The I-Drive Resort Area pulls out all of the stops each holiday season to make this Orlando vacation destination one of the most popular in the country for holiday travelers. Filled with fun for the entire family, the area's hotels and resorts, six of the world's great theme parks, restaurants, shopping outlets and entertainment complexes are all decked out for the season.

 

Holiday traditions and joyful celebrations transform the I-Drive Resort Area Orlando into a holly jolly destination guaranteed to have your family singing carols all the way home.

 

Begin the holiday season celebration with the Official I-Drive Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 19 at the Blue Martini outdoor patio at Pointe Orlando. The I-Ride Trolley Chords (barber shop quartet) will perform along with Dr. Phillips High School Dance Magnet program and the Central Florida Community Choir. Photos with Santa will be available after ceremony from 7p.m. to 8p.m. in front of the 50-ft. tall tree.

 

Throughout I-Drive, decorations, special holiday entertainment and visits from Santa at many hotels and restaurants greet visitors who are celebrating their holiday in the area. Meet the Grinch, have a holiday dinner with Pirates, have a photo taken with Santa, shop at the area’s world-famous retail outlets, visit the area’s world-famous theme parks.

 

The nostalgic I-Ride Trolleys, decked out in wreaths and garland and playing holiday music, travel throughout the I-Drive area and are a yearly Central Florida tradition in Orlando’s tourist corridor. Visitors will enjoy parking the car and using the popular trolleys to travel throughout the area from 8 a.m. until 10:30 pm daily. Special hours for Christmas Eve: 8 am to 8 pm; Christmas Day: 10 am to 10:30 pm; New Year’s Eve: 8 am to 1 am. During the ride, visitors may stop for shopping, dining, entertainment or attractions. Affordable for the entire family, the trolley fare is: Single cash fare, $2.00 per ride; kids cash fare ages 3-9, $1.00 per ride; senior cash fare age 65 and over, $.25 per ride. Unlimited ride passes are also available. For additional information and downloadable maps, click “Trolley” on this site.

 

For holiday vacation planning, the following is a sampling of the area’s not-to-be-missed holiday events. Check back for more details:

 

At SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration™ carols fill the air, a sea of lighted trees sparkles over the lake in a wintery, watery wonderland, and world-famous skaters twirl on ice. With festive food, stunning live shows, and delightful entertainment inspired by the natural world, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is where holiday memories are made. Stroll the lakeside Christmas Market and savor the cinnamon and spice holiday scents of delicious treats as you shop for unique, artisan-crafted gifts.

 

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration brings the season to the sea on select nights, November 25 through December 31, and is included with park admission.

 

Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure is transformed into a bah-humbug haven by the Grinch. The entire Seuss-themed island is colorfully decorated for the season and guests are invited to meet the Grinch in his lair, which is outfitted with authentic movie props and gadgets. Be sure to explore every nook and cranny of this wintry wonderland, as it’s filled with special touches Dr. Seuss fans are sure to adore.

 

Grinch fans enjoy a live, musical stage show that tells the world-famous story of the grumpy Grinch. For details on all Grinch-related holiday activities, check here.

 

The world’s most famous parade in New York has become a traditional holiday experience at Universal Studios. The Macy's Holiday Parade features some of the most popular balloons and floats direct from the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Complete with a tree lighting ceremony by Santa Claus each day of the holiday season. For details and parade times, check here.

 

Taking a hint from local theme parks, Central Florida Ballet merged the Nutcracker fairytale with a touch of Cirque and a glimmer of pyrotechnics creating an unforgettable experience. CFB's production was recognized as “one of the top five productions in the nation” by CNN and has become known to many as the "pyrotechnic Nutcracker" thanks to coverage in USA Today. Ticket information: www.centralfloridaballet.com.

 

www.rosenshinglecreek.com

Celebrate the 12 days of Christmas and enjoy this popular gingerbread display.

 

Local school and church choir performances in main lobby by the fireplace.

 

Nutcracker ballet performance presented by Elizabeth Parsons School of Dance 6:30 p.m. in main lobby by the fireplace.

 

Contemporary ballet and tap performance by the Sanford S.O.D.A. POPS and Valerie and Miriam School of Dance at 6:30 p.m.in main lobby by fireplace.

 

As a continuation of “Rosen Cares” initiative, Rosen Shingle Creek displays a special collection of Christmas trees decorated by non-profit partner organizations for the purpose of raising money to benefit children and the community.Each individual tree has been carefully designed by the teams representing these groups and are available for ticket purchase or donations.

 

www.rosenplaza.com

Holiday cocktails and specialty treats to the sound of buzzing saws throwing ice to create majestic carved holiday displays. The event features Orlando’s top chefs competing to win the Top Iced Out competition. In a Food Network-style championship, top chefs will create holiday themed ice carvings to the delight of guests. Enjoy the festivities and special “Iced Out” menu from ’39 Poolside Bar & Grill.

11/2016