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Ring in the holidays and help countdown the lighting of the Christmas Tree at Lake Eola Park on December 5

  • Writer: Alastair Mac
    Alastair Mac
  • 49 minutes ago
  • 5 min read
Don’t miss out on all the festive fun Downtown for the Holidays has to offer including the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree, Snowfall, Holiday Market, Holiday Movies, Santa, and more.

Join Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and help countdown the lighting of the Christmas tree at Lake Eola Park

Mark your calendars! Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is inviting residents and visitors to ring in the holidays and help countdown the lighting of the Christmas tree at Lake Eola Park's Washington Plaza on Friday, December 5 from 5 pm - 9 pm.


Kick off Downtown for the Holidays with holiday performances at Lake Eola Amphitheater, food trucks, the return of the Merry Market, and more! Enjoy a little snowfall in Florida, shop over 30 local vendors, and don't forget to stop by for a visit with Santa and The Grinch!


Celebrate the season all month long with Downtown for the Holidays presented by AdventHealth.


Read on for all the festive happenings throughout the holiday season at Orlando's Downtown for the Holidays.


Check out the latest Christmas and Holiday News from throughout Central Florida. From the theme parks, to the attractions, shopping malls and resort hotels, you will be dazzled with holiday cheer, including the most spectacular events at the theme parks and attractions, glittering community events and parades, plus, magical parties, eats and treats, and so much more!



Experience the sights and sounds of the season when visiting Downtown for the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. Throughout the entire month of December, downtown Orlando is offering free holiday events for all to enjoy! 


Join Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and help countdown the lighting of the Christmas tree at Lake Eola Park

Experience the enchantment of the holiday stroll. Spread cheer by shopping locally at the Merry Market. Embrace the magic of the season at the Eola Wonderland. Enjoy a snowy Florida wonderland at Lake Eola Park. Encounter Santa himself at the Eola House.


Join Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and help countdown the lighting of the Christmas tree at Lake Eola Park

Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show | December 5 - January 6  | Lake Eola Park

Beginning December 5, the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree comes alive with synchronized light and music. The show will take place at the following times: 5:45 pm, 6:45 pm, 7:45 pm, 8:45 pm, and 9:45 pm. The Christmas Tree is located by E. Washington St. and N. Rosalind Ave.


Clemwood Lights | December 5 - January 6  | Lake Eola Park

Experience the magic of the "2811 Clemwood Street Lights," now at Lake Eola Park (near the Eola House) for Downtown for the Holidays presented by Advent Health. Originally a beloved neighborhood display, this touching tribute honors lives lost to COVID-19, thanks to the generous donation from former homeowners.


DTOLive! | December 5 - January 6  | Lake Eola Park

Experience the magic of the holidays with DTOLive! Enjoy live performances at Lake Eola Park that will light up the season with music, entertainment, and festive cheer.


Holiday Train | December 5 - 21  | Lake Eola Park

The train will be running on the North East Lawn at Lake Eola Park on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings beginning December 5 - 21 at 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.


Grinch's Lair | December 5 - 21  | Lake Eola Park

Get ready to meet the mean green legend himself - the Grinch! Stop by and snap a photo with everyone’s favorite Christmas crank. He’ll be spreading mischief (and maybe a little cheer) Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, December 5–21 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.


Join Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and help countdown the lighting of the Christmas tree at Lake Eola Park

Merry Market | Select Dates December 5 – December 21 | East Side of Lake Eola Park

Support local this season when shopping the Merry Market. Here, you'll shop from local vendors with products ranging from soaps, candles, jewelry, and more! You will find the market on the east side of Lake Eola Park beginning Friday, December 5 and every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday following. The final day for the market is Sunday, December 21. The market will be open from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm.


Snowfall | Select Dates December 5 – December 21 | Lake Eola House 

Experience snowfall in downtown Orlando this holiday season! Snow will fall on Washington St. by the Lake Eola House (located near the intersection of E. Washington St. and N. Eola Dr.).  

Snow will fall for 15 minutes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings beginning December 5 – Sunday, December 21 at 6 pm., 6:30 pm, 7 pm, 7:30 pm, 8 pm., 8:30 pm, & 9 pm.


Meet Santa | Select Dates December 6 – December 21 | Lake Eola House 

Meet Santa at the Eola House (512 E. Washington St., Orlando, FL 32801) every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, from December 6 – 21. Best of all, the experience is free!


December 6 | Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – Frozen | East Lawn at Lake Eola Park  

Bring your blankets, gather the family and immerse yourself in the magic of the season with our family-friendly screening of Frozen. Showtime is at 7 pm.  


December 13 | Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – Elf | East Lawn at Lake Eola Park  

Bring your blankets, gather the family and immerse yourself in the magic of the season with our family-friendly screening of Elf. Showtime is at 7 pm. 


December 13 | Violectric Holiday Show | Lake Eola Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park  

Central Florida’s electrifying strings super-group Violectric, led by “Vinylinist” Michelle Jones, will rock the holidays once again with the FREE 13th Annual Violectric Holiday Show on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 7 pm at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park..


December 14 | SensoryNight at Lake Eola Park – Elf | East Lawn at Lake Eola Park  

On Sunday, December 14, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays in a sensory-friendly environment. We've curated an evening of joy and comfort for everyone. Come and celebrate the magic of the season with us in a warm and inclusive setting.


December 20 | Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – Christmas with the Kranks | East Lawn at Lake Eola Park  

Bring your blankets, gather the family and immerse yourself in the magic of the season with our family-friendly screening of Christmas with the Kranks. Showtime is at 7 pm.


For nore details:


Never miss anything happening in Orlando again, we've got you covered with the latest and best things to see and do throughout Central Florida. Get the Latest Orlando News now!


Before attending any of the events listed on Gotta Go Orlando, you should contact the organizer or venue to confirm that the event is taking place as information, changes, and cancellations can occur.


Join Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and help countdown the lighting of the Christmas tree at Lake Eola Park

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Emma Walton News Producer

Emma Walton

News Producer

Shane Walton News Producer

Shane Walton

News Producer

Aly Mac News Editor

Alastair Mac

News Editor

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