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There is so much to see and do this time of year that it can add to an already stretched holiday budget.  But living near Disney gives a thrill of the Christmas spirit that nothing else can. At just the minimal cost of gas and perhaps parking, there are many places to go to enjoy Christmas decorations, entertainment and other festivities. 

Disney's Boardwalk is beautifully decorated and offers a variety of restaurants, snacks and street entertainment at night time.  Just walking through the resorts of Beach and Yacht Clubs gives a breathtaking view of large Christmas trees and train displays.  Then a stop at "Beaches n' Cream" for an ice cream treat is a must!

Downtown Disney is also decked in all the holiday trimmings and has a variety of activities for all ages, from shopping, eating, movies, formal shows, boat rides, and a balloon ride, to special free Christmas entertainment on the outdoor stage of the east side.  Just walking from the east to the west side is magnificent while viewing all the decorations reflecting from the lake. 

Hotel hopping to the larger Disney resorts is a lot of fun this time of year, taking in the unique decorating themes in each one and enjoying holiday entertainment in some of the lobbies. Those that are especially nice to visit are The Grand Floridian with its elegant trees and gingerbread displays, The Polynesian with its many tropical decorations, and Wilderness Lodge with its huge tree displayed in the center of a log cabin entrance, complete with large fireplace. 

If Disney is not your thing, you can visit the city of Celebration where it "snows" nightly, there is scheduled holiday entertainment, and a long walk around the lake shows the downtown holiday decor in all its glory!  Plenty of restaurants have outdoor seating facing the beautiful lake and it is truly a holiday delight.

Gaylord Palms is also an exceptional place to visit over the holidays, not just for the ice sculptures, but again for the glorious displays of holiday decorations and free entertainment in the center stage of the resort.  You can have coffee or hot chocolate and sit down to enjoy the wonder of all the beauty that surrounds you.

We live in an area that offers so much, especially during the Christmas season, and with this year of financial stress, it is wonderful to have so many opportunities to capture the joy of the holidays without having to spend money to do it.