What to eat in Orlando in December: Seasonal delicacies
What to eat in Orlando in December: Seasonal delicacies
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PubSub chicken tender sub
This local favorite is a made-to-order sandwich from Publix supermarkets, layering hot fried chicken tenders, pickles, and sauces in a soft sub roll. It reflects everyday Florida eating rather than restaurant dining and is widely loved by Orlando residents. It is inexpensive, portable, and works well for park picnics. Order it fresh at the deli counter and customize toppings to taste.
The medianoche is a Cuban sandwich on slightly sweet bread, filled with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, then pressed warm. In Orlando it reflects the city’s Cuban community. Black Bean Deli is noted in local guides as a top spot, serving affordable plates and sandwiches in a casual counter-service setting that works for quick lunches between attractions.
Rock shrimp, landed off Cape Canaveral, resemble tiny lobsters with firm, sweet meat. Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, about an hour from Orlando, is a long-established place to try them broiled with butter or fried. Portions are generous and pricing mid-range. It is a practical dinner stop if you pair a Kennedy Space Center visit with local seafood on the return journey.
Central Florida is known for citrus, and simple options like fresh orange juice or orange-flavored soft-serve highlight that. Orange World in Kissimmee, housed in a giant orange-shaped building, sells soft-serve cones, bottled juices, and even orange wines. It is an easy stop on US‑192 if you are staying near Disney and want quick refreshments plus a kitschy souvenir shop visit.
Stone crab claws are a Florida specialty harvested roughly October to May. In Orlando, seafood restaurants such as Big Fin Seafood Kitchen on Restaurant Row serve chilled claws with mustard sauce when in season. Market pricing reflects limited supply, so they are a splurge, but one order can be shared. They suit seafood eaters seeking a local dish during autumn or winter visits.
Ethos Vegan Kitchen in Winter Park offers plant-based takes on American comfort dishes such as pot pies and burgers. It caters to vegans and vegetarians who want full meals rather than salads and is useful for mixed groups since portions are substantial but moderately priced. It is a practical lunch or dinner stop before or after exploring Park Avenue and nearby museums.
This local favorite is a made-to-order sandwich from Publix supermarkets, layering hot fried chicken tenders, pickles, and sauces in a soft sub roll. It reflects everyday Florida eating rather than restaurant dining and is widely loved by Orlando residents. It is inexpensive, portable, and works well for park picnics. Order it fresh at the deli counter and customize toppings to taste.
The medianoche is a Cuban sandwich on slightly sweet bread, filled with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, then pressed warm. In Orlando it reflects the city’s Cuban community. Black Bean Deli is noted in local guides as a top spot, serving affordable plates and sandwiches in a casual counter-service setting that works for quick lunches between attractions.
Rock shrimp, landed off Cape Canaveral, resemble tiny lobsters with firm, sweet meat. Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, about an hour from Orlando, is a long-established place to try them broiled with butter or fried. Portions are generous and pricing mid-range. It is a practical dinner stop if you pair a Kennedy Space Center visit with local seafood on the return journey.
Central Florida is known for citrus, and simple options like fresh orange juice or orange-flavored soft-serve highlight that. Orange World in Kissimmee, housed in a giant orange-shaped building, sells soft-serve cones, bottled juices, and even orange wines. It is an easy stop on US‑192 if you are staying near Disney and want quick refreshments plus a kitschy souvenir shop visit.
Stone crab claws are a Florida specialty harvested roughly October to May. In Orlando, seafood restaurants such as Big Fin Seafood Kitchen on Restaurant Row serve chilled claws with mustard sauce when in season. Market pricing reflects limited supply, so they are a splurge, but one order can be shared. They suit seafood eaters seeking a local dish during autumn or winter visits.
Ethos Vegan Kitchen in Winter Park offers plant-based takes on American comfort dishes such as pot pies and burgers. It caters to vegans and vegetarians who want full meals rather than salads and is useful for mixed groups since portions are substantial but moderately priced. It is a practical lunch or dinner stop before or after exploring Park Avenue and nearby museums.
December is mild to cool, with festive holiday events and decorations everywhere. Early December is moderate, but crowds soar from mid-month through New Year’s. Evenings are cool—perfect for light displays and holiday treats.
Orlando in December at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 23°C
Minimum temperature: 12°C
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Daylight
Around 10 hours 20 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 7:15am
Sunset: 5:35pm
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Key events
Light Up UCF, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, New Year’s Eve at Magic Kingdom & EPCOT, Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida
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Crowds
Tourist-heavy, with long queues at attractions, crowded streets, and seasonal events adding to the buzz.
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What to pack
Layers, sweater, jacket for nights, festive attire, gloves for rare cold snaps.
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Seasonal treats
Peppermint churros at Disney, gingerbread cookies at Gideon’s, eggnog lattes at local cafés
Festivals and events in Orlando this December 2026
Located at UCF’s Addition Financial Arena, Light Up UCF offers an outdoor ice rink, rides, and nightly light shows. It is popular with students and families looking for winter activities in a college setting. Entry to the light display is usually free, with separate charges for skating and rides. Evenings and weekends around Christmas are busiest; early-season visits feel more relaxed.
On select nights, Magic Kingdom hosts an after-hours ticketed party with a Christmas parade, snowfall on Main Street, special fireworks, and complimentary cookies and cocoa. Attendance is capped, so ride waits are shorter than normal days. Events often sell out, particularly close to Christmas, so buying tickets well ahead and choosing midweek dates gives the best value.
SeaWorld’s Christmas overlay adds seasonal animal shows, an ice skating production, and a Sea of Trees light spectacle on the lagoon. It is included with regular admission and suits families who want holiday elements alongside rides. Weekend evenings near Christmas are crowded, so consider earlier in the season or weekday nights for easier seating and navigation.
This walk-through charity light display at Island H2O Water Park features millions of synchronized lights, themed zones, and photo spots. It benefits Give Kids The World Village and suits families, couples, and groups. Timed-entry tickets help manage capacity, but popular dates near Christmas still sell out. Expect to spend 1–2 hours on site, mostly outdoors in the evening.
Two Disney parks ring in the New Year with midnight fireworks and park-wide dance parties. Magic Kingdom focuses on castle views and family-friendly celebrations, while EPCOT layers global pavilions with DJs and countdowns. Both can reach capacity, and transport queues are long after midnight. Arrive early, secure dining or viewing plans, and be prepared for a very late finish.
Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida
From late November into early January, Universal Studios Florida presents a nightly parade featuring giant Macy’s-style balloons, floats, and Santa. It is included with park admission and fits naturally into an afternoon or evening visit. Crowds increase around weekends and Christmas week, so securing a spot along the route 20–30 minutes before start is wise.
Nightly at the America Gardens Theatre, celebrity narrators retell the Christmas story with a full orchestra and mass choir. It is one of EPCOT’s most popular seasonal offerings, included with admission. Standby queues form early, and dining packages that guarantee seats book quickly. It is a seated show, but weather can be cool, so light layers are recommended.
Orlando Citrus Bowl Games (Pop-Tarts Bowl & Citrus Bowl)
Late December and New Year’s Day bring two major college football bowl games to Camping World Stadium, drawing large contingents of alumni and fans. Surrounding fan fests, marching band parades, and tailgates create a festival atmosphere. Hotels across Orlando see higher occupancy, and roads near the stadium are congested on game days, so plan transport carefully.
ICON Park on International Drive hosts a New Year’s Eve street party with live music, DJs, and a midnight fireworks display framed by The Wheel observation attraction. It is more relaxed than downtown’s biggest gatherings and suits families and adults wanting restaurants and bars in one complex. The Wheel pauses near midnight for a unique viewing experience for riders.
Orlando’s official downtown tree lighting at Lake Eola includes a holiday market, performances by school choirs, and a brief fireworks or drone display. Families and residents gather to see the 72‑foot tree illuminated for the first time. The event is free and early evening focused. Parking garages nearby can be busy; arriving before sunset provides easier access and better viewing locations.
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