You don't have to break your budget to have festive fun. It’s time again for our annual list of the best free holiday events in Orlando! We just love the holiday season in Orlando.
This list of free holiday events in Orlando is sure to get you on the nice list with your honey. And if you've got kids along, check out 25 Free Kid-Friendly Christmas Events in Orlando.
FEATURED FESTIVITIES at The Packing District:
- Holiday Pops, Friday, December 12, at 7 p.m., at The Grove Park at The Packing District.
Enjoy a free evening of music and cheer as the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra fills the air with holiday classics, led by Eric Jacobsen. Bring a blanket, enjoy a sweet treat, and celebrate the season under the stars with family, friends, and festivity. - Jingle Jog 5K & Fun Run, Sunday, December 14, at Leonard & Marjorie Williams Family YMCA.
Dash into the holidays at the Jingle Jog 5K & Fun Run through The Grove Park in The Packing District! The race kicks off at the Leonard & Marjorie Williams Family YMCA and finishes with festive medals, holiday swag, and community fun. - The Great Southern Box Co. Food Hall, all month long during December
Enjoy limited-time holiday menus, seasonal cocktails, and festive events. Head next door to Walter’s Tavern next door for even holiday fun with festive drinks, live entertainment, and plenty of spirit as you cheer on your favorite team! - Christmas Market at the Farm, Saturday, December 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bring the whole family to a festive, special edition 4Roots Christmas Market at the Farm! In addition to the 4Roots Mobile Market (which accepts SNAP & FAB), local vendors and artisans will offer farm-fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and delicious seasonal treats. Shop for unique, locally made gifts, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Free Holiday Lights and Displays
Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Decorations
- Dates: November 15, 2025 through January 1, 2026
- Location: Multiple Walt Disney World Resorts
Each Walt Disney World Resort is decorated for the holidays. However, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort is under active construction and will NOT have the gingerbread house display up this year.
Check out our Top 5 of the Disney hotels with the best holiday decorations.
Note: Parking at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels is for the exclusive use of guests with confirmed rooms, dining and recreation reservations. However, bus transportation is available from each of the four parks and Disney Springs. Guests may also park at the Ticket and Transportation Center and visit Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort via the Walt Disney World Resort Monorail.
Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs
- Dates: November 8, 2025 through January 1, 2026
- Location: Disney Springs
The Christmas Tree Stroll has each tree at its own individual location. 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.
Holiday Light Displays at Cranes Roost Park
- Dates:
- November 28, 2025 – January 2, 2026
- Light Up the Holidays Event on Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Location: Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs, 274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Enjoy over 200,000 lights on more than 100 holiday displays powered by Duke Energy. Displays can be viewed all around Cranes Roost Park nightly until January 3, 2023. 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.
Park Avenue District's Magic of the Holidays
- Dates: November 28 – January 4, 2025, nightly
- Location: Park Avenue, Winter Park
The Park Avenue District developed an elevated, multi-sensory holiday experience that includes music, scents of the season, the addition of a tremendous amount of lights to the décor, the incorporation of oranges and magnolia flowers to celebrate Florida’s heritage, and more.
Snow Falling Nightly in Celebration
- Dates:
- November 29, 2025 through December 31, 2025
- Nightly snowfall hourly from 6-9pm
- Location: Celebration Town Center, 610 Sycamore St, Suite 220, Kissimmee, FL 34747
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.
Looking for more free holiday events? Check out our guide to Where to Find Orlando’s Best Holiday Lights
Casselberry Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Dates: Lights and decorations mid-November through January 4, 2026
- Location: Lake Concord Park, Casselberry – 95 Triplet Lake Dr, Casselberry, FL 32707
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.
I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting
- Date: Friday, November 21, 2025, 6pm
- Location: ICON Park on International Drive
Kick off the Holiday Season with the I-Drive District at ICON Park!
Light Up Winter Garden
- Date: Friday, December 5, 2025, 5-9pm
- Location: Winter Garden City Hall on W. Plant Street
The tree lighting will take place at 6:15 pm at City Hall followed by various activities for all to enjoy.
City of Orlando Tree Lighting Celebration
- Date: Friday, December 5, 2025, 7pm
- Location: Lake Eola Park’s Washington Plaza
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.
A Merry Winter Garden Light Show at City Hall
- Dates: December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 2025
- Location: Winter Garden City Hall on W. Plant Street
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.
Avalon Aglow
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, parade at 3pm, festival at 5pm, fireworks at 9pm
- Location: Avalon Park Town Center, 3891 Avalon Park E Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828
Gather together to enjoy loads of holiday fun in Avalon Park. Activities include a bounce park, food truck, special performance, a parade, and fireworks.
Light Up the Holidays
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 5-9pm
- Location: Cranes Roost Park, 274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Watch as the park comes alive with spectacular holiday displays featuring 200,000 lights and a 60-foot tree decorated with thousands of ornaments and over a mile of garland. Plus, ice skating, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Citrus Tower Holiday Light Show
Dates: 2025 TBA
Location: Citrus Tower, Clermont, 141 North Hwy 27, Clermont, FL 34711
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.
FREE HOLIDAY PARADES
Sanford Parade of Lights
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 6-8pm
- Location: Downtown Sanford
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.
Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, starts at 9am
- Location: Central Park Park Avenue, Winter Park
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade. The event has been held each December for more than 70 years, making it the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida.
DeLand Rotary Christmas Parade
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 6-8pm
- Location: DeLand High School
Enjoy a time-honored tradition at the annual DeLand Christmas parade presented by the Rotary Clubs of DeLand.
Annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, starts at 7pm
- Location: Lake Dora, Mount Dora
Come enjoy the lighted Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Dora beginning at the Lighthouse across from Gilbert Park on Tremain Street and Liberty Street. Best places to view include Grantham Point (311 S Tremain Street) and Elizabeth Evans Park (100 N Donnelly Street).
Find more: Christmas Parades in Orlando
FREE HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
“Holinights Celebration” at Promenade – Sunset Walk
- Dates: November 20 – December 25, 2025
- Location: Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Live Music & Tree Lighting Nightly, Snow Ball Fights with the Mischievous Elves, Holinights Craft & Street Markets, Car Show, and More.
Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland
- Dates: November 28 – December 25, 2025
- Location: Wekiva Island
- Cost: $5 admission fee, and select events require an additional ticket
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.
Holiday Festival
- Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025, 1-4pm
- Location: Palmer's Feed & Seed 912 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32805
Enjoy this festival where you can sip, shop, and craft, plus play in the snow! Snap a pic with Santa, feel the cheer, and even buy a farm-fresh Christmas tree at this holiday festival.
Winter on the Avenue
- Date: Friday, December 5, 2025, 5-9pm
- Location: Central Park on Park Avenue, Winter Park
An annual tree-lighting, strolling carolers, and jazz on Park Avenue, the announcement of holiday art contest winners and Santa Claus.
Light Up Sanford
- Date: Friday, December 5, 2025, 6-8pm
- Location: Downtown Sanford
Experience the enchantment of the Magnolia Square Christmas Tree and downtown as we illuminate the night. Get ready for holiday entertainment, a visit from Ol’ Saint Nick, his helpers, and more!
Annual Christmas Walk
- Date: Friday, December 5, 2025, 6-9pm
- Location: Downtown Mount Dora
Enjoy this family-friendly street party in downtown Mount Dora featuring music, food vendors, toy vendors, shopping (shops open until 9pm), Free pictures in Sunset Park with Santa! Entertainment includes Mount Dora High School jazz band, carolers, bungee jump, rock climbing, stilt walkers, jugglers, and more!
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
- Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from December 5-21, 2025
- Location: 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!
Light Up SoDo
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 2-6pm
- Location: Kimco's SoDo Shopping Center, 120 W Grant St, Orlando, FL 32806
This event is family and pet-friendly—so grab the kids and your furry friends and head on down for an afternoon full of holiday fun! Get ready to experience Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday maker’s market, food trucks and vendors, appearances from local SoDo businesses, performers, music, face painting, stilt walkers, Tito's Handmade Vodka, beer and wine garden, live performances and SO MUCH MORE!
Maitland Season of Light
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 5-8:30pm
- Location: Lake Lily Park
This annual event will include live music performances, carnival games, fireworks, snow sledding, a tree lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa. Entertainment will feature the Maitland Middle School wind ensemble, jazz band, orchestra and chorus/music theater as well as the Suzuki Music School and chorus groups from Dommerich Elementary School and Lake Sybelia Elementary School.
14th Annual Christmas Light Ride
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 7pm
- Location: 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!
Annual Cracker Christmas
- Dates: Saturday & Sunday, December 6 & 7, 2025, 10am-4pm
- Location: Fort Christmas Historical Park
Experience early period 1800's-1900's Florida Christmas in the Country at Cracker Christmas. Stroll through the five-acre complex and experience seasonal decor, music and traditions in 10 original buildings. You can purchase holiday keepsakes from craft vendors and community clubs.
Krampusfest
- Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025, 2-9pm
- Location: The Plaza Live
The Milk District Main Street organization invites you to kick off the holiday season at the annual Krampusfest holiday market and festival. As one of the largest Krampus-themed events in the nation, it’s the perfect way to add some unique fun and variety to your holiday festivities this year! The event will feature live music, food, drinks, Christmas vendors, costume contests and plenty of punishment.
Food Trucks with Holiday Lights
- Date: Friday, December 12, 2025, 6-9pm
- Location: Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry
Casselberry invites you to a special night of holiday cheer and delicious food trucks at Lake Concord Park. The park will be lit with over 150,000 lights for guests to enjoy during this festive event. Food trucks will be on site.
Celebrate the Season
- Date: Friday, December 12, 2025, 6-9pm
- Location: Reiter Park, Longwood
This holiday street party will feature an array of activities including photo opportunities with Santa, music by DJ Dennis, performances by One School of the Arts, an inflatable snow maze, giant fun slides, a Snow Flurry Zone, a trackless train, 10+ food trucks and a major laser light show throughout the event.
2025 St. Lucia Festival
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 12-5pm
- Location: Museum of Seminole County History, Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773, United States
Food, fun, music, and a good time for the entire family! Free and open to the public. Donations for the museum are accepted
For more information, please visit: www.sanfordstlucia.com
Chanukah in the Park
- Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025, 5pm
- Location: Central Park in Winter Park
Featuring an amazing Art Acrobat Show, Menorah Parade, our Famous Chasidic Dancers, Strolling Magic, the freshest Sufganiyot Donuts in town, and of course the Grand Menorah Lighting!
Margaritaville Resort Orlando Holiday Celebration
- Date: Friday, December 19, 2025, 6-8pm
- Location: 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 mischievous elves, and the Towering Toy Soldiers.
Hanukkah Celebration of Lights
- Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025, 7-10pm
- Location: Lake Nona Town Center
Celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah as they bless and light the menorah in a special Rabbi led ceremony featuring traditional songs to celebrate the festival of lights. Additional entertainment includes live music, a children’s group performance, a stilt walker, face painters and more themed entertainment. Enjoy traditional kosher food while the kids make dreidels and learn the history of the holiday.
HOLIDAY MARKETS
Holiday Night Market
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 4pm – 8pm
- Location: Winter Garden Downtown Pavilion, 104 S Lakeview Ave, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Shop for holiday/gift-related hand-crafted items at special guest vendors.
Milk Mart Holiday Market
- Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025, 12pm – 6pm
- Location: The Nook on Robinson
Eat, shop, and be merry in The Milk District
Kaleidoscope Artisan Market at Celery City Craft Sanford
- Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025, 4pm – 8pm
- Location: Celery City Craft, Sanford
Shop 10 unique vendors of handmade items and art in downtown Sanford, with great food and drink from Celery City available to purchase.
FREE HOLIDAY EVENTS: HOLIDAY MOVIES
Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland Movies
- Dates: Select Sunday evenings in December 2025, 7pm
- Location: Wekiva Island
- Cost: $5 admission
Enjoy an outdoor movie in the winter wonderland of Wekiva Island.
- Sunday, December 7th – The Polar Express
- Sunday, December 14th – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
- Sunday, December 21– A Christmas Carol
Popcorn Flicks in the Park: Frozen
Dates: Friday, December 5, 2025, 7pm
Location: Central Park, Winter Park
Bring a blanket or some chairs to enjoy this outdoor holiday movie.
Holiday Movie Nights at Cranes Roost Park
- Dates: Thursday, December 11 & 18, 2025, 7-9pm
- Location: Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
Enjoy holiday movies in the Cranes Roost Park Plaza, great for the whole family. Admission is free. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
- December 11 – “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
- December 18 – “Rise of the Guardians”
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park
- Date: Multiple Saturdays, 7-9pm
- Location: Lake Eola Park's East Lawn, Downtown Orlando
Join the Downtown Development Board as they present holiday movies at Lake Eola Park. Don't forget your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy.
- Saturday, December 6, 2025, 7-9pm – Frozen
- Saturday, December 13, 2025, 7-9pm – Elf
- Saturday, December 20, 2025, 7-9pm -Christmas with the Kranks
There are even more movies to see in our Guide to Holiday Movies in Orlando.
FREE CONCERTS, PLAYS, AND SHOWS
Holiday Friday Nights at Morse Museum
- Dates: Most Friday Nights, November 28, 2025 – December 26, 2025, 5-8pm
- Location: Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Receive free admission every Friday night, November through December, and special holiday performances during the holiday season. Live music enhances the gallery experience.
Holiday Band Concert
- Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 7:30pm
- Location: Lake Mary High School, 655 Longwood Lake Mary Rd., Lake Mary, FL
- Cost: $20
Enjoy an evening featuring the Seminole State College Symphonic/Community Band, Jazz Combo, and Jazz Ambassadors along with several small chamber ensembles to get ready for the Holiday Season.
Fridays on the Plaza Holiday Music
- Dates: December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2025, 7-9pm
- Location: Downtown Winter Garden
Enjoy the classic sounds of holidays of old as live music serenades shoppers at the plaza of downtown Winter Garden.
- December 5- Light Up Winter Garden
- December 12- Dickens Carolers (Holiday Music)
- December 19- Mistletones (Holiday Music)
- December 26- Paul Q-Pek (Holiday Music)
K-Pop Christmas
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 12–5 pm
- Location: À La Cart Orlando, 2207 E Michigan St., Orlando
Celebrate the holidays with a K-pop twist at À La Cart’s SoDo District food park. Enjoy themed music, festive photo ops, K-pop merchandise vendors, and Asian street food from local trucks. Perfect for fans to meet, trade, and celebrate together in a fun, outdoor setting.
Holiday Choir Concert
- Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 7:30pm
- Location: The Ritz at Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 Magnolia Ave., Sanford, FL
- Cost: $20
Come join all the Seminole State College choirs for an evening of traditional and new seasonal favorites.
Holiday Pops in Orlando
- Date: Friday, December 12, 2025, 7pm
- Location: Della Phillips Pavilion, 2002 Packing District Way, Orlando, FL 32804
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy seasonal holiday favorites performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Music Director Eric Jacobsen.
Holiday Concerts at Cranes Roost Park
- Dates: Friday, December 12 & 19, 2025, 7-9pm
- Location: Cranes Roost Park
Enjoy live music from artists performing holiday hits and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Plaza. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Admission is free.
Silent Knights: A Jolly Holiday Concert featuring tfhe UCF Symphony Orchestra and the Singing Knights
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 5-7pm
- Location: Apopka Amphitheater
The City of Apopka and the University of Central Florida School of Performing Arts invite you to attend this free special holiday concert at the Apopka Amphitheater. This concert is a perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Prepare to be captivated by the harmonious melodies and festive cheer that only the UCF Symphony Orchestra and Singing Knights can deliver.
Holiday Pops
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 6pm
- Location: Central Park, Winter Park, 251 South Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Featuring the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. 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!
Violectric Holiday Show
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 7pm
- Location: Walt Disney Amphitheatre at Lake Eola Park
FREE and open to the public, the 90-minute live concert presented by the City of Orlando Department of Families, Parks and Recreation will feature traditional holiday songs like O Christmas Tree, The First Noel and Hanukkah, O Hanukkah mashed up with classic rock tunes and modern hits like Born to Run, Heroes and Sweet Dreams, delivering a fun-filled, energetic and highly unique holiday show unlike anything seen and heard before and simulcast all around Lake Eola.
Great American Big Band Concert
- Date: Friday, December 19, 2025, 7-9pm
- Location: Central Park, Winter Park
This show brings the sounds of Christmas to the Central Park Main Stage. Grab your chairs, pick up food from your favorite restaurant and enjoy a holiday concert under the stars.
Christmas Eve Celebration
- Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025, 9:30am- 4pm
- Location: Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Enjoy free admission to the Morse Museum galleries with live music from 1-4pm.
Maitland's Swinging Holiday Street Party
- Date: 2025 TBA
- Location: 1776 Independence Lane, Maitland, FL
The City of Maitland is proud to present Michael Andrew and Swingerhead for a swinging holiday music show from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, on Independence Lane.
Christmas Bells Ringing
- Date: 2025 TBA
- Location: 213 West Kennedy Boulevard, Eatonville, FL 32810
Get ready to hear the sweet sound of Christmas bells ringing as we come together to spread joy and merriment. This in-person event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with friends and family. Don't miss out on this special occasion to create lasting memories and embrace the magic of Christmas.
READ MORE: 10 Free Holiday Concerts, Plays, And Shows in Orlando
Feature image credit: Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce
