The Holiday Season is a magical time to be in Orlando, and with so many things to do that are free, including light shows, concerts, parades, festivals and more, we've brought together 50+ free things to do in
The Top 50+ Orlando Christmas and Holiday Season Events
Orlando is a magical place to be for Christmas and the Holidays, and whether you're a local looking for inspiration, or a visitor looking forward experiencing the holidays without the cold and snow, there is nowhere else with so much to do for FREE, so join us as we unwrap everything to experience this holiday season in Orlando that won't cost you a cent!
From holiday light shows, to small town holiday parades, we've got you covered with the biggest and best FREE things do do in Orlando and throughout Central Florida for Christmas and the Holidays.
Cranes Roost Park Light Up the Holidays
Now – January 1, 2024
The City of Altamonte Springs and Duke Energy celebrate the tradition of lighting up Cranes Roost Park with live music, entertainment, fireworks, train rides, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Watch as the park comes alive with spectacular holiday displays featuring 200,000 lights and a 60-foot tree decorated with thousands of ornaments and garland.
Holinights Celebrations
Select Nights, Now - December 25, 2023
The holidays are coming, and at the popular Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee, the Holinights are on the way too, bringing non stop holiday fun and entertainment.
The popular entertainment, shopping and dining destination, is hosting several holiday events throughout the festive season including Holinights on select nights from 5.00 pm to 10.00 pm
Holinights Celebration features Santa Claus, Mischievous Elves, Towering Toy Soldiers, Live Music & Tree Lighting Nightly, Snow Ball Fights with the Mischievous Elves, Holiday Craft & Street Markets, Car Shows & More!
Now Snowing In Celebration
Now - December 31, 2023
Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier Snowing event is celebrating 25 years this year, offering one of the area’s only synthetic ice rinks, special community performances by some of the area’s top young talent, and special concert events throughout the season.
Now Snowing is a month-long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens style Carolers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, train rides, ice skating, and nightly snowfall at 6, 7, 8, 9pm. It’s a true throwback to the traditional family style holiday.
Holiday Friday Nights at Morse Museum
Friday Nights, Now – December 29, 2023
Receive free admission every Friday night at Holiday Friday Nights at the Morse Museum through December, and enjoy special holiday performances during the holiday season with live music enhancing the gallery experience.
Holiday Gala Concert
November 28, 2023
Enjoy the Holiday Gala Concert, an evening of holiday classics at Lake Mary Events Center! Presented by the Center for Fine and Performing Arts of Seminole State College in partnership with Lake Mary Events Center.
Dr. James Smisek & Professor Dianna Campbell join forces for a festive night of new and classic holiday tunes. Featuring Symphonic/Community Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Concert Chorale, SSC Community Choir, SeminoleSound, the Vienna Choir and lots more!
Christmas in the Park
November 30, 2023
Each year, the Morse Museum helps launch the holiday season in Winter Park when it lights up Tiffany windows in Central Park and presents the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble in concert.
This November is the 45th annual celebration of Christmas in the Park. Christmas in the Park was started by Hugh and Jeannette McKean, the Morse Museum’s benefactors, in 1979 as a way to share a part of their rare Tiffany collection with the public in an informal setting.
City of Orlando Tree Lighting
December 1, 2023
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer invites Central Florida residents and visitors to ring in the holiday season and help countdown to the lighting of the City of Orlando’s Christmas Tree at Lake Eola Park’s Washington Plaza. The event will include holiday performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, food trucks and a holiday market.
Eola Winter Wonderland
Select Nights, December 1 - December 23, 2023
The most wonderful time of the year is here in Orlando, and the city invites Central Florida residents and guests to celebrate the holidays with family-friendly holiday events and activities for all ages to enjoy at Lake Eola including:
Eola Wonderland Snowfall: Experience a Florida snowfall in downtown Orlando near the Eola House. Snow will fall for 15 minutes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Downtown Orlando Merry Market: Enjoy downtown’s Merry Market where shoppers will find the best in arts and crafts and more. The market will be located on the east side of Lake Eola Park on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Santa Claus at the Eola House: Santa Claus is coming to the City of Orlando and he’s not camera shy. Parents have festive picture-taking opportunities for their children with Santa at the Eola House every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm.
I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting
December 1, 2023
Kick of the Holiday Season with the I-Drive District at ICON Park!
Check out how I-Drive Dazzles with a glittering lighting ceremony of the 50-ft Holiday Tree. Special performances by the I-Ride Trolley Chords, Dr. Phillips High School Dance In Motion Company & Orlando Ballet.
Make a reservation at The Santa Workshop Experience to meet and take holiday photos with Santa and the Jolly old elf!
Mount Dora Christmas Walk
December 1, 2023
This fun, annual tradition features entertainment sprinkled around Mount Dora’s historic downtown while shop’s are open late for a unique holiday shopping experience.
The many downtown bars and restaurants are also open to enjoy plenty of holiday cheer to enjoy on your Christmas Walk
Light Up Sanford – Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 1, 2023
Join us for a magical night at Light Up Sanford, a Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 1st at 6:30 PM. Experience the enchantment of the Magnolia Square Christmas Tree and downtown as we illuminate the night. Get ready for holiday entertainment, a visit from ‘Ole Saint Nick and his helpers, and more!
Lake Mary Holiday in the Park
December 1, 2023
The City of Lake Mary’s “Holiday in the Park” event is one for the books! Our largest event of the year highlights over 1 MILLION holiday lights in Central Park, a visit from Santa Claus, a synthetic ice rink (admission fee), and lots of food trucks!! Kick off the holiday season with your family and friends in one of the best light shows in Central Florida!
Tis the Season in Winter Garden
December 1, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Downtown Winter Garden transforms into a winter wonderland for 38 days of Tis the Season, outdoor holiday movies, light shows, carriage tours, boutique stroll, farmer’s market, and holiday music on the plaza are here for you.
Fridays on the Plaza Holiday Music
December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2023
Enjoy Fridays on the Plaza Holiday Music, featuring the classic sounds of holidays of old as live music serenades shoppers at the plaza of downtown Winter Garden.
December 1 - Light Up Winter Garden
December 8 - Roots & Rosin
December 15 - Paint It Black Quartet
December 22 - Safia Valines Trio
December 29 - Gilly And The Girl
71st Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade
December 1, 2023
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 71st annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade. The event has been held each December for more than 65 years, making it the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida.
Over 80 organizations that participate, including marching bands, local police and fire departments, scouting groups, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus.
Winter on the Avenue
December 1, 2023
Come out for Winter on the Avenue, Winter Park's annual tree-lighting event, with strolling carolers, Chanukah menorah lighting ceremony, s'mores, snow slides, children's choirs, popcorn flicks in the park, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Popcorn Flicks in the Park
December 1, 2023
This film is a part of the Enzian's Popcorn Flicks in the Park series, which takes place in Central Park, Winter Park once a month and it’s FREE and open to the public! These films are presented with open captions.
Bring a blanket or some chairs to enjoy The Muppets Christmas Carol.
Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland
December 1 - 25, 2023
At Wekiva Island enjoy nightly snow flurries plus extra entertainment and activities which are offered on select days and evenings, including outdoor movies and visits from Santa Claus.
Winter Wonderland is back, and features the sparkling Christmas Tree Forest with a 30-foot Christmas tree! Plus nightly “snow” flurries, sparkling holiday décor, and special events for the whole family.
Cranes Roost Park Light Up the Holidays
December 2, 2023
The City of Altamonte Springs and Duke Energy celebrate the tradition of Lighting up Cranes Roost Park with live music, entertainment, fireworks, train rides, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Watch as the park comes alive with spectacular holiday displays featuring 200,000 lights and a 60-foot tree decorated with thousands of ornaments and garland.
Tavares Christmas Parade and Celebration
December 2, 2023
This free, annual happening takes place in downtown Tavares with a parade that begins around 5 p.m on Main Street, followed by a celebration in Wooton Park & Tavares Square. Enjoy live music, Santa’s visit, and more!
St. Cloud Holiday Festival
December 2 - 3, 2023
The St Cloud Holiday Festival is a non-profit event presented by the Rotary Club of Kissimmee Bay supporting the annual holiday event and the community. The Festival features over 100 crafters, carnival-type fare, entertainment, a classic car show and a Kids’ Holiday Fun Zone with Santa. Plus, don't miss the parade!
The Festival runs for two days, always the first Saturday and Sunday in December. The 2023 Festival will be held December 2 - 3.
Cracker Christmas
December 2 - 3, 2023
Why Cracker Christmas? The origin of the term “Florida Cracker” refers to the cracking sound made by the whips used by early settlers to herd their cattle, hence the Floridians were called “Crackers”
Cracker Christmas features live historical demonstrators, vendors, various foods for sale.
This event celebrates the Florida Pioneer and the rich history of the Christmas community. It also showcases local history through a craft fair with handmade items, pioneer demonstrations, and community organizations displays. The event began approximately in 1977 as a small celebration. It has gradually grown into the largest Fort Christmas Historical Society event held at Fort Christmas Historical Park.
Winter Springs Winter Wonderland & Parade
December 2, 2023
Tis’ the season for joy and celebration! Stop by the city of Winter Springs and enjoy the festivities this holiday season at Winter Wonderland! Experience an evening with one of the longest-running traditions in our city, the 41st annual Holiday Parade featuring local talent and businesses and the annual Christmas tree Lighting!
Enjoy local entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus!
Winter Garden Christmas Parade
December 2, 2023
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and head to your favorite spot for the Winter Garden Holiday Parade. A long-standing Winter Garden holiday tradition will delight spectators and bring in holiday cheer! Do not forget to look for the Big Guy himself at the end of the parade!
Then enjoy the Holiday Market, wander freely through the pedestrian-only streets of historic downtown aligned with vendor booths of holiday décor, crafts, jewelry, apparel and accessories, sweet treats (including Gingerbread), variety of gift items, and more including FREE CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT!
Della Phillips Pavilion Celebration Concert
December 2, 2023
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Della Phillip Pavilion and enjoy seasonal holiday favorites performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Assistant Conductor Mauricio Céspedes Rivero.
The program will include favorites from A Christmas Festival, Music of Frozen, The Night Before Christmas, Chanukah Overture, a festival holiday singalong, and more!
Ovideo Christmas Parade
December 2, 2023
Enjoy an unforgettable Christmas Parade with the City of Oviedo! The parade will be held on December 2rd from 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm. Attendees can line up along Center Lake Lane and Oviedo Blvd. The parade leaves the Oviedo Gym & Aquatics Center approximately at 7:00 pm. Vendors, food, drinks, and alcohol will be available for purchase starting at 5:00 pm at Center Lake Park.
Snow In The O Holiday Festival Toy Drive
December 2, 2023
Mark your calendar and join us in spreading the holiday spirit! "Snow in the O" is where families and friends of all backgrounds come together to celebrate the magic of giving.
Share the Joy! We invite you to step into a Winter Wonderland of warmth, laughter, and giving. This festive Christmas Holiday Event is an invitation to embrace the magic of the season while spreading holiday cheer to every corner of our diverse community. Entry is free with the donation of a new toy, ensuring that the spirit of giving shines bright for all.
Orlando's Largest Snowstorm Ever. Prepare for an extraordinary snowfall like Orlando has never seen before. On December 2nd, we're transforming our city into a Winter Wonderland, uniting us in the enchantment of the season. You won’t want to miss it!
Avalon Aglow
December 2, 2023
Start off your holiday festivities with us at Avalon Park’s annual Avalon Aglow event on December 2nd! Starting at 3 p.m., enjoy the food and festivities while also catching live performances and a parade around Downtown Avalon. Make sure to stay for the fireworks later on to end your night. Every year, Avalon Aglow brings the whole community together to celebrate the upcoming holidays. This event is free for everyone to enjoy.
Watch as Avalon Park transforms into a winter wonderland with real snow, train rides and even an appearance by Santa Claus. After enjoying the festivities, make sure to grab a bite to eat from one of the many vendors and watch the holiday parade or even one of the local live performances.
Finish off the night at Avalon Lake to enjoy Orlando’s premier fireworks show! Grab some chairs and blankets to sit back with your family and friends to finish off the night with a bang.
The DeLand Christmas Light Show
December 3 through December 31, 2023
Presented by Stetson Baptist Church. With almost 10,000 LED lights and over 2,100 individual lighting channels, The DeLand Christmas Light Show is an event you won’t want to miss!
Krampusfest
December 3, 2023
In some eastern European cultures, Santa Claus is accompanied by Krampus — a horrible monster who snatches bad children instead of giving them presents. And this holiday season, he is again headed to Orlando for Krampusfest!
One of the most famous Krampus celebrations in the country, this annual tradition brings the alpine spirit to The Milk District near downtown Orlando.
Light Up SoDo
December 3, 2023
Light Up SoDo is back, so grab the kids and your furry friends and head on down for an afternoon full of holiday fun!
This year there is tons of fun activities for everyone. Get ready to experience Santa and Mrs. Claus, a maker’s market, food trucks, appearances from local SoDo businesses, the Bubble Bus, bounce houses, face painting, stilt walkers, beer and wine garden, live performances and so much more.
Oh, What Fun! Lake Nona
December 7 - 23, 2023
With nightly snowfalls, live entertainment, photo ops and memorable encounters that will amaze and enchant, Oh, What Fun! makes the holidays magical for everyone.
Enjoy all your favorite chilly-weather foods as sweet-treats stations and pop-up stands offer specialty snacks and beverages made especially for the season. Enjoy classic Christmas tales with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Cottage. Stroll through Lake Nona’s very own Holiday Market for some Christmas shopping or explore the Evergreen Christmas Tree Trail.
Snap memories in front of the picture-perfect photo walls and Peppermint Square’s 24-foot Christmas tree centerpiece with family and friends. Ready to trim the tree together at home? Pick out your perfect blue spruce or Douglas fir at the Peppermint Forest Christmas tree lot. Join us on the first night of Hanukkah to kickoff the festival of lights with a menorah blessing.
Holiday Movie Nights at Cranes Roost Park
December 7, 14, and 21, 2023
Bring your chair and blankets to enjoy free holiday movies at Holiday Movie Nights in the Cranes Roost Park Plaza in Altamonte Spring.
December 7 – “Yogi's First Christmas”
December 15 – “Unaccompanied Minors”
December 21 – “Fred Claus”
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park
December 8, 2023
Join the Downtown Development Board for a free Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park.
Pack your blankets, chairs and snacks for the whole family to enjoy the free holiday movie “The Polar Express.”
Altamonte Springs Holiday Concerts
December 8, 15, 22, 2023
Enjoy live music from artists performing holiday hits at Altamonte Springs Holiday Concerts in Cranes Roost Park. Plus, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Plaza. Food and beverages available for purchase. Admission is free.
Celebrate the Season in Longwood
December 8, 2023
Join the festivities at the City of Longwood’s Annual Celebrate the Season Event. This holiday street party will feature an array of activities including photo opportunities with Santa, music by DJ Dennis, performances by One School of the Arts, an inflatable snow maze, giant fun slides, a petting zoo, a trackless train, 10+ food trucks and a major laser light show throughout the event.
Mount Dora Snow in the Park
December 9, 2023
Mount Dora Snow in the Park is an afternoon filled with sledding, ice skating, and festive activities in Donnelly Park — and don’t miss a visit with Santa.
To sweeten the deal: donations of non-perishables at Lake Cares Food Pantry earn you fast pass tickets – so make sure to bring something your donations as part of spreading some cheer! The best Christmas event around is no…snow joke; don’t miss out on all the fun right here in town.
Oviedo Winter Fest
December 9, 2023
Fresh from the North Pole, tons of fun at Oviedo Winter Fest at Center Lake Park! With the purchase of an all inclusive wristband, you will have unlimited access to all the different activities, rides, and attractions. IF YOU GO ON OR IN any activity you need a wristband.
Light Up Kissimmee
December 9, 2023
Kissimmee Main Street presents “Light up Kissimmee”. Our Christmas season kick-off begins by lighting up the entire Kissimmee’s Historic Downtown with wonderful holiday decor and lights! We will have parranda, the Broadway Welcome Station tree lighting and the City of Kissimmee tree lighting as well it’s going to be a Jolly Jolly Holiday!
Sanford Annual Parade of Lights
December 9, 2023
The annual “Parade of Lights” on Saturday, December 9th from 6–8 PM offers residents and visitors a dazzling evening of exciting parade floats, lights and music with over 75 entrants parading downtown on 1st Street to celebrate the holidays.
11th Annual Violectric Holiday Show
December 9, 2023
Performing together LIVE on stage, renowned “Vinylinist” and Founder of Violectric Michelle Jones and the talented musicians of the Central Florida strings super-group announce the exciting 11th Annual Violectric Holiday Show, rocking into the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park on Saturday, December 9, 2023 starting at 7pm.
FREE and open to the public, the 90-minute live concert presented by the City of Orlando Department of Families, Parks and Recreation will feature traditional holiday songs like O Christmas Tree, The First Noel and Hanukkah, O Hanukkah mashed up with classic rock tunes and modern hits like Born to Run, Heroes and Sweet Dreams, delivering a fun-filled, energetic and highly unique holiday show unlike anything seen and heard before and simulcast all around Lake Eola.
Winter Park Boat Parade
December 9, 2023
Organized by the Winter Park Rotary Club, head to Dinky Dock Park to see the Winter Park Boat Parade, featuring sparkling boat and dock holiday decorations created by residents and local business sponsors.
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park
December 15, 2023
Join the Downtown Development Board for a free Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park.
Pack your blankets, chairs and snacks for the whole family to enjoy the free holiday movie “ELF.”
Sanford Jingle Jam
December 16, 2023
Join us in beautiful Historic Downtown Sanford for the 6th Annual Jingle Jam Community Holiday Party presented by Wayne Densch! Sanford Jingle Jam has become one of the largest family events in downtown and draws thousands from all over Central Florida! Featuring multiple stages of live music, award-winning food trucks, carnival games, holiday artisanal vendors, drink specials and more! See Santa himself and create lifelong memories and take some family pictures!! Plenty of free parking, pet and family friendly
The Nutcracker by the Russian Ballet of Orlando
December 16, 2023
The Russian Academy of Ballet presents a gift to the Orlando Community with a free performance of The Nutcracker at the Lake Eola Amphitheater.
Get ready for a whirlwind of holiday magic with The Nutcracker! An eagerly awaited annual tradition, this enchanting tale is the perfect treat for the whole family. Join Clara on her extraordinary journey as she breaks the spell, turning the Nutcracker doll into a dashing prince. Together, they venture into a mesmerizing world of snowflakes and waltz their way into the enchanting realm of sweets.
It's a heartwarming adventure that's brimming with wonder and joy, making this holiday season truly unforgettable for everyone who joins in the spectacle.
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park
December 22, 2023
Join the Downtown Development Board for a free Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park.
Pack your blankets, chairs and snacks for the whole family to enjoy the free holiday movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
2023 Holiday Drone Show
December 23, 2023
Back by popular demand, residents and visitors can enjoy a 12-minute, high-tech holiday drone light show to celebrate the season at Lake Eola Park. This one-night only show is not to be missed and will feature a dazzling display of synchronized drones flying in formation to create beautiful holiday-themed designs in the night sky.
Christmas Eve Celebration
December 24, 2023
A Christmas Eve tradition is a visit to The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.
Enjoy free admission to the Morse Museum galleries with live music from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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