Maximize your merry with wondrous events at Orlando theme parks, neighborhoods and beyond.

There’s no place like Orlando for the holidays, where dazzling theme park events, vibrant community celebrations and jaw-dropping holiday spectacles are guaranteed to make your season bright. From family-friendly festivals and tree lightings to joyous concerts and performing arts, we’ve compiled over 65 unique events — including some festive freebies — for a rocking holiday getaway. Anything is possible — even snow. Let’s deck the halls!

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Holiday Events at Orlando Attractions

A girl turns and smiles in front of a T-Rex skeleton strung with glowing holiday lights
Dinos in Lights at Orlando Science Center

Dinos in Lights at Orlando Science Center

Nov. 8, 2025 – Jan, 6, 2026

Catch a holiday light show 65 million years in the making with Dinos in Lights, included with general admission at the Orlando Science Center. The Dino Digs exhibit will come to life in a festive display of music and light that’s sure to delight viewers of all ages. It’s one of many hands-on exhibits at the 11,000-square foot learning center in Loch Haven Park.

Festival of Trees at Orlando Museum of Art

Nov. 14 – 23, 2025

Included with general admission at Orlando Museum of Art, Festival of Trees features over 50 designer-decorated trees, festive wreaths, gingerbread creations and more. Explore daily themed entertainment, a Holiday Boutique, and weekend meet and greets with Santa Claus, plus additional ticketed events to include holiday workshops, breakfast with Santa, a children’s holiday party, an adults-only cocktail party, and more.

Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Select Dates, Nov. 14, 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026

See the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in a festive light during the Asian Lantern Festival, an immersive, after-hours event featuring hundreds of handcrafted lanterns, glowing LED lights and breathtaking holiday displays. Enjoy themed treats and family-friendly activities as you stroll through otherworldly landscapes and interactive zones.

Discover: Orlando Zoos

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Dazzling Nights by Creative City Project at Harry P. Leu Gardens

Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens

Nov. 28, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026

Immerse yourself in holiday magic with Dazzling Nights, an ambitious, art-inspired offering from Creative City Project. Hosted at Harry P. Leu Gardens in the Audubon Park Garden District, this breathtaking holiday experience will feature several new additions for 2025, including a Holiday Village, an interactive, 8-bit Christmas zone, and a 50-foot star rising over the Rose Garden. With hundreds of thousands of lights across over a dozen unique zones, it puts most Christmas light displays to shame.

Discover: Things to Do in Audubon Park

Flower at Harry P. Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens

Holidays at Leu Gardens

Nov. 28, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026

You can also experience the wonder of Christmas by day with Holidays at Leu Gardens. Discover seasonal blooms and holiday vignettes across 50 enchanting acres, and keep an eye out for mischievous garden gnomes making merry amongst the flora. The Historic Leu House Museum will also feature timeless holiday decor and guided tours throughout the festive season.

Discover: Orlando Gardens

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Free and Low-Cost Holiday Celebrations

Holinights Celebration at Promenade at Sunset Walk

Select Dates, Nov. 21 – Dec. 25, 2025

Promenade at Sunset Walk will host a free, family-friendly Holinights Celebration with live entertainment, music and more festive fun just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort. Enjoy nightly tree lightings, Santa sightings and holiday tunes, plus holiday-themed street markets and car shows on select nights. With over 30 unique restaurants, stores and experiences to explore, you’ll also have plenty of options for a celebratory holiday meal. Free admission.

Discover: Christmas Dining Guide

Jingle Eve in the Ivanhoe Village Main Street District

Nov. 22, 2025

Shop, sip, explore and play your way through the Ivanhoe Village Main Street district during Jingle Eve, an annual celebration featuring dozens of local businesses. Explore yuletide festivities and special promotions at shops along the drive, then head to the children’s holiday village for crafts, a bounce house, a Bubble Bus and more. It’s all free to enjoy, with festive fireworks to close out the night. Free admission.

Discover: Things to Do in Ivanhoe Village

Tip: Add the optional 12 Wines of Christmas Walk ($50) to score a souvenir glass and wine tastings at 20 different locations throughout the night.

Now Snowing in Celebration

Nov. 29 – Dec. 25, 2025

Experience snowfall every night at Now Snowing, a free holiday event located just 20 minutes from our main entertainment districts in the town of Celebration. The picturesque streets will come alive with holiday decor, strolling carolers, a snowy village and hourly snowfall, plus paid experiences like ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides and photos with Santa. Free admission.

Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland

Select Dates, Nov. 30 – Dec. 25, 2025

Wekiva Island will host a variety of festive events as part of their annual Winter Wonderland celebration. A 30-foot Christmas tree, thousands of sparkling lights and nightly snow flurries set the stage for additional offerings including outdoor movies, Santa meet and greets, ornament decorating with elves ($10), an outdoor market, cocoa with Mrs. Claus, and much more (activities vary by date). For even more Floridian fun by day, explore festive river tours and North Pole-themed VIP cabanas with s’mores and a firepit. Pricing: $5. Select activities require an additional fee.

Discover: Nature & Outdoors

Christmas in the Park

Dec. 4, 2025

Part concert, part community celebration, Christmas in the Park is a longstanding holiday tradition featuring a two-hour performance by the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park. It’s co-hosted by The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, who will light up their turn-of-the-20th-century Tiffany glass windows for a striking backdrop. The Morse Museum will also host a variety of free events throughout the holiday season, including live music in the galleries on Holiday Friday Nights and free admission on Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 28 – 30) and on Christmas Eve.

Discover: Orlando Museums & Galleries

Promotional image for Lake Nona's annual Oh, What Fun! annual holiday event.
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival in Lake Nona

Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival in Lake Nona

Select Dates, Dec. 5 – 21, 2025

Paint the town red and green during the Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival, the centerpiece of Lake Nona’s holiday festivities. Explore an open-air wonderland complete with festive entertainment, twinkling lights, a holiday market, a 24-foot-tall Christmas tree and nightly snowfall, plus themed treats, fun photo ops, and one-night-only events like a jolly 5K run (Dec. 6) and festive Christmas Parade (Dec. 13).

Discover: Things to Do in Lake Nona

Paid tickets are also available for story time, a sing-along and holiday photos at Santa’s Cottage ($35 per person, reservations required). And you’ll find even more holiday fun along the Evergreen Tree Trail, which leads to a holiday bar pop-up at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel and other seasonal flavors at Boxi Park. Free admission.

Santa rides a fire truck in the Winter Park Christmas Parade
Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade

73rd Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade

Dec. 6, 2025

Celebrate the holidays like a local at the Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade, which steps off on Park Avenue at 9 a.m. The parade will feature holiday-themed floats, local officials, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus as they visit our neighboring city of Winter Park. Catch the parade, then stick around to wrap up your holiday shopping and grab a bite to eat along charming Park Avenue.

Discover: Things to Do in Winter Park

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Festive Holiday Shows, Concerts and Performing Arts

Orlando’s local arts scene spreads comfort and joy all year long, and during the holiday season, it shines brighter than ever. Get into the holiday spirit with iconic concerts, national touring acts, family theater productions, local ballet performances and more, not to mention celebrity appearances from classic Christmas film stars like Peter Billingsley (A Christmas Story) and Chevy Chase (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation).

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (OPO) promotional images
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

Concerts

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage at Orlando Family Stage
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage at Orlando Family Stage

Dance, Theater & Performing Arts

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Holiday Events at Orlando Theme Parks

Celebrate the hap-happiest season of all in Orlando’s theme parks, where you’ll find heartwarming entertainment, themed food and drink, special after-hours events and more. See how Walt Disney World® Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort are celebrating the holidays in 2025 — then get ready to join in the fun!

Discover: Orlando Theme Parks

Walt Disney World holidays at Magic Kingdom Park
MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS Party at MAGIC KINGDOM® Park, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort (© Disney)

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom® Park

Select Dates, Nov. 7 – Dec. 19, 2025

At Walt Disney World® Resort, get ready for a magical holiday gathering with your loved ones — and some familiar Disney Characters — during the specially ticketed Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. When Mickey celebrates the season, Magic Kingdom® Park lights up with excitement for guests of all ages. Joyful music fills the air. Disney Characters don their most festive attire, and enchanting entertainment lies around almost every turn.

Save on discount tickets: MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS Party

Throughout the evening, you can:

  • Delight in the amazingly festive Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show;
  • Gather to watch Disney Characters give a yuletide nod to the season during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade;
  • Get the perfect picture with Disney pals dressed in their Christmas best;
  • Discover holiday overlays for iconic attractions;
  • Make your night extra sweet when you explore Magic Kingdom Park searching for cookies and cocoa;
  • Take in the elaborate decorations that bring the spirit of the season to life;
  • And so much more.

This event tends to sell out, so get your tickets now. Even if you’re not attending this specially ticketed event, you can look forward to holiday delights throughout Magic Kingdom Park during normal operating hours.

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DISNEY JOLLYWOOD NIGHTS at DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort (©Disney)

Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

Select Dates, Nov. 8 – Dec. 22, 2025

This festive season, Disney’s Hollywood Studios® will host an upscale nighttime party, Disney Jollywood Nights, on 13 select evenings. The separately ticketed event, which runs from 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., invites you to experience a glamorous evening full of merry mashups, delicious tastes and sips, iconic throwback characters, and a holiday vibe full of glitz and sparkle.

Save on discount tickets: DISNEY JOLLYWOOD NIGHTS

For an extra dose of cheer, the party wraps with the return of the nighttime spectacular, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Other highlights include:

  • Glitz and glam galore with red-carpet moments and dapper decor;
  • Yuletide entertainment, including live bands and a musical variety show;
  • Swanky venues and hotspots where you can dance the night away;
  • After-hours access to thrilling rides and coasters with lower wait times, thanks to the limited number of tickets made available for each night;
  • Encounters with beloved Disney Characters as they spread holiday cheer;
  • Delicious holiday tastes and sips (available for purchase);
  • All-new Disney PhotoPass offerings;
  • And so much more.

Disney Jollywood Nights is a limited-capacity holiday party, so securing your tickets early is encouraged. You can also look forward to festive fun throughout the park during normal hours, including the Sunset Seasons Greetings projection show on Hollywood Tower Hotel, the Santa Claus Merry Motorcade, Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine, and more.

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EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort (©Disney)

EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays

Nov. 28 – Dec. 30, 2025

Surround yourself with seasonal sights, sounds and flavors during the EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays, a beloved extravaganza boasting themed Holiday Kitchens and a scrumptious Holiday Cookie Stroll.

Save on discount tickets: WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort

You can also hear the stirring story of Christmas presented by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by an orchestra and massed choir. It’s part of the famous Candlelight Processional, held nightly during the festival’s run.

Even the Guardians of the Galaxy are getting in on the fun by trading their classic-hits playlist for a mash-up of seasonal jams at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Then, behold heartwarming performances around World Showcase, including Canadian Holiday Voyageurs, Las Posadas with Mariachi Cobre, the Chinese Lion Dance, and holiday storytellers.

This joyous celebration is included with admission to EPCOT®, with food and beverages being available for purchase.

Walt Disney World holidays at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Merry Menagerie at DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort (© Disney)

Holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

Nov. 14 – Dec. 31, 2025

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, experience the magic of nature with a holiday twist. Be sure to swing by Discovery River to wave hello to some of your favorite Disney Characters aboard decked-out flotillas. Included with park admission, highlights include:

  • Merry Menagerie: Delight in winter wonders as Discovery Island® springs to life with artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals — like penguins, reindeer, foxes and polar bears.
  • Mickey & Minnie at Adventurers Outpost: Pose for a photo with these beloved Disney Characters decked out in holiday attire.
  • Tree of Life® Awakenings — Holiday Edition: The beloved tree shimmers and sparkles each evening, accompanied by a heartwarming musical score.
Guests are transported to a magical winter wonderland when they visit Disney Springs during the holiday season, complete with Santa's Chalet, the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail and entertainment abounds.
Meet Santa Claus at DISNEY SPRINGS®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort (©Disney)

Holidays at Disney Springs

Nov. 14 – Dec. 31, 2025

More holiday fun can be enjoyed at Disney Springs®, including dazzling decor and gift ideas galore. Meet Santa Claus, enjoy festive holiday tunes with live performers and DJs, and encounter Toy Soldier Stilt Walkers and Snowflake Skaters. Flurries are also in the forecast with a magical evening snowfall over Disney Springs Town Center — the perfect complement to the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. Best of all, admission and parking are free.

Discover: Things to Do at DISNEY SPRINGS

7023-christmas-celebration-2023-photo-4.jpg SeaWorld® Orlando
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld® Orlando (©SeaWorld)

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration™ at SeaWorld® Orlando

Select Dates, Nov. 7 – Jan. 5, 2025

The award-winning SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration™ returns with the sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday season. Included with theme park admission, the event transforms SeaWorld® Orlando into a winter wonderland with more than 3 million sparkling lights.

Save on discount tickets: SeaWorld Orlando

Enjoy all the family-friendly holiday entertainment, from the iconic Sea of Trees that dance to music as they light up the central lagoon, to delicious holiday treats. Experience fan-favorite holiday shows and seasonal entertainment throughout the park. And be sure to stay late to finish your evening with an impressive holiday fireworks show.

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort 2021
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Part of Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Nov. 21 – Dec. 31, 2025

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort are merry and bright, naughty and nice.

Save on discount tickets: Universal Orlando Resort

Join the celebration of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ as Hogwarts™ castle lights up for the holidays and festive decor brightens up the streets of Hogsmeade™ and Diagon Alley™. Enjoy a hot Butterbeer™ while both the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees put a holiday spin on their performances.

Larger-than-life balloons float through the streets of Universal Studios Florida in Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, along with appearances by the Minions from Illumination’s Despicable Me and some of your favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek films. Get together with the resident Whos in Universal Islands of Adventure, where you can enjoy the music and fun of The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular starring the Grinch™.

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Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, Part of Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

There are even more festivities in store around every corner of Universal Orlando Resort. You’ll find tasty holiday food and drinks, character encounters and more. And to top it all off, you’ll want to stay at one of Universal’s spectacular hotels, where you’ll find even more themed food, decorations and festivities.

From breathtaking hotels to Universal CityWalk to thrill-packed theme parks, have an awesome holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort, with all festivities included with park admission.

Discover: Things to Do at Universal CityWalk

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © &™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.

Prices, times, dates, entertainment, event and/or experience details are subject to changes and/or cancellation without notice. Dr. Seuss properties TM & © 2025 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade & Related Characters © 2025 Macy’s Inc. © 2025 DreamWorks Animation LLC. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2025 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Kids pose with a toy soldier at Christmas Bricktacular at Legoland Florida Resort
Holidays at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort Near Orlando

Holidays at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

Select Dates, Dec. 6 – 31, 2025

At LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, celebrate the holiday season with Holidays at LEGOLAND. This jolly time of year features a ginormous giant LEGO® brick-built Christmas tree, plus elf-tastic seasonal shows and activities, a festive crew of LEGO holiday characters, a merry menu of special treats, cheerful LEGO decor, twinkling lights, and more. An extra special gift for you: This festive event is included in general admission.

Save on discount tickets: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

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More Holiday Events in Orlando

Katrina Dandridge
Downtown Orlando

Deck the District Holiday Event in City District

Nov. 20, 2025

Deck the District marks the beginning of the holiday season in downtown Orlando’s City District. Join in the fun with holly jolly tunes, a gingerbread house building contest, pet photos with Santa Paws, and the grand tree lighting.

Discover: Things to Do in City District

Oranges and Ornaments: Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s Festival of Trees

Nov. 21, 2025

The Winter Garden Heritage Museum will get a festive makeover during their first-ever Festival of Trees, a showcase of decorated trees, holiday cheer and citrus-inspired charm. This one-day event will also feature handcrafted mocktails, cocktails and holiday treats available for purchase, all in the heart of historic Winter Garden.

Discover: Things to Do in Winter Garden

Holiday Matsuri at Orange County Convention Center

Dec. 19 – 21, 2025

Celebrate the holidays and your favorite fandoms at Holiday Matsuri, a three-day pop culture expo in the International Drive Entertainment District. Enjoy cosplay contests, panels, tournaments and more at the Orange County Convention Center, then celebrate with after-hours parties and nightlife (ages 18+) at Hyatt Regency Orlando.

Discover: Geeky Guide to Orlando

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Map of Holiday Events in Orlando

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