Can you believe it? The Christmas and Holiday Events season in Orlando, is here! This means breaking out the eggnog, Christmas movies, and festive tunes. It's also a great time of year to enjoy the area's holiday lights and decor. Here's a guide to finding some of the best of Orlando's holiday and Christmas lights displays.

Santa's little helps along with you? Check out the Best Christmas lights and decorations in Orlando for Kids.

ORLANDO HOLIDAY AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

GIVE KIDS THE WORLD HOLIDAY VIP TOURS

November 17 and 18, 2023
December 1 and 2, 2023
December 15 and 16, 2023
December 21 and 22, 2023

Savor the magic of 1.6 million glimmering lights covering the iconic GKTW venues, have fun taking holiday photos with special backdrops, and enjoy the exclusive behind-the-scenes stories that go along with each unique area. And how about adding in GKTW villas decorated by the incredible Village partners?

Tickets are $59.99 per person. All proceeds will benefit Give Kids The World.

christmas lights decorate the village during Give Kids the World Holiday VIP Tour
Give Kids the World Holiday VIP Tour – image by Meghan Roth

HOLIDAY NIGHTS

Every Wednesday through Sunday from Nov. 15 – Dec. 10, 2023 and every day Dec. 13 – 31, 2023
Island H2O Water Park

Holiday Nights at Island H2O Water Park is packed with an all new dazzling lights display. There are multiple photo ops and plenty of Christmas light tunnels so you can be surrounded by the beautiful lights. Nosh on festive food and specialty drinks, plus holiday shopping, and nightly entertainment – with proceeds benefitting Give Kids The World Village.

Island H2O Holiday Nights Flamingo Lights
Island H2O Flamingo Lights – image by Dani Meyering

 

This dazzling and fun event is great for families, and for couples. There new kids' activities that are included in admission, plus character and Santa Claus greetings.

Guests can indulge in holiday shopping as they surf through the holiday market featuring local vendors with a showcase of unique gifts and handcrafted ornaments. Sip steaming mugs of cider and hot cocoa, enjoy holiday themed bites, and toast s’mores all while enjoying unique live entertainment each night.

 

Island H2O Holiday Nights Christmas Light Tunnel Dessert World themed
Island H2O Holiday Nights – image by Dani Meyering

 


Related: Disney has some pretty amazing Disney World Christmas and Holiday decorations, too!


Dazzling Nights

Dazzling Nights Presented by AdventHealth
Select nights November 17, 2023 – January 6, 2024
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803

Back for its fourth 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.

This year’s favorite annual tradition features the return of popular immersive environments, plus, a brand-new, large-scale light show.  Elements include

  • hundreds of hanging Moroccan lanterns
  • interactive pads that light up when guests jump on them
  • a forest with thousands of laser beams
  • a brand-new light show with 100
  • 10’ light tubes synced to music
  • a 30’ tree in splendid, shimmering gold
  • upgraded food and drinks, and, of course, snow.

red and white light display at Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens 2022
Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens 2022 – Dani Meyering

Casselberry Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony + Holiday Lights

Lights and decorations November 10, 2023 through December 26, 2023, beginning at dusk
Tree lighting ceremony December 2, 2023
Lake Concord Park, Casselberry
Stroll through Lake Concord Park to enjoy charming vignettes of holiday displays and brilliant lights. This small community park is perfect for a simple evening of enjoying light displays and a lakeside park.
FREE

Lake Concord Casselberry Christmas Lights lit up at night
Lake Concord Casselberry Christmas Lights – image by Dani Meyering

HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS + FOUNTAIN SHOW AT CRANES ROOST PARK

November 23, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
Enjoy over 200,000 lights on more than 100 holiday displays powered by Duke Energy. The lights are turned on each night at dusk. Be sure to check the City of Altamonte's calendar as some nights have appearances of Santa Claus, snow fairies, and more.
FREE

Citrus Tower Holiday Light Show

November 27 – December 31, 2023, 7-9pm
Citrus Tower, Clermont
The Citrus Tower's enchanting light show, a cherished tradition started by the Homan family, is back and brighter than ever! While the light show itself is a gift to the community, for those looking to add a bit more sparkle to their evening, the tower offers rides to the top along with delicious treats like hot cocoa and sugar cookies for purchase.

I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting

Tree lighting: December 1, 2023, 6pm
Holiday tree on display through January 1, 2024
ICON Park on International Drive
Kick off the Holiday Season with the I-Drive District at ICON Park! Check out how I-Drive Dazzles with a glittering lighting ceremony of the 50-ft Holiday Tree. Special performances by the I-Ride Trolley Chords, Dr. Phillips High School Dance In Motion Company & Orlando Ballet.

Make a reservation at The Santa Workshop Experience to meet and take holiday photos with Santa and the Jolly old elf! Children participating in The Santa Workshop Experience will receive a FREE ticket to ride the Wheel at ICON Park. The Holiday Tree will be present for viewing at ICON Park through New Year’s Day.
FREE

 

City of Orlando Tree Lighting Celebration

December 1, 2023, 5-9pm
Ring in the holiday season with Mayor Buddy Dyer at the City of Orlando’s Tree Lighting Celebration. The event will include holiday performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, food trucks and a holiday market, and an opportunity to meet Santa until 9pm at the Eola House.
FREE

Lights at Lake Eola

On or around December 2 – January 6
Lake Eola Park, Orlando
Strolling along hand in hand to see the Christmas light at Lake Eola is a must! The Eola Wonderland 72–foot Christmas tree dazzles every night with a synchronized light and music show.  The iconic Lake Eola fountain displays red, green, and gold lights — a beloved Orlando tradition. Definitely tops the list of best Orlando holiday lights!

Christmas Lights and Ornament Display Lake Eola Orlando -
Christmas Lights Lake Eola Orlando – image by Dani Meyering

A MERRY WINTER GARDEN LIGHT SHOW AT CITY HALL

December 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 2023, 6-9pm

Winter Garden City Hall
Enjoy a very merry light show at Winter Garden’s City Hall. Plus, there will be a Winter Wonderland area for children at City Hall on the nights of the light show. The entire downtown Winter Garden area will be festive and decorated.

Dinos In Lights Festive Holiday Show

Begins Saturday, November 11
Orlando Science Center
This small display is not as major as the others on our list, but still, it's worth mentioning. The Dinos In Lights Festive Holiday Show takes place in one exhibit and does not encompass the entire Science Center.

Stan the T-Rex and his fossil friends in DinoDigs are part of a festive display of music and light. Each family-friendly show will run for four minutes.
This dazzling light show is included in general admission.

Shows begin every 30 minutes between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily.
Included in regular admission to the Science Center, $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students, and $18 for youth (ages 2 – 11).

Dinos In Lights Festive Holiday Show at Orlando Science Center -T-Rex skeleton outlined in purple holiday lights
Dinos In Lights Festive Holiday Show at Orlando Science Center – Dani Meyering

 

#LIT Light Show Presented by Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®️ Credit Card

November 17, 2023 – January 3, 2024
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
This free show dazzles with thousands of dancing lights, synchronized to a high-energy, seasonal soundtrack. Animated light curtains glow with Christmas imagery around a centerpiece tree that magically transforms into a gleaming and glowing holiday spectacle.
FREE; additional Christmas at Gaylord Palms activities and parking prices vary


For more holiday fun, Check out our guide to Orlando's best FREE holiday events!


Winter Wonderland of Lights 2023 (Drive-thru)

December 8, 9, 10, 15, and 17, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Central Winds Park, Winter Springs
Drive through Central Winds Park and view holiday lights for free by the City and local businesses and organizations. Please be advised – There is a vehicle height limit for this event. No vehicles above 11 ft. will be permitted. Expect long lines.
Motorists are encouraged to use the Tuskawilla Road entrance in the Winter Springs Town Center.
FREE

Saturday, December 16, 2023, Central Winds Park transforms into a captivating walk-through wonderland from 5 to 9 p.m. This exclusive one-night event includes an opportunity to meet Santa, indulge in delicious food from food trucks, and enjoy a movie under the stars in the park.

Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland 

December 1 – 25, 2023
Wekiva Island
Nightly snow flurries plus extra entertainment and activities are offered on select days and evenings, including outdoor movies and visits from Santa Claus. While Wekiva Island does not have a ton of Orlando holiday lights, it is still so much fun. And it is a true Florida experience. Last year a 20 feet tall Christmas tree was added to the Christmas Tree Forest.
*Note: a $5 admission fee applies

Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland Christmas Trees lit at night
Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland Christmas Trees – image from Wekiva Island

Sanford Parade of Lights

December 9, 2023, 6-7:30pm
A favorite annual tradition in historic downtown Sanford returns! This parade is special since it is held at night and most parade floats are illuminated. Grab an early dinner at one of the many wonderful restaurants or head to one of the breweries for a cup of Christmas cheer after the parade.

Santa passes by at Sanford Parade of Lights
Sanford Parade of Lights – Dani Meyering

 

Holiday Drone Show

Saturday, December 23, 2023, 8:00pm
Lake Eola Park
Back by popular demand, residents and visitors can enjoy a 12-minute, high-tech holiday drone light show to celebrate the season. This one-night only show is not to be missed and will feature a dazzling display of synchronized drones flying in formation to create beautiful holiday-themed designs in the night sky. Show can be viewed from anywhere in Lake Eola Park.

2023 Holidays in Space

DEC 15, 2023 – DEC 30, 2023
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX

Starflake's Holiday Voyage returns this year for Holidays in Space! From December 15th – 30th, 2023, watch a nightly projected show on the massive exterior of Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex®. Embark on a breathtaking journey with Starflake as she travels through the stars, Earth, and beyond.

Festive holiday décor takes over the visitor complex throughout the entire month of December. The new favorite 50-foot tree with more than 61,000 pixels of light returns this year, the all-new Rocket Tree Trail Sponsored by L3Harris®, six-foot-tall astronaut nutcrackers, and more!

Neighborhood Lights

The Williams Holiday House
Starting November 23, 2023
On Oakland Avenue, this house goes all out when decorating for Christmas. Though this is a residential home, visitors are welcome and encouraged to come take a walk through the yard and take in the lights and decorations. Located at 15304 E. Oakland Ave, Winter Garden.

Johanessen Lights
Thursday-Saturday starting December 7 and December 26-31 from 6pm-10pm. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Winter Park
Park at the corner of Goldenrod & Georgeann and walk over to enjoy this popular neighborhood display.
FREE

Light Up Baldwin Park
Baldwin Park Neighborhood
Starting December 1, 2023
Baldwin Park has a community-wide Christmas light contest that includes homes, apartments, and local businesses.

Cross Christmas
Nightly during December
4241 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando
An oak tree wrapped in more than 80,000 Christmas lights, festive displays choreographed to music, and snow flurries are just a few things visitors will love about the Cross Christmas display. Snow flurries occur every half-hour between 6:30-10pm.

Fye's Crazy Christmas House
Open through the holiday season; Sunday-Thursday 5:30-9pm and Friday-Saturday 5:30-9:30pm
407 Eagle Circle, Casselberry
This beautiful display contains more than 60,000 lights, a music light show, life-sized nativity scene, a North Pole Village, and a large sleigh for photo ops.

Kissimmee Light Display
Open through the holiday season beginning November 24, 2023
922 Dartmouth Ct, Kissimmee
This multi-home light display features 100,000 lights synchronized to Disney and Christmas songs. The show alternates between two playlists every other night.

Bivona Christmas Light Show
Starting December 1, 2022, nightly from 6:30 – 10:45pm; check Facebook for updates
1601 N Wind Ct, Winter Springs, FL
Tune in to 91.3FM and enjoy this neighborhood holiday lights display synchronized to music.
FREE

Santa's House by the Bigda's
Saturday December 2nd at 7pm
Nightly 7pm – 10pm through December 31, 2023
4314 Shadow Wood Trail, Winter Haven, FL
An amazing Christmas lights display!

Lake Nona Lights
November 23 – December 31, 2023
East Park Subdivison of Lake Nona (Look for 9800 Old Patina Way – single home)
Now celebrating its 12th consecutive year, this home lights display dazzles with lights synchronized to music in an impressive ongoing nightly show. Opening night is Thanksgiving night at 6pm. The show runs nightly from 6-10pm (Sunday through Thursday) and 6-11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
FREE

a small crowd watches Lake Nona Lights display on a home
Lake Nona Lights – provided by Randy at Lake Nona Lights

Lights on Topsail Hill Street
Usually starts around December 10, around 7pm
2606 Topsail Hill Street, Orlando, FL
This coordinated light show makes for a dazzling date night and it runs until 11 PM. Don’t forget to tune your car radio to 89.7 FM to get the full experience.

Honor by Lights
Home of David Nubar and Frank Boyce
2811 Clemwood St Orlando FL 32803
Monday – Sunday
6PM – 10PM

HOT TIPS – 9 Illuminating Tips for Seeing Holiday and Christmas Lights in Orlando

 

Here are a few more neighborhoods worth driving/strolling through…

  • Winter Garden
  • Celebration
  • Baldwin Park
  • Winter Park – especially Park Avenue
  • Downtown Sanford
  • Disney Springs
  • Mount Dora

A Date Night Bucket List for Celebrating the Holidays in Winter Garden
Image credit: City of Winter Garden

Worth the drive – Nights of Lights in St. Augustine

November 18, 2023 – January 31, 2024.
More than 3 million lights adorning every corner of the historic district for two months around St. Augustine.
The trains and trolleys offer special seasonal tours that take you through the best areas, and there are also a variety of specialty tours — everything from walking to electric cart tours, and even tours to see the lights from the water and from the air.
FREE – with tours being an additional cost

Looking for Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay?

SEE SNOW

We're miles from real snow but a few creative locals have crafted a suitable substitute.

Snow Falling Nightly in Celebration
November 25, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Nightly snowfall hourly from 6- 9pm
Celebration Town Center
Celebration Town Center offers “Now Snowing-Celebration’s Winter Wonderland”, a family-friendly holiday experience with some of the best “snow” you can find in Central Florida. Festive music, decorations, and adorable shops make this a great holiday tradition.
FREE

Celebration becomes a winter wonderland with nightly snow falls. (©Whitney Bilodeau)

Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
Select nights December 7 – 23, 2023
Lake Nona Town Center
This year's winter wonderland features photos with Santa, holiday movies, a Christmas tree lot, live entertainment, special holiday events and more. Nightly snowfall too!

The seasonal magic continues throughout Town Center extending to the Lake Nona Wave Hotel where guests can enjoy seasonal food and drink options at the Fa La La La Bar, accompanied by holiday décor throughout the grounds.
FREE Admission

Snowcat Ridge Alpine Adventure Park
Reopening November 17, 2023
Dade City
Snowcat Ridge is an alpine snow park featuring a 60-foot-tall and 400-foot-long real snow-covered tubing hill with a magic carpet lift, an Alpine Village, and more.
$26.95 and up

Related: The Most Dazzling Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay and Where to Find the Best Holiday Lights in Tampa Bay. And once the Christmas celebrations are ending, it's time to think about New Year's Eve in Orlando!  And New Year's Eve in Tampa Bay!

Featured image: Dazzling Nights Orlando Photo 1 Credit Memoir Agency