See All Orlando & Kissimmee Christmas Events
Walt Disney World Christmas:
Universal Holiday Events
SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Holiday Events
Local Christmas Events
SEE UPDATED VERSION: CHRISTMAS IN ORLANDO & KISSIMMEE
Frazzled by the crowds? Theme Parked out? There’s a whole world of Orlando Christmas Events beyond the parks. Orlando and Central Florida is packed with things to do for the Holiday season.
Check out all the Orlando Christmas Events:
Now Snowing in Celebration Florida
Nightly throughout December
The Town of Celebration is one of our favorite places to visit for Christmas events in Orlando. The local ambiance combined with old-fashioned elegance makes it magical.
There’s plenty of things happening:
- Nightly Snowing
- Ice Skating
- Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
- Christmas Express Train Rides
- Visit Santa
- Strolling Carollers
- Live Entertainment
Check here for a full rundown of events in Celebration
When: Nightly Throughout December 2016
Where: Celebration, Florida
Orlando Christmas Events at Gaylord Palms
Daily Throughout December
Gaylord Palms is packed with Christmas events, including ICE! Featuring Holidays Around The World. Lots of family fun in Alpine Village this Holiday season.
Orlando Christmas Events at Gaylord Palms include:
- ICE! Featuring Christmas Around The World
- JOYFUL – A dazzling multi-sensory show in the atrium
- Breakfast With Charlie Brown and Friends
- Cirque Dreams UnWrapped Stage Show
- Alpine Rush Snow Tubing
- The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt
- Photos with Santa
- Mrs. Claus Christmas Traditions and Story Time Sing-a-long
- Gingerbread Decorating Corner
- Build-A-Bear Workshop
When: Daily throughout December
Where: Gaylord Palms Resort, 6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Web: Gaylord Christmas Events
Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens
November 25, 2016 to January 8, 2017
A veritable feast of festive activities awaits you at Bok Tower Gardens. Their events and attractions include:
- Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate
- Sunset and Symphony Holiday Concert – Saturday, Dec 3 at 6.00pm
- Christmas Carillon Concerts
- Celebration of Holiday Blooms and Music in December
- Hour-long Winter Walking Tours on Mondays – Saturdays at 10.00am and 12 noon and Sundays at 2.00pm
- 1940’s Holi-DAYS
- Holiday Happy Hour – Wednesday December 7 from 6.00pm – 8.00pm.
- Holiday Home Workshop demonstration of building a wreath,
- Build Gingerbread Houses with Mrs. Claus Nov 27 – Dec 11 from 2.00pm – 4.00pm
- Carillon and Choral Concert – Sunday Dec 7 at 7.30pm.
When: November 25th 2016 – January 8th 2017
Where: Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales FL 33853
The Orlando Eye Frostival
Dec 1st 2016 – January 1st 2017
Celebrate the holiday season on The Orlando Eye in a themed holiday capsule. Take your pick from:
- The Night Before Christmas
- Gingerbread House
- Winter Wonderland
- Candy Canes
Or even better still, take a flight in a capsule with Santa Claus himself 400 feet into the twinkling, starry, night sky. This is sure to be one of the highs for Orlando Christmas events!
As well as special lighting to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, Hanukkah will feature on Dec 14.
A 20 foot decorated Christmas Tree takes pride of place outside the Orlando Eye overlooking the outdoor ice-skating rink and snow machines. Skates come as part of the rental and if you haven’t tried ice-skating before, trust me, it’s a hoot!
When: Dec 1st 2016 – January 1st 2017 – Hours vary
Where: Orlando Eye, 8401 International Dr #100, Orlando, FL
Downtown Orlando For The Holidays
December 2nd 2016 through January 6th 2017
Ring in the Orlando Christmas events and join Mayor Buddy Dyer to ring in the holiday season for the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Watch as the 72 foot Christmas Tree dazzles with 88,000 animated lights.
Downtown for the Holidays continues all month until January 6th and will include live entertainment, food trucks and crafters holiday markets.
- Santa will be in town at Eola House from 4pm to 10pm on December: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18
- The Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show will take place every night at 5:45 p.m.; 6:45 p.m.; 7:45 p.m.; 8:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m
All visitors are encouraged to take a new and unwrapped toy appropriate for children up to the age of 12 for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree.
When: December 2 2016 from 5pm – Tree Lighting at 7pm
Where: Lake Eola Park, 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
Winter on The Avenue
Friday December 2nd 2016
The elegant town of Winter Park is transformed into a wintry wonderland for this holiday street party.
- The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be followed by soothing holiday sounds from the local children’s choir starting at 5pm.
- Santa and Mrs Claus will be arriving at 6.30pm and they will be available for photo’s and visits until 8pm.
- Popcorn Flicks in the Park features “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” at 7pm followed by “The Santa Clause”.
- Holiday Jazz and live entertainment will start at 7pm
- The Winter in The Park ice skating rink will be open all evening.
- The Charles Homer Morse Museum of American Art is offering free admission from 4pm. There will be music featuring harpist Lynn Schultz starting at 5pm.
This family event is open to everyone and there will be complimentary refreshments from local merchants.
When: December 2nd 2016, starts at 5pm and runs until 10pm.
Where: Park Avenue & Central Park N Park Ave & W Morse Blvd, Winter Park
Celebration Holiday Home Tour
December 2nd & 3rd 2017
The town of Celebration is home to some truly fabulous homes decorated in splendid holiday finery. The Celebration Holiday Home Tour gives you inside access to take a peek at the beautiful decor both inside and out.
Your ticket also includes entry in to a winter wonderland of delightfully decorated Christmas trees and exquisite “tablescapes” available for sale.
When: Saturday, December 2nd – 3-9pm | Sunday, December 3rd – 1-5pm
Where: Celebration, Florida
Lights at Jeater Bend
Nightly throughout December
While you’re in Celebration, a visit to see the Orlando Christmas lights on Jeater Bend is a must. 11 homes are perfectly synchronised with light, movement and music to create a magical streetwide display.
When: Nightly from November 23rd 2017
Where: 1033 Jeater Bend Drive, Celebration, FL 34747
Web: The Lights on Jeater Bend
Light Up UCF
Nightly Throughout December
The University of Central Florida is home to this annual family event that is one of the most popular Orlando Christmas events with locals.
Events run nightly throughout December and features:
- Ice Ring Pavilion
- Holiday Light Show
- Holiday Film Festival – weekend movies under the stars
- Ferris Wheel
- Light Up Lane
- Community Performers
The UCF Holiday Market Under the Stars will be held on December 10th and is ideal for picking up niche Christmas gifts from local crafters and stalls.
When: Nightly throughout December
Where: University of Central Florida
St Cloud Holiday Festival
December 3rd & 4th 2016
One of the annual Orlando Christmas events has been a tradition in the quaint town of St Cloud for almost 40 years. Hang out with the locals and enjoy over 120 crafters, chalk artists, carnival foods, children’s bouncers, choochoo trains, live music and dance
The Christmas Parade circles the streets surrounding the festival.
There will also be a Classic Car Show from 11am to 4pm on December 4th.The car show will feature classic cars from 1979 and earlier.
You can stroll around all the cars then walk through over 100 crafters and artists.
If you have creative kids, they can join in with the St Cloud Doodle-Bugs Youth Chalk Festival on December 4th.
All ages are welcome to enter and there will be chalk available for purchase if you don’t take your own.
Prizes will be awarded for 4 different age groups. All levels of skill are welcome to enter.
Local vendors will be selling holiday and local treats including deep-fried gator, home-made ice cream, burgers, hot dogs, Greek specialties and lemonade.
There’s free admission and free parking.
When: December 3rd & 4th 9am to 4.30pm
Where: Downtown St Cloud, Florida
The Nutcracker – Orlando Ballet
December 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th 2016
Orlando Christmas events include Orlando Ballet’s enchanting favorite, the Nutcracker.
A Christmas Eve gift of a toy nutcracker from her godfather transports Clara on a magical journey to a world of fantasy and fun complete with the Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mother Ginger.
There will also be an additional 11am 1 hour family show for younger guests, with children’s activities in the lobby prior to the show.
If you want to make your visit more special, you can add Nutcracker Tea at Aloft Orlando Downtown on December 11th at 12.30pm.
You’ll tuck into an assortment of sweets, sandwiches and cakes, play festive games, and watch the Sugar Plum Fairy demonstrate how she puts on her very own toe shoes and goes on pointe.
The afternoon tea includes the chance to have your family’s photograph taken alongside some of Nutcracker’s iconic figures including Clara, Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy. A perfect gift for your loved ones. Tickets cost $35 per child, $45 per adult.
When: December 8th to 11th 2016
Where: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando
Lakeridge Winery Wine & Chocolate Festival
December 10th, 11th 2016
Looking for a special Christmas gift? Or some wine for Christmas lunch? Lakeridge Winery are holding their 6th annual Wine & Chocolate Festival. Local artists and crafters will be showcasing unique Holiday gifts.
There’ll be live music on the outdoor stage, food and of course chocolate and wine.
Wine and chocolate? What’s not to love!
Where: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont 34715
When: December 10th 10am – 5pm / December 11th 11am – 5pm
Countdown to Christmas
December 10th 2016
This is another free Orlando Christmas event taking place in the Town of Celebration.
This concert is in addition to the nightly snowing and other events and admission is free.
“The Official Stand Up Tour 2015” was started by a group of musicians to spread the word of community spirit and acceptance.
Event Schedule:
- 5:35 PM – Daniel Polich
- 6:15 PM – Bekah
- 6:35 PM – Company One
- 7:15 PM – Kevin Hamel
- 7:35 PM – Blindspot
- 8:15 PM – Will Jay
- 8:35 PM – The House on Cliff
- 9:15 PM – Anthony Gargiula
While you’re in Celebration, don’t miss the Lights on Jeater Bend
When: December 10th
Where: Celebration Town Center
Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade
December 10th 2016
See local boats parade the waterways adorned in Holiday finery. Viewing locations are all along the Halifax River. For a great spot try the fishing pier at Halifax River Marina or along the dockside of the Chart House Restaurant
When: December 10th – 5.30pm
Where: Starts at Sea Breeze Bridge, Daytona at 5.30pm and heads south to Halifax River Yacht Club
Details: Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Christmas Events in Mount Dora
Events start December 2nd 2016
If you really want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the parks, Mount Dora is a whole new world away.
A peaceful and quaint town, Mount Dora offers traditional family events in the run up the Holidays.
For the full line up see: Mount Dora Christmas Events
- December 2nd: Mount Dora Christmas Walk
- December 3rd: Mount Dora Christmas Parade
- December 3rd: Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
- December 3rd: Christmas on the Caligari with Jeffrey Chodil
- December 3rd: Broadway Music on Tour
- December 12th: Christmas in The Park
- December 9th: Friday Art Splash – Special Holiday Art & Craft Stroll
- December 10th: Christmas in the Park with Snow
- December 17th: Christmas Sock hop with Johnny Dee & The Starlites
- December 18th: Annual Mount Dora Half Marathon
- December 19th/20th: The Nutcracker Suite
- December 23rd: A SAXXY HOLIDAY SHOW
- All December: Cannonball Christmas Express
When: Events start December 2nd and run all December
Where: Mount Dora, Florida
Space Coast LightFest
Nightly throughout December
This drive-thru event attracts over 15,000 cars. Take a leisurely 1 mile drive through thousands of shimmering lights and animated Holiday displays. Over 2.7 million twinkling lights create this dazzling wonderland.
When: From 6.30pm every evening throughout December
Where: Melbourne, Florida – put 2785 Leisure Way, Melbourne, FL in your GPS for the starting point.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Ghost of Christmas Eve
December 17th
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing The Ghosts of Christmas Eve rock opera on December 17th.
The Ghosts of Christmas Eve was originally produced as a TV movie for Fox Family in 1999.
When: December 17th – 3.30pm and 8pm
Where: Amway Center, 400 W Church St #200, Orlando, FL 32801
Radio Disney Holiday Concert 2016
The Holiday fun in the town of Celebration continues with this Holiday Concert.
Join AM 990 Radio Disney for a free Holiday concert with nightly snowing, music and fun for the whole family.
When: December 17th from 7pm
Where: Celebration Town Center, Florida
Holidays in Space
Celebrate the Holidays like nowhere else on earth! Enjoy dazzling video projections on the side of a Saturn 1B rocket at Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex.
The images will showcase historic footage of launches, a time-lapse video of the International Space Station and a glimpse of how life on Mars could be.
When: December 21st-24th 6.15pm, December 26th – January 1st 7.45pm. No showing December 25th.
Where: Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex
Web: Holidays in Space
Florida Citrus Parade
December 29th 2016
One of the most popular Orlando Christmas events is the Florida Citrus Parade. The event takes place on December 29th in Downtown Orlando and features floats made from over 100,000 oranges, grapefruit and tangerines and an array of marching and performing bands. The event attracts over 60,000 spectators and is televised across the USA. Get a spot early!
Viewing is available all along the parade route. You can also purchase Grandstand Seating tickets. The parade begins on Orange Avenue and Robinson Street and continues south on Orange Avenue, east on Anderson Street, then north on Rosalind Avenue. The parade concludes at Rosalind Avenue and Robinson Street. The route is 1.4 miles in length and takes 90-120 minutes to complete.
When: December 29th starts 11am
Where: Downtown Orlando
See All Orlando & Kissimmee Christmas Events
Walt Disney World Christmas:
Universal Holiday Events
SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Holiday Events
Local Christmas Events
