Orlando
Clear, crisp weather. Lights twinkling on the mangrove trees and the classic Southern houses of Winter Park. Deep discounts at the outlet malls.
WHERE TO STAY At Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, there's a four-story Christmas tree decorated with birdcages and mirrors in the lobby atrium, and a dock on the lake overlooking the Magic Kingdom (a great spot for watching the frequent fireworks shows). The Portofino Bay Hotel is a spitting image of the Italian village, down to the colorful stucco façade, gelato stand, and sandy beach. For a more relaxed experience, check out the EO Inn & Urban Spa, in a 1923 building in historic Lake Eola Park, part of downtown Orlando. EO prides itself on its peaceful ambience (muted beige rooms, black-and-white photos on the walls, taped sounds of distant waterfalls echoing throughout) and "urban spa" treatments (Dead Sea mud wrap, European facials). CHRISTMAS DINNER It may not be the traditional turkey and ham, but the seven-course spread at the exclusive Victoria & Albert in the Grand Floridian still dazzles. Servers in Victorian garb deliver duck confit, marinated venison with celery-root purée, seared scallops in Thai coconut-curry broth, shrimp bisque, Colorado lamb with goat-cheese gnocchi and rosemary jus, pyramid of chocolate mousse, and caramelized banana gâteau. CULTURE SHOCK At Epcot's Holidays Around the World, see how other people celebrate the season. There's a nightly tree-lighting ceremony, and storytellers from different lands spin tales about France's Père Noël and Italy's La Belfana. Over at Universal Studios, the folks behind Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade have floated some of their most famous inflatable characters south; parades are held daily December 13 through January 5. NOT QUITE THE NORTH POLE Just a 15-minute drive east of downtown Orlando, surrounded by orange groves, is the tiny town of Christmas, where you can mail out holiday greetings with an official "Christmas" postmark. —Hillary Geronemus
The List
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa 4401 Grand Floridian Way; 407/934-7639; doubles from $499
Portofino Bay Hotel, a Loews Hotel 5601 Universal Blvd.; 800/235-6397 or 407/503-1000; doubles from $228
EO Inn & Urban Spa 227 N. Eola Dr.; 888/481-8488 or 407/481-8485; doubles from $129
Victoria & Albert At the Grand Floridian; 407/824-1089; dinner for two $200
Epcot 407/824-4321
Universal Studios 888/322-7119
