The 2023 Holidays Outside of Walt Disney World: Holiday Nights at Island H2O Water Park

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! Holiday Nights is a brand new seasonal event that takes place on select nights at Island H2O Water Park. It’s a walk-through event, the rides are not in operation, and no bathing suit is needed!

Last year, Night of a Million Lights took place at Island H2O, for Give Kids the World. It is not the same event, although there are similarities. This year, Give Kids the World is hosting its own holiday happenings at the Village. That doesn’t mean that the nonprofit has been forgotten, part of the proceeds from Holidays Nights go to Give Kids the World.

My daughter and I were invited to attend Holidays Nights and cover it for our friends at MousePlanet as well as Disney Over 50. I always enjoy going to a brand new event, because I never know what to expect!

Have your camera ready, because there are photo opportunities every few steps at Holiday Nights! There are pictures that you won’t be able to find at any other holiday event, and the largest ones are listed on the map that you’ll receive when you arrive.

Also on the map is the Island of Elves Scavenger Hunt. You’ll search for elves throughout Island H2O. These are the Elf on a Shelf type of elves, and some of them are very well hidden. This was a lot of fun. Other guests when we were there were happy to share what they had found, and the employees were also willing to give hints. Find all six elves and receive a prize. When we were there the reward was a holiday lei and a small stuffed polar bear.

There is also a live show that is styled after a Hawaiian luau. It includes hula dancing, music, and a fire dancer. The show lasts maybe 30 minutes. The kids loved the audience participation.

There are activities for children such as letters to Santa or meeting the Big Guy himself. There’s a foam party that’s both messy and clean fun. There is a train ride, merchandise, and also special foods, including s’mores. But Holiday Nights is all about the lights. I’m glad that I was invited to visit during its first year. I see Holiday Nights becoming a premier event in future years.

You can learn more about Holiday Nights at Island H2O here. It is currently running on select nights, but will take place nightly, starting on December 13 and running through December 31. The hours are 6:00 through 10:00 each evening. Activities are included in the price of admission.