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News / Experience the Magic of Fall & Frights in Kissimmee
A vibrant programme of autumn festivals, family-friendly activities and thrilling Halloween events that will bring the city to life!

Discover Kissimmee's best fall festivals, holiday attractions, and family-friendly events this season! Kissimmee is brimming with seasonal fun, exciting experiences and unforgettable events this fall and winter! From thrilling Halloween adventures and immersive holiday celebrations to new attractions, interactive activities and live entertainment, there’s something for every visitor to enjoy in the Vacation Home Capital of the World®.
New attractions in Kissimmee
NOW OPEN: Arcade Time opens Orlando’s first and only 24-hour arcade & restaurant
Arcade Time Entertainment, the Florida-based arcade and restaurant concept, opened its newest location at 6464 International Drive, bringing 24-hour entertainment and dining to Orlando. The venue is a large entertainment hub with over 300 games suitable for all ages, from the latest tech-driven attractions to retro favorites. The restaurant delivers an elevated take on comfort classics and signature entrées most guests wouldn’t expect from an arcade. Paired with two full-liquor bars and a playful cocktail program, the menu ensures there’s something for everyone.
NOW OPEN: Westgate Resorts unveils new Mystery Fun House Arcade in Kissimmee
Westgate Resorts has officially opened the Mystery Fun House Arcade Experience at its flagship Kissimmee properties, Westgate Vacation Villas Resort and Westgate Town Center Resort. The nearly 9,000-square-foot arcade and food hall reimagines Orlando’s original Mystery Fun House with a mix of retro games, modern simulators, bowling lanes, themed dining and interactive attractions for all ages. Powered by Chuck E. Cheese and featuring multiple entertainment zones, the new experience is the latest addition to Westgate’s resort offerings, which also include renovated suites, new dining venues and enhanced retail spaces.
Fall attractions & Family-Friendly Halloween events
SeaWorld® Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream returns with more fear, more frights and a new face of terror
SeaWorld dares guests to face their darkest fears as Howl-O-Scream returns select nights September 5, 2025, through November 1, 2025, with its most chilling lineup yet. This year’s event features three all-new haunted houses, four all-new scare zones, an all-new live show, two all-new themed bars and the debut of Havoc, the brand-new Darkness Ambassador. Guests can also experience the jaw-dropping Grave Danger Thrill Show by Hellzapoppin, the fan-favorite Monster Stomp and scream all night long on top-rated coasters like Mako, Pipeline and Ice Breaker.
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights returns
On select nights through November 2, 2025, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights unleashes the ultimate nightmare, featuring a lineup of terrifying haunted houses, eerie scare zones, live shows and more. Guests can face horrors in haunted houses like Five Nights at Freddy’s, WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks and Terrifier, while chilling scare zones such as The Origins of Horror and Masquerade Dance with Death transform the streets of the park into spine-tingling environments. This event promises thrills and scares for visitors of all ages seeking an unforgettable Halloween experience.
Volcano Bay Nights at Universal Orlando Resort
Experience the thrill of Volcano Bay Nights, running Friday nights from September 5, 2025, through October 31, 2025. Guests will enjoy exclusive after-dark access to Universal Orlando’s stunning water theme park, complete with illuminated attractions and exciting entertainment. The highlight of the season features Scooby-Doo and the Gang as they take on villains in a lava-lit adventure, offering a unique blend of waterpark fun and Halloween-themed excitement for the whole family.
Brick-or-Treat: The ultimate Halloween Monster Party
Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort with Brick-or-Treat, the family-friendly Halloween event that’s all bricks and no tricks! Guests can fill their candy bags from overflowing cauldrons, meet exclusive seasonal LEGO® characters, enjoy themed treats, and discover surprises throughout the Park. Don’t miss the return of the award-winning Monster Skytacular drone show, a highlight of the evening. Best of all, Brick-or-Treat fun is included with General Park Admission. The Halloween festivities take place on select dates in September, October and November.
Walt Disney World’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Take in spooky sights and Halloween fun at Magic Kingdom Park during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This year, guests can meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse together at Town Square Theater, explore the newly transformed Storybook Circus—now a happy haunt for younger children—and dance the night away at a party inspired by ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires, on select nights through October 31, 2025.
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures: Haunted swamp experience
This October, brave guests can experience Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures’ Haunted Trail, Haunted Truck Ride and Night Airboat Tours on select nights for a Halloween adventure like no other. Venture into the eerie swamps, where glowing eyes pierce the darkness and alligators lurk beneath moonlit waters. Traverse haunted trails echoing with twisted laughter and board military-style trucks to explore a containment zone overrun with mutated creatures. Combining spine-tingling thrills by land, water and trail, this immersive Halloween experience dares visitors to enter if they dare—and survive the night.
Winter & Holiday Celebrations
SeaWorld® Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
From November 7, 2025, through January 5, 2026, SeaWorld Orlando transforms into a sparkling holiday wonderland during its Christmas Celebration. Guests can savor festive flavors, enjoy dazzling live shows, shop for holiday treasures and experience joyful entertainment that brings the season to life. It’s the perfect place to create cherished traditions and celebrate the magic of Christmas together.
Celebrate the season at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to experience a season of holiday magic, running daily from November 21, 2025, through December 31, 2025. As part of park admission, visitors can enjoy festive entertainment for the whole family, from the breathtaking Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, to meeting the Grinch during Grinchmas and watching larger-than-life floats and balloons in Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ and Holiday Magic at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center
From mid-November through January 7, 2026, step into ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™, where 2 million pounds of intricately carved ice bring the classic 1964 TV special to life. Guests can explore larger-than-life scenes, interact with the displays, crawl through snowy tunnels, climb into the arms of Bumble and even step inside a Misfit Toy box. Signature Gaylord Palms winter parkas are provided to keep everyone comfortable in the 9-degree attraction.
- POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance - A brand-new cirque holiday show in the atrium brings the POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance book series and TV special to life. Audiences are transported to a whimsical world of music, magic and circus arts with a cast of 19 performers, acrobats, magicians and Broadway-style theatrics.
- Here We Glow A-Caroling Light Show - Giant LED light curtains above the atrium and the 60-foot-tall Christmas tree come alive in an animated show set to classic holiday carols.
- Storytelling and Holiday Traditions - Guests can enjoy sing-alongs and storytelling with Mrs. Claus in Alpine Village, as well as “The Greatest Story,” a musical stage show celebrating the birth of Jesus through the eyes of six storytellers.
- Interactive Attractions - The Snow Factory features snow tubing, Snowball Build & Blast, gingerbread decorating, Elf Training Academy, Build-A-Bear Workshop® and the Jack Frost Chocolate Factory. Families can also complete the Reindeer Games™ Scavenger Hunt for a special prize.
- Alpine Village & Christmas Décor - Alpine Village, one of the largest holiday shops in Florida, showcases over 100 decorated trees, including a 60-foot atrium centerpiece and themed displays along the Christmas Tree Trail, providing a festive backdrop for photos and holiday shopping.
- VetteFest – October 4, 2025 - A showcase for Corvette enthusiasts and fans alike.
- Halloween Celebration – October 31, 2025 - A spooktacular evening filled with family-friendly frights.
- Friday Muscle Car Show & Cruise Anniversary – November 7, 2025 - A special edition of Old Town’s classic car tradition.
- Holidays at Old Town – November 28–December 26, 2025 - Celebrate the season with lights, music, and holiday cheer.
- New Openings - Gummy Buckets, a sweet new stop for candy lovers and Another World VR, a virtual reality adventure experience.
Santa’s Magical Arrival at The Florida Mall
Get ready for a season full of sparkle—Santa Claus arrives at The Florida Mall starting November 14, bringing holiday joy to Center Court near the Dining Pavilion. From daily visits through Christmas Eve, guests can share wish lists, snap festive photos and soak in the magic of the season. With special events like Pet Photos with Santa, holiday crafts and sweet moments with Mrs. Claus, The Florida Mall is the perfect place to celebrate, shop and make merry memories all season long.
One Day Events
Friends trivia night at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
Celebrate 31 years of Friends with a special trivia night at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando on September 22, 2025. Test your knowledge of the iconic show in a fun, interactive quiz while enjoying the cafe’s menu and full bar for guests 21 and older. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, including Hard Rock gift certificates, Rock Shop items and a Universal Orlando Resort gift card.
Christmas in the Cloud at Amazing Animals
Celebrate the season with furry, feathered and scaly friends at the fifth annual Christmas in the Cloud, taking place on December 13, 2025, at Amazing Animals’ Wildlife Preserve in St. Cloud. Guests of all ages can enjoy festive activities, delicious food, community vendors and even meet Santa and Mrs. Claus—all while experiencing the wonder of wildlife up close. With holiday inflatables, a petting zoo and plenty of seasonal fun, it’s the perfect family outing to create lasting holiday memories.
Seasonal events & highlights
Exciting events and new openings at Old Town Entertainment District
The Old Town Entertainment District is set to deliver a season full of fun, with special events and new experiences the whole family can enjoy.
- VetteFest – October 4, 2025 - A showcase for Corvette enthusiasts and fans alike.
- Halloween Celebration – October 31, 2025 - A spooktacular evening filled with family-friendly frights.
- Friday Muscle Car Show & Cruise Anniversary – November 7, 2025 - A special edition of Old Town’s classic car tradition.
- Holidays at Old Town – November 28–December 26, 2025 - Celebrate the season with lights, music, and holiday cheer.
- New Openings - Gummy Buckets, a sweet new stop for candy lovers and Another World VR, a virtual reality adventure experience.
Fall Fun and Seasonal Events at Meliá Orlando Celebration + The Wilson
This fall, Meliá Orlando Celebration and The Wilson Restaurant are bringing a lineup of exciting seasonal events and activities for guests of all ages:
- September 27, 2025 – Y2K Pool Party: Step back into the early 2000s with a live DJ, themed games and a special throwback menu. Registered guests can also win prizes, including a complimentary night stay and a $100 dining gift card.
- October 3 - 4, 2025 – Art in the Dark: Paint, Sip, GLOW: Enjoy guided painting sessions with all supplies provided—perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for a creative night out.
Kissimmee main street seasonal events
Historic Downtown Kissimmee is ready to welcome the fall and winter seasons with a festive lineup the whole community can enjoy. From family-friendly celebrations to holiday traditions and lively nights out, there’s something for everyone to experience.
- BOO! on Broadway – October 24, 2025 - A Halloween block party with trick-or-treating, live music, and family fun.
- Small Business Saturday & Light Up Kissimmee – November 30, 2025 - Shop local and enjoy the annual tree lighting ceremony.
- Christmas Crawl – December 12, 2025 - A lively holiday event with festive drinks, trivia, and plenty of ugly sweaters.
For more information on one-day events, please head to the Festivals and Events website on experiencekissimmee.com.
New accommodations in Kissimmee
NOW OPEN: voco® Kissimmee Orlando – A relaxed retreat
The voco® Kissimmee Orlando, formerly Sonder Cirrus, has rebranded as a stylish, family-friendly hotel featuring 150 spacious guest rooms with modern comforts like refrigerators, coffee makers, HDTVs, Wi-Fi and ample charging outlets. Guests can relax at the resort-style pool with a splash pad, enjoy outdoor gaming areas and unwind in a welcoming atmosphere designed for families, couples and all visitors seeking comfort and convenience.
COMING SOON: Downtown Kissimmee welcomes its first-ever hotels
Downtown Kissimmee is marking a historic milestone with the approval of its first hotels, bringing new accommodations and amenities to the heart of the city. Azure Hotel International will lead a $180 million project at 201 E. Dakin Street, featuring a 300-room hotel and a 45,000-square-foot convention center with exhibition halls, ballrooms, breakout spaces and innovative “muse rooms” for business brainstorming.
Skyview Companies will develop a $31 million mixed-use project at 92 Pleasant Street, including a 128-room Sonesta hotel and residential condominiums. These developments will provide convenient lodging for visitors and event attendees, while supporting local businesses and enhancing Downtown Kissimmee’s appeal as a destination.
COMING SOON: Introducing the new Homewood Suites by Hilton in Celebration
Wealth Hospitality is launching Hilton’s first extended-stay hotel in Celebration. The four-story property will feature 128 rooms across 98,372 square feet, including a meeting room, fitness center and laundry facilities. Guests can choose from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, all designed for longer stays with versatile living spaces and modern comforts.
COMING SOON: Hyatt Studios breaks ground at Kissimmee Gateway Airport
Hyatt Studios has begun construction on a 122-room hotel at Kissimmee Gateway Airport, marking the first hotel development on the property and bringing new convenience for business travelers, executives and aviation professionals. Located on two acres within the Dyer-Thacker Commerce Park, the hotel will feature 3,000 square feet of flexible meeting space for corporate gatherings and small conferences. Expected to open by the end of 2026, the development strengthens Kissimmee’s position as a connected, business-friendly destination.
COMING SOON: Ovation: A new mixed-use destination in Kissimmee
Ovation is an upcoming mixed-use development at the northeast corner of I-4 and Highway 192, just across from Celebration. Spanning nearly 80 acres, the development will feature over 800,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space, anchored by a planned 500-room hotel. With potential additions like live music venues and other attractions, Ovation aims to become a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors, enhancing Kissimmee’s reputation as a destination to stay, shop and play.
COMING SOON: Everest Place: A new community in Kissimmee
Everest Place is set to transform Kissimmee with a dynamic mix of luxury living, entertainment and hospitality. The development will feature The District, a vibrant hub of fine dining and upscale shopping; the Mysk Hotel & Residences, the first Kempinski in the U.S., offering an Arabian-inspired, family-friendly retreat; and Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts, designed for families with themed suites, a water park, outdoor theater and unique dining experiences. With its blend of resorts, shops and attractions, Everest Place promises to be a premier destination for both residents and visitors seeking luxury, fun and memorable experiences.
COMING SOON: Margaritaville Orlando Resort expands for 2027
Margaritaville Orlando Resort is preparing to add 40,000 square feet of new function space, including two ballrooms, connecting the Margaritaville Hotel and Embassy Suites Sunset Walk. Scheduled to open in 2027, the expansion will enhance the resort’s appeal for meetings and events. Embassy Suites will also grow with approximately 300 new rooms and 40–45 vacation homes, bringing the total on-site accommodation to 5,000 rentable rooms.
Events & Performances
Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows: Solve the crime while you dine
Step into a world of comedy, intrigue, and suspense at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, located next to Ripley’s Believe It or Not, where guests become detectives while enjoying a delicious dinner. Each evening begins with a pre-show and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a full-length mystery where guests mingle with outrageous characters, search for clues and interrogate suspects before the big reveal. Current shows include favorites like The Show Must Go On, Lord Mansfield’s Fox Hunt Banquet, Kim & Scott Tie the Knot, Squires Inn and Falling Pines.
7th Annual Pumpkin Ponderosa & Haunted Monster Truck Ride at Showcase of Citrus
This fall, Showcase of Citrus is offering two exciting seasonal experiences. Starting September 19, 2025, guests can explore the 7th Annual Pumpkin Ponderosa, picking pumpkins and gourds of all shapes and sizes while enjoying fall-inspired beverages, treats and festive photo spots.
The first-ever Haunted Monster Truck Ride also begins September 19, 2025, as an after-hours, ticketed event. Guests climb aboard a monster truck and journey through eerie citrus groves, haunted forests and shadowy woods on a spooky rescue mission.
Seasonal fun at Crayola Experience: Screamin’ Green Hauntoween & Colorful Christmas
Crayola Experience Orlando is celebrating the season with two exciting events for families. From September 20 to October 31, 2025, Screamin’ Green Hauntoween invites guests to enjoy spooky, family-friendly fun with monster-themed attractions, WITCHtacular crafts and a ghoulish scavenger hunt. Then, from November 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026, Colorful Christmas brings holiday cheer with festive activities, handmade gifts, a seasonal scavenger hunt and fun photo opportunities. Both events promise creative, interactive experiences that kids and families will love.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art 2025–2026 season
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park opens its 2025–26 season with two new exhibitions exploring innovations in American glassmaking at the turn of the 20th century: Breaking Tradition: Distinguishing American Stained Glass and Tiffany Art Glass, both opening October 14. The Museum’s year-long schedule also features free Friday night admission with live music (November–April), the 47th annual Christmas in the Park exhibition of Tiffany windows, Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, Winter Park Arts Weekend, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival and Easter Weekend events. Spring exhibitions highlight Louis Comfort Tiffany’s paintings and salon-style presentations of the Morse collection, offering visitors the chance to experience the artistry and legacy of Tiffany and other influential American artists.
ette hotel Partners with Orlando Ballet for 2025–2026 season
ette, a luxury hotel, has announced its official partnership with Orlando Ballet for the 2025–2026 season. Together, they are introducing the Ballet Soireé Stay, an exclusive package featuring a one-night stay at ette, two orchestra-level tickets to a Main Stage production at Dr. Phillips Center’s Steinmetz Hall, VIP transportation, a welcome bottle of sparkling wine and a signed Orlando Ballet poster. Guests will also enjoy breakfast at Salt & The Cellar, ette’s signature restaurant. For the holiday season, the hotel will present The Nutcracker Holiday Tea, a ballet-inspired afternoon tea experiences available every weekend in December, including a special December 6, 2025, seating with a meet-and-greet photo opportunity with cast members from The Nutcracker.
Orlando Family Stage fall & winter 2025: Family Fun, Magic and Holiday Cheer
Orlando Family Stage kicks off a season of laughter, thrills and holiday magic for all ages.
- The September and October season features Go, Dog. Go! • ¡Ve Perro, Ve!, a lively bilingual adventure full of music, color and playful pups on their way to the big dog party; Pip-Squeak: An Anti-Bullying Magic Show, where magician Tony Brent blends comedy and magic to teach kids how to handle bullying; and Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium, a spooky, musical mystery based on the beloved book series.
The November and December season features A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage, where audiences can celebrate the holidays with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and friends in this beloved classic, marking Peanuts’ 75th anniversary and the TV special’s 60th.
Food & Beverage highlights
Tijuana Flats Serves Bold Birria LTO This Fall
Tijuana Flats is introducing a limited-time Birria menu, available through November 2, 2025. Highlights include the Birria Flautas, crispy tortillas filled with slow-cooked beef, Cheddar Jack, onions and cilantro, served with dipping broth, sour cream and your choice of queso or guac; Birria Street Tacos, a trio of cheesy tacos topped with onions and cilantro, served with chips, lime and dipping broth; and the refreshing Desert Pear Agua Fresca, blending desert pear and cactus fruit flavors over ice. This nine-week menu brings bold, crave-worthy flavors to fans and newcomers alike.
Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Disney Springs
This holiday season, Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex™ Cafe at Disney Springs are offering magical breakfast experiences with Santa and Mrs. Claus on select dates. Rainforest Cafe will host breakfasts on December 20 - 21, 2025, while T-REX will welcome guests on December 13 - 14, 2025.
Cowboy Chicken Brings Fall Flavors to Kissimmee
This fall, Cowboy Chicken in Kissimmee is serving up crowd-pleasing favorites with catering, family meal and tailgate-ready spreads. Try the new slow-cooked brisket plate or choose from packages like Cowboy Tenders, Traditional Wings, or Boneless Wings, all with sides and sauces. Family meals—from rotisserie chicken and tenders to enchiladas—make weeknight dinners easy and seasonal iced teas and lemonades round out the menu.
JoJo’s ShakeBAR brings fall magic to Orlando with Pumpkin Patch launch
Starting September 28, 2025, JoJo’s ShakeBAR at Pointe Orlando will transform into JoJo’s Pumpkin Patch, a cozy fall escape with seasonal flavors and festive activities. Guests can enjoy dishes like Mini Pot Pies, Chili Mac ‘N’ Cheese, Boozy Hot Chocolates, Spiked Apple Cider and the signature Pumpkin Patch Shake—topped with marshmallow, a taffy apple and pumpkin pie. The experience extends beyond the table with Pumpkin Painting for all ages and a Basic Witch Mixology class on October 13, featuring cocktails like the Boo-Cardi Rum Punch and Caramel Apple Mule.
Paella Master Class at Jaleo by José Andrés Disney Springs
Celebrate the flavors of Spain with Jaleo by José Andrés’ Paella Master Class, a hands-on culinary experience inside Disney Springs’ only open-fire kitchen. In honor of National Paella Day, guests will learn to prepare a traditional Arroz con Pollo y Verduras—a flavorful paella made with chicken and fresh Florida vegetables—guided by expert chefs. While cooking, participants can enjoy passed plates of Spanish favorites such as Chicken Fritters and Tomato Bread before sitting down to savor their paella creation, complemented by additional tapas, sangria, non-alcoholic refreshments and dessert. On select days from September to December.