Central Florida Holiday Guide 2024 ❄️
Whether you're a local or visiting the Sunshine State, there's no shortage of events to get you into the holiday spirit. From dazzling light displays to heartwarming community gatherings. Below is a list of upcoming events to be on the lookout for - Click the title above the event to be redirected to the event’s website for further info + how to purchase tickets.
All Season Long Events:
Holiday Nights at Island H2O Water Park
Check out island-festive immersive light displays and snap some holiday-card worthy photos with friends and family. You can get your holiday shopping done as you dive through the holiday market featuring local vendors with a showcase of unique gifts and handcrafted ornaments. Sip steaming mugs of cider and hot cocoa, enjoy holiday themed bites, and toast s’mores big enough to share all while enjoying unique live entertainment each night. Holiday Nights will light up every Wednesday through Sunday from Nov. 8 – Dec. 10 and everyday Dec. 13 – 31.2 million pounds of ice, carved into intricate figures, slides and photo-ops - ICE! at Gaylord begins in November, and each destination will have its own theme for the 2024 season. Kicking off this November, the 24-year-old holiday tradition will feature 2 million pounds of hand-carved, larger-than-life ice scenes and fan-favorite characters from memorable Christmas classics. Overnight and local day guests at each destination will step into a winter wonderland that includes more than 10 walk-through scenes, two-story ice slides and photo-worthy moments.Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Daytona’s new holiday tradition. One carload, one price. November 22-January 4 – Nightly 6pm-10pm /November 28-December 1 – 7pm-10pm.
Clermont Enchanted Forest of Trees-Christmas Parade-Tree Lighting and Cookies and Cocoa
The Enchanted Forest of Trees opens on November 23rd and runs through January 3 for viewing. Come and see more than 70 trees uniquely decorated by local organizations, businesses, and families on display at Victory Pointe. Check out the trees during the day and after dark to get the full effect!Christmas Tree Lighting and Street Party December 6th from 5:30-9pm.Clermont Christmas Parade December 7th in Downtown Clermont at 10am.Cookies and Cocoa at Victory Pointe on December 13th from 6-9pm.St. Augustine Nights of Lights
The 2024-2025 Nights of Lights will take place every evening from November 23, 2024 to January 26, 2025.Be inspired by the illumination of Leu Gardens’ giant oaks with hundreds of thousands of brilliant lights. Explore a forest of trees that illuminate with holiday greetings from around the world.
Free admission from 4 to 8 p.m. Live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on five consecutive Friday nights, November 29 through December 27.
Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers one of the area’s only synthetic ice rinks, special community performances by some of the area’s top young talent, and special concert events throughout the season. Now Snowing is a month-long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens style Carolers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, train rides, ice skating, and nightly snowfall at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 PM.Downtown Winter Garden transforms into a magical Holiday Wonderland as the sights and sounds of the season complement its historic small town-charm. On select dates (see Holiday Happenings Daily Event Schedule below), enjoy holiday events, live music, projection light shows, street performers, and more that add to the festive Normal Rockwell-like ambiance. All events and activities are FREE unless noted otherwise.Cranes Roost Park Light Up the Holidays
Experience the magic of the season at Light Up the Holidays powered by Duke Energy! Enjoy an enchanting evening filled with dazzling light displays, festive music and holiday cheer. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, go ice skating, enjoy live entertainment and savor delicious food and drinks.Florida’s only Snow Park features a massive tubing hill, an Alpine Village, snow filled dome with real snow, ice skating and private igloos.
Multiple Day Events:
Festival of Trees: Let the Joy of the Season Shine
During Festival of Trees, general admission ticket holders will enjoy enchanting décor, more than 30 designer-decorated trees, exceptional gingerbread houses and wreaths. Visitors will also participate in the crowd favorite Entertaining and Design tablescapes raffle, Silent Auction, photo ops with Santa and more. In addition, there will be a holiday shopping experience in our Toyland, pop-up Boutique as well as live entertainment throughout the event.Revel in a thrilling twist on a holiday favorite with A Christmas Nutcracker Tale, a dazzling spectacle recognized as “the pyrotechnic Nutcracker” by USA Today and “one of five outstanding productions in the entire nation” by CNN Headline News.Deck the halls with tons of COLOR and enjoy holiday fun the Crayola way! Make handmade gifts from the heart, complete a seasonal scavenger hunt and more! It’s a holiday hullabaloo with SNOW much to do! The St Cloud Holiday Festival returns Dec 7th and 8th to downtown St Cloud. Over 180 crafters and vendors, children’s craft area and chalk-art contest, festival food, local shopping, and a classic car show on Sunday. Santa available Saturday and Sunday!Ice Cream for Breakfast with Santa
Give Kids The World Village, Ice Cream for Breakfast with Santa is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season! Join us for a make-your-own ice cream sundae station, holiday crafts, Village attractions, mini golf, and a lively dance party! Get your tickets today.Holiday magic awaits the whole family at Central Florida’s favorite holiday event at Lake Nona Town Center on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from December 6-22. Watch as Lake Nona Town Center transforms into a winter wonderland, known as Peppermint Square, with a calendar full of celebrations and events for our 7th annual Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival.Holiday Moonlight Festival in Hunter’s Creek
At the Hunter’s Creek Village Park December 7, 2024, 6:00 pm – 10:00pm. Following the Holiday Twilight Parade Special appearance by Santa Claus!Bring your chairs and blankets for free festive holiday films under the warm night sky at Crane’s Roost Park in Altamonte Springs. Food and drinks available for purchase. December 12 + 19th.Find your holiday groove with classic carols, contemporary holiday hits and a visit with Santa. Admission is free. Food and drinks available for purchase.A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage
Be a part of something very special at Orlando Family Stage this holiday season as this beloved classic is live on stage! Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s timeless Peanuts cartoons and featuring the music of Vince Guaraldi, A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage is a gift the whole family can enjoy. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the Peanuts gang as they sing, dance, and most importantly, learn the true meaning of Christmas! November 25 – December 29, 2024.Single Day Events:
Give Kids the World Village Holiday Soiree
A Gala-style event with a vintage holiday twist, the Soiree will raise vital funds to enable the Village to continue creating life-changing experiences and priceless memories for children.Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster’s
There’s no better place to meet Mr. Claus! Your kids can play games & get a photo with Santa. It’s a win-win! FIRST 25 GUESTS TO PURCHASE A SANTA TICKET GET A FREE SWAG BAG!A festive family event for all ages! Reindeer Romp will feature Meet and Greet Santa Claus Photo-Op, Story Time with Mrs. Claus, Holiday Balloon Artists,
Festive Face Painters, Stilt Walkers, Family Friendly Menu in The Café. I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting
Kick off the Holiday season with an evening of family fun! Check out how I-Drive dazzles with a lighting ceremony of the 50-ft Holiday Tree sponsored by the I-Drive District. Join in on the fun with special performances and characters throughout the night all leading up to our special guests lighting I-Drive for the holiday season!Join Us for Light Up Windermere on Friday, November 22nd! The event will take place at Town Square Park (520 Main Street), will run 5:00pm – 9:30pmOn Saturday, November 23, at 8 PM, you’ll have the chance to run, roll or stroll a 5K or family fun run through our whimsical storybook Village illuminated by thousands of holiday lights!Silent Disco Party at Festival of the Trees
On Saturday, November 23 guests can dance among the art and trees with wireless headphones to switch between three live DJs playing different music sets.Everyone’s favorite elf is back—and this time, with a live symphony orchestra! Relive a beloved holiday classic on the big screen as every note of John Debney’s whimsical, original score comes to life.Kick off the holiday season with a blast at Ice Factory of Central Florida on Friday, November 29th, from 7pm-10pm for a night of festive fun!Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker
Take a journey with Clare through her enchanted dream where she travels with the Chocolate Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Together they tour the world, visiting Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, India, Spain and other lands on their way to the Kingdom of Toys. Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker is described as Soulful, Bold, Colorful, Exciting, Lively and Delightful! A holiday treat for the entire family! Oviedo Tree Lighting Celebration
A Frosty themed Tree Lighting Experience at Center Lake Park in Oviedo on December 5th, 2024.Each year, the Morse Museum helps launch the holiday season in Winter Park when it lights up Tiffany windows in Central Park and presents the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble in concert on December 5, 2024.Longwood City Commissioners will light the new 22 ft Christmas tree at Reiter Park. Enjoy music and food trucks with family a friends on December 5, 2024!Annual tree lighting at City Hall Park and Downtown Clermont! There will be live music, food trucks, vendors, carolers, photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Clause (Provided by Kiwanis Club of South Lake) and more!37th Annual Light Up Winter Garden on Friday, December 6. The time-honored tradition starts at 6:00 pm; and at 6:15 pm, join us at City Hall for the momentous flipping of the switch to turn on the holiday lights and watch downtown glow. Holiday activities and entertainment for all to enjoy will continue through 9:00 pm.Oviedo Christmas and Holiday Parade
The annual holiday parade will be on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees can line up along Center Lake Lane and Oviedo Blvd. Parade leaves the Oviedo Gym & Aquatics Center approximately at 7:00 pm. “SLEIGHted” to start at 10 AM this parade will depart from Waterfront Park and navigate through Historic Downtown. There will be festive floats, marching bands, and many local groups participating in this annual parade for the Clermont community. All are invited to join us either as a spectator or a parade participant. Spaces in the parade are limited, applications are available below.Winter Park Chamber’s Ye Olde Christmas Parade
On December 7,2024 the parade will travel down Park Avenue, starting at Cole Avenue and proceeding south, ending Lyman Avenue. More than 80 organizations participate including marching bands, local police and fire departments, scouting groups, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus.The City of Longwood will host the 9th annual Christmas Parade on 12/7/2024 through Longwood by way of Ronald Reagan Blvd., north of SR 434. The parade will kick off at 3:00 pm on Saturday, December 2nd, and will feature stunning cars, seasonal characters, bands, and much more. Sign up to participate in the parade!This Year’s Christmas Parade Theme is “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The St. Cloud Christmas Parade is a family- friendly event, with festivities for all ages. Parade is on December 7,2024.The City of Altamonte Springs and Duke Energy celebrate the tradition of lighting up Cranes Roost Park on 12/7/2024 with live music, entertainment, fireworks, train rides, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Watch as the park comes alive with spectacular holiday displays featuring 200,000 lights and a 60-foot tree decorated with thousands of ornaments and garland.Winter Garden Christmas Parade
Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, the Christmas Parade is a free community event.The Winter Garden Christmas Parade kicks off December 7, 2024 at 10:00 am on Dillard Street at the Palmetto Street intersection (by Wells Fargo), proceeds north on Dillard Street, then heads west/left on Plant Street through historic downtown and concludes at Park Avenue.Delight in the festivities at our Holiday Festival, where you can enjoy free crafts, snacks, and even meet and greet with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their merry band of elves on December 14,2024.Enjoy a festive run or walk through the enchanting pathways of SeaWorld Orlando. Embrace the holiday spirit with the jingling sounds of bells along the route and celebrate your finish in our Winter Wonderland, complete with delightful holiday treats for everyone on December 14, 2024.With the purchase of an all inclusive wristband, you will have unlimited access to all the different activities, rides, and attractions.Holiday Brunch with Live Music from Michael Andrew
With a curated menu inspired by the arts center’s executive chef, Jason Klingensmith, your ticket to this two-and-a-half-hour brunch includes a selection of made-to-order dishes, plus access to our specialty serving stations. Juice, milk and coffee are included, while alcohol and signature drinks are available for purchase. ABOUT THE ARTISTS Feel transported to a winter wonderland in this swinging performance of holiday magic. In the spirit of the season, crooner Michael Andrew will perform beloved holiday hits in the classic style of icons like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Bobby Darin.Theme Park Events:
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with festive entertainment, a storybook holiday atmosphere, sweet treats and more at this yuletide event—offered on select evenings November 8 to December 20, 2024, from 7:00 PM to midnight.Click HERE for event dates and ticket pricesStroll across 6 continents—and beyond—as you sample mouthwatering delicacies at EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Discover a cornucopia of cultures, cuisines and innovative cooking techniques from chefs worldwide.EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
Celebrate holidays around the world! Get wrapped up in the festive sights, sounds and flavors of the season at EPCOT—November 29 to December 30, 2024. Celebrate holidays around the world! Get wrapped up in the festive sights, sounds and flavors of the season at EPCOT—November 29 to December 30, 2024.Celebrate the holiday season in style with a ticket to this 5-hour event in Disney’s Hollywood Studios—select nights from November 9 to December 21, 2024!This 5-hour event takes place from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM.Sleigh into the holly jolliest time of year as HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND® presented by Hallmark Channel returns to LEGOLAND Florida Resort! Surprise your family with tons of bricktastic holiday fun coming down the chimney, including an all-new ginormous LEGO® brick-built Christmas Tree, a festive LEGO® crew, new elf-tastic entertainment, and bunches of new holly jolly LEGO décor. Plus, the icing on top of the fruitcake, admission is included with day tickets, hotel packages, and Annual Passes!SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
Gather your family and join all your festive friends at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, select dates, November – January. See the park transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with millions of beautiful lights. With plenty of holiday cheer, this event is sure to create unforgettable memories at a wondrous Christmas celebration you’ll only find at SeaWorld.Celebrate the year with holiday cheer & gather with family and friends to create merry memories. Experience the joy of the season up close with animal encounters, thrilling rides, holiday inspired culinary delights and festive shows like Christmas on Ice. Keep the holiday spirit shining bright from day to night with twinkling lights of every color and dazzling fireworks!