Here in Orlando there is so many wonderful holiday happenings to grab your attention, from huge theme park celebrations, to mega light shows with millions of twinkling lights.
There really is nowhere quite like Orlando for the holidays, and best of all you don't need a hat, scarf and mittens to enjoy it!
This holiday season we highly recommend a visit to Downtown Orlando where you can enjoy free holiday events for the whole family to celebrate the season.
Enjoy a stroll around Eola Wonderland to see the dazzling holiday décor and lights. See the beautifully illuminated Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree and watch in wonder as the lights dance to popular holiday music. From the Star on Orange Avenue to movie nights at Lake Eola Park, downtown Orlando offers so many festive events to enjoy.
View The Jack Kazana Star On Orange Avenue
The rising of the Jack Kazanza Star is a holiday tradition in downtown Orlando that has been around for more than 50 years.
Since the 1950’s, the lighting of the 600-pound golden star has become a symbol of the start of the holiday season in Orlando.
Make sure to view this wonderer star on the corner of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard this holiday season, and don't forget a selfie!
Check Out The Décor Around Lake Eola Park
The beautiful holiday décor around Lake Eola Park truly is a must-see!
Enjoy a stroll around the area and enjoy a whole new holiday feel to Lake Eola Park in the evening.
Here you will come across beautiful holiday decorations including an oversized snowflake, reindeer, candy canes, and the beautiful Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree.
Watch The Christmas Tree Show
The Christmas Tree Light Show in Lake Eola Park is put on multiple times each evening throughout the entire holiday season.
Located near the Walt Disney Amphitheater, the show includes the 64-foot wonderland Christmas tree coming alive with synchronized lights and music.
Watch the Holiday Drone Light Show
You gotta see the Holiday Drone Light Show on Sunday December 11, at 7pm in Lake Eola Park!
The show will feature a dazzling display of synchronized drones flying in formation to create beautiful holiday-themed designs in the night sky.
The drones will be equipped with colorful LED lights that will illuminate the park and create a magical atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
Attendees will be able to sit back and watch the 10-minute light show from the comfort of their own blankets and lawn chairs.
Hot cocoa and other festive treats will be available for purchase near the holiday market, making it the perfect family-friendly event.
Catch a Movie at Lake Eola Park
Come down to the East Lawn at Lake Eola Park and enjoy a free holiday movie, and don't forget your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to snuggle up, and enjoy.
This free, family-friendly event is a fun and festive way to enjoy the holidays.
Holiday Movies In The Park 2022 at Lake Eola Park
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Friday, December 09, 2022, 7:00 pm
Four Christmases
December 16, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
The Grinch
Friday, December 23, 2022, 7:00 pm
Visit The Holiday Market
Be sure to take a walk around Lake Eola Park to experience the holiday market!
Attend a Free Event
Lake Eola Park hosts several exciting and free events throughout the holiday season..
Each year, the Russian Academy of Ballet presents a gift to the Orlando Community with a free performance of the traditional ballet The Nutcracker.
The Vioelectric holiday show is also another must-see event. Vioelectric is a strings supergroup that puts on an annual holiday show at Walt-Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola.
Free and open to the public, the concert features traditional holiday songs mashed up with classic rock tunes and modern hits.
2022 Tree Lighting Celebration
Friday, December 02, 2022, 5:00 pm to 09:00 pm
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.
Holiday Market
Saturday, December 03, 11, 16 and 23, 2022, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Support local this holiday season when shopping the Holiday Market, located on the east side of Lake Eola Park.
10th Annual Violectric Holiday Show
Saturday, December 10, 2022, 7:00 pm to 08:30 pm
Performing 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 return of the Violectric Holiday Show rocking back into the Walt Disney Amphitheatre at Lake Eola Park on Saturday, December 10, 2022 starting at 7:00 p.m.
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.
The concert will be simulcast around all of Lake Eola. Violectric has also teamed up again with Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando for the pet-friendly show.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their pets, a pet supply or donate to Pet Alliance.
The Nutcracker by the Russian Ballet Orlando
Saturday, December 17, 2022, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
The Russian Academy of Ballet presents a gift to the Orlando Community with a free performance of the traditional The Nutcracker at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park.
Happy Holidays!
