3 Winter Vacation Events in Orlando
During the colder months of the year, Orlando welcomes visitors with its mild temperatures and an extra dose of warm magic. If you’ve never considered visiting this Florida hot spot sometime from December through March, this roundup of fun-filled seasonal events—including local insider favorites from an HGV Team Member—may help change your mind.
Celebrate With a Merry Mickey
On select evenings in November and December, everyone’s favorite mouse stages annual festive holiday celebrations that include more than just a parade. Enjoy tons of twinkle lights, “snow” on Main Street, seasonal shows and light displays at Cinderella’s Castle (above). Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a “can’t miss,” says Mike M., general manager at Las Palmeras, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club. “My entire family goes each year.”
Bonus: If you are planning your Orlando getaway during the holidays, Mike also recommends checking out the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs.
Run Like a Princess
Love to keep up your fitness routine while on vacation? Consider running like a princess during the annual Disney Princess Half Marathon in February. For those who’d rather leave their tennis shoes at home, mosey on over to the sidelines to watch your favorite princesses race to the finish line.
Bonus: After working up a sweat or cheering your heart out, consider another one of Mike’s favorite seasonal events at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, which runs from mid-January until almost the end of February.
Watch the Golf Pros
Grab a seat on the bleachers and watch the pros take their best swings at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at the Bay Hill Club, an event Mike says he attends with his son every year. Learn about the man who is revered as one of the greatest golfers of all time at the Arnold Palmer Experience, which showcases a film about Palmer’s life in a 360-degree dome. Inside, you’ll also be able to tee-up next to Palmer and compare your swing to that of the legendary pro. The annual tournament also includes family-fun events such as the First Tee of Central Florida Youth Day.
Bonus: In addition to sporting tournaments, Members who seek winter entertainment outside the theme parks will find a variety of options in and around Orlando. Specifically, Mike recommends Windermere Wine & Dine, a one-day event each January in the city of Windermere—a stone’s throw from Orlando. “It’s a great evening in downtown Windermere with many local food and beverage vendors,” says Mike, who goes to Wine & Dine every year with his wife Lori and their friends.
Where to Stay
Now that you know what you’ll do on an Orlando winter getaway, start planning your vacation. Members can book up to nine months in advance of their travel at any of HGV’s four Orlando properties including:
- Hilton Grand Vacations Club at SeaWorld
- Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Tuscany Village
- Las Palmeras, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club
- Parc Soleil by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
Want More?
Read what Raul A., General Manager at Hilton Grand Vacations Club at SeaWorld, says makes Orlando extra special during the winter holiday season on eClubTraveler.
*Photo at top by Luis Brizzante, Flickr