It's the most wonderful time of the year, and here in Orlando the holidays are in full swing, with so much holly jolly fun to enjoy for all the family.
As Christmas Day gets ever closer, our latest Top Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend is full of holiday happenings, in fact, we have so many events here in Central Florida this weekend, the list is even longer than Santa's nice list!
Orlando is an amazing place to celebrate the holidays, with an endless amount of wonderful and unique happenings across Central Florida, and best of all, you can enjoy all this holiday fun and excitement without wrapping up warm to enjoy the holiday celebrations.
Whatever you choose to do this christmassy weekend, have a wonderful time, enjoy!
Top Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend
Holiday Movie In The Park at Lake Eola Park
Friday, December 16, 2022
One of the best things you will enjoy here in Orlando is snuggling up in a blanket with your loved ones, and watching a holiday movie under the stars.
Come down to the East Lawn at Lake Eola Park and enjoy Four Christmases, with the movie beginning at 7 pm.
Arrive early to see the beautifully illuminated Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree and watch in wonder as the lights dance to popular holiday music. Experience snowfall and shop local at the holiday market, plus food vendors will be on-site too.
The Duluth Trading Cure Bowl
Friday, December 16, 2022
The Cure Bowl takes place this weekend. with this years game between Troy Trojans and UTSA Road Runners, this NCAA college football bowl game is televised nationally on ESPN.
The Duluth Trading Cure Bowl is more than a game, the Cure Bowl is a platform to help raise funds for cancer research. This bowl game has helped to put Orlando at the center of some of the world’s greatest advancements in cancer science.
Since 2015, the bowl has raised a collective $3.88 million. Over $1 million of the funds raised have gone to Dr. Annette Khaled, professor at the UCF College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences and head of the medical school’s cancer research division.
The game is taking place at Exploria Stadium, with limited tickets still available for a wonderful cause.
A Night of Stargazing, Art, and Science
Friday, December 16, 2022
This Friday at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Mary, from 4.30 pm until 10 pm visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the night sky and telescope technology with local astronomers, encounter nocturnal animals, and listen to a special “starry night” themed Carillion concert.
Esteemed astronaut Nicole Stott will present a keynote presentation on space flight and art. She will be signing her book following the presentation!
Parking Lot Party In Mills 50
Friday, December 16, 2022
Orlando's favorite food truck party in a parking lot, the Parking Lot Party is back for the final party of the year in Mills 50.
This family-friendly night is packed with the most amazing food vendors, come and check out the party from 6.30 pm at Wally's Bar and Liquors, in the parking lot of course!
Vendors: Hot Asian Buns, The Hook, Kappy's, Papis Food Truck, Just Pie, Chill In Taco, Smokemade Meats, Cholo Dogs, Black Magic Pizza, Chicken Waffle Grill, Carino, Pudding Queen.
Sir Henry's Haunted Christmas
December 16, 17 & 18, 2022
Are you ready for a not so silent night?! Sir Henry's Haunted Christmas event is open this weekend only to scare your Christmas baubles off!
This holiday season, Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant City is hosting a spooky, and real twisted Christmas event.
You only have this weekend to enjoy the holiday scarefest, get yourself and your friends into your doom busy this weekend and experience Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas featuring two terrifying trails, multiple highly-themed escape games, axe throwing, laser tag, and more scarily spooky festive fun than Santa can fit in his sack.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Get ready to rock into the holiday season with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra!
TSO returns to Amway Center, December 17 with The Ghosts of Christmas Eve tour, with limited tickets still available.
Christmas Ski Show
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Don't miss the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team perform a free Christmas Ski Show this Saturday, December 17, at 4 pm on Lake River in Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Winter Haven.
Bring the family, bring your friends, and enjoy the spectacular Christmas water ballet!
If you’re attending the show, be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chairs for seating. Burgers, hot dogs, snacks, drinks, t-shirts and hats will be available for sale.
All sales benefit the Water Ski Team.
Soweto Gospel Choir
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Out of the darkness comes a new dawn!
This all-new concert in the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater by 3-time Grammy winning Soweto Gospel Choir commemorates South Africa’s Freedom Movement and the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
Bringing joy to all, “HOPE” opens with a rousing program of South African freedom songs that inspired their Rainbow Nation.
Then the choir’s uplifting performance moves to the United States with beautiful renditions of the music of the Civil Rights Movement, including works by legendary artists Billie Holiday, James Brown, Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield and the one-and-only, Aretha Franklin.
Maitland Movies in the Park: "Elf"
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Maitland Movies In The Park, with free popcorn, games for kids, and more.
Maitland's Movies in the Park will feature the holiday classic "Elf" at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, in Independence Square next to City Hall, 1776 Independence Lane.
Admission is free.
A Christmas Carol & Canterville Ghost
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Ring in the holidays with critically acclaimed Victorian horror troupe Phantasmagoria as they celebrate not one, but 2 holiday traditions.
It’s a double bill: the classic “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, along with Oscar Wilde’s humorous short story, “The Canterville Ghost.”
This unique group of enchanting storytellers blend acting, dancing, puppetry and poetry for a whimsically macabre evening of ghostly stories and Christmas cheer to bring us into the 2022 holiday season.
Last minute tickets are available for this great night out at the Ritz Theater in Sanford.
Orlando Area Farmers Markets
Saturday, December 17, 2022
On Saturday, there is some awesome farmers markets happening throughout the area, check out our guide to the when and where!!
Winter Garden Farmers Market
The Winter Garden Farmers Market is your hometown market open every Saturday from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. in beautiful Historic Winter Garden.
Winter Park Farmer's Market
The Saturday Farmers’ Market is one of the best produce and plant markets in central Florida which takes place every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Central Park.
Lake Mary Farmer's Market
The Lake Mary Farmers Market features local vendors of produce, plants, baked goods, and arts and crafts. The market is open every Saturday, from 9am-1:30pm at Lake Mary City Hall.
City of Longwood Farmer's Market
Visit every Saturday at the City of Longwood Farmer's Market at Reiter Park from 9 am to 2 pm, with locally sourced seafood and produce to handmade crafts and more.
Lake Nona Farmers Market
Join in every Saturday morning in Lake Nona in the beautiful Town Center from 11 am - 3 pm, shop local with the freshest produce and more.
Daddy Yankee La Última Vuelta World Tour
Sunday, December 18 & Monday, December 19, 2022
Global music icon Daddy Yankee stunned the world by announcing the dates for his farewell tour La Última Vuelta and his latest album “Legendaddy, and this coming week on December 18 and 19, you have the chance to see Daddy Yankee for one last time here in Orlando.
Tickets are still available for December 18, and 19 at the Amway Center, via Ticketmaster.
Milk Mart Lazy Sunday Holiday Market
Sunday, December 18, 2022
It's beginning to look a lot... like the holidays! Eat, shop, and be merry in The Milk District!
The last Sunday before Christmas, it's often your last chance to snag local goods from a market setting; and you know we bring the goods! With over 130 local vendors to shop from, there's something for everyone on your list.
The Milk Mart Lazy Sunday Holiday Market starts at noon, on the Robinson block in The Milk District, spanning The Nook, Etoile Boutique, Sportstown, Sideward, and Milkhouse,
Sunday Holiday Market
Sunday, December 18, 2022
Orlando Local Makers presents a special holiday pop-up market with a visit from Santa at Foxtail Coffee Howell Branch!
Lots of local gift ideas, live music, specialty coffee beverages, delicious ice cream from Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream, fresh squeezed lemonade, food, and more from 30+ of your favorite local vendors and treat makers!
Bazaar Botanica Yule Market
Sunday, December 18, 2022
The Holidays are here! Time to get your last minute CREATIVE gifts. Why not do it in an open air artisan market with a little entertainment!
Bazaar Botanica is the place to find an awesome collection of original Art, Vintage, Oddities, and so much more at Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. Ivanhoe Village.
80+ Artisans and Shops, Food Trucks, Live Music, Drag Santa Photo Booth!
Gaylord Palms ICE!
Now through January 1, 2023
One of Central Florida's premier holiday offerings and a much loved tradition, there is no better way to celebrate the holidays than gathering your family for Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee for ICE!
Step into a wonderland carved by expert artisans out of two million pounds of colorful ice, you’ll see the story of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in larger-than-life sculptures and even plunge down slides made entirely of ice in this Gaylord Hotels original experience.
Night of a Million Lights at Island H2O Live!
Now until January 1, 2023
From November 11, 2022, through January 1, 2023, immerse yourself in a dazzling winter wonderland illuminated with millions of lights and filled with festive family activities and live entertainment for a one-of-a-kind, fully interactive holiday experience.
Named by USA Today the “Number One Thing To Do In December In Orlando” when it debuted in 2020, Night of a Million Lights is a lightscape of spectacular sparkle and mesmerizing dancing lights, where guests of all ages can create priceless holiday memories – all for a wonderful cause.
This event benefits Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort that provides critically ill children and their families from around the world with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost.
Night of a Million Lights has quickly become one of the most popular holiday events in Central Florida. Many nights will sell out, so don't delay - get your tickets today.
The Nutcracker
Now through December 18, 2022
An Orlando family tradition for the holidays is the enchantment of Orlando Ballet’s annual presentation of The Nutcraker.
Bring the entire family for the adventures of young Clara as she explores the fantasy world of the Mouse King, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mother Ginger.
The show takes place in the stunning Steinmetz Hall in the Dr Phillips Center, tickets can be purchased here.
Universal Orlando Holiday Celebrations
Now through January 1, 2023
Anyone can “Ho-ho-ho” and “Fa-la-la” for the holidays. But if you want to scream, laugh and shout your jingle bells off, you’ve got to awesome up your holiday at Universal Orlando Resort, where we do the holidays big time. It’s the biggest, loudest, awesomest holiday celebration of the season.
Universal Orlando go all in on the holidays with Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, where you can see larger-than-life balloons plus appearances by Illumination’s Minions and characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar films.
Get together with the resident Whos and enjoy the music and fun of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring the Grinch.
And experience Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with seasonal shows and decorations in both Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Holiday Punch Starring Laura Hodos
Now through December 24, 2022
Multi-award-winning singer and cabarista Laura Hodos returns to the Orlando Shake's Darden Courtyard stage to bring you a glass of holiday cheer in this festive cabaret performance, filled with heartwarming seasonal tunes, comedy, and merriment.
Hum along to the classic songs you know and love, and laugh along to the new songs you’ll never forget.
SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration
Now through January 3, 2023
Gather your family and join all your festive friends at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.
See the park transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with millions of beautiful lights. With plenty of holiday cheer, this event is sure to create unforgettable memories at a wondrous Christmas celebration you’ll only find at SeaWorld.
The highlight being the beautiful “Sea of Trees,” where more than 100 trees shine bright, and a centerpiece that towers 70 feet above the water.
This years Christmas Celebration includes meet and greets with Rudolph and his friends, the return of SeaWorld’s award winning Celebration on Ice, SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Christmas Celebration, and the much loved Ice Skating at Bayside Stadium.
Oh, and of course, not forgetting the delicious holiday treats and shopping of every kind.
Dazzling Nights 2022 at Leu Gardens
Now through January 1, 2023
Back for its third year and bigger and more interactive than ever! Orlando’s 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens transforms once again into a stunning winter wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music and beautiful sculptures during Dazzling Nights - a family-friendly adventure that gives guests the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable, interactive holiday experience.
Dazzling Nights 2022’s expanded offerings include character meet and greets, a giant inflatable yeti playground, a snowstorm in a 40’ snow globe, a curated VIP experience and more lights than ever before.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Now through December 30, 2022
The EPCOT International Festival Of The Holidays debuts a brand-new light show debuts at Spaceship Earth, with a display that will invoke the sights of winter, including snowflakes, northern lights and warm candles.
Guests can also take a peaceful cruise through twinkling holiday light displays at Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses, which has had a holiday makeover for the holiday season, plus for the first time ever, guests on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind can experience an all-new holiday remix with a Guardians twist on this intergalactic chase through space and time.
Plus, the holidays wouldn't feel right with the much loved Candlelight Processional, a Disney Parks tradition.
Other highlights include Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt, the Holiday Cookie Stroll, and Holiday Kitchens.
Gatorland’s Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down
December 17 & 18, 2022
The Alligator Capital of the World is hosting a Ho Ho Ho-Down this holiday season and everyone is invited to join the party!
Enjoy madcap festive fun for all the family at Gatorland’s Third Annual Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down Christmas Event, where else can you meet Gator Claus, Krampus Croc and more.
Gatorland’s signature holiday event features live music, and festive displays with interactive characters including Gator Claus, the Merry Elves, and Krampus Croc.
Ho Ho Ho-Down and visit the craft vendors, perfect for that unusual holiday gift, enjoy the yummy food and drink offerings, and be sure to visit the Gatorland gift shop to find that perfect holiday gift for anyone on your list!
And the best part? All the fun and games are included with the regular price of admission, for more Gatorland info, visit www.gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS.
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Now through January 15, 2023
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has transform at night into the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild!
Experience the Zoo like you’ve never seen it before! Discover over 30 different, hand-constructed illuminated lantern displays around the Zoo on a 3/4 mile path where you will celebrate the art, beauty and wonder of traditional Asian lantern festivals
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa
Now through January 9, 2023
Celebrate the year with holiday cheer at Busch Garden's Christmas Town, gather with family and friends to create merry memories at Tampa's biggest and brightest holiday event.
Experience the joy of the season up close with animal encounters, thrilling rides, holiday inspired culinary delights and festive shows like Christmas on Ice.
Keep the holiday spirit shining bright from day to night with millions of twinkling lights and dazzling fireworks, plus heartwarming moments with Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!
Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida
December 17 - 18, 22 - Jan 3, 2023
Deck the halls at LEGOLAND Florida Resort for the jolliest event of the year, Holidays at LEGOLAND.
See the GIANT LEGO Christmas tree! Be prepared to be mesmerized by the twinkling lights from our 360 degree light show! It is sure to be filled with festive fun from top to bottom!
The LEGO holidays crew is back again for more merry meet-n-greets! See LEGO Santa, LEGO Gingerbread, Holiday Unikitty, and more!
Check out our delightfully dazzling holiday shows, Santa approved of course, throughout the park all season long! Also, why not try some holly jolly themed food and drinks too!
CFCArts Youth Theatre Presents Elf The Musical
Now through December 17, 2022
Based on the hit film, follow the story of Buddy the elf as he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father.
Buddy's Holiday Bash will also take place on December 17 before the show, featuring cocoa, cookies, games, and more.
The wonderful production is taking place at Trinity Preparatory School, Get your tickets now.
The Santa Workshop Experience
Now through December 24, 2022
Once again, ICON Park has been magically transformed into a winter wonderland, where families can partake in the annual tradition of taking holiday pictures together and the kiddos can meet the main man in person, Santa Claus!.
Each child that participates in The Santa Workshop Experience will even receive a free ride on the new Carousel on The Promenade, and they’ll also be provided a complimentary ride on The Wheel in a holiday-decorated capsule and access to the VIP no-wait line.
Orlando REP Presents True North
Various Dates Now through December 22, 2022
TRUE NORTH is a magical and insightful story about being authentic, accepting change, and holding an unwavering hope in the magic of Christmas.
Orlando Shakes Presents A Christmas Carol
Various Dates Now through December 24, 2022
Back by popular demand for the holiday season, the much loved story of the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, together with Scrooge’s ultimate redemption once again graces the Margeson Theater in Orlando, as the Orlando Shakes present their 2022 production of A Christmas Carol.
Plus, patrons enjoy fresh hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies at intermission and hear gorgeous carols too!
This Orland tradition is a must see show, and so much fun for the whole family.
Deck The Seas At SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando
Now through January 1, 2023
Celebrate the holiday SEAson in an underwater wonderland at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
Just in time for the holiday season, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium at ICON Park is once again hosting the popular Deck the Seas event.
The Orlando aquarium has been transformed into an underwater winter wonderland, featuring creatures that love living in the cold, ready for guests to embark on a wintery cold-water scavenger hunt.
Plus on weekends, you can meet SEA LIFe's Sharky dressed up in his holiday best!
On Wednesdays at 1.00 pm before Christmas, you can see Scuba Claus and his elf diving with stingrays, sharks, sea turtles and more, plus hear the story of FISHmas!
Sunset Walk Holinights Celebration
Now through December 24, 2022
Join the Promenade at Sunset Walk for Holinights Celebration, featuring 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!
Enjoy over 2 Dozen Unique Restaurants, Arcades, Movie Theaters, & Shops.
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!
Oh, What Fun! At Lake Nona
Now through December 24, 2022
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.
Enjoy live shows throughout the festival including showcases from local schools, professional carolers, an all-new modern circus performance, live bands and the return of Peppermint Square’s cutest emcee, Peppermint the Penguin.
Come ready to get your groove on as Peppermint leads the dance party with The Hollywood Holidays in front of The Beacon.
Lastly, enjoy “Lake Snow-na” nightly snowfall for a Florida Christmas like no other!
Now Snowing At Celebration
Now through December 30, 2022
Now Snowing in Celebration, Central Florida’s original and premier Snowing event, offers 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 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 pm. It’s a true throwback to the traditional family style holiday.
Downtown Orlando For The Holidays
Now through December 23, 2022
Experience the sights and sounds of the season when visiting Downtown for the Holidays. Throughout the entire month of December, downtown Orlando is offering free holiday events for all to enjoy!
See the beautifully illuminated Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree and watch in wonder as the lights dance to popular holiday music.
And be sure to stop by the Eola House to see Santa!
Pirates Dinner Adventure Holiday Show
Now through December 31, 2022
Ho! Ho! Ho! If you’re looking for a new tradition the whole family will love, get ready for a jolly good time and a swashbuckling adventure right here in Orlando, Santa’s even made his way from the North Pole to Central Florida to celebrate the holidays at Pirates Dinner Adventure!
Starting November 25, Pirates Dinner Adventure will be spreading Christmas cheer with extra special holiday offerings through December 31.
Guests can experience the action, romance and excitement of the classic dinner show with a holiday overlay featuring Christmas music and a ship-side visit from a special guest at the end of the show!
During the post-show Buccaneer Bash, guests can party with pirates and take pictures with the Jolly Old Elf himself!
The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, now through December 23, 2022
Get ready to party with the Renaissance Theater Company as they present the fun and original musical The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show, a musical spoof of the stereotypical workplace holiday party, and all of the shenanigans those tend to entail, with more than a few nods to the Christmas episodes of sitcom The Office.
With new original songs and a comedic cast of characters pulled straight from your neighboring cubicles, The Office Holiday Party Musical… returns for a second year with drinks, mingling, scripted gift-exchanges, and a little bit of that good ole fashioned holiday spirit.
Oh yeah, and it’s an original musical, get your tickets now!
Steppin' Out with Irving Berlin
Now through December 17, 2022
Celebrate the life and career of this iconic American composer with this outstanding sond and dance tribute at the The Winter Park Playhouse! Featuring an assortment of well-loved hits including "Blue Skies," "Puttin' on the Ritz," Steppin' Out with My Baby" and more!
This is your last chance to see this fabulous production, get your tickets now.
Hadestown
Now through December 18, 2022
The Greek-inspired hit musical Hadestown is making its very first visit to Orlando as part of the Broadway In Orlando series at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
The production is and is on now until this Sunday, December 18, 2022, with limited tickets still available.
Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best Musical and the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album , this acclaimed new show by celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and innovative director Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) is a love story for today...and always.
