The holiday season is a great time to get away, unwind, and relax on a festive and fun sun vacation in the theme park capital of the world: Orlando. For stays of all kinds, Orlando has a excellent resorts where you can escape, and they are extra festive for the holidays.
Sleep in, or get up early, take your time, plan an afternoon to bask in the sun, listen to some festive music, play in the pool, maybe get on a few rides, and then have an incredible meal. This is what a fun choose your own holiday adventure is all about.
If you’re ready to book a last minute trip, these are a few of my top picks in Orlando, including the best luxury, family, and affordable resorts. Looking for more to do in Orlando? Read my piece: 7 things to do in Orlando beyond the theme parks.
Family fun at Universal Orlando Resort
There are a number of fun and lively resorts at Universal Orlando (and there are more coming in 2025), including Endless Summer Resort, but my favourite place to stay is Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
The resort checks off all the boxes for a great vacation. My family and I once stayed at the resort when we weren’t even going to the parks and we had a blast.
First off, the rooms are priced for everyone, and they’re comfortable and look great. Next, there are two pools, the lazy river, and the bowling alley to enjoy, and that’s on top of an arcade. Finally, for the grown ups, there are a number of bars around the property, with great cocktails and the perfect pool-side drinks.
And it doesn’t get much more festive than Cabana Bay, with Christmas trees everywhere, music, and treats. Take a peak at what to expect during the holidays at Universal Orlando.
Festive resorts at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World also has a number of festive and fun resorts you can enjoy, with lots going on at the parks. On select dates throughout December they have Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, fireworks, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.
I have a lot of favourite resorts, and a number of them looks amazing in December–including BoardWalk Inn, Polynesian Village Resort, and Wilderness Lodge–but my favourite for that holiday style has to be the Grand Floridian with its life-size gingerbread house, massive Christmas tree, and the view of Magic Kingdom.
There is another gem where you can stay close to Epcot, and it’s the perfect spot for pampering and top class service. The Four Seasons Resort Orlando is a AAA Five Diamond, luxury resort with a Michelin-starred rooftop steakhouse, and not only does it offer a premium spa, but there is also the five-acre water park, Explorer Island. This is how you do Walt Disney World in style.
Pure luxury at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
The holidays at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes are on another level from most resorts. Located just minutes away from all of the highlights in Orlando, the property still feels secluded and separate from the hustle and bustle of the city.
During the holidays at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, you can enjoy a Christmas market at the Winter Wonderland Market, a special visit with Santa Claus at Santa’s Teddy Bear Tea, and learn to make beautiful (or at least delicious, depending on your skill level) gingerbread houses at their Gingerbread School.
Then enjoy a meal at the Michelin-starred Knife & Spoon, or for Southern fare, try Highball & Harvest, play a round of golf, or head out on the town and explore the best of the sun destination.
Fun for the whole family at Evermore
Bring your whole family–no matter how big–and enjoy a flat, a villa, or a whole house with up to 11 bedrooms at Evermore.
Featuring Evermore Bay, a beach oasis on 20 acres, with 8 acres of lake, the family can go out kayaking, swim, lay on the beach, or just relax in a hammock.
There are restaurants on the property, coffee shops, bars, and lounges, plus holiday events, social events, and daily itineraries to keep everyone busy when they’re done relaxing.
Like all of my favourite picks in Orlando, it’s a short drive or taxi to get to the theme parks for a fun day out, so you can do a little bit of everything.
Take a look at their full list of holiday themed events to plan your escape, including the option to have your home-away-from-home decorated for the season.
More information and suggestions
Visit Orlando has an excellent story to help you find more ideas for staying in Orlando during the holidays, and to help find events you can enjoy this December.
If you’re hungry, find the best brunches in Orlando, according to the Michelin Guide, or browse the Visit Florida guide on things to do in the city.
