The 2022 Holidays Outside of Walt Disney World: Night of a Million Lights

Walt Disney World is one of the best places to visit during the holidays, but it isn’t the only game in town. There are many other glorious ways to celebrate the season!

My new favorite holiday tradition in Central Florida just might be Night of a Million Lights. It is a benefit for Give Kids the World, which provides fully funded vacations for Wish Kids and their families. It is an incredible organization, and I’m happy to do all that I can to help spread the word.

This is the third year for Night of a Million Lights. In 2020 and 2021, it took place at Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee. Now that the Village has returned to full capacity the event has found a new home, Island H2O Water Park. It’s a great match! It sounds like a strange combination, but it works.

The media preview for Night of a Million Lights was canceled because of Hurricane Nicole, so I was invited to attend the event on November 12. That night was open to the general public.

What’s so much fun about holding Night of a Million Lights at Island H2O is that the water park is currently running on its seasonal schedule. That means the pools haven’t been drained, so there are water elements added to the overall effects. The water park is not operating during Night of a Million Lights, you won’t be taking a ride on the lazy river, but that same lazy river is decked out with special pool floats and ornaments.

One of the most festive parts of Night of a Million Lights is the Dancing Light Show. This takes place on and around the park’s largest water slides. Popular holiday songs play and the lights “dance” to the music. You’ve seen the concept before, but probably not at a water park!

There is plenty to do at Night of a Million Lights. At Winter Wonderland Kids’ Area there are children’s activities such as writing a letter to Santa. DJ Jack Frost entertains all ages near the wave pool. There are carnival games; try your luck and maybe win a prize. One unique area is the Smore Station, where you and the kids can purchase a kit and then make a tasty treat over a real fire.

Characters are a part of the fun. While I was there, I saw both Frosty and Rudolph. Santa and Mrs. Claus are finding a bit of warmth at Island H2O and are greeting inside the South Pole cottage. While there wasn’t a crowd on November 12, there was a long line to meet Santa. If this is something that you hope to do, get in line early.

There are plenty of great photo opportunities throughout Night of a Million Lights. They start as soon as you enter. If you’re looking for a new profile picture, there are some unique backdrops to try for that perfect shot.

Stellar’s Tree Trail was part of Night of a Million Lights when it was held at Give Kids the World Village, and it has made its way to the 2022 version. This is a path of trees that are decorated with white lights. The trees are sponsored by businesses and individuals who believe in what Give Kids the World is doing. To me, Stellar’s Tree Trail is one of the highlights.

Another highlight is the stars that are scattered throughout Island H2O Water Park. Each decorated star was the brainchild of a Wish kid. Stars are a big part of Give Kids the World, and it’s nice to see them at Night of a Million Lights.

Island H2O is located just minutes from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s off of Route 192, near Margaritaville Resort. You’ll see the water slides from the road, you can’t miss it.

This is just a quick rundown of Night of a Million Lights, which runs through January 1. It’s something that I can’t recommend highly enough. You can buy tickets here. You’ll get into the holiday spirit, and you’ll help sick children to have a week to just be kids. Everyone wins.

Other holiday events to consider outside of Walt Disney World are Celebration, Florida, Universal Orlando Resort, Christmas Town, and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.