When you’re looking to take a vacation to Central Florida this holiday season, remember that you’re not limited to just visiting the theme parks. Winter holidays mean long lines and large crowds at Disney parks and Universal Studios – these parks are best visited in the off-season. Instead, consider one of the many seasonally appropriate events taking place throughout the region. With so many things to do while on vacation, the area offers something for everyone.

holiday shows

Visitors to the area during the holidays have the opportunity to attend a variety of theatrical productions. Lakeland Community Theater is presenting The Sanders Family Christmas by members of the surrounding Lakeland community. The show features the family from the hit musical Smoke on the Mountain on Christmas Eve 1941. With over two dozen Christmas carols and a hilarious script, everyone, especially those familiar with the characters, will be highly entertained.

Another highlight of a Central Florida vacation during the holidays, the Lakeland Center is hosting Jingle Bell Rock, an energetic and fun-filled show. This production features a live band, talented singers, and Santa Claus! Classic songs like “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” will put everyone in the family in a merry and merry mood for the holidays.

If you’re looking for more of a classic to watch on your Central Florida vacation over the holidays, you can’t miss the Moscow Ballet’s staging of the Great Russian Nutcracker. For one afternoon only, be enchanted by the exquisite dancing and spectacular costumes and sets that leave critics raving. The production has been described as “flawless”, “stunning” and “dazzling”, and stars a gold medalist ballerina in a prestigious international ballet competition. With such beautiful dancers and a classic Christmas story, this is one of the Central Florida attractions you can’t miss. shows you’ll want to see.

Holiday tours, villages and more

There are many more Central Florida attractions to attend while on vacation. The Christmas at Pinewood Holiday Home tour allows you to see the Pinewood Estate at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales transformed into a beautiful and sparkling holiday paradise. The 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion from the 1930s will take your breath away. If mansions aren’t your style, bring a can of food and a new toy and take a tour of Flywheelers Village in Ft. Meade. In the 19th-century town decorated for the holidays, you can ride the streetcar, see the Christmas lights, and tell Santa what’s on your list.

One of Central Florida’s other must-see attractions during the holidays is public ice skating at The Lakeland Center. The rink will be open for about two weeks during the holidays, allowing you plenty of time to skate through the stress of the holidays.

For chefs and foodies planning a Central Florida vacation after the holidays, Anthony Bourdain is coming to the Lakeland Center in early January. The chef, author of the bestselling Kitchen Confidential and host of Travel Channel’s No Reservations will entertain audiences with humorous stories about his life as a chef and his experiences as the “bad boy in the kitchen.”

With so many things to do related to the holidays, the area offers much more than the traditional theme parks. If you’re planning a Central Florida vacation, consider these ideas for holiday fun the whole family can enjoy!