Your guide to celebrating the season with magic, joy and zero stress
The holidays hit different when you live near Disney. Instead of cramming everything into one whirlwind vacation, locals enjoy weeks of festivities, lights, treats and cozy moments sprinkled throughout December… and honestly, it feels like living inside a holiday movie where the parks become your backyard.
If you want to know how locals enjoy the season without crowds, chaos or rushing… here’s your official guide to celebrating the holidays like a true Disney neighbor.
🎅 1. Start With the Disney Resort Holiday Tour
No park ticket needed… the resorts go all out for the holidays.
Local favorites:
- Grand Floridian Gingerbread House
- Wilderness Lodge Christmas lobby
- Polynesian tropical trees
- Beach Club’s gingerbread carousel
Resort hopping is cheerful, peaceful and full of delicious seasonal treats.
Pro tip: Arrive early evening for lights, live music and holiday desserts without crowds.
🌟 2. Spend Evenings at Disney Springs (Free Parking!)
Disney Springs is a holiday wonderland.
Highlights:
- The Christmas Tree Stroll
- Snowfall along Town Center
- Holiday treats from bakeries
- Live music on outdoor stages
- Boat rides with festive lights
It’s a relaxing, festive night out that locals do again and again.
🕯️ 3. Visit EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays
This is where culture, food and holiday traditions from around the world come alive.
Locals love:
- Candlelight Processional
- Holiday kitchens
- Storytellers in each pavilion
- Seasonal concerts
- Cookie stroll challenges
It’s festive, educational and totally heartwarming.
🚗 4. Drive Through Local Light Displays
One of the best perks of being a Disney local is discovering the small town magic around the area.
Local favorites:
- Winter Garden Christmas lights downtown
- Celebration’s Now Snowing event
- Lake Nona holiday lights
- Jeater Bend light show
- Lake Buena Vista holiday decorations
Nothing beats hot cocoa and a magical neighborhood light drive.
🎁 5. Shop Small at Winter Garden’s Holiday Market
Downtown Winter Garden transforms into a cozy holiday village.
Expect:
- Artisans
- Holiday treats
- Kid friendly activities
- Live music
- Stunning small town decor
It feels like Main Street USA… but without an admission fee.
🎶 6. Catch a Holiday Show or Concert
Central Florida has a surprising amount of holiday performing arts.
Top picks:
- Orlando Ballet’s Nutcracker
- Garden Theatre holiday musicals
- Dr. Phillips Center concerts
- Orlando Philharmonic holiday pops
It adds culture and sparkle to the season.
⛸️ 7. Go Ice Skating at the Holidays Around Town
It’s Florida… but yes, you can still skate.
Seasonal rinks appear at:
- Lake Nona
- Winter Park
- ICON Park
- Margaritaville’s Sunset Walk
Kids love it. Parents love the photos.
🍪 8. Do a Disney Treat Crawl (No Ticket Required)
Locals know the best holiday treats aren’t always inside parks.
Must try:
- Gideon’s holiday cookie releases
- Amorette’s festive pastries
- Joffrey’s seasonal drinks
- The Ganachery’s handmade chocolates
- Dole Whip seasonal flavors
The dessert scene goes full Santa mode.
🛍️ 9. Explore Celebration’s Holiday Magic
Celebration goes big for the holidays and feels like stepping inside a snow globe.
Highlights:
- Nightly snow
- Christmas market booths
- Photos ops
- Carriage rides
- Lakeside lights
Perfect for families and picture perfect evenings.
✨ 10. Plan Mini Magical Moments Instead of Full Day Park Trips
The secret to doing holidays like a local?
Small doses of magic.
Locals love:
- Pop in for EPCOT fireworks
- Quick ride on the Skyliner at sunset
- Grab hot chocolate at the resorts
- Walk around the BoardWalk
- Watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the Polynesian beach
It’s calm… joyful… and beautifully balanced.
⭐ Ready to Spend the Holidays as a Disney Local Next Year?
If you want a life where the holidays feel like a month long celebration… I’d love to help you move closer to the magic.
👉 Schedule your Disney Bubble Buyer Consultation today.
Let’s find your home where twinkling lights and holiday joy are always around the corner.
I’m Timothy Carter, your dedicated Disney World Orlando area relocation expert with The Funk Collection brokered by eXp Realty.
Author of the book: Moving To The Disney Bubble: Your Guide To Living Near the Magic
I specialize in helping Disney lovers & theme park enthusiasts find their perfect home or vacation investment property. I’m here to help turn your dreams into reality!
You’ll find everything you need to know about living in the greater Orlando area – from neighborhood guides, real estate tips & the lifestyle of living near the theme parks, to insider advice on relocating to this magical place.
My family moved to Orlando to LIVE the ultimate Disney lifestyle!
You can too! I can help! Click here —-> Meet With Timothy Carter
