Celebrate the Holidays in Orlando

You don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to make a list and decorate. Shop for themed décor all year at this Florida Mall store, which is near the mall entrance of The Florida Hotel & Conference Center. According to the festive staff, ornaments and cards are among the most popular things to buy.

The waterfront complex is one of the best places to see Santa during the holidays, but you’ll want to visit throughout the year to enjoy Disney’s Days of Christmas. Located in the Marketplace section, this seasonal store at Disney Springs® offers Disney décor, ornaments, stockings and other essentials. You can even buy a Santa hat that doubles as Mickey Ears!

The holiday highlight here is ICE! at Gaylord Palms, which welcomes visitors to a winter wonderland of three-dimensional ice sculptures as well as holiday programming from mid-November to early January. After you take pictures with Santa Claus, go sledding and appreciate all the things to see: Check out the atrium, local restaurants and holiday activities (such as concerts) that add to the festivities at the Kissimmee resort.

Are you looking for a “cool” place to go in Orlando? Hovering at 22 degrees, the Ice Bar offers drinks—literally on ice. (Gloves and coats are provided with entry fee.) Even kids can check out the wintry atmosphere, with those ages 8 and up welcome from 5-9. Chill with a nonalcoholic beverage or a crafted cocktail. After 9 p.m., ages 21 and up can warm up in the FIRE Lounge.

Traditionally, fried foods are eaten during Hanukkah, but you don’t have to wait to nosh on fried falafel and other such Mediterranean classics as hummus and cucumber salad. Under the supervision of the RCF-Rabbinate of Central and North Florida, this spot on International Drive provides fast kosher food at an affordable price. Bonus: If you want to go shopping, Kosher Grill is a few blocks from Orlando International Premium Outlets.

All the Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts get into the holiday spirit, but you’ll want to buy tickets to experience Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, one of Disney’s most popular events that runs from November to December. Enjoy holiday décor, shows and fireworks, as well as visits from Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Are you celebrating Hanukkah in Orlando and wondering where to stay? Along with offering winter deals, this hotel has a culinary team trained to produce “high-end glatt kosher cuisine, on-site and off-site, without compromising on quality and kashrut standards.” Located on International Drive, it is in the middle of the action, near many Orlando attractions, and connects to the Orange County Convention Center.

From November to early January, visitors can celebrate Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure. Start your celebration at whimsical Seuss Landing™, where the Dr. Seuss classic, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” comes to life—and might inspire your heart to “grow.”

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