Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the most magical holiday tradition, returns to Magic Kingdom on select nights beginning this weekend!

Veterans Day Weekend 2024 in Orlando: 23 Best Things To Do With Kids

If you haven't experienced Christmas at Gaylord Palms, add it to your calendar this season, including the return of the iconic ICE! Photo courtesy of Marriott International

30 Best Things to Do in Orlando November 2024 with Kids

GUIDE

Orlando Fall Day Trips Guide: Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024

Visit Gatorland's play area during a visit to this beloved Florida roadside attraction. Photo Charlotte B

Quirky, Cool Roadside Attractions Near Orlando for Kids

Catch air at some of the best Orlando skate parks for kids and teens.

Best Skate Parks in Orlando for Kids

The shark from Jaws makes a terrifying appearance at the new Universal Mega Movie Parade! Photo courtesy Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Mega Movie Parade Creates Silver Screen Magic at Universal Orlando Resort

Visitors can actually ride the exhibits at the Florida Railroad Museum, which hosts a variety of experiences throughout the year. Photo courtesy of the museum

11 Scenic Train Rides Through Florida for Families

Sleepover with the dinosaurs at the Orlando Science Center. Photo by Charlotte B

Spend the Night at the Museum: 9 Museums and Zoos that Host Sleepovers in Orlando

Experience the best of global flavors at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, running through the end of November. Photo courtesy Disney

Best Harvest Fairs & Pumpkin Festivals in Orlando for Fall Family Fun

Get ready to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos, right after Hispanic Heritage Month. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

10 Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 Activities to Celebrate with Kids

Tour the Florida Everglades aboard the coolest mode of transportation--airboat! Kids will LOVE getting close to nature on a Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures tour. Photo courtesy Visit Orlando

18 Cool Ways to Tour Orlando with Kids

Things will get spooky upon the development of a land dedicated to the dastardly deeds of Disney villains at Walt Disney World.

D23 Releases Exciting News about Walt Disney World & More

Race aboard Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge located within Super Mario Land at the upcoming Universal Epic Universe.

Epic Universe and More Exciting Attractions Coming to Universal Orlando

Gideon's Handmade Cookies, at East End Market, are MASSIVE, like this drool-worthy pistachio toffee chocolate chip cookie. Photo courtesy Gideon's & East End Market

Best Food Halls in Orlando for Kids and Families

Stay cool and dry this summer while battling dinosaurs at an Orlando arcade! Photo by author

Best Arcades in Orlando for Kids & Teens

Toddlers and young kids can let loose with their prehistoric friends at Dinosaur World's cute playground. Photo by Charlotte Blanton

30 Fun Things to Do with Orlando Toddlers and Preschoolers in Summer

The Festival of the Lion King is an entertaining (and dry) place to wait out a rainy afternoon at Disney World. Photo by Ryan Wendler/Disney World

10 Ways to Survive Orlando Theme Parks When It Rains

Obstacle courses are part of the water play at Island H2O Water Park.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in Orlando for Family Fun

Teens and tweens love the wet and wild fun at Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon. Photo by author

Best Things to Do at Walt Disney World with Teens and Tweens

Enjoy the self-guided trail where you can

Secrets of Discovering Moana's Journey of Water, Now Open at EPCOT!

Swim at the freshwater Juniper Springs in Silver Springs, Florida. US Forest Service photo by Susan Blake

Top 10 Natural Springs in Florida Near Orlando

Lion Country Safari near West Palm Beach is home to more than 900 animals, including giraffes, lions, and zebras. Photo courtesy of the park

10 Drive-Thru Safaris and Wildlife Drives near Orlando

Swim and paddle with adorable manatees during your stay at the aptly-named Manatee Cove Apartment. Photo courtesy of VRBO

17 Best Family-Friendly Hotels and Camping near Florida's Natural Springs

Spend a relaxing day tubing the pristine waters of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Photo by Jackie Jones

Secrets to Ichetucknee Springs State Park with Kids

Celebrate your child's birthday party at Gatorland. Photo courtesy of Gatorland

21 Top Orlando Birthday Party Venues for Kids to Celebrate

Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland makes the the perfect outdoor day trip.

100 Free Fun Things to Do in Orlando with Kids

The beaches of St. Augustine are fun, free ways to spend a weekend trip from Orlando. Photo by Mancy Carter

Best Budget Weekend Trips for Orlando Families

Splash and play all day long at the Peppa Pig Theme Park!

A Guide to Peppa Pig Theme Park: Little Piggies Love this Legoland Attraction

The secluded St. Augustine Beach is a perfect respite from daily life. Photo Photo by Mancy Carter

St. Augustine with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in St. Augustine, Florida

Create magical moments at Hollywood Studios, including those with Florida's only snowman, Olaf!

Secret Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World With Babies and Toddlers

Orlando toddlers and preschoolers will have a wonderful time at Peppa Pig Theme Park.

35 Things To Do with Preschoolers and Toddlers in Orlando Before They Turn 5

SeaWorld Orlando theme park, zoo and aquarium offers exciting rides and roller coasters, up-close animal encounters. Photo by the author

100 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Before They Grow Up (Other than Theme Parks)

The Yardery is a fun Orlando restaurant for both kids and adults...and even dogs!

Best Orlando Restaurants with Play Spaces for Kids

Splash around in the water feature at Bok Tower's Hammock Hollow Children's Garden. Photo courtesy of Bok Tower Gardens

25 Secret Orlando Spots Kids Will Love

Get close and personal with the friendly dolphins of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Photo courtesy of aquarium

Best Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Encounters in Orlando and Central Florida

See a replica of the moon landing with this Moonscape.

Florida's Kennedy Space Center: A Kid-Friendly Visitors Guide

Check out our list of the best Orlando parks to host birthday parties!

Top Orlando Parks for Kids' Birthday Parties

Spend a few hours exploring Orlando with Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours. Photo courtesy of the company

3 Days in Orlando with Kids (Minus the Theme Parks): Itinerary From a Local Mom

Adventures await you and your little piggies at Rebecca Rabbit's Playground at Peppa Pig Theme Park. Photo courtesy of Legoland

30 Things To Do with Orlando Babies Before They Turn One

Enjoy a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in the beloved stage show, Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. Photo courtesy Universal Orlando

Fall Festivals, Holiday Events, and More Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend With Kids

FIND AND BOOK ACTIVITIES

This Week In
Orlando

Mommy and Me at First Church Orlando
First Church Orlando - 10:30 AM Pick

Baby Babbles at Maitland Public Library
Maitland Public Library - 10:30 AM Pick

Third Thursday at The Museum
Orange County Regional History Center - 5:00 PM Pick

Third Thursday Free Admission at Orange County Regional History Center
Orange County Regional History Center - 5:00 PM Pick

Play Your Way Thursdays at GameTime
GameTime Ocoee - 7:00 PM Pick

Preschool Open Gym at Metro Gymnastics
Orlando Metro Gymnastics - Avalon Park - 11:00 AM Pick

Books & Bubbles at The Bunny Hive Orlando
The Bunny Hive Orlando - 3:00 PM Pick

Orlando Water Lantern Festival
Lakefront Park - 4:00 PM Pick

Festival of Trees at Orlando Museum of Art
Orlando Museum of Art - various times Pick

Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Gaylord Palms - various times Pick

Manatee Mania at Brevard Zoo
Brevard Zoo - 10:00 AM Pick

Great Scott Farms Fall Festival
Great Scott Farms - 10:00 AM Pick

Light Up Mount Dora
Elizabeth Evans Park - 4:30 PM Pick

Ivanhoe Village Jingle Eve
Gaston Edwards Park - 4:30 PM Pick

Family Time on the Farm
Wildflower Farm - 6:30 PM Pick

Great Scott Farms Fall Festival
Great Scott Farms - 10:00 AM Pick

Longwood Arts and Crafts Festival
Historic Downtown Longwood - various times Pick

Festival of Trees at Orlando Museum of Art
Orlando Museum of Art - various times Pick

Santa's Christmas Tree Forest
Santa's Farm - various times Pick

Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Gaylord Palms - various times Pick

Goat Cuddle Hour at Alaska Farms
Alaska Farms & Co - 5:30 PM Pick

Audubon Park Community Market
Audubon Park Garden District - 5:00 PM Pick

Disney Jollywood Nights
Walt Disney World - Hollywood Studios - 7:30 PM Pick

Pajama Time at Winter Park Library
Winter Park Library - 7:00 PM Pick

Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Gaylord Palms - various times Pick

Preschool Palooza at Maitland Public Library
Maitland Public Library - 10:30 AM Pick

Orlando Gymnastics Preschool Play
Orlando Gymnastics - 1:00 PM Pick

Cinépolis Half Price Tuesdays
Cinépolis Hamlin - various times Pick

Toddler Tuesday at Monkey Joe's - Pointe Orlando
Monkey Joe's - Pointe Orlando - various times Pick

Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Gaylord Palms - various times Pick

Toddler Tales at Maitland Public Library
Maitland Public Library - 10:30 AM Pick

BOGO Wednesdays at Monkey Joe's Winter Park
Monkey Joe's - Winter Park - 11:00 AM Pick

Homeschool Skate at Astro Skate
Astro Skate Orlando - 11:00 AM Pick

Orlando Cat Cafe Kids Hour
Orlando Cat Cafe - 4:00 PM Pick

Family Time on the Farm
Wildflower Farm - 6:30 PM Pick

SEE ALL ACTIVITIES

SUBMIT AN ACTIVITY +

Activity Guides

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Orlando

Enjoy Central Florida Ballet's classic Nutcracker production for a fun family event. Photo courtesy of the ballet

11/10/24 - By Melanie Preis

The Nutcracker ballet is the quintessential holiday event for families, and luckily, Orlando has several productions to choose from. Families may prefer to attend the classic version of The Nutcracker, performed by professionally trained dancers from Orlando Ballet and Central Florida Ballet, or something a bit more modern, like this pyrotechnic version!

Besides The Nutcracker, there are many holiday shows for every age group and interest. As theaters and venues open doors for holiday shows and events, lucky Orlando residents and tourists have their pick in choosing some of the best holiday shows around!

Want to skip the show? We have some more great Orlando holiday content, including Must-Do Orlando Holiday and Christmas Event s and more festive fun in our Orlando Christmas and Holiday Guide!