The weather is on its typical winter roller coaster as the holiday season continues from now into the new year. Orlando is decked out with dazzling Christmas light displays, and it's time to plan your New Year's Eve in Orlando. Let's take a look at the best events and things to do this week.

Updated multiple times each week by Nancy DeVault, Dani Meyering, and Kelly Lamano Diaz

Featured Events

Giving an extra shoutout to the following events, which help us to bring this guide to you for FREE!

Blitzen's Pop-Up Bar – An Omni Original

Now through January 4, 2026
Wednesday – Friday: 5 PM – 10 PM
Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM | Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Eagles Edge at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Experience Omni’s Signature Christmas-Themed Pop-Up Bar, Where the Cocktails Sleigh. This holiday season, Blitzen's is decking the halls with ornaments, twinkle lights, tinsel, and more. Proud to partner with renowned mixologist, bar owner and author Julie Reiner, who brings her award-winning and exclusive cocktail recipes to Blitzen’s Bars across Omni. Known for co-founding iconic bars like Clover Club, Milady’s and Leyenda in New York City, and as a featured judge on Netflix’s Drink Masters, Julie combines classic techniques with creative innovation.

Omni Orlando's Signature Christmas-themed Pop-Up bar, Blitzen's, is back!

Events This Week Things to Do December 22 – 28, 2025

ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™

Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 7, 2026
Location: Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, FL
Cost: Tickets start at $26

Step into a magical winter wonderland as Gaylord Palms presents ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ for the first time ever. Marvel at over 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, including a 32-foot-long scene straight from the beloved classic. Guests can meet Santa and Rudolph, explore whimsical photo ops, and even step inside the world of the misfit toys. This dazzling holiday tradition is perfect for families and anyone ready to embrace the season’s frosty cheer.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Clarice at ICE! Gaylord Palms - image by Dani Meyering — Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Clarice – image by Dani Meyering

Illuminate at Aquatica

Date: Select nights November 8, 2025 – January 31, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (last entry 9:15 p.m.)
Location: Aquatica Orlando
Cost: Separately ticketed event, $25 – $30

Illuminate transforms Aquatica into a glowing nighttime walk-through with towering lantern displays, themed zones inspired by water and nature, festive bites, s’mores by the fire, and specialty bars offering both cocktails and mocktails. It’s a relaxed, dry-walk holiday experience with plenty of space to stroll, take photos, and soak in the lights.

Flamingo Lanterns and Christmas Lights at ILLUMINATE Aquatica - image by Dani Meyering — Flamingo Lanterns and Christmas Lights at ILLUMINATE Aquatica – image by Dani Meyering

Ornament Painting

Date: Monday, December 22, 2025, 1:30pm-2:30pm
Location: Orange County Library System: Eatonville Branch, 200 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville, FL 32751
Cost: FREE

Join for a fun, festive family program where you can paint and decorate your own ornament to take home and enjoy!

Christmas Trivia

Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 7pm-9pm
Location: The Porch, South Orange
Cost: FREE

Prove your Christmas expertise with Festive fun, merry questions, and prizes that sleigh. Bring your holiday spirit and play to win!

Open Mic: Merry Jazzmas

Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 7pm-11pm
Location: Lizzy's Live, 7722 Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819
Cost: FREE admission

Take the stage in Orlando’s premier supper club & live music lounge! Sign-ups start at 6:30 PM (first-come, first-served). Arrive early for dinner + cocktails, then bring the vocals.

Christmas Eve Celebration

Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025, 9:30am- 4pm
Location: Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Cost: FREE

Enjoy free admission to the Morse Museum galleries with live music from 1-4pm.

Fridays on the Plaza Holiday Music

Dates: Friday, December 26, 2025, 7pm-9pm
Location: Downtown Winter Garden
Cost: FREE

Enjoy the classic sounds of holidays of old as live music serenades shoppers at the plaza of downtown Winter Garden.

December 26 – Paul Q-Pek (Holiday Music)

A Merry Winter Garden Light Show at City Hall

Dates: Friday & Saturday, December 26 & 27, 2025
Location: Winter Garden City Hall on W. Plant Street
Cost: FREE

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.

Enzian Theater's Christmas Movie Series

Dates: Saturday, December 27, 2025, 11am
Location: Enzian Theater
Cost: Prices vary by film, around $12

Snuggling up and watching one of these feel-good films on December 27, at 11am, with The Apartment, the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit. And don’t forget to stop by Eden Bar to try special Holiday Cocktails.

Stranger Things Market

Dates: Saturday, December 27, 2025, 5pm-8pm
Location: Kitty Cat Lounge, 946 E Orange St, Lakeland, FL 33801 – Worth the drive!
Cost: FREE admission

Enter the Upside Down and shop a Stranger Things–inspired market where curated vendors bring the world of Hawkins to life through unique, show-inspired finds. Enjoy themed merch, food, drinks, and music! Come get fully prepped for the epic finale.

The Upside Down: 80s Night

Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025, 8pm
Location: House of Blues, 1490 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830
Cost: Starting at $11.75

Join the party at the House of Blues, playing the best of the 80s, Stranger Things, and soundtrack anthems. Ages 18+.

Sunday Movie Nights at Seneff Arts Plaza

Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025
Location: Seneff Arts Plaza at Dr. Phillips Center
Cost: FREE

Cozy up to a classic holiday movie under the stars with A Christmas Story at Seneff Arts Plaza with two showtimes to choose from. No ticket purchases necessary.

Sunday Movie Nights at Frontyard Holiday Festival

Dates: Sundays, December 28, 2025, and January 4, 2026, 6:15pm & 8:30pm
Location: 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Cost: FREE

Cozy up with your favorite holiday movie under the stars for free. No tickets necessary.

Sunday, December 28, 2025 – A Christmas Story
Sunday, January 4, 2026 – The Nightmare Before Christmas

Kaleidoscope Artisan Market at Celery City Craft Sanford

Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025, 4pm – 8pm
Location: Celery City Craft, Sanford
Cost: FREE Admission

Shop 10 unique vendors of handmade items and art in downtown Sanford, with great food and drink from Celery City available to purchase.

Sunday Scaries: Die Hard

Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025, 8pm
Location: Cocktails & Screams, 39 West Pine Street, Orlando, FL 32801
Cost: FREE Admission

The age-old debate comes around again: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?

Next Week: Things to Do December 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026

WWE Monday Night Raw

Date: Monday, December 29, 2025, 7:30pm
Location: Kia Center, 400 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801
Cost: Starting at $56.70

Get ready for an unforgettable night as the WWE Holiday Tour returns to Orlando! This year’s event is packed with high-energy matchups and thrilling action you won’t want to miss.

Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole

Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Showtimes at 7pm & 9pm
Location: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Cost: Starting at $46.61

Celebrate the holiday season with the vintage vocals of social media sensation Stella Cole. The former Postmodern Jukebox vocalist now brings classic Christmas songs to the stage and a fresh interpretation of classic repertoire to a new generation.

Shady New Year's

Date: December 31, 2025, Dining at 6pm, 8:15pm, & 10:30 pm
Lamp & Shade Craft Kitchen and Cocktails, 1336 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Cost: Free to reserve, add-ons available: Chandon Brut on table upon arrival $12.00, Veuve Cliquot Brut on table upon arrival $16.00

Celebrate the last night of the year in style with caviar and champagne features, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, a balloon drop, and a live DJ to keep the party going. Gather your friends, dress to impress, and toast to new beginnings together. Reservations are highly recommended—make it a night to remember!

Sketching in the Galleries

Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026, 12pm-2pm
Location: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803
Cost: Included with admission

Drawing and sketching supplies will be available for artists of all ages to use. Enjoy an afternoon at the museum and be inspired by artwork in the galleries. This is a drop-in program; no preregistration is required.

Weekly Ongoing Orlando Events

Pop Up by Quantum Leap Winery

Dates: November 19, 2025 – January 2026, starting at 11:30am
Location: 3201 East End Market, Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Cost: FREE Admission

This favorite urban winery & cider maker is popping up for the holidays at East End Market! Join for Quantum Leap wines, Pedaler's hard cider, curated food pairings, and lots of seasonal cheer. They'll have select cheeses & Fromageables cheese snacking boxes from Tonda at @LaFemmedufromage, a rotating series of seasonal fresh soups by Chef Jamie McFadden Cuisiniers Catering, the Famous Broccoli Salad from George’s Cafe, as well as hummus, chips and mixes from Hummus Bar.

The Light the World Giving Machine

Dates: December 16, 2025 – January 3, 2026, 10am-9pm daily
Location: Clearwater Mall, at the Crumbl Cookies storefront, 2719 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Ste. 1120, Clearwater, FL 33759 – Worth the drive!
Cost: FREE

The Light the World Giving Machine at Clearwater Mall allows visitors to donate meaningful items—such as meals, hygiene kits, clothing, and even goats—to individuals and families in need. If you're in the Tampa area, from December 16 through January 3, shoppers can select from 30 charitable gifts, with 100% of donations going directly to local and global charities. A special launch event on December 17 will kick off the season, followed by daily family-friendly activities at the mall.

Happy Hour + Art @TheFalconBar

Dates: Mondays from 6:30-10pm
Location: The Falcon Bar & Gallery, 819 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801
Cost: FREE Admission

Local vibes. Awesome people. Enjoy Happy Hour adult libations while viewing local art at one of Orlando’s favorite local spots for creatives!

AC Orlando Downtown Express Lunch

Dates: Lunch served Tuesday-Friday 11am-3pm
Location: 333 S. Garland Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Cost: $18

Introducing AC Hotel's new Express Lunch—crafted for those on the go but unwilling to compromise on flavor. For just $18, enjoy a chef-inspired entrée and a non-alcoholic beverage, all guaranteed to be served within 20 minutes of ordering. Perfect for a power lunch or a quick catch-up, it's speed without sacrifice. Available Tuesday-Friday—because great taste shouldn't have to wait.

Tasty Takeover in The Milk District

Dates: Tuesdays from 6:30-10pm
Location: The Milk District – E. Robinson St
Cost: FREE Admission

THE food truck block party in Orlando! Find it in The Milk District every Tuesday night behind the bars and shops of E. Robinson St.

Game & Hobby Night at The Burrow

Dates: Every Tuesday, 5pm – 8pm
Location: The Burrow Cafe & Play, Mills area

Bring along your favorite game, knitting project, book, or enjoy one of the games available at The Burrow. Come relax, be playful, and enjoy your favorite hobby or discover a new one. Free to attend and drink specials available.

Luminary Market

Date: First Wednesday of every month, 5:30-9pm
Location: Luminary Green Park in Creative Village

Explore 20-25 local vendors featuring unique, curated goods and support our growing community of residents, students, and workers. Stick around after shopping for KaleidoScope 360°, an outdoor movie series where you can enjoy family-friendly films under the stars! Showtime is at 7pm.

Wine Wednesdays at NORMAN’S Orlando

Dates: Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: 7924 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL 32819

Head to NORMAN’s on Wednesdays for summer specials featuring 30% off select bottles of wine, curated by their Sommelier! Plus, try their new “Flights & Bites” offering hand-picked Red, White, and Sparkling Wines paired to complement the Chef-curated Bites Menu. You can also book a 15-minute tasting session with our Sommelier to learn about wines, regions, and pairing suggestions (complimentary tastings included). Can’t go on a Wednesday? NORMAN’S offers daily Happy Hour from 5-7 p.m. with dinner available until 10 p.m.

Cirque du Soleil “Drawn to Life”

Dates: Wednesdays – Sundays
Location: Cirque du Soleil Orlando, 1478 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Performances of “Drawn to Life” take place on most nights at 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm. Go for the later show if you prefer to potentially have less kids in attendance. Additionally, it will give you more time to enjoy Disney Springs before the show.

Late Night Thursdays

Dates: Thursdays, 5pm – 8pm
Location: Leu Gardens
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child

Bring a picnic & seating, sip some spirits, or take a stroll through the gardens and discover the amazing ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN exhibit. Included with general admission. Rain or shine.

Pottery Night

Date: One Thursday Every Month, from 6:30-8 p.m.
Location: 8602 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

Discover the magic of pottery in this 2-hour group session at the Castle Hotel! Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll master the basics of throwing clay on the pottery wheel and create your very own unique piece. From shaping the clay to glazing for a polished finish, this experience offers hands-on fun from start to finish.

Piano Bar Show at Jewel

Dates: Friday and Saturday Nights
Location: Jewel Orlando
Cost: FREE admission with password

Dueling Piano players take the stage for a fun night of song requests and sing-alongs! Call (321) 444-5306 after 5pm to get your password for speakeasy entry.

2nd Fridays at Flamingo Crossings Town Center: Holiday Edition

Dates: Second Friday of every month, from 6-9 p.m.
Location: Flamingo Crossings Town Center, 153 Sugar Belle Dr, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (closest to Lime Fresh Mexican Grill)
Cost: FREE admission

Holiday Edition is back on December 12th! Save the date and share it with your friends. This event will feature snow on Main Street, brand-new holiday lighting, holiday crafts & ornament making, decorating the community tree, DJ Bubbles playing holiday classics, yard games, samples, and giveaways. Plus, grab a bite and a beverage from the many restaurants on-site.

Makers Market at Forward/Slash Distillery

Date: The Last Saturday of Every Month, from 2-6 p.m.
Location: 650 S Capen Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Support your local Orlando makers at Forward/Slash Distillery’s monthly Makers Market. Hosted by Orlando Local Makers, this event features the best of vendors who craft and make various items, goods, trinkets, and gifts. Food will be served by Bien Fuego BBQ for some light bites while you shop. Free to attend!

Weekends at the Winery

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, 10am – 5pm (Sat) & 11am – 5pm (Sun)
Location: Lakeridge Winery
Cost: FREE admission

Head to this Central Florida winery's expansive vineyard green each weekend for delicious food, live entertainment, complimentary wine tastings/tours, and Lakeridge wines by the glass at the outdoor bar. Plus, delicious food at the Food Pavilion, as well as live music all weekend long.

Check out multiple Farmers' Markets around Orlando every weekend.

Saturday Exhibition Highlights Docent-Led Tour

Dates: Every Saturday, 1pm & 3pm
Location: Rollins Museum of Art
Cost: FREE

Docent-led tours of highlighted works from the season’s exhibitions at the Rollins Museum of Art.

Dinks & Drinks

Dates: Every Saturday, 6:30-9:30pm
Location: ClearOne Sports Centre, 4141 N. John Young Parkway, Suite 3, Orlando
Cost: $20 per person

Open courts for casual drop-in play. Includes 1 free drink (Beer, High Noon, or Soda). Paddle rentals are available for $5. Tennis shoes required. Different music theme each week. No partner? No experience? No problem. This is the perfect night to bring a friend, meet new people, or just vibe with the community.

Tai Chi in the Garden

Dates: Every Saturday through 2025, 10:30am – 11:30am
Location: Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Dr, Winter Park
Cost: $15

A gentle exercise program that is composed of slow deliberate movements, meditation, and deep breathing to enhance health and well-being.

For even more things to do in Orlando, check out these top stories:

2026 Preview: Save the Date for these Amazing Events!

Art Adventures: Collage Portraits

Dates: Friday, January 9, 2026, 10:30am-12pm
Location: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803
Cost:
- One Adult and One Child, Non-members: $20.00
- One Adult and One Child, Members: $18.00
- Additional Adults: $10.00 (additional adults who are Museum Members are free)
- Additional Child: $10.00

Kick off the new year with markers, paper, and a little bit of glue! Explore the elements of shape, line, and color to create a portrait collage. Gain inspiration for your collage by viewing Deborah Roberts’ portrait of a young boy titled “Speak.” Think about ways in which your collage can speak without saying any words!

Throwbacks on Tap: Disney Channel Edition

Dates: Saturday, January 10, 2026, 7pm-10pm
Location: Home State Brewing Co., 16016 New Independence Pkwy #100, Winter Garden, Florida 34787
Cost: FREE admission

Cue the wand…it’s time to jump back in time at Throwbacks on Tap: Disney Channel Edition! Break out the Disney tees, grab your ears, and get ready to dance and sing along all night! Featuring DJ KD Queen, photo ops, food, and drinks. All ages welcome.

The Coffee Fiesta

Dates: Sunday, January 11, 2026, Doors open at 11:11am
Location: Skylounge Rooftop at the Kia Center, 400 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801
Cost: $64.79

Join for a special Coffee Fiesta x Orlando Magic experience, blending daytime vibes with Reggaetón, Afro House and Salsa in a high-energy social atmosphere! Ticket includes: Access to The Coffee Fiesta, Orlando Magic game entry, and complimentary appetizers. Ages 21+ only.

Paranormal Cirque

Dates: January 16–19, 2026
Location: Oviedo Mall

The secret is officially out… and things are about to get weird. Paranormal Cirque is coming to Oviedo Mall in January 2026, and this is not your average circus. If you like your entertainment bold, twisted, and unforgettable, this one’s for you. More details coming soon… if you dare to wait.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Dates: January 24–February 15, 2026
Showtimes: 1 p.m., 7 p.m., & 7:30 p.m.
Location: Walt Disney Theater, Dr. Phillips Center
Cost: Tickets start at $62.32

Join the next adventure and experience the wizarding world like never before with this record-breaking hit and winner of six Tony Awards including Best Play. “It’s one of the most defining pop culture events of the decade” (Forbes). When Harry Potter’s head-strong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all—with the power to change the past and future forever. Prepare for a mind-blowing race through time, spectacular spells and an epic battle, all brought to life with the most astonishing theatrical magic ever seen on stage.

St. Augustine Spanish Food & Wine Festival

Dates:
- Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 Tapas, Wine & Spirits
- Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 Cava Reception & Wine Pairing Dinner
- Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 Grand Tasting
Location: Flagler College
Cost: Tickets start at $100

The St. Augustine Spanish Food & Wine Festival is a celebration of Spanish wine, cuisine, and culture, honoring the city’s deep Spanish roots. Guests enjoy fine wines, authentic flavors, and live entertainment while supporting Flagler College Hospitality & Tourism Management students. All proceeds directly fund scholarships, study-abroad programs, and professional development opportunities.

Thursday night features Spanish-inspired cuisine and beverages in the heart of downtown St. Augustine. Friday night includes an evening of fine dining and music in the exclusive Ponce de Leon Hall Flagler Room and Solarium. Meanwhile, guests at Saturday's Grand Tasting will enjoy sampling 100+ Spanish wines set against the historic backdrop of Flagler College’s Markland House. New for 2026: Add an instructor-led wine seminar to your Grand Tasting ticket for an additional fee.

Matcha Fest

Dates: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Location: Wall Street Plaza, Downtown Orlando

Attention, matcha lovers! Orlando will be the first stop on the National Tour for Matcha Fest! Enjoy matcha drinks, vendors, art, community vibes, and a full day celebrating all things green. RSVP to get first access when tickets go live.

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