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.
2024 details are added as announcements are made. And if you've got kids along, check out 25 Free Kid-Friendly Christmas Events in Orlando.
Free Holiday Lights and Displays
Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Decorations
November 15, 2024 through January 1, 2025
Multiple Walt Disney World Resorts
Each Walt Disney World Resort is decorated for the holidays.
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
Friday, November 9, 2024 through January 1, 2025
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.
I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting
November 22, 2024, 6pm
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!
Citrus Tower Holiday Light Show
November 29 – December 31, 2024
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.
Holiday Light Displays at Cranes Roost Park
November 29, 2024 – January 3, 2025
Light Up the Holidays Event on Saturday, December 7, 2024
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.
Snow Falling Nightly in Celebration
November 30, 2024 through December 31, 2024
Nightly snowfall hourly from 6-9pm
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.
Light Up DeLand
Friday, December 6, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Downtown DeLand
Join the City of DeLand & Main Street DeLand Association as they reimagine the DeLand tradition of Light Up DeLand as part of the City of DeLand's Winter Wonder DeLand season-long festivities!
Light Up Winter Garden
Friday, December 6, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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
Friday, December 6, 2024, 5-9pm
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.
FREE
Light Up Clermont 2024 – Tree Lighting
Friday, December 6, 2024, 5:30-9pm
Downtown Clermont
Schools, organizations, businesses, and families will be showing their creativity by individually decorating over 50 trees. Drop letters to Santa in Santa’s Mailbox which will be delivered to the North Pole and enjoy holiday photo ops.
Avalon Aglow
Saturday, December 7, 2024, parade at 3pm Fireworks at 9pm
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.
Winter Wonderland – Parade and Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 4-8pm
Winter Springs Town Center
1126 East State Road 434
Enjoy an annual Christmas parade starting at Keeth Elementary. Then enjoy entertainment by local youth groups and Winter Springs Dancers with Class, and the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Shuttle buses will begin running at 3 p.m. at Winter Springs Elementary. The last shuttle will depart from the Winter Springs Town Center at 8:30pm.
Casselberry Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree Lighting Ceremony, Saturday, December 7, 2024, 5-8pm
Lights and decorations mid-November through December 26, 2024
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. Santa will light the tree at 5:35pm.
Looking for more free holiday events? Check out our guide to Where to Find Orlando’s Best Holiday Lights
Light Up the Holidays
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 5-9pm – fireworks at 6:30pm
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, fireworks, ice skating, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
A Merry Winter Garden Light Show at City Hall
December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 2024, 6-9pm
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.
FREE HOLIDAY PARADES
Annual Light Up Viera Holiday Parade
WORTH THE DRIVE! Saturday, November 30, 2024, 6pm
Downtown Viera
This wonderful annual community event begins with a fireworks display at 6 p.m. The parade begins immediately following the fireworks. Music along the parade route will be presented by 5 High School Marching Bands.
Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7, 2024, starts at 9am
Central Park Park Avenue, Winter Park
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 72nd annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade. The event has been held each December for more than 65 years, making it the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida.
Winter Garden Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10am
The Winter Garden Christmas Parade kicks off at 10:00 am on Dillard Street at the Palmetto Street intersection (by Wells Fargo) proceeds north on Dillard Street, then heads west/left on Plant Street through historic downtown and concludes at Park Avenue. Do not forget to look for the Big Guy himself at the end of the parade!
DeLand Rotary Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 6pm
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
Saturday, December 7, 2024, Starts at 7pm
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).
Sanford Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 6-7:30pm
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.
DeLand Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 6pm
Whitehair Bridge
Celebrate Christmas in true Florida style! The festive boats will start at the Whitehair Bridge (State Road 44) and travel south on the St. Johns River to Lake Beresford.
Winter Park Boat Parade
2024 TBA
Dinky Dock Park
Organized by the Winter Park Notary Club, head to Dinky Dock Park to see the impressive boat and dock holiday decorations created by residents and local business sponsors. Parking is extremely limited, we recommend using a ride share service.
20th Annual Light Up the Lake Boat Parade
2024 TBA
Lake Fairview Marina
This isn't just a boat parade – it is a party! Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy live music while waiting for the boat parade to start.
FREE HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
“Holinights Celebration” at Promenade – Sunset Walk
November 21 – December 25, 2024
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
December 1 – December 25, 2024
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. Be sure to check out Wekiva Island’s website for more details.
*Note: a $5 admission fee applies
Winter on the Avenue
Friday, December 6, 2024, 5-9pm
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
Friday, December 6, 2024, 6-8pm
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
Friday, December 6, 2024, 6-9pm
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
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from December 6-22, 2024
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!
Maitland Season of Light
Saturday, December 7, 5-8:30pm
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.
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!
46th Annual Cracker Christmas
December 7 & 8, 2024, 10am-4pm
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
Sunday, December 8, 2-9pm
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.
Home for the Holidays
Friday, December 13, 5-9pm
Lake Concord Park
95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry
Casselberry invites you to a special night of holiday cheer, family fun, and exciting activities 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 sitewhile you enjoy a free concert of holiday music from the VFW Community Band. Families can visit with Santa for a special photo. If that wasn't enough, their Holiday Market is back and full of amazing vendors offering unique handmade items for those special people in your life. You'll find ceramics, jewelry, soaps, sponges, hand carved wood, clothing, artwork, and tons of other unique and one of a kind items.
FREE
Celebrate the Season
Friday, December 13, 6-9pm
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.
2024 St. Lucia Festival
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 12-5pm
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
Margaritaville Resort Orlando Holiday Celebration
Thursday, December 19, 6-8pm
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 michevious elves, and the Towering Toy Soldiers.
Chanukah on the Park
Wednesday, December 25, 2024, 5pm
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!
Light Up SoDo
2024 TBA
SODO Shopping Center
This event is Family-Friendly and Pet-friendly so grab the kids and your furry friends and head on down to the SoDo Shopping Center for a night full of Holiday Fun!
Hanukkah Celebration of Lights
Wednesday, December 25, 2024 (to be confirmed)
Lake Nona Town Center
The first of the eight nights of Hanukkah as the menorah is blessed and lit in a special ceremony featuring traditional songs to celebrate the festival of lights. Additional entertainment includes a live DJ, stilt walker, children’s performers, face painters, and more. Enjoy traditional foods while the kids make dreidels and learn the story of the holiday.
Jingle Jam Community Holiday Party
2024 TBA
Downtown Sanford
Featuring multiple stages of live music, award-winning food trucks, carnival games, holiday artisanal vendors, drink specials and more! See Santa himself and create lifelong memories and take some family pictures.
HOLIDAY MARKETS
Holiday Gift Market
November 29 – 30, 2024, 12-4pm
The Verandah Thornton Park District
Local vendors and finish off your last minute holiday shopping
FREE
Kaleidoscope Artisan Market at Celery City Craft Sanford
December 1, 8, 15, & 22, 2024, 2-7pm
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.
First Annual Orlando Holiday Market
December 7 – 8, 2024
Dezerland Park Orlando
his festive event will feature over 150 talented artisans and crafters showcasing an incredible array of handcrafted gifts and treasures, perfect for holiday shopping. As the largest indoor holiday craft event in Orlando, the Orlando Holiday Market promises a unique shopping experience with a diverse selection of handcrafted holiday gifts, including home decor, jewelry, artwork, holiday decorations, and much more. Whether you are looking for a special gift for a loved one or unique decor to bring holiday cheer to your home, you'll find it here. Enjoy the convenience of free parking and the joy of discovering one-of-a-kind items created by local and regional artists
A Very Merry Market
Saturdays, December 7, 14, 21, 8am-1pm
Winter Garden Downtown Pavilion
104 S Lakeview Ave, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Shop for holiday/gift-related hand-crafted ítems at special guest vendors.
Santa visits on December 14 and 21
Winter Wonderland Market
December 20, 21, 27, & 28, 2024, 5-9pm
Grande Lakes Orlando, Valencia Lawn
Discover the bliss of the holiday season with the Winter Wonderland Market. Stroll amongst European-inspired chalets featuring traditional holiday delicacies, tasty beverages, and local artisan crafts. This holiday affair includes hourly snowfall and many advent surprises for the entire family to enjoy,
FREE
Milk Mart Holiday Market
Sunday, December 22, 2024, 12-6pm
The Nook on Robinson
Eat, shop, and be merry in The Milk District
FREE
Saturday Sounds Concert Series & Artisan Night Market (Free Concert)
2024 TBA
Apopka Amphitheater
Concert plus local artists, vendors, food, & drinks.
FREE HOLIDAY EVENTS: HOLIDAY MOVIES
Popcorn Flicks in the Park – Home Alone
Friday, December 6, 2024, 7pm
Central Park, Winter Park
Bring a blanket or some chairs to enjoy this outdoor holiday movie.
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – The Santa Clause
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 7pm
Lake Eola, Downtown Orlando
Join the Downtown Development Board as they present The Santa Clause at Lake Eola Park. Don't forget your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy.
Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland Movies
Select Sunday evenings in December 2024, 7pm
Wekiva Island
Enjoy an outdoor movie in the winter wonderland of Wekiva Island.
Sunday, December 8th – The Polar Express
Sunday, December 15th – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
Sunday, December 22– The Santa Clause
Holiday Movie Nights at Cranes Roost Park
Thursday, December 12 & 19, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
Eenjoy holiday movies in the Cranes Roost Park Plaza, great for the whole family. Admission is free. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
December 12 – “A Christmas Story”
December 19 – “Elf”
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
Most Friday Nights November 29, 2024 – December 27, 2024, 5-8pm
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
Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 7:30pm
Winter Springs High School
130 Tuskawilla Rd., Winter Springs, FL
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.
Maitland's Swinging Holiday Street Party
Friday, December 6, 2024, 6-9pm
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.
Fridays on the Plaza Holiday Music
December 6, 13, 20, 27, 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)
Holiday Pops
Sunday, December 8, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
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!
Holiday Choir Concert
Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 7:30pm
AAA Heathrow Campus Atrium
1055 AAA Drive, Heathrow, FL
Come join all the Seminole State College choirs for an evening of traditional and new seasonal favorites.
Holiday Concerts at Cranes Roost Park
December 13 & 20, 2024 7-9pm
Enjoy live music from artists performing holiday hits and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Plaza. Food and beverages available for purchase. Admission is free.
- Holiday Concert With Santa Featuring Groove Slayers
- Holiday Concert With Santa Featuring BlueMoon
Silent Knights: A Jolly Holiday Concert featuring the UCF Symphony Orchestra and the Singing Knights
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 5-7pm
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 in Orlando
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 6pm
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.
Christmas Bells Ringing
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 6-8pm
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.
Violectric Holiday Show
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 7pm
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.
Christmas Eve Celebration
Sunday, December 24, 2024, 9am- 4pm
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Enjoy free admission to the Morse Museum galleries with live music from 1-4pm.
READ MORE: 10 Free Holiday Concerts, Plays, And Shows in Orlando
Feature image credit: Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce