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

Updated Oct. 8, 2026

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 rounded up dozens of unique events — including some festive freebies — for a rocking holiday getaway, no matter your age. Anything is possible in Orlando — even snow. Let’s deck the halls!

Discover: 10 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Orlando

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Best Free & Low-Cost Holiday Events

A costumed Santa figure participates in a storytime presentation for guests at the Frontyard Holiday Festival. Santa is positioned in a decorated seasonal setting with holiday props and illuminated decorations nearby. Guests are gathered around the presentation area for the festival activity.
Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center

Frontyard Holiday Festival

Nov. 27 – Dec. 31, 2026

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will transform its outdoor plaza into a free holiday wonderland during their seasonal Frontyard Holiday Festival. Stop by before a show or visit the standalone festival to enjoy family-friendly live entertainment, festive bites and more to be revealed.

Discover: Orlando Arts & Entertainment

Jingle Eve

Nov. 21, 2026

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. Add the 12 Wines of Christmas walk for a small fee to sip as you stroll.

Discover: Things to Do in Ivanhoe Village

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Holiday Nights Celebration

Select Dates, Nov. 19 – Dec. 25, 2026

Let Promenade at Sunset Walk brighten your visit with snowfall, towering toy soldiers, nightly tree lightings, and s’mores pits on select weekend dates. Keep an eye out for bonus special events including car shows, holiday markets, live entertainment and more throughout the holiday season. Holiday Nights is free to enjoy, with optional paid experiences like the Pearl Express train ride.

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Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade

Holidays on Park

Nov. 27, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027

The Park Avenue District in Winter Park will become extra-charming with the addition of twinkling lights, live entertainment and festive displays during Holidays on Park. Stroll beneath the Cathedral of Lights, take a spin on the holiday carousel, and feel the holiday spirit with one-day-only events.

Discover: Things to Do in Winter Park

Free event highlights include a tree lighting, menorah lighting, carolers, Santa meet and greets during Winter on the Avenue; the annual Winter Park Christmas Parade; and free museum admission and music during Holiday Friday Nights at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.

Now Snowing

Nov. 28 – Dec. 31, 2026

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.

Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland

Select Dates, Nov. 29 – Dec. 25, 2026

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 ($15), an outdoor market, cocoa and stories with Mrs. Claus ($10), and much more. Activities vary by date.

Discover: Outdoor Fun

For even more Floridian winter fun by day, explore festive river tours and North Pole-themed VIP cabanas with s’mores and a firepit.

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

Select Dates, Dec. 4 – 20, 2026

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, a new Christmas Carnival and nightly snowfall, plus themed treats, fun photo ops, paid Santa meet and greets, and one-night-only events like a jolly 5K run (Dec. 5) and a Hanukkah Celebration of Lights (Dec. 6).

Discover: Things to Do in Lake Nona

Tis the Season

Dec. 4, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027

Tis the Season, and downtown Winter Garden will feature a flurry of festive fun the whole family can enjoy. Admire holiday decor, light displays and themed photo opportunities as you stroll, not to mention carolers, stilt walkers, live music, light shows and more on select weekend dates. Check the event listing for full dates and details of additional offerings like operas, movies, holiday markets and the Winter Garden Christmas Parade.

Discover: Things to Do in Winter Garden

KrampusFest

Dec. 6, 2026

Lean into the spooky side of the holidays with KrampusFest, an annual tradition hosted in The Milk District. The budget-friendly festival traditionally features a holiday village, live entertainment, professional photos with Krampus and even a Krampuslauf parade. Enjoy all-ages activities throughout the day followed by adults-only content after dark.

Discover: Things to Do in The Milk District

Holiday Events at Orlando Attractions

Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild

Select Dates, Nov. 13, 2026 – Jan. 17, 2027

The holiday season brings thousands of twinkling lights, and none are more unique than those found at the Asian Lantern Festival. Hosted at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, this cherished holiday event features 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: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Orlando Santa Photo Experiences

Select Dates, Nov. 13 – Dec. 24, 2026

Santa’s coming to town, and you can meet him at several locations throughout Orlando during your next visit. Reservations are recommended for all experiences, including the Santa Photo Experience at The Florida Mall®, the Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park®, Santa photos at The Mall at Millenia, and many more top-rated options.

Discover: Places to Meet Santa

Festival of Trees

Nov. 14 – 22, 2026

Celebrate 40 years of Festival of Trees as it returns to the Orlando Museum of Art ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Marvel at over 50 designer-decorated trees, then shop for gifts in the holiday boutique, enjoy live entertainment, and go all out with specially ticketed events like Breakfast With Santa (Nov. 14 – 15 & 21), a children’s holiday party (Nov. 20), and a Sip & Sleigh cocktail party finale (Nov. 21).

Discover: Orlando Museums

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Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens

Dazzling Nights

Select Dates, Nov. 20, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027

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 2026, including a 50-foot-tall snowman, high-energy acrobatic dance performances, choreographed Christmas trees, a 60-foot-long Poinsettia Promenade, and a Twinkle Market with a light show. 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

Holidays at Leu Gardens

Nov. 20, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027

You can also enjoy festive garden magic by day thanks to Holidays at Leu Gardens, included with daytime admission. See thousands of poinsettias and seasonal blooms, embark on a whimsical yeti hunt, and enhance the wonder with craft workshops — like free ornament, snowball slime and wreath crafts on Dec. 5 — throughout the season.

Bank of American day at the Orlando Science Center, photo by Roberto Gonzalez
Dinos in Lights at Orlando Science Center

Dinos in Lights

Select Dates, Nov. – Dec. 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.

Magic of Lights

Nov. 20, 2026 – Jan. 2, 2027

Driving around to look at Christmas lights is a beloved holiday tradition, and Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway takes it to a whole new level. This unique, drive-through experience features over a mile of spectacular light displays, from sparkling tunnels and a prehistoric Christmas display to larger-than-life versions of classic childhood toys.

Crayola Experience Musical Light Show for the holidays
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience

Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience

Nov. 21, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027

Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall will deck the halls with Colorful Christmas cheer all season long. Explore over 20 hands-on attractions plus festive holiday offerings to be announced. Past years have featured a seasonal scavenger hunt, character appearances, a singing light show, letters to Santa, crafts and more, all included with admission.

Save on discount tickets: Crayola Experience

Gatorland’s Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down

Select Dates, Dec. 5 – 20, 2026

Experience good old-fashioned Florida fun with a yuletide twist at Gatorland’s Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down. An Orlando classic for 75 years and counting, Gatorland will celebrate the season with holiday tunes, festive displays, interactive characters and an array of tempting seasonal treats, plus sightings of Gator Claus, Krampus Croc, thousands of real alligators and the elusive Florida Skunk Ape.

Discover: Things to Do at Gatorland

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Festive Holiday Shows, Concerts and Performing Arts

Orlando’s local arts scene spreads comfort and joy all year long, and it shines brighter than ever during the holiday season. Get into the festive spirit with iconic concerts, national touring acts, family theater productions, local ballet performances and more, with options for date night, family night and everything in between.

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A Charlie Brown Christmas at Orlando Family Stage

Best Productions for Kids & Families

Holiday Concerts

Nutcracker at Orlando Ballet
The Nutcracker by Orlando Ballet

Classic Ballet, Dance & Performing Arts

Free Holiday Productions & Film Screenings

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Festive Holiday Events for Foodies

Start the gift-giving early with crave worthy holiday events for every foodie on your list. Explore these top options before the big day arrives, then keep the momentum going with special Christmas and New Year’s Eve menus.

Discover: Orlando Restaurants

Interior of The Edison
The Edison (Courtesy Patina Restaurant Group)

Holiday Harbor Nights

Nov. 27, 2026

Experience the charm of an Italian holiday getaway right here in Orlando with Holiday Harbor Nights, an all-inclusive culinary event with unlimited wine and gourmet bites. Unwind in a charming piazza, enjoy live music and opera performances, and kick start the holidays with a spectacular Christmas tree lighting at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando.

Cocktail Class: Dreaming of a White Sand Christmas

Dec. 26 – 27, 2026

Explore premium spirits and learn to make your very own holiday drinks in this guided cocktail class at The Edison. Indulge in tiki drinks with a festive twist for a Florida-style Christmas at Disney Springs®. A light lunch is also included.

Discover: Mixology Classes

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Best Holiday Events for Theme Park Fans

Orlando’s theme parks bustle with holiday cheer from November through December, with select celebrations extending into the new year. Read on to discover the wintry wonders in store this holiday season at Walt Disney World® Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.

Discover: Orlando Theme Parks

Holidays at Walt Disney World® Resort

Stitch greets visitors at Disney's Hollywood Studios. He's dressed in a Santa coat and hat.
DISNEY JOLLYWOOD NIGHTS at DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS® (© Disney)

Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

Select Dates, Nov. 7 – Jan. 5, 2027

Disney’s Hollywood Studios® will shimmer with holiday fun during Disney Jollywood Nights, a glamorous after-hours extravaganza complete with exclusive shows, live entertainment and over 20 unique character experiences. Catch spirited holiday favorites like Disney Holidays in Hollywood, a star-studded stage show hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy; and Jingle Bell, Jingle Jam!, a spectacle of fireworks, projections, lasers and lights set to merry tunes. Plus, enjoy holiday food and drink available for purchase and complimentary Disney PhotoPass® digital downloads throughout the night.

Save on discount tickets: DISNEY JOLLYWOOD NIGHTS

Explore even more holiday fun by day with Tinseltown-inspired decor, festive seasonal dining at Minnie’s Hollywood Dine at Hollywood & Vine, and larger-than-life meet and greets with a holiday twist in Toy Story Land. End the night in style with jaw-dropping holiday projections and toe-tapping tunes during Sunset Seasons Greetings on Hollywood Boulevard.

Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff appear onstage in Frozen Holiday Surprise at Magic Kingdom Park
Frozen Holiday Surprise at MAGIC KINGDOM® Park

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

Select Dates, Nov. 8 – Dec. 22, 2026

There’s nothing like the Most Merriest Place on Earth for the holidays, whether you’re visiting Magic Kingdom® Park by day or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party by night. Enjoy seasonal music, festive decor and themed sweets, not to mention the world-famous Jingle Cruise during the day. Queen Elsa puts the bow on the park’s daytime festivities with an enchanting castle transformation In Frozen Holiday Surprise.

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

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed yuletide celebration offered on select nights. This after-hours party boasts enchanting entertainment, event-exclusive seasonal treats, and festive overlays of classic attractions. Highlights include Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, and the chance to meet beloved characters in their finest holiday attire. You can even snap a photo with some of your favorite Disney Pals in their finest holiday attire!

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EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT®

EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays Presented by AdventHealth

Nov. 27 – Dec. 30, 2026

Experience festive flavors and traditions from around the world at the EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, included with daytime admission at EPCOT®. Sample traditional dishes (available for purchase), then sit back as holiday storytellers regale you with yuletide folklore and legends from Norway, Italy, France and more. You can also meet Santa, journey through EPCOT’s Glimmering Greenhouses, and explore seasonal sweets on a self-guided Cookie Stroll.

Save on discount tickets: WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort

End your night with the Candlelight Processional, a stirring retelling of the story of Christmas complete with a celebrity narrator, massed choir, 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets and EPCOT’s own Voices of Liberty.

Walt Disney World holidays at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Merry Menagerie at DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park (© Disney)

Holidays at DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park

Nov. 13, 2026 – Jan. 7, 2027

Experience the magic of nature with a holiday twist at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Twinkling decor, live holiday music and festive flotillas set the stage for a laid-back holiday getaway complete with themed meet and greets and festive food and drink. Witness the artistry of the Merry Menagerie, a collection of whimsical sculpted puppets that frolic around Discovery Island. Then, gather with your loved ones for Tree of Life® Awakenings – Holiday Edition, which combines dazzling projections and an uplifting musical score for a can’t-miss seasonal experience.

A family admires a vibrant Encanto Christmas tree outside World of Disney as part of the Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs
Holidays at DISNEY SPRINGS® (© Disney)

Holidays at Disney Springs®

Experience the joy of the holidays with free parking, free admission and free live entertainment throughout Disney Springs. Add festive sweets and treats, nightly snowfall, a themed Christmas tree stroll, yuletide charm at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar, and the chance to meet Santa through Christmas Eve, and you’ll be laughing all the way through this festive season.

Discover: Things to Do at DISNEY SPRINGS

Holidays at Disney Resorts Collection

The Disney Resorts Collection is comprised of over 25 Walt Disney World Resort hotels, all of which will be decked out with holiday decor, twinkling lights and more ways to celebrate throughout the holiday season. From sleigh rides at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground to a nearly four-story Christmas tree at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the resorts form the perfect bow on top of a magical Walt Disney World Resort getaway. Activities are exclusively available to visitors with an overnight stay or dining reservation at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel. 

Discover: Disney Resorts Collection

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

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration™ at SeaWorld® Orlando

Select Dates, Nov. 6, 2026 – Jan. 4, 2027

SeaWorld® Orlando transforms into a winter wonderland during SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration™, where merry decor, spirited entertainment, themed meet and greets, and millions of twinkling lights are all included with daytime admission. Catch returning favorites like O Wondrous Night, The Sesame Street Christmas Parade, the award-winning Winter Wonderland on Ice, and Holiday Reflection: Fireworks Finale. Snow flurries, ice skating, and festive food and drink all add to the joyous holiday fun. You can even meet Santa, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and more lovable friends for an unforgettable holiday getaway.

Save on discount tickets: SeaWorld Orlando

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort 2021
The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Nov. 14, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort brings iconic yuletide fun to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Epic Universe — not to mention Universal CityWalk and the resort’s 11 themed hotels.

Kick things off with Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, which spans all three parks and includes seasonal entertainment like The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle and holiday tunes from Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.

Discover: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Grinch reaches for the camera with the colorful holiday lights of Seuss Landing in the background
The Grinch™ in Seuss Landing™

Next up, head to Dr. Seuss’s Who-ville in Seuss Landing™ for The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular, a merry musical retelling of the mean green one’s unexpected journey to find the true meaning of Christmas.

Universal Studios Florida next door will feature larger-than-life ballons and favorite characters from Despicable Me, Shrek and more during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy's. They’ll also have a towering Christmas tree, an immersive Holiday Tribute Store and themed treats galore.

Universal Epic Universe will also light up for the holiday season, featuring playful decor in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ and Snoggletog festivities in How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk.

A family unwinds near a Christmas tree in the lobby of the Loews Sapphire Falls Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort
Make it a Full Holiday Getaway at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

Extend your holiday fun with signature cocktails at the Green and Red Coconut Club, themed food and beverage items throughout Universal CityWalk, and sparkling decor, holiday dining, and vacation package savings at Universal Orlando Resort hotels.

Dr. Seuss properties TM & © 2026 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All rights reserved. HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements © & TM Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling. L.P. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade & Related Characters © 2026 Macy’s Inc. © Nintendo. Nintendo trademarks are properties of Nintendo. How To Train Your Dragon © 2026 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All rights reserved. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

LEGO Characters Around the LEGO Tree During Holidays at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

Select Dates, Nov. 21, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort will deck the halls with themed shows, light trails, seasonal food and more during their Christmas Bricktacular. Explore new additions like a Christmas drone show with LEGO® Santa, a Rap Battle Show and an interactive light trail, plus returning highlights like a 30-foot-tall LEGO® Christmas tree, meet and greets with LEGO® Santa and his friends, the Holly Hype Dance Party, and larger-than-life holiday decor. It’s all included with daytime admission on select weekend dates.

Save on discount tickets: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

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Map of 2026 Holiday Events in Orlando

Use this map to track down the top Orlando events near you this holiday season.

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