Dr. Phillips Center unveils first look at 2026 Frontyard Holiday Festival Entertainment, Movie Nights and more
Get ready Orlando for snowy nights, live music, holiday movies, festive treats, and performances from local artists and community groups, all season long!
Salsa dancing on the lawn, Sunday movie nights and more than 80+ free live performances are coming to downtown Orlando this holiday season.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has revealed the first wave of entertainment for the second annual Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center supported by AdventHealth, including new Thursday Theme Nights, Sunday Movie Nights sponsored by OUC – The Reliable One, the return of North America’s only transportable carillon, Santa’s Story Nook and live music at The Alpine Chalet.
The free festival runs Nov. 27 through Dec. 31, with Grand Stage performances and more entertainment still to be announced.
Opening November 27, 2026, and running through December 31, the festival will once again fill the heart of Downtown Orlando with live entertainment, themed nights, firepits, holiday movie screenings, seasonal beverages and treats, nightly snowfall, interactive experiences, light displays and performances from local artists and community groups.
The festival transforms Dr. Phillips Center’s three-acre Frontyard into a holiday destination with live performances, twinkling light displays, nightly snowfall, holiday gift shopping, fire pits, family-friendly games, food and drinks.
Admission is free, with select activities, food and beverages available for purchase.
Thursday Theme Nights
On select Thursdays, the Grand Stage hosts themed evenings of live music and entertainment from 6–10 p.m.
Dec. 3 – Latin Night featuring Orchestra Fuego
Dec. 10 – Country Night featuring The Frontmen
Dec. 17 – Yacht Rock Night featuring New Kids On The Yacht
Dec. 31 – Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Party featuring a DJ
Sunday Movie Nights – sponsored by OUC – The Reliable One
Guests are invited to enjoy free holiday movie screenings in the Frontyard at 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. each Sunday, with a lineup of holiday classics and sing-along favorites for the whole family.
Nov. 29 – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & The Muppet Christmas Carol
Dec. 6 – The Year Without a Santa Claus & Elf
Dec. 13 – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & Home Alone
Dec. 20 – The Year Without a Santa Claus & The Preacher’s Wife
Dec. 27 – The Greatest Showman: Sing-Along Version - showing both times
Santa’s Story Nook
Families can stop by Santa’s Story Nook for sing-alongs and storytelling with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their Elves, with sessions throughout each festival day.
Live Music at The Alpine Chalet
The Alpine Chalet welcomes Central Florida artists throughout the season, including Viridian Jazz, Belles & Beaux, Thomas Milovac Quartet, Carol & Billy, Ella & The Bossa Beat, Jensey! and Gilly & the Girl.
Along with Fraser & Fir Tavern, the Alpine Chalet offers a full-service bar and is available to rent for private and semi-private holiday parties by contacting events@drphillipscenter.org.
Cast in Bronze: The Carillon Returns
North America’s only transportable carillon returns to the Frontyard. Featuring nearly four tons of bronze bells, this one-of-a-kind instrument rings in the season as the festival opens and closes each night.
Every Day at the Festival
All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting, illuminating The Tree of Light sponsored by The Main Law Firm
Let It Snow, Let It Snow nightly snowfall sponsored by FAIRWINDS Credit Union
Wintertide Game Lawn sponsored by Massey Services, Inc.
Gift Giving sponsored by the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board
Little Elves’ Workshop with holiday crafts and letters to Santa
AdventHealth Photo Booth
Fireside s’mores, hot cocoa, cider, specialty cocktails, mulled wine and seasonal bites
Hours of Operation
The festival is open 27 days, Nov. 27 through Dec. 31: Wednesday through Sunday until Dec. 13, then every day starting Dec. 16.
Weekdays – 5–10 p.m.
Weekends – 2–10 p.m.
Closed – Dec. 14, 15, 24 & 25
The celebration continues at Dr. Phillips Center, where four stages host a full season of ticketed holiday performances. Featuring an exciting lineup including Lindsey Stirling, The Nutcracker, Vienna Light Orchestra, Irish Christmas in America, Straight No Chaser and A Very Broadway Christmas, alongside unique performances like The Unauthorized Hallmarkish Parody and Adam Biner: A Jewish Boy’s Love Letter to Christmas.
With dance, orchestral music, comedy and live performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the holiday season. All holiday shows happening inside the arts center can be found here.
Dates, times and programming are subject to change and additional entertainment will be added as it is confirmed. Guests can find the full schedule, including food and beverage offerings and seasonal activities at drphillipscenter.org.
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