Holiday Matsuri is happening December 19th through 21st at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, and if you’re into anime, gaming, or cosplay, this is Florida’s biggest convention of the year. Three full days with over 50,000 fans showing up to celebrate anime culture with a holiday theme mixed in.
The convention takes over the entire West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center, with 18+ programming and late-night events at the connected Hyatt Regency Orlando. You can walk between both venues without going outside, which is clutch when you’re going from daytime panels to midnight parties.
Voice actors and industry guests are showing up throughout the weekend. Steve Blum, Wendee Lee, Beau Billingslea, Leah Clark, Melissa Fahn, Sally Amaki, Jonah Scott, and Ricco Fajardo are confirmed so far. Autographs, photo ops, panels, Q&As—the full convention guest experience spread across three days so you actually have time to meet people without rushing.
The exhibit hall has hundreds of booths with vendors selling anime merchandise, collectibles, figures, manga, apparel, and holiday gifts. Artist Alley brings independent artists with original work, prints, commissions, and handmade items. This is where you find unique stuff instead of mass-produced merch from big retailers.
Gaming tournaments run all weekend. Console competitions, rhythm games, arcade setups, plus a tabletop room for trading card games. Whether you’re competing or just want to play casually, the gaming area stays active throughout the convention.
Cosplay is massive at Holiday Matsuri. The Winter Cosplay Championship is one of the main events, with serious competitors showing off builds that took months to complete. Cosplay meetups happen constantly, and there’s a Cosplay Academy with workshops teaching construction techniques, makeup, photography, and other skills. Even if you’re not entering contests, half the fun is seeing what people built and getting photos with impressive costumes.
IdolFest brings idol performers and concerts to the main stage. Live performances, dance showcases, DJ sets—music programming runs throughout the weekend and into the night. The Community Stage in the exhibit hall features smaller performances and fan groups all day.
Panels cover everything from anime discussion and voice acting to gaming, Japanese culture, crafting tutorials, and industry topics. With over 100 hours of programming scheduled, you’ll need to plan which panels matter most to you.
Special events include the Hottest Men in Anime competition, the Benefit Ball (formal dance event), plus exclusive 18+ programming at the Hyatt after hours. The 18+ events have separate entry requirements and happen late night for attendees 18 and older.
A manga library is set up where you can sit and read from their collection. Good for taking breaks between events or just relaxing while still staying in the convention space.
Registration is open now on the Holiday Matsuri website. Weekend badges get you access to all three days. Single-day badges are available if you can only make part of the weekend. Hotel blocks are set up at the Hyatt Regency Orlando and other nearby hotels—book early because rooms fill up fast for this event.
The Orange County Convention Center is at 9800 International Drive in Orlando. Parking is available on-site. If you’re flying in, the convention center isn’t far from the airport and rideshares are easy.
December 19th through 21st. Three days of anime, gaming, cosplay competitions, concerts, panels, shopping, and late-night events. Registration and hotel info is all on holidaymatsuri.com.
Jin Kai Thunder
Heavy metal, horror, and anime are my core fuel. If it’s loud, twisted, or straight out of a wild battle scene, I’m into it. Friends know I’m the guy to hit up for brutal riffs, creepy gems, and killer anime moments.
