Christmas in Orlando is the most magical time of year – without question. And there is so much to do during the holidays around here. To take away some of the stress of decision making, 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, celebrate the holidays in Orlando theme parks, or attend holiday performances. Our guide has it all!
You can also browse kid-friendly FREE holiday events in Orlando. If you're up for a day trip, check out this roundup of Holiday Events in Tampa Bay from our sibling publication, Tampa Bay Date Night Guide.
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.
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.
See the debut of brand-new immersive elements like:
- 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, 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 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. And Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Orlando Resort is another fun place to do a pub crawl, and many of the venues have holiday drinks.
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.
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.
Featured Romantic Gift Idea
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.
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 will most likely take place on Friday, November 29, 2024 (to be confirmed soon).
Another fun annual tradition near downtown Orlando is Jingle Eve, taking place on Saturday, November 23, 2024 | 4:30-9:00pm.
Enjoy a Special Charity Holiday Soiree
Mayor Clayton can't wait to put on his finest threads and his coolest kicks for an enchanting night of fun, fundraising, and good old-fashioned holiday cheer at the 2024 Holiday Soiree on Saturday, November 9 at Give Kids The World Village!
A gala event with a vintage holiday twist, this year's Soiree is sure to be the most happening bash of the season! The Soiree will include:
- A scrumptious plated dinner.
- Live entertainment featuring nostalgic holiday favorites.
- Live and silent auctions.
- And much more!
The night culminates in a rockin' street party on the Avenue of Angels, where you’ll cut a rug and shake, rattle, and roll amidst the glittering lights and dazzling décor of the storybook Village.
Kick off your holiday season with a magical, memorable experience that will help ensure that no child with a critical illness will be denied their wish to visit Central Florida. Individual tickets, tables, and VIP packages are available for this event, but space is limited, so get your tickets today.
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 full 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'll be able to 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
BONUS IDEA – December Activities at Evermore Orlando Resort
Evermore Orlando Resort
1590 Evermore Way, Orlando, FL 32836
Evermore Orlando Resort will have reindeer games, elf activities, and a holiday bakeshop. Winter festivals, menorah lightings, and Santa sightings are also on the list. More details will be released soon.
You can even have holiday decorations displayed throughout your villa or other accommodations, put together by Comfort and Joy, a local holiday design company that specializes in magical holiday decorations. And, there is even the Evermore To Your Door service which allows you to have a full prepared holiday meal served in your villa.
Book a private chef experience in your villa for the ultimate relaxation, and have housekeeping services come by after your meal to provide clean-up.
Snap a Christmas Couples' Selfie
Snap some selfies in front of some gorgeous, jaw-dropping trees…
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
You can also visit some date-worthy spots to see Santa Claus.
Take the Kids to Santa's Workshop at ICON Park
The Santa Workshop Experience returns to ICON Park
Packages include a ride on The Wheel, Carousel on The Promenade
Select dates, 2024 TBA
Once again, ICON Park will be transformed into the magical winter wonderland that has delighted thousands of children over the past few years. This Santa experience is second only to a visit to the North Pole. Families can partake in the annual tradition of taking holiday pictures together and the kiddos can meet Old St. Nick.
Each child that participates in The Santa Workshop Experience will receive a free ride on the new Carousel on The Promenade. They’ll also be provided a complimentary ride on The Wheel in a holiday-decorated capsule and access to the VIP no-wait line. Guests accompanying the child can get 50 percent off their ticket tickets to The Orlando Eye.
Celebrate the Holidays in the Theme Parks
From the return of the EPCOT Candlelight Processional to holiday magic in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Orlando's theme parks are touched with an extra dose of magic during the holidays. We've got a guide to celebrating the holidays at Disney and also at Universal to help you plan your holiday date nights.
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
2024 TBA, 8pm – 1am
Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Get ready to roll into 2024 at our 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 $175.
Enzian Theater's James Bond New Year's Eve Party
8pm – 1am
Come in your most impressive Bond fit and you could win a prize. Enjoy some bubbly, light hors d’oeuvres and special NYE cocktails while dancing your way into the new year!
2024 Info TBA
READ MORE: OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO NEW YEAR’S EVE IN ORLANDO
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.
ICE! featuring Elf at Gaylord Palms Resort
November 15, 2024-January 4, 2025
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.
DAZZLING NIGHTS
November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Leu Gardens
A 3/4 mile journey of awe-inspiring light experiences.
- A million lights that bring Leu Gardens to life
- Meet-and-greet characters
- 40′ diameter snow dome with swirling snow
- 70′ long candy cane vortex light tunnel
- Walk through a forest with giant, neon flowers
- Laser light show with live singers
- Food and beverage options
- And so much more!
$25 adults / $22 child
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
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.
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, 2024
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 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.
71st Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade
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.
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 12 Days of Christmas Movie Series
2024 TBA
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
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.
Theme Park Christmas Events
Celebrate in serious style by attending a holiday celebration at Tampa and Orlando attractions and theme parks.
Holiday Events at Walt Disney World
November 9 – December 31, 2024
The holidays at Walt Disney World kick off on November 9, 2024 and run through early January 2024. 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.
Returning event – Disney Jollywood Nights, a glamorous holiday party.
Other things to know:
- Each theme park and Disney resort hotel is decorated
- Special holiday food and beverage is available at each Disney theme park
- Santa Claus appears at each of the four Disney theme parks and Disney Springs
- Most Disney resort hotels have special holiday treats
- Disney Springs has decorations and special treats
- Christmas week and New Year's week are two of the busiest weeks at Walt Disney World
READ MORE: The Complete Guide to the Holidays at Walt Disney World
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
November 10, 2023 – January 2, 2024
Head to SeaWorld Orlando to make new holiday memories with festive shopping, delicious food and dazzling live shows inspired by the natural world. The Christmas Celebration is included with park admission
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
November 11, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Enjoy park-wide festive fun at this award-winning holiday event. The park becomes filled with holiday cheer and guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist. Ride the Holly Jolly Express train, view millions of twinkling lights from the top of a roller coaster, visit Santa in his workshop, and spend time with Rudolph and his friends from the classic holiday movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Guests can also enjoy festive live shows and take part in special holiday dining and shopping.
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.
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
Select Nights November 29 – December 23, 4pm – 10pm
Enjoy one of Tampa’s largest light displays as the zoo transforms into a seasonal wonderland. This year promises to be bigger, better, and brighter than ever. Enjoy six new illuminated zones of lights, festive entertainment, delectable holiday treats, and amazing wildlife. Wander over to Twinkle Town Marketplace where you can meet Santa.
Holiday Events: Performances and Entertainment
Get in the holiday spirit at these special performances including The Nutcracker, holiday concerts, and more.
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
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
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
Orlando Ballet presents The Nutcracker
December 6–22, 2024, multiple showtimes
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Orlando Ballet’s enchanting annual favorite, The Nutcracker is a not-to-be-missed holiday tradition. The beloved story of a godfather’s Christmas Eve gift of a toy nutcracker that comes to life and transports Clara to a world of wonder. Patrons are carried along on a magical journey to a world of fantasy and fun complete with the Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairy and Mother Ginger.
Ticket prices vary
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
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
Fridays on the Plaza Holiday Music
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)
Downtown Winter Garden, 7pm – 9pm
Enjoy the classic sounds of holidays of old as live music serenades shoppers at the plaza of downtown Winter Garden.
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, 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
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! Info for 2024 / 2025 coming soon
