There are so many fun events happening in the City Beautiful. It's a beautiful time of year to enjoy a local market, event, or get together with your sweetheart for some lovely outdoor dining.
Time flies, it's already nearing the end of the dazzling Christmas season with New Year's Eve on its way!
Attention Parents: Head to Orlando-Parenting.com for things to do with kids in Orlando.
Featured Events
Winter Wonderland at Westgate River Ranch
Date: November 22 – January 4th (Every Friday and Saturday)
Celebrate the Holiday Season with our Annual Winter Wonderland Experience! Enjoy a festive Hayride with classic Christmas Carols and explore our Enchanted Forest adventure. Get lost in a delightful holiday maze, discover sweet surprises at the candy land playground, and jingle all the way through the Florida outdoors. Wrap up your journey at the festive tree farm, where unforgettable memories and delectable treats await, promising to delight your taste buds! Join us for a magical holiday celebration!
Save The Date
Cendrillon
Friday-Sunday, Feb 7-9, 2025
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Opera Orlando presents Massenet’s Cendrillon, based on the beloved fairy tale Cinderella.
Bring the whole family to this all new production full of fun, laughter, and gorgeous music, headlined by Metropolitan Opera and Grammy Award-winning soprano Lindsay Ohse in the title role with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in the pit at the gorgeous Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center.
Things to Do This Week Events December 16 – 22, 2024
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
November 8 – December 20, 2024
Magic Kingdom Park
1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney Jollywood Nights
November 9 – December 21, 2024
Disney's Hollywood Studios
This glitzy Christmas party boasts entertainment offerings and experiences especially geared toward adults.
Related post: Festive Disney Springs Pub Crawl
Wreck the Halls
November 14 – December 21, 2024
The Winter Park Playhouse
711 North Orange Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
This hilarious musical comedy unfolds in a series of comic and poignant vignettes with four actors bringing 46 characters to life celebrating everything that drives us crazy about Christmas… and why we love it anyway! From obnoxious Christmas letters to taking the family picture, from dealing with in-laws to assembling gifts on Christmas Eve, this musical shows why sometimes we want to sing “Wreck the halls!” and then why we're wistful when Christmas is over.
Tickets start at $10
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
November 15 – January 19, 2025
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Celebrate the culture, art, and beauty of traditional lantern festivals at the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. This dazzling after-hours holiday spectacular features over 30 handmade illuminated sculptures along a 3/4 mile trail. In addition to stunning LED lanterns depicting plants, animals, and traditional Chinese figures, enjoy live music, artisan crafts, and local food and beverage available for purchase.
$22 per person
Holidays at Leu Gardens
November 29 – January 5, 2025
Leu Gardens
Step into a vibrant tapestry of color and cheer at the Gardens this holiday season. Our enchanting displays of live plants are sure to make your heart bloom with joy. Thousands of dazzling poinsettias along with seasonal flowers will ignite the spirit of the season. It’s a floral fiesta that promises to put you in the most festive of moods! Come lose yourself in this magical yuletide experience and let the gardens wrap you in a warm embrace of nature’s beauty.
Included with general admission
Related post: Where to See The Best Christmas Lights
The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show
December 5 – 29, 2024
Renaissance Theater
415 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803
With new original songs and a comedic cast of characters pulled straight from your neighboring cubicles, The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show returns for a third year with drinks, mingling, scripted gift-exchanges, and a little bit of that good ol’-fashioned holiday spirit.
Tickets start at $40
The Nutcracker
December 6 – 22 – FINAL WEEK!
Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center
Bring the whole family to see The Nutcracker, brought to you by Orlando Health, a beloved tale full of larger-than-life whimsy and adventure. Performed by the only fully residential professional ballet company in Central Florida, this production comes to life with action-packed aerials, blazing battles and breathtaking ballet.
Tickets start at $39
Sleigh: It's Christmas Actually!
December 13 – 22, 2024
812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803
It’s Christmas actually! This contemporary pop acapella group will delight with fresh, new arrangements of both current and classic holiday tunes. Their comic banter and unique guest interaction will put everyone in the holiday spirit.
Tickets vary by date
Some Like it Hot
December 17 – 22, 2024
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Some Like It Hot is the “glorious, big, high-kicking” (Associated Press) story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they catch a cross-country train for the life-chasing, life-changing trip of a lifetime. And what a trip it is!
Tickets vary by date
Access for All at OMA
December 19, 10 am – 8 pm
Orlando Museum of Art
Free admission to the museum will be offered on Thursday, December 19. The event will feature a gallery talk at 1:30 p.m. with Dr. Richard L. Gray who will share the fascinating story behind his renowned guitar collection, as well as an unforgettable lecture on skatepark design at 6 p.m. with Tim Payne, Founder and President of Team Pain Skate Parks. Little Giant Chinese food will also be hosting a pop-up from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
FREE
From Skateboards to Set Design
Thursday, December 19, 6-7pm
Orlando Museum of Art
Join OMA for an unforgettable lecture with Tim Payne, a pioneer in the world of skateboarding, video production, and extreme sports culture. Payne is the Founder and President of Team Pain Skate Parks.
FREE
Margaritaville Resort Orlando Holiday Celebration
Thursday, December 19, 6-8pm
Margaritaville Resort Orlando
8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Get ready to experience a festive extravaganza at this tropical paradise. Join the celebration in the Grand Lobby at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando! Don't miss out on your chance to meet Santa, his michevious elves, and the Towering Toy Soldiers.
Holiday Wreath Making Workshop
Thursday, December 19, 6-8pm
Dockside Lake Nona
Enjoy a festive evening of creativity and fun. Craft your own stunning holiday wreath with expert guidance in this hands-on workshop, perfect for all skill levels. Enjoy seasonal drinks and small plates curated by Canvas restaurant while you create your masterpiece.
$125
ÔMO x KAYA
Thursday, December 19, 6:15 – 8:30pm
ÔMO by Jônt
115 E Lyman Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Ômo is thrilled to announce our collaboration at Ômo by Jônt with Kaya led by Florida’s first Michelin Green Star recipient, Chef Lordfer Lalicon! Indulge in Chef Lordfer’s and Chef Ryan's innovative twist on traditional cuisine, crafting dishes that tell stories and lasting impressions. On December 19th, savor an exceptional four-hands dinner as both chefs unite to meticulously curate a menu that highlights their shared passion.
$495 per person
Kevin Hart: Acting My Age Tour
Thursday, December 19, 7:30pm
Addition Financial Arena
Tickets start at $42
The Taylor Party: The TS Dance Party
Friday, December 20, 8pm
House of Blues
Tickets start at $15
Festival of the Fandoms
Saturday, December 21, 11am-6pm
Oviedo Mall
Calling all heroes, villains, wizards, and adventurers—grab your wands, swords, sonic screwdrivers, and battle axes! The Festival of the Fandoms is here, and it's time to unite for a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration. Whether you're a fan of magical worlds, intergalactic adventures, or mythical creatures, they've got something for everyone at the Fellowship of the Fandoms!
FREE
Holiday Cheer cookie decorating class
Saturday, December 21, 12:30am
Ivanhoe Park Lager House
Interested in learning more about decorated sugar cookies?! Meredith is here to help! In this 2 hour workshop, she'll cover the basics of sugar cookies, you'll get her royal icing and sugar cookie recipe, and we'll strategize the best ways to decorate sugar cookies! Everything you'll need is provided!
$65
Hard Rock's Holly Jolly Holiday Party
Saturday, December 21, 6:30-8:30pm
Hard Rock Cafe & Live Orlando
Gather up the whole band and head to the beautiful Hard Rock Live for this family friendly event and meet Santa Saturday, December 21st from 6:30pm to 8:30pm! Celebrate the joy of the season with light bites, a holiday themed cookie decorating kit, a live DJ spinning festive tunes and pictures with Santa Claus included!
Christmas Silent Disco
Saturday, December 21, 7:30-11pm
Orlando Science Center
Silent Discos In Amazing Spaces brings its surreal dance party to Orlando Science Center for a special Christmas Party. Dance, sing, and capture the perfect selfie with your besties under the illuminated skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex! The main exhibition space of this popular attraction will be converted into a giant dancefloor with a bar, nightclub-quality lights, visual effects, and, of course, three amazing DJs simultaneously playing three uniquely themed DJ sets. Already an international phenomenon, this will be the craziest party of the year you don’t want to miss!
Milk Mart Holiday Market
Sunday, December 22, 2024, 12-6pm
The Nook on Robinson
Eat, shop, and be merry in The Milk District.
FREE
Next Week Orlando Events December 23 – 29, 2024
Check out the Ultimate Guide to New Year's Eve in Orlando
Maya Cafe Lounge & Gallery Christmas Party
Tuesday, December 24, 9am – 7pm
Maya Cafe Lounge & Gallery
1980 Howell Branch Rd, Winter Park, FL
Don’t miss out on the merriest celebration of the season! Enjoy Live Music to set the perfect holiday vibe, BOGO Cocktails, and BOGO Appetizers.
Yule of Fools
December 25, 26, 27, 28, & 30, 7pm
SAK Comedy Lab
This is SAK's signature improv show, themed for the holidays. Two teams of professional improvisers compete for your laughs with audience judges selected at the start of the show. The actors make up songs, scenes and characters right in front of your eyes with the help of the audience's suggestions and participation. Don't miss this unique show from Orlando's top award winning comedy theater!
$20
Access for All at OMA
December 26, 10 am – 8 pm
Orlando Museum of Art
Free admission to the museum will be offered on Thursday, December 26. The event will see the exciting return of La CinOMAthéque: a collaboration between OMA and the Enzian, providing guests with a free screening of 1967 experimental film Wavelength by Canadian artist Michael Snow. Prefaced by an introduction by UCF Film professor Jimmy Schaus and followed by a talkback with OMA Chief Curator Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon and Enzian Programming Manager Tim Anderson. The film will be shown in its entirety and its original format, using a special 16mm projector.
FREE
Gingerbread House Decorating
Thursday, December 26, 5-7pm
JoJo's ShakeBAR
9101 International Drive, Suite 1208, Orlando, FL 32819
Get into the holiday spirit at JoJo's Winter Wonderland! For just $55 per person, you’ll enjoy a delicious entree, your choice of a Winter Wonderland Biggie Shake or Biggie Hot Chocolate, and all the decorating supplies you need to craft your dream gingerbread home.
$55
La CinOMAthéque: Wavelength
Thursday, December 26, 6-8pm
Orlando Museum of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art is thrilled to announce the launch of La CinOMAthéque in partnership with the Enzian, as part of its “Access for All at OMA,” an all-new program offering FREE admission to the museum. Access for All at OMA is a monthly free day dedicated to the community. La CinOMAthéque will be a series of 6 bimonthly free screenings of experimental, avant-garde, art films in the Truist auditorium at OMA on Access for All day. Each screening will be introduced by a UCF film professor.
FREE
Pop-Tarts Bowl Pep Rally
Friday, December 27, 4pm
Pointe Orlando
Gather with your team at the official pep rally at Pointe Orlando. The band and cheerleaders from the participating team will perform, and the head coach will make a special appearance to fire up the crowd before game day!
FREE
Patton Oswalt
Friday, December 27, 7:30pm
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Patton Oswalt presents a brand-new hour of his signature apocalyptic, pop culture comedy. He’s older, way less wise, and going through some stuff. Drawing from the unpredictable and observational, Patton’s thought-provoking storytelling and hilarious commentary make for a must-see, laughter-filled evening.
Tickets start at $45
2024 Pop-Tarts® Bowl
Saturday, December 28, 3:30pm
Camping World Stadium
In the new College Football Playoff era, the bowl will match the top selection from the ACC (inclusive of Notre Dame) outside of the CFP series against the second selection from the Big 12 outside of the CFP series.
Ticket prices vary
All Elite Wrestling: World's End
Saturday, December 28, 7pm
Addition Financial Arena
All Elite Wrestling will invade Addition Financial Arena on December 28 for AEW Worlds End. The night of heart-pounding wrestling action will be broadcast around the world on pay-per-view and promises to be an exciting night of professional wrestling that will captivate fans of all ages with incredible athleticism, unmatched charisma, and exciting high-flying action.
Ticket prices vary
WWE Live Holiday Tour
Saturday, December 28, 7:30pm
Kia Center
Ticket prices vary
Straight No Chaser
Sunday, December 29, 7pm
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Straight No Chaser is back on tour serving up an all-you-can-eat buffet of holiday music (with none of the calories). The nine-man act of Walter Chase, Jerome Collins, Seggie Isho, Michael Luginbill, Steve Morgan, Luke Bob Robinson, Jasper Smith, Tyler Trepp and Freedom Young has served as a festive blend of harmonious voices for more than two and a half decades, having recently celebrated their 25th anniversary.
Tickets start at $34.50
December 30, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Cheez-It® Citrus Bowl Pep Rally
Monday, December 30, 4pm
Pointe Orlando
Gather with your team at the official pep rally at Pointe Orlando. The band and cheerleaders from the participating team will perform, and the head coach will make a special appearance to fire up the crowd before game day!
FREE
Miss America & Miss America's Teen
December 31, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
With grace, poise, glamour, elegance and intellect, 52 extraordinary delegates in each age division – will vie for the coveted crown, showcasing talent, answering thought-provoking questions, and advocating for causes close to their hearts. Prepare to be moved by exceptional performances, and dazzled by the glamour, purpose, and celebration of the strength and diversity of America's future trailblazers.
Ticket prices vary
Cheez-It® Citrus Bowl
Tuesday, December 31, 3pm
Camping World Stadium
The seventh-oldest collegiate bowl game in the country, the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl began as the Tangerine Bowl in 1947. The initial game sponsors, members of Elks Lodge #1079 of Orlando, each put up $100 to fund initial expenses. Since 1993 the bowl has hosted top teams from the Big Ten and Southeastern conferences.
Ticket prices vary
Haley Reinhart
Tuesday, December 31, 7 & 9:30pm
Judson's Live
Get ready to ring in the new year with the timeless vocals of Haley Reinhart in this special New Year’s Eve performance! Joined by her band, the double-platinum vocalist’s versatility will be on full display as she performs her biggest hits, plus versions of iconic jazz and top 40 songs throughout the last 60 years.
Tickets start at $125
ICEBAR Orlando 2025 “Ice Masquerade: A New Year's Eve Celebration”
Tuesday, December 31, 8pm – 12:30am
ICEBAR Orlando
Take a trip through the arctic at ICEBAR Orlando. The ice masquerade-themed evening features specialty cocktails, a midnight buffet, live DJ and entertainment, ice sculptures, free digital souvenir photos and raffle giveaways. The following packages are available in limited quantity:
- VIP Package (limited to 50 guests): $150 per person + tax and gratuity – Includes reserved VIP
seating in the Fire Lounge, VIP entry into the ICEBAR at midnight (11:30pm-12:30am), open
Premium Bar from 8pm-10pm, Champagne Table Service from 11:30pm-12:30am, early access to
Midnight Celebration Buffet from 12:15am-12:30am, specialty party favors, VIP raffle entry and free
digital souvenir photos. - ICE Package (limited to 250 guests): $85 per person + tax and gratuity – Includes ICEBAR entry (excluding 11:30pm-12:30am), open Premium Bar from 8pm-10pm, Champagne Bar from 11:30pm-12:30am, Midnight Celebration Buffet at 12:30am, party favors, raffle entry and free digital souvenir photos.
- General Admission (limited quantity): $50 per person + tax and gratuity – Includes ICEBAR Entry
(excluding 11:30pm-12:30am), Champagne Bar from 11:30pm-12:30am, Midnight Celebration Buffet
at 12:30am, party favors, raffle entry and free digital souvenir photos.
More NYE Events: 50+ Ideas for New Year’s Eve in Orlando 2024-2025
Thornton Park's New Year's Eve Block Party
December 31, 8pm
Hosted by your favorite local bars (and a few newcomers) the Thornton Park NYE Street Party features deejays spinning all night long, cocktails, food vendors, dancing and a special countdown at midnight…plus a few surprises!
$25
Joey Fatone & AJ McLean: A Legendary New Year's Eve 2025
December 31, 9:45pm
House of Blue Orlando
$99.50 – $225
Jim Gaffigan
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Kia Center
Tickets start at $35.75
Departure: Tribute to Journey
Friday, January 3, 7:30pm
House of Blues
Tickets start at $15
Swan Lake: State Ballet of Ukraine & Live Orchestra
Saturday, January 4, 7pm
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Experience the world’s most in-demand ballet, “Swan Lake,” presented by Classical Arts Entertainment and performed by 55 of the brightest ballet stars of The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine. Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, this full-scale production features Tchaikovsky’s legendary score performed by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra under the direction of award-winning composer Aaron Collins.
Tickets start at $40
Absolute Queen: The Ultimate Queen Tribute
Saturday, January 4, 7:30pm
House of Blues
Tickets start at $17.50
Upcoming Events
FESTN4
January 8-12, 2025
Fringe ArtSpace
54 W. Church Street, Suite 201, Orlando, Florida 32801
FESTN4 bridges the gap for Orlando Fringe’s annual May festival’s patrons, offering a reduced, more-contained Fringe experience in one centralized location. Unlike the May Festival, FESTN4 is curated, featuring more than 20 shows available for patrons over four consecutive days, with many offering two to three performances, including popular works from past festivals, new works from well-received Fringe artists and brand-new creatives scouted from the national and international Fringe circuit.
All FESTN4 shows are 70 minutes or less and are $15
MAMMA MIA!
January 14–26, 2025
Dr. Phillips Center
A mother, a daughter, 3 possible dads, and an unforgettable trip down the aisle! Set on a sunlit Greek island, MAMMA MIA! weaves love, friendship, and identity with ABBA’s timeless hits. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to find her father reunites three men from her mother’s past. For nearly 25 years, this feel-good musical has captivated audiences worldwide with its heartwarming story and iconic music.
Great Orchestra Series
Through March, 2025
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
The 24/25 Great Orchestra Series, which includes incredible performances by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and London Symphony Orchestra.
The Great Orchestra 24/25 Series Schedule:
- Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra: Monday, November 18, 2024, at 7:30 pm
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 7:30 pm
- London Symphony Orchestra: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 7:30 pm
- Lang Lang in Recital: Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 8 pm
“IMMERSE” Festival
February 21-23, 2025
Streets and public spaces of Downtown Orlando
The highly-anticipated return of the “IMMERSE” festival February 21-23 in the streets and public spaces of Downtown Orlando (with art on display for the entire month of February).
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- Orlando’s Most Romantic Restaurants
- New Restaurants and Experiences in Orlando
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More Ideas: Ongoing Orlando Events
Tasty Takeover in The Milk District
Tuesdays from 6:30-10pm
The Milk District – E. Robinson St
THE food truck block party in Orlando! Find it in The Milk District every Tuesday night behind the bars and shops of E. Robinson St.
FREE Admission
Luminary Market
First Wednesday of every month, 5:30-9pm
Luminary Green Park in Creative Village
xplore 20-25 local vendors featuring unique, curated goods and support our growing community of residents, students, and workers. Stick around after shopping for KaleidoScope 360°, an outdoor movie series where you can enjoy family-friendly films under the stars! Showtime is at 7pm.
Tibetan Meditation with Puja Madan
Second Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm
Timucua, 2000 S Summerlin Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
No prior meditation experience necessary. An open mind and heart will suffice. If you do however meditate regularly, this technique will deepen your practice.
Note: this is an alcohol-free event. The meditation is best practiced on a light stomach. Please dress comfortably.
Piano Bar Show at Jewel
Friday and Saturday Nights
Jewel Orlando
Dueling Piano players take the stage for a fun night of song requests and sing-alongs! Call (321) 444-5306 after 5pm to get your password for speakeasy entry.
FREE admission with password
RELATED: How to Have an Orlando Food Truck Date
Cirque du Soleil “Drawn to Life”
Wednesdays – Sundays
Performances of “Drawn to Life” take place on most nights at 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm. Go for the later show if you prefer to potentially have less kids in attendance. Additionally, it will give you more time to enjoy Disney Springs before the show.
Weekends at the Winery
Saturdays and Sundays, 10am – 5pm (Sat) & 11am – 5pm (Sun)
Lakeridge Winery
Head to this Central Florida winery's expansive vineyard green each weekend for delicious food, live entertainment, complimentary wine tastings/tours, and Lakeridge wines by the glass at the outdoor bar. Plus, delicious food at the Food Pavilion, as well as live music all weekend long
FREE admission
Check out multiple Farmers' Markets around Orlando every weekend.
Saturday Exhibition Highlights Docent-Led Tour
Every Saturday, 1pm & 3pm
Rollins Museum of Art
Docent-led tours of highlighted works from the season’s exhibitions at the Rollins Museum of Art.
FREE
Painting With Primates
Chase Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservatory (Webster, FL)
Most Sundays, 10am
A memorable morning surrounded by some incredible endangered species. Lemurs and a local artist will help you paint a chosen picture on a canvass while sitting amongst the grandfather oaks that reside in a 5 acre open habitat. All materials will be included. This consists of paint, the canvass, easel, and brushes. Each participant will leave with their own work of art.
All participants must be 13 and over when painting with adult only.
Class lasts 2-3 hours in total
$89
Wine Drunk Comedy
Every Sunday at 8pm
The Imperial at Washburn Imports
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of laughter at Wine Drunk Comedy! Join them at this unique venue, a charming wine bar nestled alongside an antique shop, for a night filled with hilarious stand-up comedy. Featuring an all-star lineup of Florida's finest comedians and surprise drop-ins from talented performers nationwide. Sip on specially crafted drink specials while being entertained by top-notch comedy performances that will leave you in stitches.
$10
2024 / 2025 Highlights
Lots of fun events are on the horizon, including the holidays in Orlando will be as festive as always.
SAVE THE DATE – 40th Anniversary Casino Royale Gala
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Join your Enzian family for an unforgettable evening at an exclusive private residence in Winter Park for the Casino Royale Gala, where the elegance of James Bond on the silver screen will come to life. Expect a night filled with a truly Enzian experience: great friends, great food, and a whole lot of fun as we celebrate Enzian’s 40th Anniversary. Will you be a spy, a villain, or a stylish party guest? Come dressed to impress and ready to indulge in the magic of cinema as we support and celebrate your favorite art house theater.
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