Imagine celebrating the holiday season surrounded by the most glittering cosplay, festive anime panels, and holiday-themed fandom fun you’ve ever seen. That’s exactly what Holiday Matsuri 2026 delivers! Scheduled for December 18–20, 2026, this magical winter anime convention takes place at the Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 — right in the heart of the fandom capital of the South.
What Makes Holiday Matsuri Special?
Holiday Matsuri (affectionately called “HolMat” by its loyal fanbase) is not your average anime convention — it’s a holiday anime convention. Every year in December, it transforms the Orange County Convention Center into a winter wonderland of anime culture, holiday cheer, and pure fandom magic. The festive theme runs through everything: the cosplay, the panels, the events, and the incredible decorations that make the whole place feel like Christmas came to Akihabara.
This is an especially perfect convention for families who want to combine holiday tradition with fandom celebration. The kids get their Christmas spirit and their favorite anime characters all in one glorious weekend. Best parents ever? Quite possibly.
What Families and Kids Can Expect
- Holiday Cosplay: The creativity is off the charts at HolMat. Attendees combine holiday themes with their favorite anime characters — think Santa Goku, holiday-themed Sailor Moon, and everything in between. Absolutely a delight for kids to see!
- Festive Panels & Events: Holiday-themed programming runs all weekend, from holiday anime screenings to festive trivia contests and seasonal fan panels.
- Dealer’s Room & Artist Alley: A fantastic opportunity for last-minute holiday shopping — find unique anime art, exclusive merch, handmade crafts, and fandom gifts for everyone on your list.
- Cosplay Contest: The Holiday Matsuri cosplay competition is a legendary event. Watching the creativity of participants (especially the holiday mashups) is pure entertainment for the whole family.
- Gaming & Activities: Plenty of gaming stations, interactive programming, and activities to keep younger attendees engaged all day long.
Top Tips for Attending Holiday Matsuri with Kids
- Lean into the holiday theme. This is the perfect con for family cosplay! Coordinate a holiday-themed group costume with your kids — it’s half the fun and makes for incredible photos.
- December in Orlando is perfect. Mild weather (typically 65–75°F) makes this a fantastic escape from winter cold in the rest of the country. Pack light layers just in case evenings cool down.
- Combine with a theme park visit. Orlando is theme park headquarters. Universal, Disney, and LEGOLAND are all nearby — turn Holiday Matsuri into a full holiday vacation!
- Shop smart in Artist Alley. Holiday Matsuri falls right before Christmas, making the Artist Alley perfect for unique, handmade fandom gifts. Set a gift-shopping budget and let your kids pick presents for each other!
- Book hotels early. Orlando in December is peak travel season between holiday tourists and con attendees. Hotels near the OCCC fill up quickly.
- Take sensory breaks. The festive atmosphere is exhilarating but can be overstimulating for little ones. Build in quiet break time to keep the experience joyful.
Orlando: The Perfect Holiday Vacation Base
The Orange County Convention Center is centrally located along International Drive — one of Orlando’s most vibrant entertainment corridors. You’re minutes away from theme parks, world-class restaurants, and family entertainment options that can fill an entire week of vacation.
Flights into Orlando International Airport (MCO) are plentiful from across the country, making Holiday Matsuri an accessible destination for families traveling from anywhere.
👉 Plan your Holiday Matsuri 2026 trip on Expedia — find flights, hotels, and vacation packages for the whole family in Orlando!
Start the Holiday Countdown!
Holiday Matsuri 2026 runs December 18–20, 2026 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. It’s the most wonderful time of the year — made even more wonderful with anime, cosplay, and the whole family by your side. Start planning your holiday fandom escape now! 🎄🎌✨