Spend Christmas in Orlando

Head somewhere sunny this season and spend Christmas in Orlando. This city definitely provides you with plenty of fun, with no need to even head to the theme parks (though if you do, you’ll certainly discover near-endless festivities there as well).

Check out Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Asian Lantern Festival for cheery lights far from your average holiday display, including giant handcrafted lanterns and more than 10,000 lights in total. The festival runs through Jan. 19.

For more garden-set holiday magic, visit Harry P. Leu Gardens and see millions of lights scattered across the Dazzling Nights display, on offer through Jan. 5. Arrive before the sun sets to see other holiday displays.

For science with a seasonal side, make the trip out to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The Holidays in Space event takes place Dec. 20–30 and includes a nightly projected show, 50-foot tree, a rocket tree trail and astronaut nutcrackers.

“Orlando is a unique destination for travelers over the holidays because of our extensive range of festive offerings — from breathtaking fireworks to grand lighting displays at our theme parks and beyond — all with the backdrop of warm sunny skies and palm trees,” commented Casandra Matej, president and CEO, Visit Orlando. “We expect another bustling week between Christmas and New Year’s Day and welcome travelers to Orlando to get a jumpstart on the holiday season…”