Center to relax and recharge. Enjoy the resort's tropical pool complex, children's splash playscape, arcade-style game room, on-site dining, and comfortable guest rooms before heading out for another day of Orlando holiday fun. 

Located on International Drive, Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort puts guests close to Orlando's major theme parks, seasonal attractions, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. With convenient access to holiday events and plenty to enjoy at the resort, it's an ideal home base for an Orlando holiday getaway. 

Orlando Holiday FAQs 

1. What are the best holiday events in Orlando? 

Orlando offers holiday experiences for every type of traveler, from major theme park celebrations to festive events throughout International Drive and Central Florida. Popular options include Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World® Resort, Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida, and EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays.

• Theme parks: Enjoy seasonal entertainment, holiday décor, special food, characters, shows, and festive experiences throughout Orlando's major theme parks.
• Beyond the parks: Experience Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens, Gatorland's Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down, The Nutcracker at the Dr. Phillips Center, and seasonal events around downtown Orlando. 

2. What are some family-friendly holiday activities near International Drive? 

Families staying on International Drive have plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday season without spending every day at a theme park. ICON Park offers festive displays, attractions, dining, and seasonal entertainment, while SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium adds holiday fun with seasonal décor and activities.

• International Drive: Enjoy holiday attractions, seasonal dining, entertainment, and festive displays throughout the area.
• Getting around: Use the I-RIDE Trolley to travel between attractions, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment along International Drive. 

3. What can I do on International Drive during the holidays? 

International Drive offers holiday fun beyond the major theme parks. Visitors can see seasonal displays at ICON Park, experience holiday activities at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, enjoy seasonal food and drinks, shop, and explore entertainment throughout the district. 

The I-RIDE Trolley provides an easy way to explore International Drive, with rides available for $6 and complimentary passes available to guests who book directly with Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort. 

4. What are some holiday day trips from Orlando? 

Central Florida offers plenty of holiday experiences within an easy day trip from Orlando. Gatorland's Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down combines festive entertainment with Florida wildlife, while Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens transforms the botanical gardens with thousands of holiday lights. Visitors can also experience Orlando Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Dr. Phillips Center, enjoy seasonal events around Lake Eola, or combine holiday programming with space exploration at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

• Unique Florida experiences: Gatorland and Kennedy Space Center offer something different from traditional holiday events and theme parks.
• Holiday traditions: Dazzling Nights, The Nutcracker, and downtown Orlando events add classic seasonal experiences to an Orlando getaway. 

5. Where should I stay for holiday events near International Drive? 

Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort & Conference Center offers a convenient home base for exploring Orlando's holiday events, theme parks, attractions, dining, shopping, and entertainment. The resort is located on International Drive near Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World® Resort, and SeaWorld® Orlando.

• Resort amenities: Enjoy the tropical pool complex, children's splash playscape, arcade-style game room, on-site dining, and comfortable guest rooms.
• Transportation: Take advantage of scheduled theme park transportation and complimentary I-Ride Trolley passes for eligible direct bookings.