'Tis the season to be jolly in Orlando's theme parks

The calendar may not read "Dec. 25" yet, but Orlando's great theme parks have made out their lists and checked them twice and are festively decked out for the holidays from mid-November on, with 70-ft. tall Christmas trees, miles of garlands, and millions of twinkling lights and poinsettias. Why, there's even a chance of "snow flurries" at some of the parks --the magical kind that does not require wearing boots, mittens and heavy coats.

So there is no need to wait for the actual holidays to start celebrating with a trip to the parks for "the most wonderful time of the year," as the song lyrics say, is stretched out there for more enjoyment. Those who want to wait until Dec. 25 and Dec. 31 to mark the holidays, a weekend getaway on those dates is easy this year: Christmas Day lands on a Saturday and New Year's Eve falls conveniently on a Friday. Do bear in mind that the holidays are a busy period at the theme parks, so plan accordingly with early reservations, and expect crowds.

Highlights on tap for the season include the following:


Disney World -- The Disney parks are dressed to the nines for the holidays. The Magic Kingdom's Main Street section with its Victorian-style architecture, for example, sports endless garlands, holiday lights including 200,000 on Cinderella Castle alone, 70-ft. tall Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations that make it look like something out of Currier & Ives. Each of the parks also features special holiday-themed entertainment. Here are some musts:


Magic Kingdom -- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, presented on select nights in November and December beginning on Nov. 8, is an evening, special ticket event including holiday-themed shows, Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, "snow flurries on Main Street, and special fireworks. Advance tickets for adults are $53.95; for children ages 3-9, $47.95. Same-day tickets are $59.95 for adults; $53.95 for children. Visit DisneyWorld.com.


Epcot -- Holidays Around the World is a cherished Epcot annual tradition, this year Nov. 26-Dec. 30. The event includes a daily character tree-lighting ceremony, storytellers in costume in the park's international pavilions relating the Christmas story and each country's legends, light displays and the Candlelight Processional featuring a massed choir and orchestra and celebrity narrators retelling the Christmas story. Among this year's celebrity narrators are Whoopi Goldberg, Jodi Benson and Edward James Olmos The festivities are included in regular park admission to Epcot: $82 for adults, $74 for children. Visit www.disneyworld.com.


Disney's Hollywood Studios presents the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights from Nov. 8 to January 3. This dazzling holiday extravaganza lights up the park with animated displays including flying angels and a carrousel. And, yes, " Florida snow" falls while visitors enjoy the lights as they glow and dim to holiday music. The Osborne Family Spectacle Of Dancing Lights is included in park admission: $82 for adults, $74 for children. Visit DisneyWorld.com.


Disney's Animal Kingdom Park offers Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade with the cherished Disney characters celebrating the season safari style to the tune of holiday music favorites. The parade, which is the holiday version of the park's Jammin' Jungle Parade, is presented every afternoon from Nov. 26 to Jan. 3. Visit DisneyWorld.com.


SeaWorld Orlando -- The holidays meet the sea during Christmas at SeaWorld, from mid-November to early January. The park features festive decorations, skaters dance on ice, and in The Waterfront section there are "snowfalls" and live holiday music from classical musicians and carolers. A highlight is the Polar Express Experience inspired in the beloved book/movie. SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration is presented Friday through Sunday starting on Nov. 26, then nightly from Dec. 17 to Jan. 2. A variety of tickets and specials are available. Visit SeaWorld Orlando .


Universal Orlando Resort -- Universal Studios sets the scene for one of the country's most beloved marching spectacles: Macy's Holiday Parade. Presented from mid-December through early January, it features some of the most popular giant balloons and floats from Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Other festivities at Universal Studios include a festive tree lighting ceremony with Santa Claus. The festivities are included in regular park admission: $82 for adults, $74 for children. Check the site for specials. Visit Universal Orlando.


At Universal's Islands of Adventure, it's Grinchmas! This annual holiday celebration, based on Dr. Seuss' classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," is centered around the park's Seuss Landing section. Guests can enjoy the seasonal decorations and meet the Grinch in his lair, which is outfitted with authentic movie props and gadgets. Grinch fans can also enjoy a live musical stage show that retells the story of the Grinch. It is all included in regular park admission: $82 for adults, $74 for children. Check the website for specials. Visit Universal Orlando.


New Year's Eve celebrations in Orlando Looking for a special place to bid farewell to 2010 and ring in 2011? The theme parks may be your ticket with a variety of New Year's Eve celebrations featuring special entertainment, dance parties, countdown at midnight, and fireworks and other festivities including New Year's Eve at SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot on Dec. 31. The festivities at these parks are included in regular admission. Visit SeaWorld Orlando and DisneyWorld.com for details. Universal CityWalk, a 30-acre entertainment complex at Universal Orlando, hosts a New Year's Eve celebration on Dec. 31 with live performances, buffet and champagne toast. Admission is TBD. Visit Universal Orlando. .