Where to Celebrate Holidays at ICON Park Orlando

Make the holiday season memorable at ICON Park Orlando. Located on International Drive, ICON Park brings together attractions, seasonal celebrations, dining and entertainment in one destination. From the I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting and Christmas activities at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium to celebrity experiences at Madame Tussauds Orlando and elevated sightseeing aboard the Orlando Eye, there are several ways to celebrate the season with family and friends.

For Orlando residents and vacationers, ICON Park offers an opportunity to enjoy multiple experiences without traveling between different entertainment districts. Visitors can explore indoor attractions, enjoy a meal, take holiday photographs and experience Orlando from 400 feet above the ground.

Here are some experiences to consider when planning a holiday visit to ICON Park in 2026.

1. Celebrate the Season at the I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting

One of the seasonal highlights at ICON Park is the annual I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting. This community celebration welcomes the holiday season with festive music, live performances and the lighting of a towering Christmas tree.

The 2026 event is scheduled for November 20 at 6 p.m. at ICON Park. Admission is free, making it an option for Orlando residents and visitors who want to enjoy a holiday celebration without purchasing attraction tickets.

2026 event details:

The tree lighting is a great starting point for an evening at ICON Park. Visitors can explore the surrounding entertainment, enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants and discover the attractions around the Promenade.

2. Enjoy Christmas Under the Sea at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

Christmas takes an underwater turn at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, where families can participate in a seasonal adventure featuring The Elf on the Shelf®.

From November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027, The Sea Star Search with The Elf on the Shelf invites visitors to help Santa's Scout Elves recover missing Christmas decorations and complete an underwater holiday mission.

Included with general admission, this interactive experience combines Christmas storytelling with marine-life exploration.

What is The Sea Star Search?

In the story behind the adventure, decorations have disappeared from the aquarium's Undersea Christmas Tree, including a special Christmas Sea Star. Santa's Scout Elves need help recovering the missing decorations and completing the tree.

Children can follow the search throughout SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, completing six interactive challenges.

Here's how the experience works:

The finished ornament provides a holiday keepsake to remember the experience.

Explore an Underwater World

The Sea Star Search is one part of the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium experience. Visitors can also explore marine life and underwater habitats throughout the attraction.

Highlights include:

• 360° Ocean Tunnel: Experience an underwater perspective surrounded by marine life, including sharks and stingrays.

• Touch A Real Sea Star: Discover the colorful touchpool and learn about marine animals.

• Marine Life Exhibits: Explore aquatic animals and their underwater habitats.

• Virtual Reality Experience: Discover an additional way to experience the underwater world.

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is an indoor attraction at ICON Park, making it an option to include in an Orlando itinerary alongside outdoor activities and seasonal celebrations.

Event details:

Allow time to enjoy the aquarium's marine life exhibits alongside the seasonal activity. Families can complete the search at their own pace while exploring the underwater world.

Learn more about The Sea Star Search with The Elf on the Shelf.

3. Meet Your Favorite Stars at Madame Tussauds Orlando

For visitors who enjoy music, movies, television, sports and celebrity culture, Madame Tussauds Orlando adds another dimension to a holiday outing at ICON Park.

Featuring more than 90 lifelike wax figures and interactive experiences, Madame Tussauds Orlando gives visitors opportunities to pose alongside recognizable celebrities, athletes, entertainers and cultural icons.

The attraction brings together several themed experiences:

• Music Stars: Discover figures representing recognizable performers and music icons.

• A-List Party: Enjoy celebrity-inspired photo opportunities.

• Movie & Film Stars: Explore figures from the entertainment industry.

• TV Stars: Discover recognizable television personalities.

• Sports: Pose alongside sporting legends.

• Justice League: A Call For Heroes: Enter an interactive superhero experience.

• History & Leaders: Discover influential historical figures and leaders.

The current figure lineup includes celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Lionel Messi and Dwayne Johnson, among others. Figure availability and displays can change, so visitors interested in a particular celebrity should check the current lineup before visiting.

Add a VIP Tour or Wax Hands Experience

Visitors interested in a more guided experience can explore the Madame Tussauds Orlando VIP Tour.

The guided experience includes celebrity stories, behind-the-scenes information and insight into the artistry involved in creating lifelike wax figures, along with photo opportunities.

Another experience to consider is Wax Hands, where visitors can create a custom wax hand souvenir.

These experiences can add something different to a holiday outing, particularly for groups celebrating a special occasion or looking for a memorable activity on International Drive.

Explore Madame Tussauds Orlando tickets and experiences before your visit.

4. Experience Exhilarating Perspectives on the Orlando Eye

For a different perspective on Orlando during the holidays, experience the Orlando Eye at ICON Park.

The 400-foot observation wheel offers an elevated sightseeing experience, with 360-degree views of Central Florida from the comfort of enclosed, air-conditioned glass capsules.

Each flight lasts approximately 20 minutes, giving guests time to take in the surrounding landscape and enjoy a shared experience above the city.

Orlando Eye experience details:

Enjoy Orlando from a Different Perspective

The Orlando Eye offers a different experience from the interactive attractions around ICON Park. Rather than exploring themed exhibits, guests can enjoy an aerial journey together while taking in views of the surrounding region.

The enclosed capsules provide a comfortable setting for sightseeing, photography and enjoying the experience with family and friends.

During the holiday season, an Orlando Eye flight can complement an evening spent exploring ICON Park, enjoying dinner or visiting nearby attractions.

For visitors planning their flight, consider the difference between daytime and evening sightseeing:

Visibility and views depend on weather and operating conditions. Check the current operating schedule and ticket availability before planning your flight.

Explore the Orlando Eye experience and discover a different perspective of Central Florida.

5. Enjoy Holiday Dining and Entertainment at ICON Park

A holiday outing is about more than attractions. Sharing a meal, enjoying dessert or spending time together over live entertainment can make the experience even more memorable.

ICON Park features a variety of restaurants, bars, cafés and casual dining options, making it convenient to include a meal in your holiday plans.

Some dining options include:

The selection makes ICON Park a practical destination for families, couples and groups with different dining preferences.

Consider planning dinner between attraction visits or extending your day into an evening of dining and entertainment.

Restaurant menus, operating hours and entertainment schedules can change, particularly during the holiday season. Check directly with individual venues when planning your visit.

6. Explore More Attractions Around ICON Park

One of the advantages of visiting ICON Park is having several different experiences in one destination.

Visitors can combine celebrity experiences, marine-life exploration, elevated sightseeing and dining without needing to plan separate outings around Orlando.

Here's how the main attractions compare:

Each experience offers something different. Visitors interested in celebrity culture may prioritize Madame Tussauds Orlando, while families may enjoy the seasonal activities at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.

The Orlando Eye adds an elevated sightseeing experience, making it possible to create a varied holiday itinerary around different interests.

How to Plan a Holiday Day at ICON Park

The best way to organize a visit depends on how much time you have, which attractions interest your group and whether you are visiting for a particular seasonal event.

Here are three suggested itineraries.

A Family Holiday Outing

Families with children can combine seasonal activities with indoor attractions and sightseeing.

Suggested itinerary:

1. Begin with a visit to SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.

2. Participate in The Sea Star Search with The Elf on the Shelf.

3. Enjoy lunch or an afternoon treat at ICON Park.

4. Explore Madame Tussauds Orlando.

5. Finish with a flight on the Orlando Eye.

This combination provides different experiences throughout the day, from marine-life exploration to celebrity encounters and elevated sightseeing.

A Celebrity and Entertainment Day

For teenagers, adults, couples and pop culture fans, Madame Tussauds Orlando makes a natural starting point.

Suggested itinerary:

1. Explore the celebrity figures and interactive experiences at Madame Tussauds Orlando.

2. Consider adding a VIP Tour or Wax Hands experience.

3. Enjoy lunch or dinner at one of ICON Park's restaurants.

4. Experience a flight on the Orlando Eye.

5. Spend additional time enjoying the entertainment around the Promenade.

A Holiday Evening at ICON Park

Visitors who want to enjoy the holiday atmosphere without spending an entire day at attractions can plan an evening outing.

Suggested itinerary:

1. Arrive at ICON Park and explore the destination.

2. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants.

3. Visit Madame Tussauds Orlando.

4. Experience an evening flight on the Orlando Eye.

5. Enjoy the surrounding entertainment and seasonal atmosphere.

These are suggested itineraries, not scheduled packages. Attraction operating hours, event schedules and ticket availability should be checked before visiting.

Are There Combination Tickets for ICON Park Attractions?

Visitors can explore combination ticket options that include Madame Tussauds Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and the Orlando Eye.

Combination tickets can be useful for visitors planning to experience more than one attraction during their Orlando vacation.

Available Madame Tussauds Orlando ticket offerings may include admission combinations with SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and other attractions. Specific products, eligibility, prices and availability can change.

Before booking, consider:

• How many attractions you plan to visit.

• Whether you want to visit on one day or across multiple days.

• The number of people in your group.

• Whether you expect to return to the attractions.

• Which current offers and Annual Pass benefits apply.

Florida residents and frequent visitors may also want to compare Annual Pass options against individual admission and combination tickets.

Explore Madame Tussauds Orlando tickets and Annual Pass options.

Where Is ICON Park in Orlando?

ICON Park is located at 8375 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819, in the International Drive entertainment district.

The destination is a convenient addition to Orlando vacation itineraries that include International Drive hotels, nearby attractions and the Orange County Convention Center.

Address: 8375 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819.

Make Holiday Memories at ICON Park Orlando

From seasonal celebrations and underwater Christmas adventures to celebrity experiences and elevated sightseeing, ICON Park offers several ways to enjoy the holiday season on International Drive.

Families can help the Scout Elves complete their Christmas mission at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, while music, movie and sports fans can explore the interactive experiences at Madame Tussauds Orlando. For another perspective on Central Florida, the Orlando Eye offers an approximately 20-minute flight with panoramic views from 400 feet above the ground.

Add a meal, enjoy the seasonal celebrations and explore the entertainment around the Promenade to create a holiday outing that brings together several different Orlando experiences.

Start planning your visit by exploring Madame Tussauds Orlando tickets and experiences.