Holiday magic is everywhere

With candy cane hunts, a life-size chocolate Santa, a Macy's Holiday Parade and marching toy soldiers, imagination comes to life at Orlando's theme parks and resorts at this time of the year. Starting in early November and running through New Year's Day, Orlando makes the most of every Yuletide moment.  Here's just a sample of the holiday happenings:
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom presents a winter fairy tale, as Queen Elsa covers Cinderella's castle in glittering ice. Lively stage shows feature Disney characters in their holiday best, and a festive holiday parade sends toy soldiers and snow flurries dancing on Main Street, U.S.A. Guests can even enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cocoa around the park. Select nights through Dec. 18 from 7 p.m. till midnight.
Disney's Hollywood Studios is debuting "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" The event features spectacular fireworks, special effects and holiday music every night.
The Candlelight Processional at Epcot is a beloved Disney tradition. This joyous retelling of the Christmas story features a celebrity narrator, 50-piece orchestra and several magnificent choirs. Guest Narrators this year include Neil Patrick Harris and Whoopi Goldberg. Reserve a dining package for guaranteed seating.
Universal Orlando Resort: Select nights Dec. 3 to Jan. 1
The Macy's Holiday Parade fills the streets at Universal Studios Florida every evening with the same larger-than-life balloons seen in Macy's famous Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Elaborate floats, dancers and other entertainment are featured, as well.
At Universal's Islands of Adventure, Grinchmas descends on Seuss Landing with a live retelling of Dr. Seuss's beloved holiday tale during, "Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular," featuring the Whos from Who-ville and an original musical score by Mannheim Steamroller.
SeaWorld Orlando: Select nights until Dec. 31
The holiday spirit comes in waves at SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration. Live shows inspired by the natural world fill the park with a sense of majesty and cheer, including a charming nativity show, "O Wondrous Night," with professional singers, puppeteers and live animals. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends  Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snowman among them  host this season's celebration and are available for photo ops. 
LegoLand Florida Resort: Dec. 17 and 18, Dec. 24 to 30
At the park's Christmas Bricktacular, guests can marvel at a 30-foot-tall LEGO Christmas tree, made with 270,000 Lego and Duplo bricks, and pose for a holiday picture with a life-size Lego Santa, reindeer and sleigh. A firework show set to Christmas music caps off the night; upgrade with premium seating and a dessert buffet.
At the resorts
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort features lavish holiday offerings and decor through Jan. 3. Festive events at the resort include candy cane hunts for children and wine tastings for adults. Opt to host a personal holiday party with Mickey and Minnie or Anna and Elsa from "Frozen," upon request. Those who stay in top suites even get a butler to help wrap holiday gifts, decorate the suite and arrange a hot cocoa and cookie-decorating party. Complete list of holiday events and options at http://press.fourseasons.com/orlando/hotel-news/2016/festive-season/.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel offers sweet holiday treats this year, including a Life-Size Chocolate Holiday Santa Scene in the Swan lobby, constructed with 2,000 pounds of chocolate. A 45-foot Christmas tree and indoor snow alight the Dolphin Hotel lobby with pure magic. For an unforgettable night before Christmas, guests can invite a fully costumed elf to deliver milk and cookies to their room for a bedtime story and tuck in. Complete list of all holiday activities and offers at http://www.swandolphin.com/holidayplace/.
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center returns with an Orlando holiday classic: "Ice! at Gaylord Palms," featuring an elaborate tableau of interactive, hand-carved ice sculptures and displays, Nov. 18 to Jan. 1. This year, Ice! has a new theme: Charlie Brown by Charles Schulz. Guests can follow along as Charlie Brown discovers the meaning of Christmas and bask in the chilly, award-winning splendor carved by a team of 40 skilled artisans. Visit http://www.marriott.com/hotel-info/mcogp-gaylord-palms-resort-and-convention-center/christmas-at-gaylord-palms/csyr9pd/ice.mi.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort's Mediterranean yule time experience includes holiday carolers and a daily Hanukkah Candle Lighting Ceremony at sundown from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1. For a unique celebration, the resort re-creates an evening in seaside Italy with live holiday music, wine tasting and the grand illumination of the Christmas tree.

Source: Travel weekly