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Fall and winter bring a different energy to Kissimmee and Central Florida. The temperatures begin to ease, Halloween takes over the theme parks, seasonal menus arrive at local restaurants, and before long, millions of Christmas lights signal the start of the holidays.
For visitors planning a Central Florida getaway—and locals looking for something different to do—the final months of 2026 are especially busy.
From the 35th year of Halloween Horror Nights and family-friendly trick-or-treating to ice sculptures, holiday concerts and Christmas cruises, FloridaEscape.com takes a look at some of the biggest Kissimmee fall and winter events for 2026.
Fall 2026: Halloween Takes Over Central Florida
Halloween has grown into an entire season in Central Florida, and visitors can choose between serious scares and daytime celebrations designed for younger families.
Halloween Horror Nights Celebrates 35 Years
Universal Orlando Resort marks a major milestone this year as Halloween Horror Nights returns for its 35th year.
Running for 48 select nights from August 28 through November 1, the event transforms Universal Studios Florida into the “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares.”
Among this year’s highlights is the pairing of two well-known Halloween Horror Nights icons, Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow. The characters join forces in the new haunted house, “Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control.”
Visitors should expect a mix of haunted experiences, original stories and recognizable names from the world of horror.
Planning to brave the scares? Visit Universal Orlando Resort for current Halloween Horror Nights information, tickets and operating details.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns
Families looking for a lighter version of Halloween can head to Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, taking place on select nights through October 31.
The after-hours celebration adds Halloween twists to familiar attractions. Space Mountain operates in pitch-black darkness with spooky music, while Mad Tea Party receives special lighting effects. There are also trick-or-treat locations throughout the park, including Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.
Entertainment includes Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.
See what’s happening at Magic Kingdom and plan your visit through Walt Disney World Resort.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular
SeaWorld Orlando offers another family-friendly alternative with Halloween Spooktacular, held on select dates from August 29 through November 1.
Included with park admission, the daytime event features an immersive trick-or-treat trail and Halloween activities for children and families.
There’s also something new for 2026: characters from Sony Pictures Animation’s “Hotel Transylvania” are making their debut at SeaWorld Orlando’s signature family Halloween celebration.
Visit SeaWorld Orlando to check park information and plan your Halloween visit.
Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
From September 5 through October 31, Brick or Treat brings Halloween fun to LEGOLAND Florida Resort on select dates.
Brick or Treat Street features life-sized homes belonging to LEGO Monsters, with candy, interactive effects and challenges waiting behind the doors.
Elsewhere in Mischief Town, families can meet LEGO Monsters, participate in seasonal building activities, follow the Potion Mischief Light Trail and watch The Great Monster Chase 4D Movie. On select Saturday evenings, the celebration gets even bigger with the Monster Skytacular drone show.
Check dates and start planning your family’s Brick or Treat adventure at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
Halloween Gets Wilder at Boggy Creek
Kissimmee’s natural surroundings provide a particularly appropriate setting for Halloween after dark.
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is bringing back The Terror of Boggy Creek from September 19 through October 31. This year’s edition, “The Terror 2 – The Swamp Awakens,” takes over the park for seven Saturday nights.
Boggy Creek is also introducing Survive the Swamp, an interactive nighttime gel blaster experience staged in a dark, lightly illuminated wooded area. The concept combines an outdoor battle, survival challenge and haunted encounter.
Learn more about Boggy Creek and its Kissimmee location through Experience Kissimmee’s Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures guide.
Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Returns to Gatorland
Gatorland brings back its popular Gators, Ghosts and Goblins celebration for its eighth year on weekends from October 10 through October 25.
The Swamp Ghost’s Museum returns with macabre facts involving vampires and mummies and connections to Bram Stoker’s literary works. Guests can also encounter Gatorland’s Florida Bigfoot, Skunk Ape, along with Eddie the Yeti.
The Cryptid Express adds another unusual adventure, taking passengers in search of legendary creatures such as Mothman, Chupacabra and the Jersey Devil.
Find more information about visiting the attraction through Experience Kissimmee’s Gatorland guide.
Become a Detective at Madame Tussauds Orlando
Madame Tussauds Orlando is adding a mystery to its Halloween lineup with The Great Wax Heist, the attraction’s first themed scavenger hunt.
Priceless archival artistry tools have disappeared, and visitors become museum detectives tasked with recovering them before they’re lost forever.
Want to add the mystery to your Central Florida itinerary? Learn more through Experience Kissimmee’s Madame Tussauds Orlando guide.
Pirates and After-Dark Fun at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium has several special experiences planned for fall.
From September 3-5, adults 21 and older can explore the aquarium after dark while enjoying five craft beer tastings between 7 and 10 p.m.
Halloween then takes a family-friendly turn with Pirates of the Haunted Seas, running September 19 through November 1. The aquarium will feature pirate-themed decorations, immersive details and a treasure hunt that sends families searching beneath the waves. Guests can also meet the Pirate Captain and collect a special treasure after completing their quest.
Find more information for your visit through Experience Kissimmee’s SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium guide.
Halloween Magic at WonderWorks
The Outta Control Spooktacular Magic Dinner Show returns to WonderWorks on International Drive from October 5 through October 31.
The seasonal version of the popular dinner show combines magic, illusions and Halloween fun with a family-style meal.
For families spending several days exploring Kissimmee and Orlando, it offers another evening activity away from the major theme parks.
Learn more about WonderWorks and plan your visit through Experience Kissimmee’s WonderWorks guide.
More Fall Fun Around Kissimmee
The Old Florida Riverboat Company has a Pirate Party scheduled for October 30 followed by a Halloween Cruise on October 31.
For schedules and additional cruise information, visit The Old Florida Riverboat Company.
At The Ice Factory, adults get their own Halloween event with Nightmare on Ice on October 6. The 18-and-older skating party includes a live DJ and special rink effects, with beer and wine specials available to guests 21 and older.
Families can return on October 23 for Boo Skate, featuring a costume contest, trick-or-treat stations, spooky music and ice skating.
Learn more about the venue through Experience Kissimmee’s Ice Factory guide.
Visitors interested in shopping also have a new stop. Primark opened its fourth Florida location at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets on August 20, offering its value-focused fashion along with licensed Disney, Pixar and Marvel collections.
See stores and visitor information at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.
Fear Circus Unleashed Comes to Osceola Heritage Park
One of the more unusual additions to the fall entertainment calendar arrives October 22 at Osceola Heritage Park.
Fear Circus Unleashed is a 90-minute live horror production from Taconhy Entertainment combining immersive theater, aerial acrobatics and circus arts. Sinister clowns, contortionists, aerial performers and the roar of chainsaws are all part of the production.
Check the latest event information through Osceola Heritage Park.
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Opens a New Season
Fall also marks the beginning of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2026/2027 season.
The season opens September 19 and 20 with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, featuring three guest pianists and dancers.
In November, the Resonate Festival celebrates Beethoven’s music 200 years later with performances at Steinmetz Hall on November 5, 7 and 8.
Holiday programming follows with Home for the Holidays: Michael James Scott’s A Fierce Holiday on November 28. Then, on December 16 and 17, the orchestra presents Handel’s Messiah under Music Director Eric Jacobsen, joined by soloists and the University of Central Florida University Choir.
Explore the concert calendar and ticket information at the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.
Fall Flavors Arrive at Disney Springs
Seasonal menus give visitors another reason to explore Disney Springs between August 11 and November 30.
House of Blues brings back its Nightmare on Blues Street cocktails and souvenir cups, including Voodoo Punch, Witch Doctor Elixer and Black Widow Tini, along with the non-alcoholic Florida Fright.
See what’s being served and learn more at House of Blues Orlando.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is serving seasonal dishes including Brunswick Stew, Orange Maple Glazed Porkchops and Pumpkin Bread Pudding, along with a Pumpkin Cream Coffee Cocktail.
Explore the restaurant and its latest offerings at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’.
Splitsville is getting into the season as well. Its fall menu includes drinks such as the Mad Scientist Mocktail, Witches Brew and Vampire’s Kiss, along with dishes including an All Hallow’s Eve Sushi Roll, Fall Apple Flat Bread and Thanksgiving Leftovers Egg Roll.
See more from Splitsville Luxury Lanes Orlando before your Disney Springs visit.
Winter 2026: Kissimmee Gets Ready for the Holidays
Once Halloween ends, Central Florida makes a quick transition to the holidays.
Theme parks, resorts, performance venues and local attractions fill November and December with Christmas lights, seasonal shows and special events.
Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
LEGOLAND Florida Resort celebrates the season on select dates from November 21 through January 3.
Guests can see a giant LEGO wreath and life-size LEGO brick-built sleigh and reindeer while enjoying seasonal shows, limited-time treats and holiday displays throughout the resort. Even MINILAND USA gets into the Christmas spirit.
The event is included with eligible tickets and annual passes.
Check holiday dates and visitor information at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
ICE! Returns to Gaylord Palms
One of Central Florida’s signature holiday attractions returns to Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center from November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027.
This year’s ICE! brings The Polar Express into the 20,000-square-foot frozen attraction.
Scenes recreated in hand-carved ice include the train arriving at Hero Boy’s house, the hot chocolate scene, the train racing down an icy mountain and its arrival at the North Pole.
But ICE! is only one part of the resort’s Christmas celebration.
POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance returns with new acts, illusions, costumes and storytelling. The Gaylord Palms atrium will also host #LIT, a multimedia show featuring thousands of synchronized lights and music, while The Greatest Story retells the birth of Jesus Christ through six storytellers in a musical stage production.
Across the property, approximately 3 million holiday lights will illuminate the resort, including more than 250,000 lights in the atrium. More than 100 Christmas trees are planned, led by the 60-foot tree in the main atrium.
Guests who enjoy puzzles can also try the Naughty or Nice Escape Room, where the challenge is to solve a series of puzzles in Santa’s office and escape Jack Frost’s Naughty List.
Find more information about Gaylord Palms and planning a Kissimmee stay through Experience Kissimmee’s Gaylord Palms Resort guide.
Holiday Cruises on the Water
The Old Florida Riverboat Company keeps the celebrations on the water with a Friendsgiving cruise on November 15.
Throughout December, Christmas Light Tours are scheduled every Friday and Saturday evening, giving guests another way to enjoy the season away from the theme parks.
Check upcoming cruises and plan your outing through The Old Florida Riverboat Company.
Holiday Skating at The Ice Factory
The Ice Factory continues its seasonal programming into winter.
On November 27, the Holiday Pajama Party invites skaters to arrive in their favorite festive pajamas.
Then, on December 18, the 4th Annual Ugly Sweater Party & Contest returns with holiday music, games, decorations, snowfall and specialty café items. The ugliest sweater wins a trophy and two admission passes.
Find more information about The Ice Factory through Experience Kissimmee’s Ice Factory guide.
Frontyard Holiday Festival Returns to Downtown Orlando
Downtown Orlando gets into the holiday spirit when the Frontyard Holiday Festival returns to Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
From November 27 through December 31, Seneff Arts Plaza becomes an outdoor holiday destination with live entertainment, themed evenings, holiday movies, seasonal food and drinks, interactive experiences and light displays.
Nightly snowfall brings a little winter atmosphere to Central Florida, while performances from local artists and community organizations give the festival a strong local connection.
See what’s planned for the season at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
CFCArts Brings Music and Holiday Cheer
Central Florida Community Arts has several performances scheduled for the closing months of 2026.
Pumpkins & Punchlines, taking place October 31 and November 1, provides a family-friendly Halloween experience built around laughter and the arts.
On November 12 and 13, Music From Middle-Earth pairs epic film music with classical works that inspired it, creating an approachable introduction to orchestral music for families.
Then, on December 3 and 4, Believe: A Christmas Celebration brings together one of the country’s largest choirs for a large-scale holiday celebration.
Seasonal Food and Caribbean Traditions
Kissimmee’s fall and winter calendar also provides plenty to explore at the table.
Caribbean Moonshine Distillery is introducing Coquito Cream, an island-inspired cream liqueur featuring warm vanilla flavors for the holiday season.
Discover more from Caribbean Moonshine Distillery.
Sajoma Latin Fusion is using food, music and Caribbean traditions to celebrate several major dates.
On October 31, Halloween at Sajoma begins with family activities such as face painting and trick-or-treat goodie bags before transitioning into an evening featuring live music, dancing, a costume contest and seasonal cocktails, including the restaurant’s Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini.
For Thanksgiving on November 26, La Mesa de Familia brings families, friends, visitors and neighbors together around Caribbean flavors and a specially curated Thanksgiving menu featuring traditional arroz dulce.
On December 24, Nochebuena at Sajoma celebrates Christmas Eve with Latin Caribbean traditions, festive dining, traditional coquito, seasonal drinks and live entertainment.
Explore the restaurant and its upcoming celebrations at Sajoma Latin Fusion.
Planning a Fall or Winter Kissimmee Getaway
One of the advantages of visiting Kissimmee during fall and winter is the sheer variety of things to do.
A family could spend one day trick-or-treating alongside LEGO Monsters and the next exploring an aquarium filled with pirates. Adults looking for bigger scares can head into a dark Florida swamp or brave Halloween Horror Nights. By November, pumpkins and haunted houses give way to Christmas trees, orchestras, ice sculptures and millions of twinkling lights.
The calendar is packed, so planning ahead is worthwhile, particularly for events offered only on select dates or requiring separate admission. Dates, hours, admission requirements and individual experiences can change, so check with the attraction or venue before heading out.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, visiting family for the holidays or simply looking for something new to experience close to home, Kissimmee and Central Florida have plenty lined up for fall and winter 2026.
Keep following FloridaEscape.com for more ideas on where to go, what to see and what to experience throughout the Sunshine State.
