ORLANDO, Fla. — From sparkling light displays to carolers, concerts and theatrical productions, Central Florida is teeming with festive ways to enjoy this special time of year with family and friends. Some activities are free, and others require tickets.

Check out our event guide below. We'll be adding to it as the season goes on.

It does not include the events at Central Florida and Tampa Bay area theme parks, but you can find that information in Holiday events at Orlando and Tampa Bay area theme parks, attractions.

Lake County

Orange County

  • Holiday Stroll
    Now - Jan. 6, 2025 | Between Lake Eola Park and the Central Business District in downtown Orlando
    As you walk through the area, you will see space that is adorned with whimsical ornaments and oversized holiday decor, transforming downtown Orlando into a winter wonderland.

  • Holidays at Leu Gardens
    Nov. 29 - Jan. 5, 2025, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Harry P. Leu Gardens
    Thousands of poinsettias and seasonal flowers and foliage cover 50 acres for a special yuletide display. Holiday gnomes also can be found in the garden for a scavenger hunt for children. The historic Leu House will be adorned in traditional holiday decorations.

  • Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens
    Nov. 29 - Jan. 5, 2025, 5:30 p.m. | Harry P. Leu Gardens
    A million lights will create shining forests and magical displays throughout the 50-acre gardens. Visitors will get a chance to enjoy an interactive holiday experience with new lighting installations, meet and greet characters, a children's play area and the gardens' tallest tree to date. Tickets start at $19 for children and $22 for adults.

  • A Christmas Carol - 2024
    Now - Dec. 22; Showtimes vary | Orlando Shakes
    The miserly and miserable Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a “bah humbug,” until he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Witness the classic, heartwarming story of Orlando Shakes’ holiday tradition, in the 36th year of the magical and musical spectacle. Check the website for showtimes and to purchase tickets.

  • The Winter Park Old Fashioned Christmas Cruise
    Dec. 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, at 6:30 p.m. | Docks at 312 East Morse Blvd. in Winter Park
    Take a boat tour under the stars along the lakes and canals of Winter Park, with a holiday twist. Each sailing lasts about 80 minutes and includes Christmas music and caroling, holiday trivia, and a reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and The Christmas Story. 

  • Holiday on the Drive
    Dec. 5, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | College Park, along Edgewater Drive
    The event features Santa Claus, snow slide, live carolers, food trucks, carriage rides, arts and crafts and live music. 

  • Christmas in the Park
    Dec. 5, 6:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.| Central Park in Winter Park
    The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Art puts some of its turn-of-the-20th-century Tiffany windows on display with lighting to show them off as a backdrop for performances of holiday music by Bach Festival Choir, Brass Ensemble and youth choir perform in concert on the main stage.  The seven leaded windows are memorials with religious themes. 

  • City of Orlando Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
    Dec. 6, 5 p.m. | Washington Plaza at Lake Eola Park
    Mayor Buddy Dyer will light the 64-foot tree with 88,000 animated lights starts about 8 p.m. The event will include holiday performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, food trucks and a holiday market on International Plaza within Lake Eola Park. The Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show will run every night through Jan. 6 starting at 5:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. 

  • The Merry Market
    Dec. 6 - 8, Dec. 13 - 15, Dec. 15 - 17, Dec. 20 - 22, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. | East side of Lake Eola Park
    Local vendors will offer soaps, candles, jewelry and many other products that you can buy for yourself or a holiday gift. 

  • Winter on the Avenue and Annual Tree Lighting
    Dec. 6, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Central Park in Winter Park
    The holiday street party along Park Avenue will feature the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, presenting the city’s holiday tree in Central Park, a symbolic Menorah lighting, Santa Claus, Popcorn Flicks in the Park, live music, snow slides from the Parks & Recreation Family Fun Program, s’mores from the Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department and more.

  • Rollins College Christmas Vespers
    Dec. 6 - 8, 6 p.m. | Knowles Memorial Chapel, Winter Park
    A candlelight service features holiday carols and the narrators' readings regaling the Christmas story and the birth of Jesus. The tradition at Rollins began in 1933. Tickets are $22.

  • Holiday Friday Nights at the Morse
    Dec. 6, 13, 20, 24 and 27, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Charles H. Hosmer Museum of American Art
    The Morse museum will offer free admission for all Fridays in December and on Christmas Eve. Live music will be performed on Friday nights. The hours for the Christmas Eve celebration will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Eola Wonderful Snowfall
    Dec. 6 - 8, Dec. 13 - 15, Dec. 20 - 21, 6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 8:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. | Near Eola House
    A Florida snowfall will take place nightly for 15 minutes.

  • The Nutcracker
    Dec. 6-22, Times vary | Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
    Orlando Ballet presents the tale of Clara, a young girl, whose extraordinary journey intertwines with that of a life-sized Nutcracker, magically brought to life. Together, they cross whimsical realms, with the challenge of battling the Mouse King. Ticket prices vary.

  • Winter Park Ye Olde Christmas Parade
    Dec. 7, 9 a.m. | Park Avenue
    Floats, Santa Claus and well-known local figures will make their way down Park Avenue decked out in holiday style. The route will end at the intersection of Lyman and Park avenues.

  • Winterfest at Lake Eola
    Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Lake Eola Amphitheater
    Students of the after school program at Orlando's neighborhood community centers will perform holiday songs and dance at this festival presented by Orlando's Families, Parks and Recreation Department.

  • Santa Shift Open House
    Dec. 11, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department’s Station 61
    Meet Firefighter Claus and enjoy coloring and eating cookies. Students of the after school program at Orlando's neighborhood community centers will perform holiday songs and dance at this festival presented by Orlando's Families, Parks and Recreation Department.

  • Belles & Beaux
    Dec. 11, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Winter Park Library
    This Central Florida Vocal Arts presentation will feature the revamped group performing holiday tunes to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

  • Light up Hannibal Square
    Dec. 12, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Hannibal Square Heritage Center
    The lights countdown begins at 6 p.m., but the event also features free photos with Santa Claus, a holiday concert by MariaOlivia Bryant starting at 6:30 p.m. and a mini-market with items from local artists.

  • Cirque Mechanics Winter Wonder Shoppe
    Dec. 12 - Dec. 29, Times vary | Seneff Arts Plaza on the lawn of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
    The world-renowned aerial and acrobatic artists weave a tale of a quirky shopkeeper who is on a mission to sell his shiny blue bicycle to the perfect customer and make someone's holiday wish come true. Customers fly on a Penny Farthing and juggle with diabolos. Contortionists perform on a turntable powered by unicyclists. An aerialist is lifted by an acrobat inside a giant wheel and trampoline wall artists fly around. See the Dr. Phillips website for information on performance times and ticket prices.

  • Holiday Movies at the Park
    Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, 7 p.m. | East Lawn at Lake Eola Park
    The Dec. 13 featured movie will be "Elf," and the Dec. 20 movie is "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." The holiday movies are free, and families should bring blankets, chairs and snacks to enjoy.

  • Winter Market with Santa at Leu Gardens
    Dec. 14, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Harry P. Leu Gardens
    Visitors can take their pictures with the Jolly Old Elf, enjoy some flavorful drinks and snacks at Foxtail Marketplace & Cafe and then stroll through the holiday gardens. Carolers will fill the air with music at the Historic Leu House, which is decorated for the festive season, and a market will offer plants, home goods and gifts to help complete gift lists.

  • Sleigh the Ford
    Dec. 14, noon to 4 p.m. | Curry Ford West, 2901 Curry Ford Road 
    Santa Claus will make his way through the district to visit and take pictures with residents and businesses. Three family and pet-friendly holiday themed photo locations will be set up through.

  • Merry TUBACHRISTMAS
    Dec. 14, 1 p.m. | Central Park, Winter Park
    Tuba, euphonium, sousaphone and baritone players of all ages perform a free concert of Christmas music on the Main Stage.

  • Christkindlmarkt (German Christmas Market)
    Dec. 14-15, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Luminary Green Park
    The traditional German Christmas market will feature live music and festive performances, a visit from St. Nikolaus, Glühwein (mulled wine), authentic German sausages, beignets and crepes, souveniors and handcrafted holiday gifts. Admission is $1 for adults, and children get in free. On Sunday from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m., see the spooky side of Christmas with Krampus Walk. Tickets are $5 for adults and children are free.

  • Rotary Club of Winter Park Annual Holiday Boat Parade
    Dec. 14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Dinky Dock Park
    Family and friends can gather in their backyards on Lake Virginia or at Dinky Dock Park to see the boat and dock holiday decorations created by residents and local business sponsors.

  • Violetric Holiday Show
    Dec. 14, 7 p.m. | Lake Eola Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
    “Vinylinist” and founder of Violectric, Michelle Jones, and the the Central Florida strings super-group will perform a 90-minute concert featuring traditional holiday songs mashed up with classic rock tunes and modern hits. The concert is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring their pets and a cash donation for Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also return for meet-and-greets and family and pet photos.

  • Winter Wonderland Concert
    Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. | Central Park Main Stage
    The Great American Big Band will perform some of the favorite songs of Christmas. Bring a chair and some food and enjoy the night under the stars.

  • 12 Pubs of Christmas Pub Crawl
    Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. | Mills 50 Main Street District, Orlando
    Buy a wristband at Wally’s or Ten10 Brewing and get in the spirit of the season by enjoying food and drink specials at several bars and restaurants throughout the Mills 50 Main Street District.

  • Holiday at the District
    Dec. 15, noon | CareMax Orlando, 5564 East Grant Street 
    The event, hosted by Gateway Orlando and District 2 City Commissioner Tony Ortiz will feature live performances, surprise guests, food trucks, entertainment for children, arts and crafts and local vendors.

  • Advent Health Orchestra Christmas Concert
    Dec. 15, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Central Park Main Stage
    The orchestra will perform a free holiday concert of seasonal favorites like "The Nutcracker," "Greensleeves" and "Sleigh Ride." Pack a blank or chair to get comfy while you listen.

  • Sensory Night Holidays
    Dec. 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Lake Eola Park
    The event is an evening of joy and comfort in a sensory-free environment — including no or low music, fidget spinners, noise-canceling headphones and stress-free Santa and train lines. A serene space with water, snacks, and calming vibes will be provided.

  • Arts After Dark Market
    Dec. 18, 6 p.m. | Hyatt House Orlando Airport
    The event features an eclectic mix of arts, crafts and performances from local artists while strolling around in a fun and friendly environment.

  • The Grinch
    Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. | Alex & Jim Pugh Theater, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
    The Standing Ovation Talent Group presents its spin on the classic story of a miserable Grinch who plots to steal Christmas from the Whos but ends up having a change of heart. The production features music and dancing. Ticket prices start at $35.

  • Holiday Heartstrings: A CeCe Teneal Experience
    Dec. 19 and Dec. 20, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. | Judson's Live, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
    Internationally recognized soul singer CeCe Teneal will perform holiday songs and heartfelt love ballads in the intimate atmosphere of Judson's Live, where spectators also can enjoy cocktails and delectable, sharable food. Ticket prices start at $34.50 and a one-drink minimum per person is in place.

  • Phantasmagoria's An Even More Haunted Victorian Christmas
    Dec. 20 and Dec. 21, 8 p.m. | Alex & Jim Pugh Theater, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
    The Victorian performance troupe uses its unique performance style of evocative storytelling, including “phantastical” dance, to bring to live tales of holiday haunts, Yuletide creatures, Christmas eve terrors and whimsical spirits — perhaps even the return of the Canterbury Ghost. Ticket prices start at $40.

  • A Solaria Solstice
    Dec. 21, 8 p.m. | Harriett Coleman Center for the Arts at Lake Highland Preparatory School
    The Orlando Sings chamber choir, under the direction of Dr. Andrew Minear, will perform a world premiere by composer Moira Smiley, music celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah, and choral works and poetry reflecting universal experiences of loss, renewal, and light emerging from darkness. Ticket prices range from $14.50 to $69.50. Discounted tickets for students, teachers, and first responders.

  • Holiday Drone Show
    Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. | Lake Eola Park
    Synchronized drones fly in formation to create beautiful holiday-themed designs in the night sky. Bring a blanket or lawn chair so you can sit and watch the 15-minute light show.

  • Chanukah on the Park
    Dec. 25, 5 p.m. | Central Park
    The event will include entertainment, children's activities, food and a grand menorah lighting.

  • Kwanzaa Celebration
    Dec. 26, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Winter Park Community Center
    This year's celebration will start with the lighting of the Black Candle and focus on the Kwanzaa principle of Umoja (Unity). The festivities presented by the Equity Council Corp includes food, drumming and special dance and musical performances. Black-owned businesses will have products available at the SOKO Marketplace. Tickets are available at the event.

Seminole County

  • City of Oviedo Annual Holiday Tree Lightning
    Dec. 5, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Central Lake Park
    Festivities will include free photos with Santa, live reindeer, carolers, a Cousin Eddie costume contest, food trucks and vendor booths with holiday activities for children. Food, drinks and alcohol are available for purchase. The tree lighting will be held at the top of the hill at 6:30 p.m.

  • City of Oviedo Holiday Parade
    Dec. 7, 7 p.m. | Central Lake Park
    The parade will feature colorful floats, banners and marching bands. The route starts at the Oviedo Gym and Aquatics Center and will head south down Oviedo Boulevard to Center Lake Park. 

  • Winter Springs Winter Wonderland
    Dec. 7, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Winter Springs Town Center
    This year's holiday kickoff features the 42nd annual Holiday Parade, the ceremonial tree lighting, performances by local talent, and a visit from Santa Claus.  

  • Santa's City Run
    Dec. 9 - 13, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Various neighborhoods
    Santa Claus is escorted around Winter Springs during the week each night by the Winter Springs Police Department, so he can spread candy and joy to the children and families who come outside to wave to him. On Dec. 9, he will visit Park @ Laurel Oaks, Highlands, Seven Oaks, Wildwood, The Terraces, Sugar Creek, Mt. Greenwood, The Arbors,  Hacienda Village, Deer Song, Meadowlark and The Vineyards. On Dec. 10, he will be in the neighborhoods of Ranchlands, Seville Chase, Stone Gable, Winding Hollow, Heritage Park, Tuskawilla Trails, Jesups Reserve and  Parkstone. On Dec. 11, he'll visit Avery Park, Oak Forest, Arbor Glen, Tuskawilla Crossings, The Blake, Winter Springs Village, Tuskawilla Trace, St. John's Landing and Jesups Landing. On Dec. 12, he will go to areas of Tuskawilla north of Winter Springs Boulevard, Southern Oaks,  Barrington Estates, Barclay Reserve, Northern Oaks and Integra 360. On Dec. 13, he will visit areas of Tuskawilla south of Winter Springs Boulevard and Amberly. The page linked to above includes links to maps of his routes.

Volusia County

  • Light Up DeLand
    Dec. 6, 5 p.m. | Historic Volusia County Courthouse
    Santa Claus and his elves will skydive and parachute in to help city officials flip the switch on the Christmas tree, which is the centerpiece of Winter Wonderland DeLand. The tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. The evening will include ice skating, Santa’s Workshop with Christmas crafts for children and pictures with Santa. Now through mid-January, the city's downtown buildings on Woodland Boulevard are adorned with warm white lights along their rooflines. Pocket parks in Pioneer and Chess Park will sparkle with holiday lights, and lighted garland will adorn street poles along Woodland Boulevard and Indiana Avenue. This year, a new addition to the holiday décor will be a lighted menorah outside City Hall to celebrate Hanukkah.

  • DeLand Christmas Parade
    Dec. 7, 6 p.m. | 100 N. Woodland Avenue
    The parade, presented by Rotary Clubs of DeLand, will begin at 100 N. Woodland.