Thanksgiving is done, it's time for all things yuletide! Christmas in Orlando is the most magical time of year – without question. And there is so much to do during the holidays around here. We've curated this guide to the best holiday events in Orlando to fuel your holiday date nights.
Check out our bucket list of must-do experiences, view some holiday lights, find our picks for FREE events, watch a classic Christmas movie, and celebrate the holidays in Orlando theme parks. Our guide has it all!
You can also browse kid-friendly FREE holiday events in Orlando.
Christmas Events Bucket List for 2024
Looking for an overview of our top picks for celebrating the holidays in Orlando? This is your section! Below you can skim our curated list of the must-do holiday events and experiences.
Featured
Winter Wonderland
Fridays & Saturdays, November 22 – January 4
Westgate River Ranch
Celebrate the Holiday Season with the Annual Winter Wonderland Experience at Westgate River Ranch !
Enjoy a festive Hayride with classic Christmas Carols and explore their 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 them for a magical holiday celebration!
Orlando Ballet's The Nutcracker
December 6 – 22
Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
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, Orlando Ballet, this production comes to life with action-packed aerials, blazing battles and breathtaking ballet. Get tickets here!
Tickets start at $39. Sensory friendly and audio described performances available.
Check out a Holiday Lights Display
Returning this year, Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens, which runs from select nights November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025, takes you on a 3/4-mile journey through multiple holiday lights experiences.
- A stunning nighttime show with 100, 10’ tall beacons of light
- A dazzling, 30’ tall tree of thousands of shimmering, gold sequins
- A fun, wintery Florida display created by the Leu Gardens Horticulture Team
Adult tickets start at $22 (some weekdays) $28 for weekends and other dates, Children ages 3-13 start at $19 (Children under 3 enter free, no ticket required.)
Check out our Christmas lights section below for more ideas.
Bonus idea – The incredible Asian Lantern Festival at Central Florida Zoo runs on select dates from November to January. If you want to avoid crowds and extend the holiday season then head here in January.
Where to Find Orlando's Best Holiday Lights
Sip Festive Libations
Conduct your own holiday cocktail crawl all around Orlando! Follow our Disney Springs holiday pub crawl for even more festive fun.
Best of all, multiple spots are serving jolly drinks around town. Read more in our guide to Sip Festive Christmas Cocktails at Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Orlando.
You can also enjoy holiday ice cream flavors at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. Winter Park Village itself is lovely to visit during the holiday season thanks to the sparkling Christmas decorations and dazzling storefronts.
2024 Jeni's Splendid Holiday Flavors
- NEW Iced Molasses Gingerbread – Spiced molasses cream with gingerbread cookies and white icing swirl.
- NEW Lemon Crinkle – Bright, buttery lemon cream with a ribbon of sweet cream.
- NEW Seven-Layer Bar – Bittersweet chocolate pockets and brown sugar crumble in coconut-scented toasted caramel cream.
- White Chocolate Peppermint (returning favorite) – Swirls of pink and white peppermint with white chocolate freckles.
- Pistachio Macaron (returning favorite) – Roasted pistachio cream with a honey nougat-like texture.
Snuggle Up in a Horse Drawn Carriage
See Downtown Winter Garden’s seasonal decor and holiday lights on a holiday horse drawn carriage tour. SOUL Haven Ranch offers this magical experience throughout December for $125.
The carriage fits up to four adults, or two adults and three kids.
Limited availability December 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, and 26
Tours begin at the Winter Garden Downtown Pavillion (104 S Lakeview Ave). Reservations are required and can be booked online.
Explore more Horse Drawn Carriage Rides in Orlando.
Play in the Snow and Skate
We’re miles from real snow but a few creative locals have crafted a suitable substitute. Find nightly “flurries” falling hourly at Celebration Town Center from 6-9pm November 29, 2024 – December 31, 2024. This popular holiday event in Celebration is celebrating its over 25 years.
The perfect touch of winter in Florida can be found with snowfall hourly from 6-9pm, and at Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland.
And the Winter Wonderland Market at Grande Lakes Orlando is open to the public on 12/20, 12/21, 12/27, 12/28. This charming Christmas village will have seasonal delights, snowfall, and festive activities. Self parking is validated with purchase at one of cottages or vendors.
See the Lake Eola Christmas Tree
It just wouldn’t be the holidays without a walk around Lake Eola Park culminating in a visit to the iconic Christmas tree. Animated lights bring the tree to life during a synchronized light and music show each night. The city's official tree lighting ceremony on December 6, 2024, and the nightly lights continue through January 6, 2025.
Watch Classic Holiday Movies
Now's the time to watch all your favorite holiday flicks on the big screen! Check out our holiday movie section further down or check out the holiday movie lineup this year.
Cut your own Christmas tree
Orlando may not be the frosty north, but you can actually cut your own Christmas tree without the travel. In Eustis, not too far from Orlando, you can cut your own tree at Santa's Christmas Tree Forest. This is an actual working tree farm, and you can cut your own tree. They provide the saw too!
These Florida Christmas trees are smaller than their northern cousins. Choose from sand pine, red cedar, or Arizona cypress. If you prefer a pre-cut traditional type of tree, please select Fresh Cut Northern Trees from the menu on Santa's Christmas Tree Forest's website.
Here's How to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at Santa's Tree Farm
Celebrate the Holidays in the Theme Parks
Have the theme parks in our backyard is incredible this time of year. The ultimate holiday season date night is at Disney Jollywood Nights – an after-hours holiday soiree at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Glitzy glamorous attire is encouraged, live entertainment is top notch, and food & drinks are top tier.
And let's not forget the enchantment of Universal Orlando during the holidays. The budget-friendly festive fun at Disney Springs thanks to the Christmas Tree Stroll. And the ability to hop aboard Disney transportation to scope out the best holiday decorations.
You can also visit some date-worthy spots to see Santa Claus.
Holiday Events at Walt Disney World
November 12 – December 31, 2024
The holidays at Walt Disney World kick off on November 12, 2024 and run through early January 2025. EPCOT gets a later start on November 29, 2024.
If you plan to visit on Christmas or any dates close to it, book your Disney Park Pass Reservation as soon as you can. Park Pass Reservations are required for certain ticket types.
READ MORE: The Complete Guide to the Holidays at Walt Disney World
Holidays at Universal Orlando
November 22 – December 31, 2024
Head to Universal Orlando Resort for the biggest, loudest, awesomest holiday celebration of the season! Celebrate with seasonal shows and decorations at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Sip on hot Butterbeer in Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure as they come to life with magical lights and festive events. The Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s features larger-than-life balloons, with appearances by the Minions and characters from Shrek and Madagascar.
Head over to Whoville for The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring The Grinch himself at Islands of Adventure.
Coasters After Dark – Christmas Edition at SeaWorld Orlando
Select Nights from November to December 2024, Starting November 8
SeaWorld Orlando, the Coaster Capital of Orlando, is thrilled to announce Coasters After Dark – Christmas Edition, an exclusive festive nighttime event taking place on select nights this November through December, starting November 8. This separately ticketed event offers guests the unique opportunity to experience their favorite roller coasters and attractions under the stars while surrounded by Christmas lights. With a limited capacity approach, guests can immerse themselves in all the thrills without the worry of long waits.
During this special event, guests can enjoy riding seven of the park’s most popular attractions: Mako, Manta, Kraken, Pipeline, Journey to Atlantis, Penguin Trek and Ice Breaker. Plus, select retail and food & beverage locations will be open, including guest favorites like Flamecraft Bar, South Pole Sips and the return of the seasonal favorite, hot chocolate hut.
Tickets for this jolly nighttime event start at $49.99.
Best Christmas Lights in Orlando
Nothing says Christmas quite like strolling around hand in hand to “oooh” and “ahhhh” at holiday lights. Below are a few of our favorite Christmas lights displays in Orlando.
GIVE KIDS THE WORLD HOLIDAY VIP TOURS
December 5-7, 12-13, and 19-22, 2024
Tours available at 7pm, 7:30pm, & 8pm
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?
This year's event features:
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes storytelling tours.
- Festive dessert party.
- Access to select venues on the iconic Avenue of Angels, illuminated with over 1 million lights.
- Decorated vignettes from Village partners.
- Fun props and holiday photo backdrops.
Tickets are $85 per person. All proceeds will benefit Give Kids The World. Please note, this tour entails 90 minutes of walking and storytelling, and may not be suitable for young children.
Holiday Light Displays + Fountain Show at Cranes Roost Park
Light Up The Holidays
Saturday, December 7, 5 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy over 200,000 lights on more than 100 holiday displays at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs. The lights are turned on each night at dusk. There is also a fountain show nightly at 6, 7, 8 and 9pm.
While the holiday lights are visible from the end of November through all of December, don't miss this special event on Saturday, December 7 only with a festive fireworks display, live music & dance performances, and kids' activities.
A Merry Winter Garden Light Show at City Hall
December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 2024
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.
Casselberry Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony + Holiday Lights
Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Lights and decorations through December 26, 2024 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.
13th Annual Christmas Light Ride
Saturday, December 7, 7pm
Retro City Cycles
399 E New Hampshire St, Orlando, FL
Take a ride through Ivanhoe Village and College Park to take in the great light displays. Ride starts/finishes at Retro City Cycles and will be about 6 miles at a casual pace, all bikes welcome! Don't forget to decorate your bike!
Read our guide to Where to Find Orlando's Best Holiday Lights for even MORE ideas!
FREE Holiday Events
A holiday date night doesn't have to cost a dime. Partake in free festive celebrations throughout Orlando including tree lightings, festive parades, and so much more.
Snow Falling Nightly in Celebration
November 30, 2024 – December 31, 2024
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.
Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland
December 1 – December 25, 2024
Nightly snow flurries plus extra entertainment and activities are offered on select days and evenings, including outdoor movies and visits from Santa Claus. Be sure to check out Wekiva Island’s website for more details. *Note: a nominal $5 admission fee applies.
Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs
November 9, 2024 through January 1, 2025
This year the Christmas Tree Trail is now a Stroll, with each tree at its own individual location to make social distancing possible. Maps for the Stroll can be obtained at House of Blues, 12 Days of Christmas Store, The Marketplace Co-Op, and The Welcome Center. Each tree is inspired by a Disney character or theme.
Check out our guide to 50+ Festive and Free Holiday Events in Orlando for the full scoop on the best free holiday events to attend.
I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting
Tree lighting: November 22, 2024, 6pm
Holiday tree on display through January 1, 2025
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.
71st Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7, 2024, starts at 9am
This festive event along Park Avenue in Winter Park has been held each December for more than 70 years, making it the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida.
SNOW in the Courtyard
Saturday, December 14, 4pm
Rogers Kiene Building
39 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando
This event, taking place on Saturday, December 14, at the historic Rogers Kiene Building at 39 S. Magnolia Ave. in Downtown Orlando, will honor Orlando’s Bob Snow, the visionary founder of Church Street Station, and celebrate his remarkable contributions to the city's entertainment and cultural history. The building materials for the FORDify the Arts Courtyard have been repurposed exclusively from the former Church Street Ballroom.
The event will feature live Dixieland Jazz music, art, performing artists, food, cocktails and the signature trademark of FORDify the Arts to “Surprise and Delight” their guests! Bob Snow will be in attendance to enjoy this landmark day! Ticket price for the VIP opening from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM is $50 available on Eventbrite.
Free street party featuring Eugene Snowden and the Fabulous JC's live music entertainment, vendors, and food trucks goes from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Christkindlmarkt
December 14 – 15, 2024
Luminary Green Park
437 N Terry Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Experience the magic of a traditional German Christmas market at Luminary Green Park on December 14th and 15th! From 11am to 10pm, immerse yourself in festive cheer with delicious treats, unique gifts, and holiday entertainment.
$1 at the gate for adults (kids free)
Where to Watch Christmas Movies
It doesn't get more classic than cuddling up to watch holiday films together! From free outdoor movies to Christmas classics returning to the big screen, here's where to see holiday movies in Orlando this season.
Enzian Theater's Christmas Movie Series
Select Dates, December 4 – 18, 2024
Enzian Theater
Snuggling up and watching one of these feel-good films is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit. And don’t forget to stop by Eden Bar to try special Holiday Cocktails.
Prices vary by film
- December 4: The Shop Around the Corner
- December 6: Home Alone (Popcorn Flicks in the Park)
- December 8: Frozen (Letters to Santa)
- December 11: Elf
- December 18: A Christmas Story
Holiday Movie Nights at Cranes Roost Park
Bring your chair and blankets to enjoy holiday movies in the Cranes Roost Park Plaza. Admission is free. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
- “The Christmas Story”: December 12, 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- “Elf”: December 19, 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
There are even more movies to see in our Guide to Holiday Movies in Orlando.
Ring in the New Year
Close out the holiday season by waving goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025! Refer to our NYE guide for the best parties, dinners, and celebrations. We'll be updating our guides dates for 2024 are confirmed, but here's a sneak peek at a few NYE events in Orlando:
Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach Hard Rockers & High Rollers NYE
Tuesday, December 31, 2024, 8pm – 1am
Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Get ready to roll into 2025 at the annual Hard Rockers & High Rollers NYE celebration. Dance bands, DJ, Food & Drink and plenty of Casino style games. Upgrade your New Year's Eve experience and purchase tickets to the VIP Sky Lounge on the Wave Terrace. The VIP Sky Lounge will give you guaranteed seating all night, access to the Avalon Ballroom & Terrace entertainment, VIP Buffet, Premium open Bar until 11:30 pm, and champagne toast @ midnight!
Overnight packages available. Starting at $150.
READ MORE: OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO NEW YEAR’S EVE IN ORLANDO
Holiday Events: Performances and Entertainment
Get in the holiday spirit at these special performances including The Nutcracker, holiday concerts, and more.
A Christmas Carol
Wednesday, November 27 – Sunday, December 22, 2024, showtimes vary
Orlando Shakes
The heartwarming Christmas classic comes to life on stage in an all-new adaptation by Artistic Director Jim Helsinger. The miserly and miserable Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a “bah humbug,” until he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.
Ticket prices vary
Home for the Holidays
Featuring Byron Stripling with Holiday Swing
Saturday, November 30, 2024, 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Steinmetz Hall – Dr. Phillips Center
Experience the joyful sounds of the season for the first time ever in Steinmetz Hall
$75 – $125
Holiday Friday Nights at Morse Museum
Most Friday nights November 29 – December 27, 2024, 5-8pm
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park
Receive free admission every Friday night! During the holidays, select Friday nights get a special twist with holiday performances to celebrate the season. Live music enhances the gallery experience.
FREE
Christmas in the Park
Thursday, December 5, 2024, 6:15-8:30pm
Central Park, Winter Park
The City of Winter Park and The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art continue this beloved holiday tradition. Stroll through the park and enjoy the sounds of the Bach Festival Choir.
FREE
Fridays on the Plaza Holiday Music
Select dates, December 6 – 27, 2024, 7-9pm
Downtown Winter Garden
Enjoy the classic sounds of holidays of old as live music serenades shoppers at the plaza of downtown Winter Garden.
- December 6 – Light Up Winter Garden
- December 13 – Juniper Club (Christmas, Holiday Music)
- December 20 – Safia Valines Quartet (Christmas, Holiday Music)
- December 27 – L & G Live (Pop, Holiday Music)
Orlando Philharmonic Holiday Pops in Winter Park
Sunday, December 8, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
Winter Park’s Central Park
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.
FREE
Holiday Concerts at Cranes Roost Park
Friday, December 13 and Friday, December 20, 2024
Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
Find your groove with live holiday tunes from talented local artists. Admission is free. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
It's also a great place to see Santa Claus in Orlando.
FREE
Violectric Holiday Show
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
Walt Disney Amphitheatre at Lake Eola Park
Rock in the holidays with the popular strings super-group Violectric. Free and open to the public, the concert features traditional holiday songs mashed up with classic rock tunes and modern hits. Donations for the Pet Alliance will be accepted during the event.
FREE
Phantasmagoria's An Even More Haunted Victorian Christmas
Thursday, December 19, 2024, 7:30pm
Ritz Theater
201-203 South Magnolia Avenue, Sanford, Florida 32771
Gather 'round the fire as the critically acclaimed Victorian performance troupe, Phantasmagoria, returns with a brand-new collection of haunted—and haunting—tales for the holiday season. A perfect sequel to last year's captivating performances. Prepare for an evening filled with holiday haunts, Christmas Eve terrors, whimsical spirits, and much more, as we keep the age-old tradition of telling ghost stories during the holidays alive. From classic Victorian tales to original holiday hauntings, you’ll be transported into a world of eerie enchantment… and yes, the Canterville Ghost is back.
$30.50 – $37.50
Put on your calendar for next year…
Festival of Trees: Let the Joy of the Season Shine
November 16-24, 2024
Orlando Museum of Art
During Festival of Trees, visitors can see more than 50 designer-inspired decorated trees, all available for purchase, exceptional gingerbread houses, wreaths, and more. In addition, there will be a holiday shopping experience, pop-up shops and live entertainment.
Adults—$20
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Holiday Harbor Nights
Friday, November 29, from 6:30pm – 9pm
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando’s signature food and wine event will kick off the holiday season with enhanced experiences and more! Come experience an unforgettable and festive evening filled with Italian charm as you stroll beneath the twinkling lights of the stunning Harbor Piazza.
Featuring an array of wines, delectable Italian-inspired cuisine, live music performed by The Buzzcatz, opera singers and the grand illumination of Portofino’s glittering Christmas tree, Holiday Harbor Nights is the perfect date night or fun night out with friends to celebrate the season.
Ages | Adults (age 21+) only. Tickets start at $85.
Buy tickets here!
NEW YEAR'S EVE 2025 | DECEMBER 31
Looking for the Best New Year's Events in Orlando? Check out our guide to NYE! And we have the 411 on how to enjoy NYE fireworks too!