Families visiting Orlando this holiday season can trade snowy winter weather for sunshine, poolside celebrations and a little Christmas magic. Orlando World Center Marriott is bringing back its annual Twelve Nights of Wonder celebration from Dec. 20-31, 2026, transforming the sprawling resort into a festive destination filled with holiday entertainment, sweet treats, seasonal dining and fireworks.

Located just 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World, Orlando World Center Marriott is known for its impressive water attractions, family-friendly accommodations and resort activities. During the holidays, guests can experience a different side of the property as Christmas decorations, festive characters and nightly celebrations bring the season to life.

The 12-day celebration combines traditional holiday experiences with Florida’s warm weather, giving families an opportunity to enjoy everything from carousel rides and visits with Santa to poolside entertainment and fireworks.

A Winter Wonderland Comes to Orlando

Orlando World Center Marriott Christmas Events
The Orlando World Center Marriott celebrates the joy of the season with the Twelve Nights of Wonder. Photo credit: World Center Marriott

The holiday festivities begin before December, with a towering Christmas tree arriving in the resort’s grand lobby the week before Thanksgiving. The decorated tree welcomes arriving guests and provides a festive backdrop for family photos.

Throughout Twelve Nights of Wonder, guests can enjoy seasonal activities across the property, including daytime entertainment at the Falls Pool. I had the chance to enjoy Twelve Nights of Wonder during aand I knew my kids would love it preview event. It’s an event for all ages to enjoy!

Families might also spot Mingo, the resort’s flamingo mascot, making appearances throughout the celebration. Mingo will dress in different holiday outfits, adding another playful element for younger guests.

The resort’s holiday programming is designed to appeal to different ages, allowing families to combine a traditional Christmas celebration with the amenities of an Orlando vacation.

Winter Wonderland Village Offers Nightly Holiday Fun

Santa at the Twelve Nights of Christmas
Santa is mixing up some cheer for the adults! Grab a signature drink from Mingo’s Ice Bar. Photo credit: World Center Marriott

The centerpiece of Twelve Nights of Wonder is the Winter Wonderland Village, which opens nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Falls Pool area.

The outdoor holiday village features festive chalets, family attractions and a rotating schedule of entertainment. Guests can explore the village, enjoy seasonal activities and experience the holiday atmosphere without leaving the resort. One of the newest additions for 2026 is a classic carousel, joining the village’s returning train ride.

Several themed chalets offer additional entertainment and activities throughout the evening:

  • The Village Library: provides a cozy setting for holiday storytelling, with books and seasonal tales for families to enjoy.
  • The Snow Workshop: invites children to participate in hands-on activities, adding an interactive element to the holiday celebration.
  • Mingo’s Ice Bar: offers specialty signature drinks, giving adults a festive place to unwind while enjoying the village atmosphere.
  • Mrs. Sugarplum’s Sweets: showcases handcrafted holiday desserts prepared by the resort’s pastry team. Guests can discover themed sweets that celebrate the flavors and creativity of the season.

With entertainment changing throughout the celebration, families staying multiple nights can experience different activities during their visit.

Handcrafted Holiday Treats Add Something Sweet

Twelve Nights of Wonder Cake Pop
Stop by Mrs. Sugarplum’s Sweets for a festive pinkmas cake pop! Photo credit: World Center Marriott

One of the highlights of the Winter Wonderland Village is Mrs. Sugarplum’s Sweets, where the Orlando World Center Marriott pastry team brings holiday creativity to the dessert table.

The resort’s culinary team prepares handcrafted seasonal treats designed to complement the festive atmosphere. The themed desserts offer another opportunity for families to celebrate the holidays together.

For families with children, stopping for a holiday treat can become part of the evening tradition, whether it’s after a carousel ride, before a holiday performance or while exploring the decorated village.

The sweets also highlight the culinary creativity behind the resort’s holiday celebration, bringing together festive presentation and seasonal flavors.

Pro Tip: Look for kid-friendly treats, like cotton candy and cake pops, in colors that kids love!

Meet Santa, Enjoy Christmas Carolers and Watch Fireworks

Twelve Nights of Wonder wouldn’t be complete without appearances from Santa Claus. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for meet-and-greet opportunities and family photos on select dates during the celebration.

Holiday carolers will also entertain guests throughout the resort, performing seasonal favorites in the lobby and outdoor gathering spaces. Families visiting after Christmas can look forward to several fireworks displays that illuminate the night sky above the property.

Fireworks are scheduled for Dec. 26, 28, 30 and 31, 2026.

On Dec. 26, the resort will also host a special Mermaid and Glow Event, combining an underwater-inspired experience with colorful poolside animations. The additional entertainment gives guests another reason to spend their evenings at the resort rather than traveling to nearby theme parks.

Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve With Holiday Dining

Orlando World Center Marriott is also preparing special holiday dining experiences at its Latitude & Longitude restaurant.

The resort will offer three seasonal buffet celebrations, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

Thanksgiving Day Buffet

Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 | 1-8 p.m.

The Thanksgiving buffet features traditional holiday favorites alongside seafood and seasonal desserts.

Menu highlights include a local Crown Roast of Turkey, mustard-rubbed ham, whole roasted mahi-mahi and seasonal pies.

Pricing is $80 for adults and $32 for children ages 4-12.

Christmas Day Brunch Buffet

Friday, Dec. 25, 2026 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Families celebrating Christmas Day at the resort can enjoy a festive brunch featuring breakfast favorites and specialty holiday dishes.

The buffet includes custom omelet and waffle stations, coffee-crusted beef tenderloin and an assortment of holiday-themed desserts.

Pricing is $55 for adults and $20 for children ages 4-12.

New Year’s Eve Buffet

Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026 | 5-9 p.m.

Guests celebrating the final night of Twelve Nights of Wonder can welcome the new year with an elevated holiday buffet.

The menu includes smoked prime rib, rack of lamb, lobster-crusted grouper, premium sushi selections and festive desserts.

Pricing is $80 for adults and $32 for children ages 4-12.

Children ages 3 and younger dine free at all three holiday buffets. Reservations are highly recommended.

More Family Fun Beyond the Holiday Celebrations

While Twelve Nights of Wonder brings seasonal entertainment to the property, Orlando World Center Marriott offers plenty of activities for families throughout their stay.

The resort sits on more than 200 acres and features 2,010 guest rooms, making it one of Orlando’s largest resort destinations. Families can enjoy River Falls Water Park, which features three waterslides and a lazy river. The Falls Pool Oasis offers additional water attractions, including slides, a splash zone and a smaller waterslide for younger children.

With Florida’s typically mild December temperatures, families may have opportunities to enjoy the outdoor pools and water attractions between holiday activities, depending on the weather.

The resort also offers 10 restaurants and lounges, an 18-hole championship golf course at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club, a spa and daily activities. Its proximity to Walt Disney World makes it convenient for families planning to combine theme park visits with a resort-focused holiday vacation.

Instead of spending every evening at a theme park, guests can return to the property for Christmas entertainment, festive treats and seasonal activities.

Pro Tip: The Orlando World Center Marriott offers daily theme park shuttles included in your resort fee.

Plan Your Visit to Twelve Nights of Wonder at World Center Marriott

Orlando World Center Marriott’s Twelve Nights of Wonder takes place Dec. 20-31, 2026, with Winter Wonderland Village operating nightly from 6 to 9 p.m.

The celebration offers families a way to experience the holidays in Orlando, combining familiar Christmas traditions with the resort’s water attractions, dining and entertainment.

From meeting Santa and enjoying handcrafted holiday sweets to riding a carousel and watching fireworks, the event gives families opportunities to create holiday memories together.

Travelers interested in attending should check the resort’s official website for accommodations, updated entertainment schedules, activity details and holiday dining reservations.

Event Details:

  • What: Twelve Nights of Wonder
  • Where: Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, Florida
  • Dates: Dec. 20-31, 2026
  • Winter Wonderland Village Hours: 6-9 p.m. nightly
  • Fireworks: Dec. 26, 28, 30 and 31
  • Holiday Dining: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve
  • Website: MarriottOrlandoWorldCenter.com