Holidays on I-Drive in Orlando
When it comes to the holidays in Orlando, theme parks and thrill rides are probably at the forefront of yuletide joy. But there’s far more to the city than that during the holidays.
Orlando turns magical minus the snow come holiday time. And International Drive is at the epicenter of it all.
I-Drive is a busy retail and dining thoroughfare with attractions galore. It's north border is Oak Ridge Road, to the south is World Center Drive. Some of the hot spots along I-Drive include ICON Park home to Madame Tussauds Orlando, Sea Life Aquarium and The Wheel, a giant ferris wheel overlooking the city.
Bypass some of the tried and true theme parks, and explore these options if you’re spending the holidays in Orlando:
Ride the I-Ride Trolleys
The I-Ride trolleys are among the most charming features of the area. You can catch them to the area attractions without worrying about parking. During the holidays ride is even more fun. The traditional city trolleys are decked out in wreaths and Christmas decor. Holiday music is piped in for riders. You can hop on and hop off at area attractions for holiday treats. The trolleys have very convenient holiday hours including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Go to their website for schedule and pricing.
The Wheel Holiday Nights
Holiday lights at Orlando’s theme parks are all well and good, but when you see them from 400 feet above they’re nothing short of spectacular. And you can do just that when you’re riding The Wheel at ICON Park, Orlando’s 400-foot ferris wheel on I-Drive. In addition to seeing the city aglow, the ferris wheel itself will be light with 64,000 LED lights nightly during a synchronized 10-minute show at 8 p.m. nightly.
Holidays at Mall at Millenia
Get a retail fix while getting into the holiday spirit. Mall at Millenia is the perfect place to shop for all your friends and family. The mall goes all out during the holidays with its Hollyville display in the Grand Court. The festivities start November 8-10 when Santa arrives on the roof of Neiman Marcus before traveling to the Grand Court where he will be available for photos. A live DJ will be on hand along with Hollyville characters, stilt walkers which are 24 feet tall human swaying Christmas trees.
Visiting Orlando and I-Drive? Check out the deals and recently renovated Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Orlando/International Drive North.