What's Going On in December 2026
Holiday lights at the parks, a dog show, cheer, and a Japanese festival at the convention center, all a short drive or walk from Vista Cay.
December is Orlando at its most festive. Both big resorts are in holiday mode, the convention center has a busy month, and the weather is mild. Here's what's on near Vista Cay.
Theme Park Holidays
Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World both run holiday celebrations from mid-November into the first week of January, with decorations, special shows and seasonal food. Universal's Wizarding World is dressed for the season, and Epic Universe is about five minutes from us. Disney's Magic Kingdom holds its ticketed Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights, and those nights sell out early.
Photo: "Super Nintendo World, Epic Universe, Orlando, Flórida" by Brunnofernando, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
At the Orange County Convention Center
The convention center is the biggest draw to our neighborhood. Dates below come from its public events calendar.
Photo: "Orange County Convention Center-1" by Visitor7, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- I/ITSEC training and simulation conference: through December 3
- ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting: December 7 to 9
- AKC National Championship dog show: December 8 to 13
- Spirit Cheer 2026: December 12 to 13
- Holiday Matsuri: December 18 to 20
- NBA G League: December 19 to 22
The dog show and Holiday Matsuri are open to the public. Several of the others are professional conferences, so expect busier roads and restaurants nearby rather than events you can attend.
Photo: Holiday Matsuri in Orlando, December 2021, by MatthewHoobin, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Good to Know
- Book early. Holiday weeks fill fast, and so do conference weeks.
- Publix, Dunkin' and several restaurants are just outside the gate, which helps when you're coming in late from the parks.
- Plan for crowds the week of Christmas and New Year's at every park.