Located less than 15 minutes from the Walt Disney World Resort, Celebration is a quaint town originally developed by Disney as a master-planned community. This storybook-style town is actually connected to the Walt Disney World resorts via one of its main streets, World Drive, which begins near Magic Kingdom. Today, this part of Central Florida is equal parts residential community and tourist destination. It's also the perfect little date night destination.
The main hub, Celebration Town Center, is a walkable downtown packed with restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique shops, located along Market Street and Front Street. Beyond the main thoroughfare, you'll find a weekly farmer's market, quiet paved walking trails, boardwalks, special events, and more.
Plan the charming date night in Celebration with our ideas listed below.
Updated January 2024 by Meghan Roth & June 2025 by Nancy DeVault.
1. Hit the Trails
Celebration's small size makes it ideal for exploring hand-in-hand via foot. Park your car along the street (there's plenty of free parking) and make your way to the intersection of Market Street and Front Street. From here, you can walk along the main paved trail, which leads to several small boardwalks. Eventually, the trail leads to quiet residential streets which are just as fun to explore.
Even though you're technically within the neighborhood of Kissimmee, Florida, you won't feel like it.
2. Visit the Farmers Market
Peruse fresh produce, foods, and local goods every Sunday from 10am-2pm at the Celebration Farmers Market. An assortment of vendors set up shop each week along Market Street and Front Street.
While Celebration's Farmers' Market does not typically have as much fresh produce as other farmers' markets in Orlando, it's still a fun thing to do. Stick around for brunch or lunch after the market for a complete morning date.
3. Savor Something Sweet
If you've both got a sweet tooth, Kilwin's is a staple of the area. This ice cream shop is always bustling with a healthy mix of locals and tourists. Try a chocolate malt milkshake or a scoop of ice cream in a waffle cone (I love the Kilwin's Mud flavor).
Next door you'll find Le Macaron, a French bakery specializing in macarons. Soak up the Parisian inspired décor, chocolates almost too beautiful to eat, and creative macaron flavors like lavender white chocolate (my personal favorite).
The café playlist adds to the ambiance. They've also got fabulous gelato in an assortment of flavors, although I'm partial to the pistachio.
While you stroll the main drag with your sweetie and sweet treat, take note of the work of the architects, the style of the buildings, and the nearby public parks. You might even notice inspiration from famous architects, Michael Graves and Philip Johnson. Celebration's master plan is intended to mix relaxing green space with shopping, dining, and office space.
4. Rent Bikes
While the main street of Celebration is very walkable, there are other acres of land to explore if you want to see the neighborhoods and squares. Bring along your own bikes to explore on two wheels, or rent bikes on Bloom Street.
The trails are mixed use, although the trail around the downtown lake is the busiest. Cruise around Celebration's quieter streets and paths for a more leisurely ride. Check out rental options via Celebration Bike Rental and Evolve Bicycles and Ebikes.
5. Pack a Picnic
For a totally free date night, pack your own picnic basket with goodies and set up a waterfront picnic at Celebration Lakeside Park. There's plenty of space to spread out a blanket, and the further you follow the paved walking trails, the more secluded you'll feel. I recommend visiting right before sunset.
If you prefer to grab something to go, stop by the Downtown Diner, New York Bakery Boys, Upper Crust Pizza, or even just subs from Publix.
READ MORE: Everything You Need to Plan a Romantic Picnic in Orlando
6. Rent a Room
Soak up all of the idyllic charm and extend your date night in Celebration by spending the night. Fresh;y renovated, The Inn at Celebration is located on the Lake Rianhard, with plenty of outdoor seating spots to enjoy the view. Amenities include Lakeside Kitchen & Bar, a cozy living room style lobby, intimate library space, fitness center, onsite bike rentals, electric car charging stations, and more.
This charming boutique hotel isn't just for visitors on vacation, it makes a great staycation for Orlando residents too! Pets are welcome for an additional fee.
READ MORE: Celebrating the Newly-Renovated Inn at Celebration (Staycation Review & Photos)
7. Raise a Glass
For pint-sized fun and more, head to Celebration Brewing Co. This brewery pour tasty beers and serves up fun themed nights, like trivia and karaoke.
No visit to Celebration is complete without a stop at Celebration Town Tavern. This local institution is the best place in town to sip on craft beers, feast on pub fare, and relax with loved ones. There are two spacious bars and plenty of covered outdoor patio seating.
You can even enjoy zero proof cocktails and frozen drinks!
Lakeside Bar, located inside the Celebration Hotel as previously noted, boasts a sophisticated happy hour with beer, wine, cocktails and snacks. Don't be surprised if your taste buds steer you to the wowzer craft cocktail menu. The romantic lakeside location provides a lovely view while you wine and dine. If you're exploring Celebration in the morning or afternoon, consider stopping in for brunch/lunch.
8. Make Reservations for a Romantic Dinner
While Celebration has many budget-friendly options and inexpensive activities, it's also home to a variety of restaurants worthy of your best date night ensemble.
The Wine Imperium is a cozy wine bar with indoor/outdoor seating, a selection of 80+ vinos available by the glass or bottle, and a variety of refreshing wine cocktails. The menu includes an assortment of light bites, flatbreads, and savory entrees.
Another notable spot, Columbia is a local Spanish/Cuban chain located on Front Street. Think old world décor, white tablecloths, and authentic Spanish dishes. The “1905” Salad is a must-try signature dish tossed tableside and named after the year Columbia Restaurant's original location in Ybor City was founded.
There's a spacious covered patio if you prefer to dine outdoors.
For something a little more casual, check out Posto Pizza. Their menu is filled with specialty and craft pizzas along with salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Try the Posto Pizza (Italian plum tomato sauce, Grande mozzarella, muenster cheese, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, spinach, shaved prime brisket, and chimichurri) with a glass of red wine or a local craft beer.
Other favs for date night in Celebration include Ari Sushi, Avocado's Mexican Grill, Reggiano’s of Celebration, Thai Thani, and The Wilson Kitchen & Cocktails.
9. Meet for Coffee or Breakfast
Coffee makes couples happy… literally. Forgo decaf because caffeine has been shown to trigger the production of dopamine in the brain and, thus, trigger (warm and yummy) cheeriness… a lovely ingredient indeed. Coffee lovin’ couples can try Fortuna Bakery or, of course, Starbucks.
Maybe make morning reservations for breakfast instead of dinner. Get your fill of biscuits and other morning goodies from Maple Street Biscuit Company located just a few minutes drive from Celebration Town Center.
If a standard diner meal is what you're craving, head to the Downtown Diner for classic breakfast grub and more. Or, kick things up a notch with brunch at Lakeside Kitchen. Nosh on parmesan-crusted avocado toast, stuffed French toast, pulled pork benedict, and more.
10. Attend an Annual Festival
Celebration also hosts a lineup of fun annual festivals. Most notable events in Celebration include an annual exotic car show (spring), Oktoberfest (October), and the annual nightly “snow” and a beautiful Christmas display during the holiday season (from the end of November through December).
11. Pamper Yourself and Your Partner
Aim for relaxation and rejuvenation with services booked at Lavender, The Spa. This place specializes in massage, Pilates, haircare, and skincare.
READ MORE: 30 Self-Care Ideas for Orlando Area Couples
12. Have an on Par Date
For couples interested in a little friendly competition, swing by Celebration Golf Club or Mystic Dunes Golf Club. Both boast impeccable greens. After hitting on the faraway, try some winning restaurant fare.
In its early years visitors would often remark that Celebration's pristine appearance and strict homeowners association reminded them of The Truman Show movie. Now that communities with such master planning are more common, residents remain proud, while visitors bask in the charm.
Feature image credit: Former Celebration Hotel, Autograph Collection
