Orlando just found a way to make Christmas last 12 nights instead of one. Starting Dec. 20, Orlando World Center Marriott is turning its entire property into a nightly winter village, complete with a new carousel, fireworks and its own resident Santa.
Orlando World Center Marriott is going all in on the holidays this year with its Twelve Nights of Wonder celebration, running Dec. 20 through Dec. 31. Expect a towering Christmas tree in the lobby, a resort mascot named Mingo strutting around in holiday outfits, and a nightly pool party that turns into a full-blown winter village once the sun goes down.
A big stage for a big property
This isn’t just any resort dressing up for the season. Orlando World Center Marriott is the largest Marriott in the world, spread across more than 200 acres in Central Florida, with over 2,000 rooms. This year, most of it is getting the holiday treatment.
The Winter Wonderland Village comes alive every night
Each evening from 6 to 9 p.m., the Falls Pool area transforms into the Winter Wonderland Village. There’s a train ride and a classic carousel, brand new to the lineup this year, plus a handful of themed chalets scattered around:
- The Village Library: Storytime with holiday books and tales.
- The Snow Workshop: Hands-on activities for kids.
- Mingo’s Ice Bar: Specialty holiday drinks for the grown-ups.
- Mrs. Sugarplum’s Sweets: Hand-crafted treats from the resort’s pastry team.
Santa, fireworks and a mermaid glow party
Santa and Mrs. Claus make appearances on select dates, and carolers roam the property spreading some old-school cheer. Fireworks light up the sky on Dec. 26, 28, 30 and 31. On Dec. 26, there’s also a Mermaid and Glow Event mixing under-the-sea vibes with glowing poolside animations.
3 holiday buffets worth planning your trip around
The resort’s signature restaurant, Latitude & Longitude, is hosting three holiday buffets this season, each with its own seasonal spread:
- Thanksgiving Day Buffet (Nov. 26): Crown roast turkey, mustard-rubbed ham and whole roasted Mahi Mahi.
- Christmas Day Brunch (Dec. 25): Custom omelet and waffle stations plus coffee-crusted beef tenderloin.
- New Year’s Eve Buffet (Dec. 31): Smoked prime rib, rack of lamb and a sushi spread to ring in the new year.
Kids 3 and under eat free at all three. Reservations are strongly recommended through OpenTable, and if an Orlando trip is already on the calendar this winter, this is the kind of thing worth building the itinerary around.
Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she’s also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller’s perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.