Maximize your merry with holiday events, dining, shopping, Santa sightings and more.

There’s no place like Orlando for the holidays. After all, where else can you find theme park celebrations, holiday dining, decked out resorts and sunny days by the pool, all in one place? Add vibrant live arts, sports, community events, beach proximity and endless ways to wrap up your seasonal shopping, and you’ll quickly see why Orlando is the most visited destination in the country. Explore our top must-do’s below, from dining and Santa sightings to free holiday festivals.

Discover: Holiday Event Guide

Orlando vacation planning made easy — and free. Make a complimentary appointment with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planners at a time and date of your choosing for the latest insider advice, special offers and more ahead of your next visit. You can also plot your adventures with our AI planning assistant, OPAL.

Experience Orlando’s Signature Holiday Events

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Dazzling Nights by Creative City Project

With over a dozen holiday events running from November to December (and even into January), Orlando offers endless ways to deck the halls. Add one or more of these top-rated seasonal events to your wish list and check out our full holiday event guide for details.

Ongoing Holiday Events at Orlando Theme Parks

Ongoing Holiday Events at Orlando Attractions

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Marvel at Holiday Lights & Decorations

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Downtown for the Holidays

Orlando’s free holiday celebrations and festive events make it easy to get into the holiday spirit. Explore free light shows, holiday-themed displays, outdoor movies and art installations, plus one-night-only events and holiday tours throughout our neighborhoods and surrounding areas.

Ongoing Festivities

One-Night-Only Events

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Meet Santa Claus & More Holiday Characters

Promotional image for Lake Nona's annual Oh, What Fun! annual holiday event.
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival in Lake Nona

Santa Claus is coming to town, and you and your loved ones can meet him in Orlando throughout the holiday season. In addition to appearing at most of our theme parks, Santa will appear at The Florida Mall®, The Mall at Millenia, ICON Park® and at special events like the Oh, What Fun Holiday! Festival. Get our full list of Santa sightings below.

Discover: Where to See Santa in Orlando

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Savor Festive Feasts & Seasonal Sweets

Kavas Tacos + Tequila Las Posadas 2024 Holiday Cocktails
Kavas Tacos + Tequila

The holidays are best spent with family and friends, and you’ll find plenty of Orlando restaurants with celebration-worthy spreads. In addition to festive bars and restaurants, we have MICHELIN Guide dining, restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs and James Beard Award nominees, and of course, endless options for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinner. Make your reservations early for a never-ending celebration of everything that makes this season so special.

Discover: Orlando Restaurants

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Enjoy Holiday Shows & Performing Arts

Nothing invites the holiday spirit quite like music and performing arts, and come Christmas time, Orlando has plenty to offer on that front. Catch classics like The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, A Charlie Brown Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life performed live, plus concerts from Lindsey Stirling, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and dozens of additional touring and local productions throughout the holiday season.

Discover: Orlando Arts & Entertainment

Nutcracker at Orlando Ballet
The Nutcracker by Orlando Ballet

Classic Ballet, Dance & Performing Arts

Free Holiday Productions & Film Screenings

Central Florida Community Arts orchestra choir musicians
Central Florida Community Arts

Holiday Concerts

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Explore Festive Hotels & Resorts

Christmas Decor at Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort

Whether you’re dining, staying overnight or just passing by, Orlando’s hotels and resorts boast added holiday joy for all ages. Marvel at festive decor, enjoy resort-exclusive perks like gift delivery or Santa meet and greets, and indulge in themed spa treatments, specialty food and beverage, and poolside holiday bliss. From a white sand beach at Conrad Orlando to understated luxury at the Four Seasons, it’s never been easier to plan the perfect getaway for your crew.

Discover: Festive Orlando Hotels

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Shop for the Perfect Holiday Gifts

The Mall at Millenia main entrance for Christmas at night
The Mall at Millenia

Orlando is home to world-class malls, outlets and local boutiques, making it easy to wrap up your shopping in time for the holidays. Discover luxe finds at The Mall at Millenia, over 250 retailers at The Florida Mall, and unbeatable holiday discounts at Orlando International Premium Outlets® and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets®.

Discover: Orlando Shopping

Add locally owned shops, vintage boutiques, holiday markets and sprawling entertainment districts like Disney Springs®, and you’ll easily find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Start with locally inspired gifts and Black Friday offers, then stuff your sleigh with our top holiday shopping tips.

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Enjoy Outdoor Holiday Fun

No freezing temps here! The holiday season is the perfect time to get outside and explore Orlando’s outdoor wonders, from natural springs and hiking trails to boating, kayaking and even manatee spotting. Take a high-speed airboat tour, hit the links, or join guided biking and walking tours to see the city in style — no snow boots or parka required. Many tour operators and outdoor attractions will even have holiday overlays and special events, like Wekiva Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island.

Discover: Outdoor Adventures

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Unwind in Cool Pools & Lazy Rivers

Photographer: Andrew Miller
Lake Nona Wave Hotel

You could also spend the holidays floating through Orlando with a mai tai in hand, thanks to our incredible pools, resort lazy rivers and all-inclusive day resort, Discovery Cove®. Make a splash at your own hotel pool or book a ResortPass day to enjoy waterslides, lazy rivers, cabanas, poolside drinks, spa access and more at some of Orlando’s most luxurious resorts. You can also melt the ice away at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park or Aquatica® Orlando, weather permitting.

Discover: Orlando’s Coolest Pools

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Catch Seasonal Bowl Games

Pop Tart Bowl (Teams, Players, Mascot)
Pop-Tarts Bowl

Finally, we know that football and the holidays go hand-in-hand, and there’s no reason to give that up just because you’re on vacation. Orlando will host several NCAA football games throughout the holiday season, including the Florida Blue Florida Classic ahead of Thanksgiving, the StaffDNA Cure Bowl before Christmas, and the Pop-Tarts Bowl and Citrus Bowl to help ring in the new year. Bowl game tickets make a great gift, just saying.

Discover: Orlando Bowl Games

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Map of 2026 Holiday Events

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FAQ: Orlando Holiday Events

Is Orlando a good place to visit for the holidays? 

Yes. Orlando celebrates the holidays throughout the destination with theme park festivities, light displays, live entertainment, seasonal dining and neighborhood celebrations. Some of the many highlights featured in Orlando include holiday fun at the theme parks, dazzling displays at Harry P. Leu Gardens, seasonal performances at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and festive celebrations in neighborhoods such as Downtown Orlando, Lake Nona and Winter Park. 

What can you do in Orlando during the holiday season? 

You can celebrate with holiday festivals, Christmas lights, live shows, seasonal dining, shopping, outdoor adventures and special events. Some of the offerings highlighted by Visit Orlando include Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens, Festival of Trees at Orlando Museum of Art, The Nutcracker presented by Orlando Ballet and holiday celebrations at Orlando's theme parks. 

Do Orlando theme parks celebrate Christmas and the holidays? 

Yes. Orlando's theme parks get into the holiday spirit with seasonal entertainment, decorations and limited-time experiences. Holiday celebrations are among the seasonal offerings you'll find at Orlando's major theme park resorts, including Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort. 

Are there holiday activities in Orlando outside the theme parks? 

Absolutely. Some of Orlando's many holiday offerings beyond the theme parks include Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens, Festival of Trees at Orlando Museum of Art and seasonal programming at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. You'll also find holiday celebrations in communities and neighborhoods including Downtown Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Nona and Winter Garden. 

Where can you see Christmas lights and holiday decorations in Orlando? 

You'll find Christmas lights, holiday decorations and other festive displays throughout Orlando. Some of the seasonal offerings highlighted by Visit Orlando include Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens, Downtown for the Holidays in Downtown Orlando and community celebrations in Winter Park, Winter Garden and other areas around the destination. 

Can you see Santa Claus in Orlando? 

Yes. Santa Claus makes appearances throughout Orlando during the holiday season, including at theme parks, special events, hotels, shopping destinations and entertainment districts. Some holiday celebrations feature Mrs. Claus, too, giving you plenty of opportunities to add a Santa visit to your Orlando holiday itinerary. 

Are there holiday activities in Orlando for families? 

Yes. Families can choose from theme park celebrations, Santa visits, Christmas lights, arts and entertainment, outdoor activities and seasonal attractions. Some of the many family-friendly offerings featured include Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience, Dinos in Lights at Orlando Science Center and holiday festivities throughout Orlando's theme parks. 

What holiday shows and performances can you see in Orlando? 

Orlando's holiday entertainment includes theater, dance, concerts and other performing arts throughout the season. Some highlighted offerings include Orlando Ballet's The Nutcracker, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra holiday programming and seasonal shows at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and other arts venues throughout the destination. 

Where can you enjoy holiday dining in Orlando? 

You'll find festive dining at Orlando restaurants, theme parks, entertainment districts, hotels and resorts. Holiday offerings can include special menus, celebratory meals, buffets and other seasonal dining experiences, giving you plenty of ways to add some extra flavor to your holiday getaway. 

What can you do outdoors in Orlando during the holidays? 

Orlando's holiday season isn't limited to indoor festivities. You can pair seasonal celebrations with outdoor activities and resort experiences, including holiday light displays and other open-air events around the destination, then make even more of Orlando's winter weather with the outdoor experiences featured throughout the blog. 

How can you plan an Orlando holiday vacation? 

Start by deciding which experiences are at the top of your wish list, whether that's theme park celebrations, holiday lights, seasonal performances, dining, shopping or outdoor fun. Because dates and offerings can vary, check current details as you plan, and use Visit Orlando's complimentary Vacation Planners or OPAL, Visit Orlando's AI planning assistant, for additional planning help. 

FAQs are based on this blog's content, created in partnership with Microsoft Copilot, and edited by the real humans at Visit Orlando. 

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