Holiday Matsuri, or HolMat, is an American multigenre convention that caters primarily to the anime, video gaming, science fiction, and cosplay communities. The convention, which bills itself as a "festively themed" seasonal event, has been held annually in Orlando, Florida, since December 2011. Holiday-themed events that have taken place at the convention include a Holiday Runway Contest, a Holiday Rave, and a Winter Cosplay Crown Contest.
History The first Holiday Matsuri convention was held at a DoubleTree Hotel managed by Hilton Worldwide in Orlando, Florida, from December 16–18, 2011. The convention also served as a charity event, donating a portion of its profits to Toys for Tots, and hosting a Toys for Tots Benefit Ball wherein attendees could receive admission by donating toys.
The second convention, held from December 14–16, 2012, took place at an Embassy Suites by Hilton hotel in Orlando. The third annual convention took place at the same location from December 13–15, 2013. The fourth annual convention was held at the Caribe Royale in Orlando from December 12–14, 2014. The fifth annual convention again took place at the Caribe Royale, from December 18–20, 2015. The sixth annual convention was held at the Orlando World Center Marriott in December 2016.
The Orlando World Center Marriott again served as the venue for Holiday Matsuri at the convention's seventh annual event, which took place from December 15–17, 2017, as well as its eighth event, which took place from December 14–16, 2018, and its ninth event, held from December 13–15, 2019.
The 2020 Holiday Matsuri convention, which was intended as a celebration of the convention's 10th anniversary, was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The convention celebrated its 10th anniversary on December 17–19, 2021, at the Orlando World Center Marriott.
Event history DatesVenueLocationAtten.GuestsDecember 16-18, 2011Doubletree Orlando Hotel at the Entrance to Universal OrlandoOrlando, FloridaAmerican Whammy Productions, AniRage, Amelie Belche, Console Alliance, Alexis Cruz, JoEllen Elam, Traci Hines, Brittney Karbowski, Aya Knight, Scott McNeil, Nexus Gaming Alliance, PikaBelleChu, Chii Sakurabi, Steampunk Funk, Sonny Strait, Chuck Stroschein, and Brad SwaileDecember 14-16, 2012Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista SouthKissimmee, FloridaAniRage, Richie Branson, Chalk Twins, D.C. Douglas, Quinton Flynn, The Gekkos, Todd Haberkorn, Yaya Han, Traci Hines, NeoFaust, Nexus Gaming Alliance, PikaBelleChu, S.S. Hanami, Chii Sakurabi, Shadowfax, J. Michael TatumDecember 13-15, 2013Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista SouthKissimmee, FloridaAniRage, Richie Branson, Chalk Twins, Jaxon, Nexus Gaming Alliance, PikaBelleChu, Pleasure Pixels, Christopher Sabat, Chii Sakurabi, Sean Schemmel, J. Michael Tatum, Cristina VeeDecember 12-14, 2014Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel & Convention CenterOrlando, FloridaChalk Twins, George Lowe, Amie Lynn, Matthew Mercer, Chii Sakurabi, J. Michael Tatum, Liz VictoryDecember 18-20, 2015Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel & Convention CenterOrlando, FloridaChalk Twins, Grey DeLisle Griffin, Todd Haberkorn, Hunter "Dookieshed" Hughes, NateWantsToBattle, Nexus Gaming Alliance, Sean Schemmel, Joshua Seth, Shadowfax, Liz VictoryDecember 16-18, 2016Orlando World Center MarriottOrlando, FloridaSteve Blum, Todd Haberkorn, Hunter "Dookieshed" Hughes, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, NateWantsToBattle, Noise Complaint, Pleasure Pixels, Indra Rojas, Liz VictoryDecember 15-17, 2017Orlando World Center MarriottOrlando, FloridaKay Bear, Chalk Twins, Leon Chiro, Charlet Chung, Cosplay Deviants, Geekapella, Kristen Hughey, Brandon McInnis, NateWantsToBattle, Pleasure Pixels, Indra Rojas, Alyson Tabbitha, Fred Tatasciore, J. Michael Tatum, Cristina Vee, Liz VictoryDecember 14-16, 2018Orlando World Center MarriottOrlando, FloridaZach Callison, Chalk Twins, Leon Chiro, Jen Cohn, Cosplay Deviants, Todd Haberkorn, Jennifer Hale, Yaya Han, Brittney Karbowski, Kaye Cosplay, Phil Mizuno, NateWantsToBattle, Lucie Pohl, Keith Silverstein, W.T. Snacks, Alyson TabbithaDecember 13-15, 2019Orlando World Center MarriottOrlando, FloridaAkidearest, Ray Chase, Leah Clark, Cynthia Cranz, CRH Productions, Robbie Daymond, Yaya Han, Brandon McInnis, Max Mittelman, Phil Mizuno, Nexus Gaming Alliance, Wendy Powell, J. Michael Tatum, Diana TolinDecember 18-20, 2020Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in FloridaDecember 17-19, 2021Orlando World Center MarriottOrlando, FloridaPoonam Basu, Griffin Burns, Chalk Twins, Tiffany Gordon, Yaya Han, Brandon McInnis, Xander Mobus, Lucie Pohl Pros and Cons Cosplay, Maggie Robertson, Evil Ted Smith, J. Michael TatumDecember 16-18, 2022Orlando World Center MarriottOrlando, FloridaAkidearest, Kira Buckland, Griffin Burns, Chalk Twins, Beverly Downen, Brett Downen, Chris "Papa Bear" English, Ricco Fajardo, Dorah Fine, Yaya Han, Erika Harlacher, Chad Hoku, Kirilee, Jamie Marchi, Amanda C. Miller, Daman Mills, Phil Mizuno, Xander Mobus, Tony Oliver, Pros and Cons Cosplay, Keith Silverstein, Ciarán Strange, Kit Strange, Alyson Tabbitha, Teca, Liz VictoryDecember 20-22, 2023Orlando World Center MarriottOrlando, FloridaKaran Ashley, Awesomus Prime, Dante Basco, Dani Chambers, Jen Cohn, Cowbutt Crunchies, Dorah Fine, Yaya Han, Chad Hoku, Amanda "AmaLee" Lee, Erica Lindbeck, Brandon McInnis, Alejandro Saab, Alyson Tabbitha, J. Michael Tatum, Jonathan Wheeler, Michael "Knightmage" WilsonDecember 20-22, 2024Orange County Convention CenterHyatt Regency OrlandoOrlando, FloridaDecember 19-21, 2025Orange County Convention CenterHyatt Regency OrlandoOrlando, FloridaDecember 18-20, 2026Orange County Convention CenterHyatt Regency OrlandoOrlando, Florida
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