Some of our fondest childhood memories were driving by sparkling Christmas lights displays. By spending a few dollars on gas, you’ll create a family tradition with a night of holiday lights in Orlando. It’s free, easy, and oh-so festive!
We’ve made our list and checked it twice. Here’s our list of where to see Christmas lights in Orlando. There are probably holiday lights we’ve missed, so send those Christmas displays our way: news@orlandoonthecheap.com.
City of Orlando Christmas tree and lights.
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You might also be interested in:
- Free and cheap holiday events around Orlando
- Free and cheap things to do this weekend in Orlando
- Central Florida holiday concerts and shows
- Holiday parades in and around Orlando
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WHERE TO SEE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN ORLANDO
Cranes Roost Holiday Lights.
Cranes Roost Light Up the Holidays
Cranes Roost Park: 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
(407) 571-8180
- More than 100 spectacular holiday displays featuring over 200,000 lights and a 60-foot tree decorated with 8,000 lights, 2,600 ornaments, and over one mile of garland.
- Holiday Fountain Show with dazzling lights and dancing water, 6pm-9pm every hour.
- You can also check out FREE events throughout the holiday season including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, concerts, characters, and movies. Check out Altamonte Spring’s holiday schedule of events.
Mount Dora Christmas lights.
Mount Dora
Donnelly Park: 530 N Donnelly St, Mt Dora, FL 32757
(352) 735-7183
- The entire downtown is perfectly decorated with 2 million sparkling lights for the season.
- Swing by the Mt. Dora Boating Center & Marina (148 Charles Ave.) for another incredible display.
Celebration’s Now Snowing
Downtown Celebration
- Holiday lights and experiences throughout the month include live performances, “snow” falling nightly every hour, horse-drawn carriages, train rides, a synthetic ice rink, and a Santa meet and greet.
Light Up Central Winds!
Winter Springs Town Center
December 15 through 20 from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- FREE to drive through Central Winds Park to view holiday lights from the comfort of your car.
- On the evening of December 21, you can walk through the display from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This Walk Thru event also offers a chance to meet Santa and enjoy a showing of the movie “Elf” at 7 p.m.
Lake Eola, Downtown Orlando
Lake Eola Park: 512 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 246-2728
- The Eola Wonderland 72–foot Christmas tree comes alive every night with a synchronized light and music show. Stroll along the lake and to the vibrant Central Business District to take in whimsical ornaments and oversized holiday décor that transforms downtown Orlando into a Winter Wonderland.
Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Image: Quay Hu.
Dazzling Nights Orlando
November 29 through January 5, 2025
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando
- Orlando’s 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens will transform once again into a stunning, winter wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music, and beautiful sculptures.
- Purchase tickets online and in advance. Adult tickets start at $22, children ages 3-13 $19 (under 2 free). Get tickets here.
- On-site parking is available for $15. Complimentary parking and a shuttle will be provided off-site at Audubon Park School.
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild at Central Florida Zoo. Image: Wellons Communications
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Select nights through January 19, 2025
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford
- The zoo will transform at night into an amazing illuminated world!
- The festival features dozens of larger-than-life, hand-crafted lanterns that are lit by thousands of LED lights, resulting in a gorgeous display of color, light and sound that celebrates traditional Asian lantern festivals.
- Tickets must be purchased online and in advance, starting at $24.99 (children 2 and under are FREE)
RESIDENTIAL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
The Fye’s Crazy Christmas House in Casselberry.
The Fye’s Crazy Christmas House
407 Eagle Circle, Casselberry, Florida 32707
- Private residence.
- The Fye’s Crazy Christmas House features 50,000 lights, a music light show, photo ops, and a mailbox to send your letters to Santa.
- Follow on Facebook for updates.
Johanessen Lights in Winter Park.
Johanessen Lights
Thursdays – Sundays, 6pm – 10pm (through December 31, 2023)
7849 Georgeann Street, Winter Park
- Private residence.
- The front yard access is FREE. Bring a donation to explore the backyard.
- Park on Georgeann and Golden Rod, not on neighborhood lawns and streets.
- Follow on Facebook for updates.
If you know of a residence or neighborhood we should add, please email the details to kate@orlandoonthecheap.com.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS NEAR ORLANDO
Here are a few places that are totally worth the drive from the Orlando area.
Magic of Lights Daytona.
Magic of Lights of Daytona
Now through December 31, 2023, 6pm – 10pm
Daytona International Speedway
1801 W International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
- Approximately a 50-minute drive from Orlando.
- Tickets are $22 for a standard vehicle when purchased online, in advance. Tickets at the gate are $30 for standard vehicles on weekdays, $35 on weekends.
- The Magic of Lights returns for a festive drive-through experience with tons of holiday lights and animation. Rev up your engine and drive through a dazzling holiday lights experience.
St. Augustine Night of Lights.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights
Now through January 28, 2024
- Approx. a 2-hour drive from Orlando.
- The entire historic town of St. Augustine glows with lights.
- The Night of Lights is extremely popular, so plan accordingly.
- You can take a trolley to tour the lights, but we recommend walking — it’s free!
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