Snowbirds often flee to Florida during the winter months. For those of us in Georgia, traveling to Florida can be as simple a road trip or taking a short flight from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. I reached out to the travel experts in Kissimmee, Florida for a preview of the live shows and events you can enjoy for the Christmas season. Once you get to Kissimmee, you’re just 30 minutes from Orlando and Disney World. Here’s what you need to know to celebrate Christmas in Kissimmee with plenty of public displays and shows!
Christmas in Kissimmee
Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Florida brings in the holiday season with a 30-foot tall LEGO Christmas tree made of 270,000 LEGO bricks. Every night a family will be chosen to help light the Bricktacular tree and visitors will also have an amazing photo opportunity with a life-size LEGO Santa Claus. Christmas Bricktacular festivities take place every Saturday and Sunday in December.
Dates: December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 -30
The Festival of Lights parade is an annual tradition in Historic Downtown Kissimmee. The free event features holiday carolers, strolling entertainers, marching bands, seasonal food and beverages and a special appearance from Santa!
Date: December 12th at 7 p.m.
It’s just not the holidays without ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” At the Alpine Village, it’s brought to life using two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, including two-story tall ice slides at ICE! at Gaylord Palms. This year’s Christmas at the Gaylord Palms will also feature Alpine Rush Snow Tubing, Breakfast with Mrs. Claus, Gingerbread Decorating Corner, The Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt and more. Tickets start at $28.99
Dates: Now through January 3, 2016
Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers a schedule filled with surprises. Now Snowing is a month-long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring an ice rink, strolling Charles Dickens Carolers, community performers, photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, the Celebration Express train, and nightly snowfall.
Dates: Now through December 31st at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 p.m.
I’ve got plenty of more advice and suggestions in the Travel & Auto section to help you tackle driving or flying with children for Christmas.