TOP 3 WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN ORLANDO
‘Tis the best season in Orlando if you ask me! The weather is a bit cooler but not too cold, and everyone has the best decor out to celebrate the holiday season. With all of the festive feels in the air, I thought it’d be the perfect time to share my favorite ways to celebrate the holidays in Orlando.
Make Your Merry Way to the Theme Parks
Sure it sounds a bit cliche, but there truly isn’t a more magical time to visit the many theme parks around the city. Each park transitions for the holidays differently, which means each has its specialties and unique flair. If I had to pick one theme park to visit this holiday season, it would be Disney’s Hollywood Studios, hands down. With the festive decor sprawling down Sunset Boulevard and the jolly nods to Santa’s arrival sprinkled throughout the park, you really can enjoy the holidays from every corner. Not to mention the tasty eats and treats available for a limited time, like this Sugar Cookie Snowman from ABC Commissary.
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
A close second to Hollywood Studios would be EPCOT. The Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT is such a fun and merry way to enjoy this time of year. My favorite part about the festival? Definitely the Cookie Stroll. Yes, I said Cookie Stroll! You really can’t go wrong with any of the cookies, but my personal favorite is the Black and White cookie which you can find in the L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen this year. If you decide to take on the challenge of the Cookie Stroll, make sure to collect stamps in your festival passport for each cookie you try. Once you have all five stamps for all five cookies, you’ll unlock a specialty cookie!
Some Ho Ho Ho Holiday Shopping
If you’re like me, you love to do a mix of holiday shopping online and in person. I always have a few important items that I prefer to shop for on Cyber Monday, but I also really enjoy picking out unique presents for my friends and family from stores in person. My favorite places to do my holiday shopping are Disney Springs and the Mall at Millennia. Each shopping spot offers unique locations and some of your fan favorites. At Disney Springs, Sugarboo & Co. is my favorite spot to find one-of-a-kind gifts like succulents, kitchen gadgets, and local Florida finds. At Mall at Millennia, I love to swing by William Sanoma for all of the foodies in my family. Plus, it smells like heaven in there!
In addition to these hot shopping spots, I love to support local businesses too. If you haven’t visited Poppy Flower Co. in the Lake Nona Town Center, you need to add that to your list ASAP. It’s the perfect spot to find fresh flowers and crafty gifts for your loved ones! If you’re shopping for any kiddos in your life or just enjoy cute things, you HAVE to check out @jennaleearts on Instagram and visit her Etsy shop. Jenna specializes in handmade toys and decor, and when I tell you I’m obsessed with her shop, I mean it. Plus, Jenna is a Lake Nona gal herself. It’s a win-win for Lake Nona!
Photo Credit: @jennaleearts
Celebrate the Season at the “Oh What Fun Holiday Festival” at the Lake Nona Town Center
Happening now through January 2, 2022
As a local Lake Nona resident, it’s been incredible watching the Town Center transform for the holidays year after year. Each holiday season, I think to myself, “wow, they outdid themselves this year!” until the following year rolls around, and somehow, they manage to exceed my expectations.
With elements like incredible entertainment, live music, dazzling decor, and tasty treats and sips, it truly feels like you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland. There’s nothing better than walking around Boxi Park with your loved ones in the crisp winter air with the lights all aglow and even real snow! And if you’re on the nice list, you may even be lucky enough to see Santa and Mrs. Claus – ho ho ho!
Photo Credit: Lake Nona Social
I can’t wait to ring in the holidays with all of my favorite traditions around our incredible city. I’d love to know any of your favorite festive finds around Orlando – be sure to follow me on Instagram @katherine_foote and let me know in the comments! For more things to do around Orlando and in Lake Nona, be sure to check out my latest blogs.
Happy Holidays!
Creatively,
Katherine
