The International 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 more than 100 hotels and resorts, six of the world's great theme parks, more than 200 restaurants, 550 shopping outlets and entertainment complexes are all decked out for the season.

 

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

 

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:

 

SeaWorld Orlando

Waves of holiday spirit splash over you during SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration! Carols fill the air, a sparkling sea of trees lights up the water and skaters dance on ice. Here in a wintery, watery wonderland, you can journey to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience, and enjoy stunning live shows inspired by the natural world. With everything from Santa to Shamu, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is where the season meets the sea. This event takes place select dates now through December 31, 2014. Visit www.seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/christmas/shows-and-attractions/ for details.

 

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 its filled with special touched 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, visit www.universalorlando.com/Events/Holidays/Grinchmas.aspx.

 

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, visit www.universalorlando.com/Events/Holidays/Macys-Holiday-Parade.aspx. 407-363-8000.

 

Adding to the celebration this year is the return of Mannheim Steamroller. They're the biggest selling Christmas artist of all time, and guests enjoy performances on select Saturday and Sunday nights in December. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering their enchanting orchestral sounds for the first time, it’s a holiday experience you can’t miss. Dates: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21. Check website for times.

 

Get ready for a swashbuckling holiday at Pirate's Dinner Adventure! Enjoy a live action show, "Pirate's Christmas Dinner Adventure" Dec. 1-30. For details. visit http://www.piratesdinneradventure.com/orlando/special-offers/christmas-time-family-packages/

 

Holiday visitors and residents alike, enjoy the decorations and seasonal entertainment at I-Drive's resorts and hotels...all decked out for the season!

 

Jam-packed with holiday fun for the entire family! Holidays on Ice, Winter Wonderland, local choral performances, cake decorating and lunch with Santa, letter writing and dinner with Santa, Winter Fest Beer Garden, dinner and gift wrapping with Santa and his elf, Nutcracker Ballet Tea, Ginger Bread University, cookie decorating and chocolate making. The fun never stops. Check out the sampling below and for details, on these and all holiday events visit http://www.rosenhotels.com/holidays/

 

Big Band Dinner Show Series: Michael Andrew & the Atomic Big Band for a one of a kind swing band show. A holiday tradition in Central Florida, this year’s Swingin’ Christmas Spectacular will feature the classic crooner and his 16-piece orchestra performing spirited favorites including “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “The Christmas Song,” along with Andrew originals, “Mistletoe Mambo” and “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” For times, reservations and pricing, visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com/holidays

 

Delight in a flurry of flavors when you sample craft and seasonal beers and international cuisine at the Winter Fest Beer Garden. With wintry décor, costumed entertainers and a Root Beer Garden. Live entertainment and DJs. For reservations and pricing visit www.rosenplaza.com/holidays

 

Featuring three Rock/Roll Hall of Fame Groups: Charley Thomas & the Drifters, Delores K. & the Crystals, Jay Siegel & the Tokens. With a combined sale of over 100 Million Records World-Wide such as: Under the Boardwalk, On Broadway, There Goes My Baby, This Magic Moment, The Do Ron Ron, He’s A Rebel, Then he Kissed Me, Uptown, Tonight I fell in Love, Don’t Worry Baby, Portrait of My Love. For times, reservations and pricing, visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com/holidays.

 

A fun-filled, interactive, professional ice skating show featuring a cast of skaters from across the United States. Holiday music and an amazing lights show accompany the performances of individual and couples skating for a full 45 minutes. For dates, times, reservations and pricing, visit www.rosencentre.com/holidays

 

New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld

Orlando Dec. 31, 20143 SeaWorld Orlando celebrates its connection to the sea, sea life and the world as it rings in the New Year. A spectacular musical celebration and fireworks display send a wave of welcome to the New Year ahead. http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/events/new-years-eve-at-seaworld/?from=Top_Nav 

 

This entertainment complex with themed restaurants, nightclubs and shops, hosts one of Orlando’s hottest New Year’s Eve parties. Details: www.universalorlando.com.

 

11/12/2014