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.
ORLANDO HOLIDAY AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort
The weather forecast this Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee calls for a high of 9 degrees, with a 100% chance of ICE! In ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, guests step into an arctic attraction – kept at a frosty 9 degrees – into a wondrous world of larger-than-life, hand-carved ice sculptures.
After experiencing frozen fun inside ICE!, guests can enjoy a sleigh-full of live shows, immersive family events, millions of sparkling lights, a 60-foot-tall Christmas tree that comes to life in a kaleidoscope of color, and more all across the resort's 64-acre winter wonderland. Find tickets and additional information at ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com.
Night of a Million Lights
Through Jan. 1
Island H2O Water Park
This special event came about when the Give Kids the World Village could not operate at full capacity due to COVID-19 precautions. The Village is now back to full capacity, which means the Night of a Million Lights event is now being reimagined in a new location!
Island H2O Water Park in Kissimmee, FL, is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring millions of lights, luminous displays, festive family activities, and live entertainment for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. The enchanting neighborhood feel is missing from this new event, however, there is energetic excitement. The tropical only-in-Florida vibes are a fun twist, and it is special to experience a water park decorated for the holidays.
This dazzling and fun event is great for families, and for couples. There is a play area for little tykes, plus character greetings and Santa Claus greetings. And for couples, the full-service bar is open, near the adults-only pool. All the food and beverage spots around the park are open too.
Nightly entertainment includes performances by Dueling Pianos Jingle and Jangle and the strolling a cappella group Santa’s Dancing Reindeer, with DJ Jack Frost Ice Block Party leading an interactive holiday hits dance party. The Emmy Award-winning RWS Entertainment Group partners with Give Kids The World and Island H2O Water Park to produce the event.
$30 – $40
Looking for Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay?
Dinos In Lights Festive Holiday Show
Sunday, November 5 – January 3, 2023
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).
Christmas Nights in Lights Immersive Light Show
November 11, 2022 – January 1, 2023, 6pm – 11pm
Dezerland Orlando
A dazzling drive-thru light show fully synchronized to popular holiday classics tuned directly to each vehicle’s car stereo on a private radio frequency. The all-new seasonal attraction will take guests through a showcase of holiday displays and more than 1.5 million “dancing” lights. Guests never have to exit their cars; they can simply sit back, relax, and take in the spectacle of the synchronized light show before them.
$45 per vehicle (not per person)
Shine Light Show
November 18, 2022 – January 1, 2023
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
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.
Lake Nona Lights
November 24 – December 31, 2022
East Park Subdivison of Lake Nona (Look for 9800 Old Patina Way)
Now celebrating its 10th consecutive year, this neighborhood 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
Holiday Light Displays at Cranes Roost Park
November 24, 2022 - January 1, 2023
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
I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting
Tree lighting: December 1, 2022, 6pm
Holiday tree on display through January 1, 2023
ICON Park on International Drive
Kick of 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 2, 2022, 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!
A Merry Winter Garden Light Show at City Hall
December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 2022, 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.
For more holiday fun, Check out our guide to Orlando's best FREE holiday events!
Casselberry Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony + Holiday Lights
Tree lighting December 3, 2022
Lights and decorations through December 26, 2022, beginning at dusk
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
Winter Wonderland of Lights 2022 (Drive-thru)
Sunday, December 4, 2022, 7pm
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.
FREE
Sanford Parade of Lights
December 10, 2022, 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.
Neighborhood Lights
Johanessen Lights
Nightly in December from 6-9pm *CLOSED Christmas Eve
Winter Park
Park at the corner of Goldenrod & Georgeann and walk over to enjoy this popular neighborhood display.
FREE
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
The Lights on Jeater Bend
November 24 – December 31, 2022, 6-9:30pm (final year!)
Jeater Bend Drive, Celebration (park on Celebration Avenue and walk over)
Now in its 14th year and final year, Jeater Bend features 11 homes synchronized to lights, music, projection, water & fire.
FREE
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
Worth the drive – Nights of Lights in St. Augustine
November 19, 2022, to January 31, 2023
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
SEE SNOW
We're miles from real snow but a few creative locals have crafted a suitable substitute.
Snow Falling Nightly in Celebration
November 26, 2022 – December 31, 2022
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
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
Select nights December 7 – 24, 2022
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
Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland
December 2 – 25, 2022
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 $2 admission fee applies
Snowcat Ridge Alpine Adventure Park
Reopening November 2022
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
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