What’s Happening in Orlando This Weekend for Kids – Events and More!

There is never a dull moment in Orlando! Many Christmas light displays are now up, ready for viewing and Santa is in Orlando ready for meet and greet

You may be looking for family-friendly events in Orlando and things to do this weekend, and we’re sharing it all. Let’s go!

In Case You’re Interested:

>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks

Featured Events

Giving the following events an extra shout-out since their support helps us provide this amazing weekend guide to you for free!

Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando

Now until January 5
SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration runs now until January 5, turning the park into a festive wonderland with millions of lights, holiday décor, and music. Guests enjoy shows like the award-winning Winter Wonderland on Ice and O Wondrous Night, meet Santa, Rudolph, and watch the Sesame Street Christmas Parade. New experiences include Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen Presented by Undeniably Dairy. Each evening concludes with Holiday Reflections: Firework Finale, all included with park admission.

Family-Friendly Kids’ Events in Orlando This Week (December 15 – 21, 2025)

ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™

• Dates: Now through January 7, 2026
• Location: Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, FL
• Cost: Tickets start at $26

For the very first time, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ will be featured at Gaylord Palms Resort in 2 million pounds of intricately carved ice sculptures in ICE!, the resort’s signature holiday attraction. Strike a pose with Santa and Rudolph in one of the longest ice carvings measuring over 32 feet long, crawl into whimsical photo setups, or become one of the misfit toys in this winter wonderland made for memory-making. Experience the splendor of the holiday season at Gaylord Palms.

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration

• Dates: Now through January 5, 2026 (select dates)
• Location: SeaWorld Orlando
• Cost: Included with park admission

This family-friendly holiday event transforms SeaWorld into a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights, festive shows, and themed zones like Rudolph’s Christmas Town. Families can meet Santa, see live entertainment such as Clyde & Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas, and enjoy seasonal food and drinks while soaking in the cheerful atmosphere.

Breakfast with Santa

• Dates: December 15 & 16, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., December 20, 2025, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Location: Millie Moo’s, 4085 LB McLeod Rd, Orlando, FL 32811
• Cost: Starting at $35

Take pictures with Santa on Candy Cane Lane, and enjoy snow flurries and snowball fun. Each reservation is for 1 child & 1 adult. Add another adult for just $10, which includes breakfast (pay at check-in).

Meet Santa! With the Kangaroos

• Dates: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Location: The Station, 750 W. Desoto Street, Clermont, FL 34711
• Cost: FREE

Come take pictures with Santa and the kangaroos, plus enjoy ornament painting for some holiday fun!

Decorate a Gingerbread House

• Dates: Thursday, December 18 & 23, 2025, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
• Location: Millie Moo’s, 4085 LB McLeod Rd, Orlando, FL 32811
• Cost: Starting at $25

Enjoy a fun-filled Christmas play session where you can decorate your own gingerbread house to take home. All supplies are included, as well as a traditional British Christmas cracker at your table setting.

Jingle Mingle in the Gardens

• Date: Friday, December 19, 2025, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Location: Rockledge Gardens, 2153 US Highway 1, Rockledge, Florida 32955
• Cost: FREE admission

Take a festive stroll through the Gardens and get into the holiday spirit! Classic holiday films begin at 7pm. Bring your own blankets or chairs, and the Gardens will provide popcorn. Unique gifts will be available from local vendors, explore the Greenhouse, and enjoy live festive music from the Harbour City Saxophone Quartet. Plus, there will be a Gnome Scavenger Hunt throughout the Gardens, sweet treats, and festive drinks. Bring a new, unwrapped toy donation for @toysfortotsofficial and receive a coupon for a FREE cup of hot cocoa!

Holidays at LEGOLAND

• Dates: December 20, 24 – 31
• Location: LEGOLAND in Winter Haven
• Cost: Included with park admission

Get ready for the kick-off of the 2025 Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida event, with our parents’ guide including a schedule, itinerary, map, and photos!

A WHO-bilation at Founders Square

• Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Location: 10002 Founders Square Dr, Orlando, FL 32828
• Cost: FREE admission

Shop local and explore jewelry, home décor, crafts, vintage clothes, baked goods, and food trucks. Plus, get ready for a dance party with The Grinch! It’s a holiday bash you won’t want to miss.

Holiday Afternoon Tea

• Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025, Seatings at 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
• Location: Infusion Tea, 1600 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
• Cost: Starting at $49 per person (+$5 to make it gluten free + vegan, +$12 for bottomless mimosas dine-in only)

Enjoy a pot of tea: Spiced Christmas Black, Cinnamon Bun Herbal, or a pitcher of iced Hibiscus Berry if you’re feeling Florida festive. Enjoy fresh-baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, Sugar Plum Fairy Cake, a lineup of finger sandwiches, plus petit fours and French macarons. Reserve your spot online.

Sugar Cookie Decorating

• Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025, All day, starting at 11 a.m.
• Location: Citrus City Craft, 101 N Country Club Rd #101, Lake Mary, FL 32746
• Cost: FREE

Jump into Christmas week with free sugar cookie decorating! Supplies provided, while supplies last. Bring the kiddos, invite your friends, and have a jolly good time.

Very Merry Pop-Up Market

• Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Location: Great Southern Box Company, 2105 N Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32804
• Cost: FREE admission

Still need those last-minute Christmas gifts? Shop local vendors for unique gifts, bring the kids to have a blast at the kids zone, enjoy photo ops, plus raffles and more holiday surprises. Come sip, shop, and finish your Christmas shopping.

Family-Friendly Kids’ Events in Orlando Next Week (December 22 – 28, 2025)

Photos With Santa + Dining Experience

• Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Location: JoJo’s Shake Bar, 9101 International Dr #1208, Orlando, FL 32819
• Cost: $30

Enjoy an afternoon filled with festive fun, delicious food, and magical memories! Choose an entrée, a Winter Wonderland Biggie Shake or Biggie Hot Chocolate, and get a Polaroid Photo with Santa at the event. Santa will be visiting from 5:00–7:00 PM, so be sure to arrive early and capture the perfect holiday photo with him!

Read more: Best Places to See Santa Claus in Orlando

OCLS Winter Craft

• Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Location: Orange County Library System, South Trail Branch, 4600 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32839
• Cost: $30

Create a winter-inspired craft at the library! Recommended for ages 3-5.

Christmas Eve Celebration

• Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Location: The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art 445 North Park Avenue | Winter Park, FL 32789
• Cost: FREE

Enjoy free admission to the Morse Museum galleries with live music from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

North American Children and Youth Arts Festival

• Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• Location: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando 32801
• Cost: Starting at $47.50

The North American Children and Youth Arts Festival is a prestigious multicultural arts celebration that brings together talented children and youth from across North America to showcase their creativity, confidence and cultural pride through a wide range of artistic performances. This annual festival provides a dynamic platform where young performers can shine on stage, connect across communities and grow through artistic expression.

Christmas Party and Balloon Drop

• Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Location: Fun 4 Tots Play, 16215 State Rte 50, Suite 104, Clermont, FL 34711
• Cost: $25 per child, one ticket per child, two adults are included

Come celebrate the best season of the year! Featuring character visits (including Mickey and Minnie), a bubble dance party, balloon drop, holiday photo corner, and more.

Later Gator – Looking Ahead

Park Maitland School – January Open Houses

• Dates: Friday, January 16, 2026, at 9 a.m. and Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 8 a.m. & 12 p.m.
• Location: Campuses in Winter Park and Maitland

Discover how Park Maitland School blends academic rigor, timeless tradition, and innovative learning to shape confident, capable leaders. For nearly 60 years, the community has inspired students through exceptional academics, character development, and personal attention from deeply experienced teachers. Experience a January Open House and see why families trust Park Maitland School to prepare children ages 12 months-8th grade for each stage in their educational journey with confidence and purpose.  

The Wiggles: Tree of Wisdom Spectacular!

• Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 6 p.m.
• Location: Hard Rock Live Orlando
• Cost: Starting at $57.20

Get ready to sing, dance & wiggle in this high-energy musical extravaganza! Tickets are on sale now.

Ongoing Orlando Events for Kids

The Light the World Giving Machine

• Dates: December 16, 2025 – January 3, 2026, 10am-9pm daily
• Location: Clearwater Mall, at the Crumbl Cookies storefront, 2719 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Ste. 1120, Clearwater, FL 33759 – Worth the drive!
• Cost: FREE

The Light the World Giving Machine at Clearwater Mall allows visitors to donate meaningful items—such as meals, hygiene kits, clothing, and even goats—to individuals and families in need. If you’re in the Tampa area, from December 16 through January 3, shoppers can select from 30 charitable gifts, with 100% of donations going directly to local and global charities. A special launch event on December 17 will kick off the season, followed by daily family-friendly activities at the mall.

Free Day & Story Time

• Dates: 1st Monday of the month from 9am to 5pm
• Location: Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
• Cost: FREE

Cuddle up inside to enjoy story time and songs with librarians. Then, spend the whole day (free admission) strolling (with your stroller or otherwise) the lush grounds. Your little one will be tickled pink amidst the greenery.

Toddler Tuesdays

• Dates: Weekly, from 10am to 12pm
• Location: Crayola Experience Orlando, 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL
• Cost: Included with General Admission

Enjoy special Toddler Crafts and Activities once a month with an interactive book reading, a special character appearance, and more. Try out some of Crayola’s hottest products designed for the little ones at Outside the Box, get creative with toddler crafts and coloring pages, and get ready for a special meet and greet with the Chick-fil-A cow from 10:30am-11:00am! This is the perfect place for the little ones to burn off some energy!

Storytime at the Orlando Executive Airport

• Dates: 1st Tuesday of the month at 10:30am
• Location: Orlando Executive Airport, 365 Rickenbacker Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
• Cost: FREE

Check out Storytime at the Orlando Executive Airport for stories and songs to encourage your child to read, talk, sing, and play! Recommended for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Storytime is at 10:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month and lasts approx. 30 minutes. It is held in the conference room at the “Orlando Executive Airport Administration Offices” building. Library staff will be present to help guide the way.

2nd Fridays at Flamingo Crossings Town Center: Holiday Edition

• Dates: 2nd Friday of the month, from 6pm to 9pm
• Location: Flamingo Crossings Town Center, 153 Sugar Belle Dr, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (closest to Lime Fresh Mexican Grill)
• Cost: FREE admission

Holiday Edition is back on December 12th! Featuring snow on Main Street, brand-new holiday lighting, holiday crafts & ornament making, decorating the community tree, DJ Bubbles playing holiday classics, yard games, samples, and giveaways. Plus, grab a bite from the many restaurants on-site.

Parents Night Out

• Dates: Through December 19, 2025
• Location: YMCA, multiple locations
• Cost: $25 for members, $40 for non-members

Drop the kids off at the Y for a fun evening while you enjoy some time to yourself! They’ll enjoy themed activities, games, crafts, and a kid-appropriate movie—plus pizza for dinner.

Pay Once & Visit Twice

• Dates: Through December 31, 2025
• Location: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

With the Pay Once, Visit Twice deal, you purchase once (at a wildly good discount!) and get to visit the Zoo two times on the dates of your choosing before the end of the year. Two days of unforgettable Zoo adventure – because once just isn’t enough! Available online only. Valid for two visits through December 31, 2025.

FREE Junior Space Explorer Pass

• Dates: Through December 31, 2025
• Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
• Cost: FREE

Kids ages five and under can enjoy complimentary admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 2025 with the Junior Space Explorer Pass. Available only to Florida residents, the pass grants children complimentary admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex through December 31, 2025. registration is only available through the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex website and must be completed by February 24, 2025.

Drew Thomas Magic

• Dates: Every Weekend Through December 31, 2025, 7pm & 9pm Showtimes
• Location: Grande Lakes Orlando
• Cost: General Admission from: $49.99, plus VIP and Front Row with Meet & Greet options.

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.

Boardwalk Bowl & Aloma Bowl’s Winter All Access Pass

• Dates: December 22, 2025 Through January 5, 2026
• Location: Boardwalk Bowl, 10749 East Colonial Drive Orlando, Florida 32817 & Aloma Bowl, 2530 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792
• Cost: $12 plus tax, per person

Enjoy 2 games of bowling with shoes and a $5 arcade card for just $12 plus tax, per person. The all access pass is good from December 22, 2025 through January 5, 2026 at Boardwalk Bowl and Aloma Bowl.

Resources to Explore

The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County

The ELC of Orange Co. is committed to ensuring that every child in the community has equal access to high-quality early learning programs by supporting those who help children grow and develop. We connect families and preschool programs with resources to provide the best possible start for children. From finding childcare, resources on school readiness and VPK, to financial assistance, call 407-841-6607 for more information.

Even more ideas and events in Orlando this week can be found at OrlandoDateNightGuide.com.