New Year's Eve in Orlando: What to do in December 2025 and how to plan your trip 2026
Discover how to celebrate New Year's Eve in Orlando in 2025. What to do in December, special events, weather, prices, and travel tips.
Orlando is one of the world's most popular destinations for ringing in the New Year. Its unique combination of pleasant weather, world-class theme parks, special events, festive lights, and a family-friendly atmosphere makes it the ideal place to enjoy the December holidays. And while it can be a busy time, planning ahead can ensure an unforgettable experience.
Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or your partner, celebrating the end of the year in Orlando has everything you need to start January off right: entertainment, gastronomy, mild weather, Christmas promotions, and a festive spirit that fills every corner of the city.
In this updated 2025 guide, we tell you what to do in Orlando in December, how to prepare for the high season, what the highlights of the year-end events are, and what to keep in mind to fully enjoy this magical adventure.
What to do in Orlando in December 2025
December is one of the busiest months in Orlando, especially the last two weeks. The theme parks unleash their creativity with holiday decorations, special shows, and unique celebrations that can only be experienced at this time of year.
1. Visit the theme parks
Parks like Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom are all decked out for the holidays. Each one offers a different experience:
At Disney, the “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” event takes place on select nights and features parades, fireworks, and character meet-and-greets.
At Universal Studios, “Universal's Holiday Parade” and the light show at Hogwarts Castle are not to be missed.
SeaWorld also features holiday shows and a seasonal market that combines food and entertainment.
2. Enjoy the Christmas decorations
Shopping malls, hotels, and residential neighborhoods display impressive light decorations. One of the favorite spots to see Christmas lights is the Celebration area, a small planned town by Disney that features artificial snow and traditional music.
3. Go shopping with discounts
Outlets and shopping centers like Orlando International Premium Outlets or The Mall at Millenia often have special holiday promotions. It's an excellent opportunity to buy Christmas gifts or take advantage of seasonal discounts.
4. End-of-year events
Many hotels and parks offer New Year's Eve parties with dinner, live music, and fireworks. While advance reservations are required, they are an ideal option for a magical night.
Tips for traveling to Orlando at the end of the year
If you're traveling to Orlando in December, it's important to keep several things in mind to optimize your experience and avoid problems.
Plan ahead
December is peak season, so prices tend to be higher and availability is lower. It's recommended to book flights, accommodations, and park tickets at least two to three months in advance. It's also a good idea to use official apps to plan your trips and make restaurant or attraction reservations.
Take the weather into account
Although December in Orlando is cooler than summer, the weather is still very pleasant. Temperatures typically hover around 15°C in the morning and can reach 25°C in the afternoon. It's best to pack light clothing but also a jacket for the evenings, as it can get chilly. Don't forget comfortable shoes for walking around the parks for hours.
Avoid the busiest days
The weeks between Christmas and New Year's are the most popular. If you're looking to avoid crowds, it's best to travel during the first half of December. If your trip coincides with peak tourist season, arrive early at the parks and consider options with priority access.
Choose the ideal accommodation
Orlando offers everything from luxury resorts to family apartments. For group trips or trips with children, renting a house can be more comfortable and economical. If you plan to spend several days at Disney or Universal, staying within the resorts can save you time and transportation.
New Year's Eve at theme parks
Magic Kingdom and the fireworks on December 31st
On December 31st, Magic Kingdom hosts a spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks show, one of its most anticipated events. However, the park typically reaches maximum capacity early in the day, so it's recommended to arrive very early or even consider going on the 30th, when they also hold a rehearsal show with the same fireworks.
Epcot and its international celebrations
At Epcot, each pavilion in the World Showcase celebrates New Year's Eve with its country's traditions. There are DJs, music, traditional cuisine, and shows in each area, allowing you to experience multiple cultures in a single night. It's one of the best ways to ring in the New Year in a unique way.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal hosts a huge party with DJs, lights, dance areas, and fireworks at CityWalk, its free nighttime entertainment area. Many visitors choose this option because it doesn't require park admission and offers a festive atmosphere for both teens and adults.
Why choose Orlando to ring in the New Year?
Orlando combines entertainment, pleasant weather, safety, and a diverse range of options for all ages. It's a quintessential family destination, but it also offers options for couples and groups of friends seeking memorable experiences.
In addition, the city is well connected by domestic and international flights, making it easy to arrive from various points in the United States, Mexico, Latin America, and Europe.
Celebrating New Year's Eve in Orlando in 2025 could be one of those experiences that stays with you forever. With good planning, a festive attitude, and a touch of magic, the trip will be unforgettable.
