10 Easy Things to Do with Your Kids During Winter Break
Winter Break is approaching! Can you believe we are already at this time of year? Before it’s too late, have some fun with your kids this Winter Break.
With visitors from out of town and family to entertain, and the kids to get busy, we’re sharing lots of ideas.
In Case You’re Interested:
>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks
And, make those NYE plans with our list of New Year’s Eve Events for Kids.
Family Fun During Winter Break
- Do something for FREE
- See Christmas lights and holiday decorations
- Classes and Workshops
- FREE Disney World Experiences
- See Santa and other characters
- Winter Wonderland Market and Magic Show
- SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
- Lantern Festivals
- Holidays at Leu Gardens
- ICE! at Gaylord Palms
Keep reading for more info on each of these activities. There are ideas for every Orlando family, and visiting folks too!
Do Something for FREE
The holiday season can be an expensive time of year for families. Despite our best intentions to get creative with holiday gift ideas, many of us invariably overspend.
So make it easy on yourself and enjoy some of the many free kids’ activities in Orlando. Some of our favorite free ideas include Mead Botanical Garden, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, Bonnet Springs Park, and much more.
Of course, local playgrounds like Winter Park Community and Phelps Park are always free too. And we loved taking a day trip to James F. Holland Memorial Park in Palm Coast.
Naturally, there are many free holiday events in Orlando too!
Christmas Lights and Displays
Orlando is simply dazzling this time of year. From special ticketed events to wonderous neighborhood displays there are beautiful Christmas lights and displays all around town.
Some of our favorite displays are free like at Lake Concord Park in Casselberry, Downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola Park, and Cranes Roost in Altamonte Springs.
Classes and Workshops
With kids being out of school for winter break, you may want some help keeping them entertained. There are many free classes and workshops for kids around town. You can enjoy hands-on activities for free.
And plenty of local businesses have some really cool classes for kids that are worth the money. From art and jewelry making to coding and cooking, Orlando kids have plenty of fun classes to enjoy.
FREE Disney World Experiences
Any parent in Orlando knows that the magic of Walt Disney World comes at a price. But there are quite a few free things you can do at Disney World, especially this time of year.
The best plan of action is to start at the free Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail. Then utilize Disney transportation to visit the resort hotels for either of DIY Monorail Tour or visit the gingerbread displays at Disney’s BoardWalk area.
There are also a few free things to do at Disney hotels, and you do not need to be a hotel guest to enjoy them. Either make a dining reservation at your hotel of choice or use Disney Springs transportation.
See Santa and Other Characters
By the time Winter Break arrives, you may have gotten your fill of visiting Old St. Nick. But in case you haven’t seen the big man yet this year, or you can’t get enough, there are many places to get pictures with Santa Claus in Orlando.
And if you want to change things up, there are other fun characters around town like Santa Shark, The Grinch, and more. One of our favorite places to visit Santa is Wekiva Island which has an adorable new North Pole Workshop.
Winter Wonderland Market and Magic Show
Winter Wonderland Market
December 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 – 5-9pm
JW Marriott, Grande Lakes (Located on the Valencia Lawn)
Discover the bliss of the holiday season at the Winter Wonderland Market. Stroll amongst European-inspired cottages featuring holiday delicacies, tasty beverages, and local artisan crafts.
There is no ticket required, and self parking can be validated when you make a purchase at one of the charming cottages.
Last year the cottages included the following treats and treasures:
- Hot Cocoa Bar – Bubble Waffles, Gingerbread Ornament Cookies, Hot Cocoa and more
- Cocktail Chalet – Mulled Wine, Tis’ The Season Sangria, Merry Mule, Burnt Baker Old Fashioned and more
- Elf Kitchen – Flatbreads, Chicken Fingers and Fries
- Raclette – Raclette Cheese and House-made Baguette Sandwich, Grilled Bratwurst, Soft Pretzels & Cheddar Fondue
- Arctic Treasures -Artisan Retail Shop
- Signature Shop – Retail from The Ritz-Carlton Orlando’s Luxury Lifestyle Boutique
- Montage – Retail from JW Marriott Orlando’s Bespoke Retail Store
- Spa -Skincare, candles, gift sets, and more
The Hot Cocoa Bar has some of the best hot cocoa you’ll ever taste plus tons of toppings to choose from, which also go great atop a bubble waffle with ice cream.
You can play a variety of yard games together and there are some small craft tables for kids too.
A free train ride goes around the perimeter of the festive lawn! And there is snowfall at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.
The Winter Wonderland Market at Grande Lakes is free and open to the public. You do not have to be a hotel guest to visit. But you will need to get your parking validated.
The Magic Show at Grande Lakes
Presented by acclaimed magician and America’s Got Talent finalist, Drew Thomas and his award-winning colleagues. This luxury VIP experience puts you right at the heart of breathtaking illusions, bringing the impossible to life just inches away.
General Admission: $49.99, Premier 2nd Row Seating: $69.99, VIP Front Row with Meet & Greet: $89.99. 5PM AND 7PM on select Friday and Saturday nights
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
Select dates, November 7 through January 5.
If you’re planning a family-friendly holiday outing, the festive season at SeaWorld Orlando is a delightful option. We love SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration because it’s bundled into your regular park admission, and brings enchanting elements like a “Sea of Trees” light display, faux snow along the waterfront, character meet-and-greets, and wholesome live shows for the kids.
And there is new entertainment this year!
ILLUMINATE at Aquatica and Asian Lantern Festival at CFL Zoo
ILLUMINATE at Aquatica: Select dates, November 8, 2015 – January 31, 2026
Asian Lantern Festival: Select dates, November 14, 2025 – January 18, 2026
ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Festival at Aquatica Orlando
A brand-new holiday experience debuts November 8, 2025, and runs select nights through January 31, 2026.
Best of all? Tickets are reasonably priced, starting at $29.99!
New for 2025 is ILLUMINATE, Aquatica Orlando’s lantern festival. Instead of water rides and splashes, families can expect walk-through magic as the entire park comes alive with glowing animal lanterns, interactive light displays, and whimsical music. It’s a chance to slow down, stroll together, and see Aquatica like never before—shimmering with color, sound, and story.
One of the most beautiful events of the year is the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. The lanterns are stunning, and there are multiple photo opportunities for kids! Wear comfortable walking shoes and plan to spend about an hour and a half strolling around the one-way path through the entire zoo.
Family packs with tickets and snacks are available. Take your time and try not to rush through. A note of caution, the playground is not open during this nighttime event, so prepare kids accordingly.
Holidays at Leu Gardens
Friday, November 28, 2025 to Sunday, January 04, 2026
Thousands of poinsettias and seasonal blooms set the scene for a joyful, wonder-filled stroll the whole family can enjoy. Spread across 50 acres of charming displays and colorful container gardens, this holiday floral experience is full of delightful surprises around every corner.
Tour the Historic Leu House Museum adorned with traditional designs that glimmer and glow. Guided tours allow you to enjoy the beauty of the decorations and uncover the rich history that makes the Gardens so special.
Guided tours of the Historic Leu House Museum are offered Tuesday–Sunday, every 30 minutes from 10:00 a.m., with the last tour beginning at 12:30 p.m.
ICE! at Gaylord Palms – featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
November 14, 2025 – January 7, 2026
Step into a winter wonderland at ICE! at Gaylord Palms, where the beloved story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer comes to life in colorful ice sculptures hand-carved by artisans from around the world. Families can bundle up in parkas to explore the dazzling walk-through attraction, slide down ice slides, and enjoy festive photo ops. It’s a must-see holiday adventure perfect for winter break fun.
Wishing you a great Winter Break! By the way, if you’re heading to Tampa, check out these holiday things to do with kids in Tampa Bay from our sibling site!
