Seasonal spirit combined with Orlando’s mild weather makes the month of December a great time of year to enjoy The City Beautiful. There are plenty of fun things to do in Orlando for visitors and locals alike, including various outdoor activities. Whether you’re a food lover, a theme park enthusiast, or a sports fanatic, there are several entertaining activities and holiday events to consider. 

So if you are looking for budget-friendly activities or exciting holiday events the whole family will love, you can find it all in Orlando this December. 

Enjoy an Outdoor Bowl Game at Camping World Stadium

Cheez-It Bowl

Date: December 29th, 2021

Time: 5:45 p.m.

Location: Camping World Stadium

The Cheez-It Bowl is the perfect thing to do with friends or the whole family in Orlando this December. This highly-anticipated annual bowl game brings college football fans from across the city and country together to experience the excitement. This year, No. 19 Clemson Tigers (9-3, 6-2 ACC) will meet the Iowa State Cyclones (7-5, 5-4 Big 12) in a thrilling matchup that you won’t want to miss. 

You may also want to check out the Cheez-It Bowl Pep Rally on December 28th. It’s a great way to get fired up for the game with a performance from team bands and cheerleading squads plus an appearance by the head coach. 

Vrbo Citrus Bowl

Date: January 1st, 2022

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: Camping World Stadium

The Vrbo Citrus Bowl started in 1947 and was initially called the Tangerine Bowl. Since 1993, the Vrbo Citrus Bowl has hosted top teams from the Southeastern and Big Ten conferences. The bowl game takes place at the open-air Camping World Stadium, and this year you can watch No. 22 Kentucky Wildcats (9-3, 5-3 SEC) and the No. 15 Iowa Hawkeyes (10-3, 7-2 Big Ten) face off for the title. 

Another fun way to participate is by heading down to International Drive at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve for the Vrbo Citrus Bowl Pep Rally. Don’t forget to check out the best college football team bars in Orlando as well. 

Enjoy a Hike Through One of Orlando’s Many Paths and Parks

The Orlando Urban Trail is considered the pinnacle of the city’s trail network. Situated near downtown Orlando, the trail is approximately three miles long, featuring the sights of six lakes and two stunning bridges. With courses for jogging or biking and paved paths for walking, you’ll get a chance to get some exercise while enjoying the fresh air of Orlando in December. 

Lake Eola Park Situated in the Heart of Downtown Orlando

Lake Eola Park lies in the center of Orlando’s downtown area and is a favorite for tourists and locals alike. There are numerous activities to enjoy at Lake Eola Park, including boating and birdwatching. The park is an excellent place if you want somewhere quiet to relax and admire the dazzling Orlando skyline. 

Central Park in Winter Park

Central Park is conveniently located on Park Avenue, right in the middle of the downtown shopping district. It’s an 11-acre park that hosts many activities and events, including the annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival that boasts thousands of guests. 

The park also features Wi-Fi, and wheelchair-accessible areas, making it suitable for everyone. Enjoy your hike, and don’t forget to check out the soothing fountains, massive oak tree canopy, and beautifully maintained planters. 

Experience the Excitement of Nature

Meet an Alligator at Gatorland 

If you want to see a pond of alligators and crocodiles, from babies to 14-foot monsters, there’s no better place than Gatorland. Encounter the Nile and Cuban crocodiles in the Screamin’ Gator Zip-line experience. Also, ensure you don’t miss the incredible Gator Jumparoo show, where you can learn more about the unbelievable powers of these massive animals. 

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Enjoy the Central Florida Zoo with your family at an exciting event you won’t want to miss. The zoo currently features more than thirty different hand-constructed illuminated lanterns at the highly-anticipated Asian Lantern Festival – Into The Wild. Celebrate the breathtaking art and culture while enjoying the beautiful zoo grounds and botanical gardens. 

Horseback Riding at Hidden Palms Ranch 

Are you a nature lover or horse lover? Hidden Palms Ranch helps you reconnect with the refreshing outdoors as you enjoy some equine beauty in a truly unique location. Hidden Palms Ranch offers guided trail rides in Central Florida. Whether you take a private or a group trail ride, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Best Activities on the Water in Orlando

Wekiwa Springs State Park

With stunning tropical hammocks, springs that join the Wekiwa River, and sky-blue waters, Wekiwa Springs State Park gives you the perfect scenery to enjoy peaceful landscapes and fascinating wildlife. The park features miles of trails, giving you a chance to explore on horseback, foot, canoes, bikes, or kayaks. 

Apart from swimming at Wekiwa Springs, other fun activities include hiking, fishing, snorkeling, picnicking, and wildlife viewing, to name a few.

Paddle Boarding With Epic Paddle Adventures

Epic Paddle Adventures is a paddleboarding center in Orlando, Florida. If you’re an adventurous person, paddleboarding is a great sport you don’t want to miss! Enjoy the leisurely paddle session along the lovely Winter Park lake chain. 

As you paddle through the lush canals, you will get to enjoy cooler temperatures and admire the scenery, including turtles in clear water, ancient trees, beautiful homes, birds, and other wildlife. Remember that your event fee only includes a paddleboard or kayak, safety equipment, a lesson, and a guided tour. You’ll have to bring along other necessities like water and sun protection.

Go Shopping at One of Orlando’s Open-Air Shopping Centers

Disney’s Boardwalk at Epcot

Start your morning by strolling along the water as you bask in the warm sunshine. Spend your afternoon playing classic arcade games, and finally, finish the evening enjoying live music and shows. You’ll have an unforgettable time as you explore Disney’s Boardwalk, from the exquisite dining to the unique shops and exciting nightlife.

The Promenade at Sunset Walk

The Promenade offers everything you need, from numerous modern shopping outlets to casual eateries, fine dining, a water park, and a movie theater. It’s a shopping complex offering innumerable services. As you do your shopping, you can check out one of the special events, such as The Street Market on Saturday evenings or the Rocking New Year event. 

Orlando Premium Outlets at International Drive

The Orlando International Premium Outlets located at the I-Drive Resort Area is the place to go for exceptional prices on some of the biggest brands. Discover everything you want and need at prices you can’t resist, featuring the basics and cool seasonal trends. Explore more of what’s trending, and watch out for the best deals during this holiday season.

Head to One of Orlando’s Many Theme Parks

Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park

If you’re looking forward to experiencing the ultimate theme park and water park in one place, then Universal’s Volcano Bay is the perfect attraction for you. The park features a 200-foot tall volcano, Krakatau, with several slides, including the tallest body slide in the country and an exciting aqua coaster. Additionally, the volcano also boasts an exhilarating lava flow show at night. 

For park attendees looking for a more relaxing experience, there is also a winding river and wave pool to enjoy.

ICON Park

ICON Park is an entertainment complex situated right on International Drive, and it features a ton of fun activities that are perfect for the whole family. Whatever you like to do for fun, you can find it at ICON Park. 

There is no shortage of exciting ways to spend a day with bars, amusement rides, over 40 restaurants, and boutique shops to check out. Popular ticket packages include the Wheel VIP Experience and Play Pass.

Grab a Game of Golf

Orange County National in Winter Garden

Orange County National includes a golf center and lodge featuring the best course layouts and facilities. If you’re looking for the finest place in Orlando to relax as you play your favorite sport, this is it! They also offer first-class instruction, a massive driving range, and two full courses.

Shingle Creek Golf Club, Orlando

The Shingle Creek Golf Club in Orlando, located next to the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel on Universal Boulevard in the Williamsburg area, can take your golf experience to the next level. The course is inspired by golf legend Arnold Palmer and is considered one of the best public courses in the city. After a complete overhaul in 2016, the course is now a top destination for golf lovers looking for various exciting features. 

Falcon’s Fire Golf Club

Falcon’s Fire Golf Club is another must-play golf course in Orlando, conveniently located near the airport and Disney World. As you and your friends set out for a relaxing day on the course, you will have the opportunity to play on a nationally-recognized championship course designed by Rees Jones. 

Additionally, be sure to check out the phenomenal dining options at the Falcon’s Nest Restaurant, and don’t forget to stop by the award-winning golf shop when you’re done on the course. 

Explore the Benefits of Membership with Florida Citrus Sports Today

If you are looking for the best way to experience the excitement of the Cheez-It Bowl or Vrbo Citrus Bowl, a membership from Florida Citrus Sports gives you the best bank for your buck. There are several different membership packages to choose from, each offering a range of benefits that you won’t want to miss, including: 

  • Bowl game tickets 
  • Exclusive discounts and offers 
  • Parking passes 
  • The option to scout bowl teams 
  • Right of refusal to purchase tickets for other events and games

A membership is the best and often most cost-effective way to enjoy the excitement of some of the biggest games and other events of the year. 

GET BIGTIME
UPDATES

Keep up to date with all of the news from Florida Citrus Sports!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.