Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM is the new holiday lights show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The moment night falls on Thanksgiving the countdown to Christmas and Hanukkah begins! This year make sure you’re prepared with Best of Orlando’s list of festive celebrations through Orlando theme parks:  

Walt Disney World Parks

• Jingle Bell Jingle Bam! – Santa Claus is missing and it is up to Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests to find him in time for the big night! The new holiday spectacular comes to life on and above the Chinese Theater with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks, a musical score and even snow! Enjoy classic moments from such Disney films as “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” Beauty and the Beast,” “Pluto’s Christmas Tree,” “Bambi,” Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and more. 

• Holidays Around the World – Enjoy an International Yuletide extravaganza during Epcot’s Holidays Around the World. Learn about the joyous holiday traditions of Epcot’s 11 World Showcase nations. Santa and Mrs. Claus will even make appearances throughout the festivities. While you’re there make sure you stick around for the Candlelight Processional. This year’s celebrity narrators include: 

• Steven Curtis Chapman – November 25 to 27, 2016

• Neil Patrick Harris – November 28 to December 1, 2016

• Whoopi Goldberg – December 2 to 3, 2016

• Edward James Olmos – December 4 to 6, 2016

• Anthony Mackie – December 7 to 9, 2016

• Robby Benson – December 10 to 12, 2016

• Meredith Vieira – December 13 to 15, 2016

• Jim Caviezel – December 16 to 18, 2016

• Joe Morton – December 19 to 21, 2016

• Ming-Na Wen – December 22 to 24, 2016

• Jodi Benson – December 25 to 27, 2016

• Cal Ripken, Jr. – December 28 to 30, 2016 

Drones are now helping bring holiday cheer at Disney Springs 

Disney Springs  

Disney Springs is celebrating the season with a tree lighting ceremony, carolers and a holiday dance party, and that’s just the start of the fun!

• Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail – New to Disney Springs, the Christmas Tree Trail lets guests wander through an enchanted wonderland of decorated trees. Each one has been designed to capture a popular Disney theme.

• Starbright Holidays Show – Disney Springs is taking the festivities to the sky this year with the new drone show, Starbright Holidays Show. Featuring over 300 illuminated show drones, guests will witness multi-colored lights dance to classic holiday music from high above.  

Relive a Holiday tradition with the Macy’s Day Parade at Universal Orlando 

Universal Orlando  

Macy’s Holiday Parade – From December 3 – January 1, Universal Studios will recreate the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Many of the floats are actually from the real Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! The processional also includes marching bands, clowns, and an appearance by Santa.

The Blues Brothers Holiday Show – Get ready for a rock ’n roll holiday with the Blues Brothers. The Blues Brothers Holiday Show includes Jake and Elwood performing festive favorites. There is even snow on Delancey Street!

Mannheim Steamroller – Best-selling holiday artist of all time Mannheim Steamroller return to Universal Studios this December for live performances on select nights. The group will perform: December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18 

Grinchmas – Over at islands of Adventure, The Grinch will make things a little grinchier with the Grinchmas. Seuss Landing will be transformed into a whimsical, wintry wonderland with a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale The Grinch. 

Kids will enjoy the LEGOLAND Christmas Bricktacular 

LEGOLAND Florida  

• Christmas Bricktacular – On select nights in December, LEGOLAND Florida will dos the annual celebration, Christmas Bricktacular. The event includes a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree made from thousands of LEGO and DUPLO bricks, a life-size LEGO Santa, reindeer, and sleigh, holiday-themed scavenger hunt and opportunities to build with LEGOs.  

SeaWorld Orlando celebrates Christmas with the Shamu Miracles show 

SeaWorld Orlando 

Christmas Celebration – Holiday traditions are made at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. From November 25 - December 31, enjoy stunning live shows, holiday shopping, entertainment and even the chance to meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! 

Busch Gardens will bring Rudolph and his friends to meet guests this holiday season 

Busch Gardens Tampa 

Christmas Town – Do something magical with the family this holiday season with Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa. The park transforms into a holiday wonderland full of entertainment, attractions, holiday shopping, treats, and more than two million twinkling lights. Plus, this year for the first time in history you can meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. 

Orlando, FL – 11/29/16

By: Jena Pugh