The Latest News

Winter Park's Park Avenue and Central Park transform into a dazzling wonderland for the holidays

Alastair Mac
2 hours ago
4 min read

Enjoy festive sights, sounds, and experiences for the entire family.

Winter Park's Park Avenue and Central Park transform into a dazzling holiday wonderland

This Holiday Season stroll beneath a Cathedral of Lights, ride a Carousel, and soak in the festive sights and sounds of Winter Park. Enjoy shopping unique gifts, then dine at award winning spots, and enjoy seasonal decor inspired by Winter Park's rich heritage—featuring temple oranges, pinecones, and magnolia leaves.

Yes, its that time of the year again, and from Thursday, November 13, 2025, downtown Winter Park will magically transform into a dazzling holiday wonderland, bringing the magic of the holidays to life for both residents and guests.

Downtown will feature seasonal décor along Park Avenue including 150,000 sparkling lights, festive wreaths on lamp posts, a cathedral of lights in Central Park, children’s carousel beginning November 29, and so much more.

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!

Celebrate on Park transforms Park Avenue and Central Park into a sparkling wonderland open to all. Guests from near and far are invited to enjoy the festive sights, sounds, and experiences, perfect for the entire family, making memories in a setting that feels straight out of a holiday movie.

Throughout the holidays enjoy special events and things to do, check out the highlights here:

Holiday Friday Nights at the Morse

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art will offer free admission on Fridays

in December, including Friday, November 28 and December 5, 12, 19 and 26, from

4 to 8 pm, and feature live music from 5 to 8 pm, for its Holiday Friday Nights at the Morse. In

addition, Christmas Eve will feature free museum admission from 9:30 am to 4 pm, with live music

from 1 to 4 pm.

47th Annual Christmas in the Park

The City of Winter Park and The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art continue a holiday tradition with the 47th Annual Christmas in the Park, Thursday, December 4. The two-hour program begins at 6:15 pm in Central Park, creating the beautiful backdrop for the lighting of turn-of-the-century Tiffany windows as the Bach Festival Choir, Brass Ensemble and Youth Choir perform in concert on the main stage.

73rd Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade

On Saturday, December 6, Park Avenue comes to life at 9 am, with the 73rd Annual

Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade, hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of

Commerce. This family-friendly occasion showcases holiday-themed floats, Santa Claus

and well-known local figures as they make their way down the avenue.

Holiday Pops Concert

A special Holiday Pops concert, performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, will take place Saturday, December 13, at 6 p.m., on the Central Park Main Stage. Bring your blanket and a picnic for a concert program of holiday favorites that will be sure to put everyone in the spirit of the season. This free concert is made possible by the Charlotte Julia Hollander Trust.

Chanukah on the Park

Chabad of Greater Orlando will present Chanukah on the Park Sunday, December 14, at

5:30 p.m., in Central Park. The event will feature America’s Got Talent runner-up Roni & Rhythm, live music, a snow experience, kids’ activities, food and grand menorah lighting.

The Great American Big Band

The Great American Big Band will be bringing the sounds of Christmas to the Central Park Main

Stage at 7 p.m., Friday, December 19. Grab your chairs, pick up food from your favorite restaurant,and enjoy a holiday concert under the stars.

Winter Park’s Merry Tuba Concert

Enjoy the rich sounds of Christmas as tuba, euphonium, sousaphone and baritone players of all ages gather to perform a FREE concert from the Central Park main stage at 1 pm on Saturday, December 20. Hosted by the city’s Natural Resources & Sustainability Department, Winter Park’s Merry Tuba Concert is a must-see on the holiday list of things to do.

For details on event highlights, hours, and special performances as we count down to the most magical time of the year, check out parkavenuedistrict.com.

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.

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!