It’s definitely the best time of the year in Orlando! The weather is perfect and every town comes to life with exciting holiday events to celebrate the season. Fortunately, you don’t have to shell out a theme park ticket price to have an amazing Christmas experience. In fact, the best holiday events and things to do are absolutely FREE. From snow sledding to festive parades, get in the spirit with these free holiday happenings near Orlando.
FREE AND CHEAP HOLIDAY EVENTS IN ORLANDO
If there is a holiday event we’ve missed, please send: news@orlandoonthecheap.com. Updated: November 23, 2022.
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HOLIDAY LIGHTS, EVENTS, MUSIC & PARADES
Cranes Roost Holiday Lights
Cranes Roost Park
FREE. 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. Throughout the season, you can meet holiday characters, watch outdoor movies, and more. Check out Altamonte Spring’s holiday schedule of events.
Home for the Holidays
Saturday, November 26 at 3:30pm and 7:30pm
Dr. Phillips Center
Tickets are $46.54 and $10 for students or first responders/teachers.
44th Annual Christmas in the Park
Thursday, December 1 at 6:15pm
Central Park, Winter Park
FREE outdoor event. The Bach Festival Choir performs in concert on the main stage accompanied by the beautiful backdrop of turn-of-the-century Tiffany windows. Check out the schedule of all the holiday events in Winter Park.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Center Lake Park
Thursday, December 1, 5pm – 9pm
Center Lake Park, Oviedo
FREE tree lighting experience with free photos with Santa, food trucks, live entertainment.
City of Orlando Christmas lights.
Orlando Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 2, 5pm – 9pm
Lake Eola Park
FREE Tree Lighting Celebration with Mayor Buddy Dyer featuring performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, food trucks, and a holiday market.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Winter on the Avenue
Friday, December 2, 5pm – 9pm
Central Park, Winter Park
FREE. Santa Claus, Popcorn Flicks in the Park, live music, snow slides for the kids, take-home s’mores from the Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department, and so much more.
Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
Friday, December 2 at 6pm
St. Cloud City Hall
FREE community event with musical performances, visits with Santa, and the lighting of the tree.
Apopka Tree Lighting
Friday, December 2 at 6pm
Kit Land Nelson Park, Apopka
FREE to watch the City light up for the holidays. Check out Apopka’s list of holiday events.
Light Up Sanford
Friday, December 2 at 7pm
Magnolia Square, Downtown Sanford
FREE to kick off the season with the City of Sanford.
Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade. Image: City of Winter Park
70th annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 3 at 9am
Park Avenue, Winter Park
FREE to watch holiday-themed floats, Santa Claus, and well-known local figures as they make their way down the avenue.
City of Longwood Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 3, 3pm – 5pm
Longwood Historic District
FREE parade with festive floats, cars, characters, and local bands.
Avalon Aglow
Saturday, December 3, 3pm-9pm
Downtown Avalon Park
FREE event with a bounce park, food trucks, community performances, and more. Parade at 3pm and fireworks at 9pm. Check out Avalon Park’s full list of holiday events.
The Nutcracker-Family & Sensory-Friendly Show
December 3, 10 & 17
Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, Orlando
Tickets start at $29 for a one-hour, family-friendly rendition of The Nutcracker.
Light Up the Holidays
Saturday, December 3, 5pm-9pm
Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
FREE event with fireworks, train rides, live music, Santa, and more!
Tis the Season 2022 Winter Garden
December 2, 2022 – January 8, 2023
Downtown Winter Garden
Downtown is transformed into a Winter Wonderland for 38 days. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage tours, live music, light shows, and more.
Winter Garden Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 3 at 10am
Dillard Street & Plant Street, Winter Garden
FREE parade with an appearance by Santa Claus at the end.
Mount Dora’s Annual Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 3 at 10am
FREE Christmas parade through the streets of downtown Mount Dora.
Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 3, 4pm – 8pm
Winter Springs Town Center
FREE festive event with a holiday parade, tree lighting, performances, and an appearance by Santa Claus.
Holiday Pops Concert Winter Park. Image: City of Winter Park
Holiday Pops by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Sunday, December 4, 5pm – 7pm
Central Park – Main Stage, Winter Park
FREE. Bring your blanket and a picnic for a concert program of holiday favorites that will be sure to put everyone in the spirit of the season.
Free admission at Morse Museum on Friday nights.
Holiday Friday Nights at the Morse
Every Friday through April 2023, 4pm – 8pm
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park
FREE entry to the museum and live music to celebrate the holiday season.
Live Holiday Music
December 9 & 16, 7pm – 9pm
Cranes Roost Park, Eddie Rose Amphitheater
FREE outdoor holiday music performances.
Celebrate the Season
Friday, December 9, 6pm – 9pm
Reiter Park, Longwood
FREE holiday street party with a Tree Lighting Ceremony, live music, dance performances, kids’ activities, food trucks and a laser light show.
Jolly Jamboree & Tree Lighting Event
Saturday, December 10, 4pm – 8pm
Ocoee Lakeshore Center
FREE event with a countdown to the tree lighting, Santa’s Village, a kids’ zone, food trucks, special guests, and more.
Holiday on the Drive Parade
Saturday, December 10, 12pm – 4pm
Edgewater Drive, College Park
FREE holiday parade with an appearance by Santa.
Annual Violectric Holiday Show
Saturday, December 10 at 7pm
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park
FREE family-friendly and pet-friendly live outdoor concert, featuring traditional holiday favorites mashed up with classic rock tunes and modern hits.
Jingle Jam Holiday Event
Saturday, December 17, 4pm-10pm
Historic Downtown Sanford
FREE event with live music on 4 stages, carnival games, holiday vendors, and more!
Celebration’s Winter Wonderland
Downtown Celebration
FREE magical event with Santa’s arrival, the first “snow” fall, tree lighting, and carolers. 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.
Christmas lights display in downtown Lake Mary.
Lake Mary Holiday Lights
City Hall: 152 N 4th St, Lake Mary, FL 32746
FREE official tree lighting during the City’s annual Holiday in the Park event on December 2, 6pm – 9pm. Close to a million lights dance to music in the park every evening, 6pm-11pm.
Cut down your own Christmas tree at Santa’s Farm in Eustis.
Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest
Select days now through December 18, 2022
Santa’s Farm, Eustis
Tickets are $7-$9 per person, 2 and under FREE. Make a reservation in advance to have fun on the farm with a petting zoo, hayrides, bounce pillow, and more. Purchase a pre-cut tree or cut down your own Florida Christmas tree.
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
December 7 – 24, 2022
Lake Nona Town Center
The town will transform into a winter wonderland with nightly snowfalls, live entertainment, a Holiday Market, and a big calendar of holiday events throughout the season.
Holiday Pops at Saturday Sounds Concert Series
Saturday, December 10, 5pm – 10pm
Apopka Amphitheater
FREE Holiday Pops concert with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Artisan Night Market.
Winter Wonderland of Lights
December 4, 9 -11, 7pm – 9pm
Winter Springs Town Center
Drive through Central Winds Park and view holiday lights for FREE by the City and local businesses and organizations.
Snow in the Park
Saturday, December 10, 4pm – 9pm
Donnelly Park, Mount Dora
FREE for kids to slide through the snow.
City of Sanford Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 10 at 6pm
Downtown Sanford
FREE holiday parade through the streets.
Holiday Pops in Apopka
Saturday, December 10, 5pm – 9pm
Apopka Amphitheater
FREE Holiday Pops performance by the Orlando Philharmonic. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sounds of the season. Gates open at 4pm and the concert starts at 5pm.
CENTRAL FLORIDA HOLIDAY BOAT PARADES 2022
Mount Dora Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 4.
Mount Dora’s Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, December 3 at 7pm
FREE parade begins at Lighthouse on Grantham Point, Across from Gilbert Park on Tremain Street and Liberty Avenue, Downtown Mount Dora.
Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 3 at 6pm
FREE to find a spot along the Halifax River and watch the festive boats float by.
Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade
Saturday, December 10 at 6pm
FREE parade. Sit at the Dinky Dock or on the Rollins College campus behind the Cornell Fine Arts Museum to see the impressive boat and dock holiday decorations created by residents and local business sponsors.
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HOLIDAY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES ALL MONTH LONG
Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens.
Dazzling Nights
November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Leu Gardens: 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. Adults $25, children ages 3-13 $22 (under 2 free).
- On-site parking is available for $12. Complimentary parking and a shuttle will be provided off-site at Audubon Park School.
Night of a Million Lights at H20 Water Park benefitting Give Kids The World.
Night of a Million Lights
November 12, 2022 – January 11, 2023
H2o Water Park, Kissimmee
- The Night of a Million Lights is at a new location but with the same mission —
to raise awareness and money for the Give Kids the World Village. - Experience a dazzling winter wonderland with more than 3 million lights, entertainment, and holiday treats.
- Tickets start at $30 per adult and $15 per kid. Must be purchased in advance. Holiday and peak times are more expensive.
Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo.
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
November 18 – January 15, 6pm – 10pm
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford
- The zoo will transform at night into an amazing illuminated world with 30 displays on a 3/4 mile path.
- Tickets must be purchased online and in advance, starting at $21.99.
Christmas Nights in Lights at Dezerland Action Park.
Christmas Nights in Lights
Now through January 1, 2023
Dezerland Park, International Drive
- Ring in the holiday season with an immersive light experience from your own vehicle.
- $45 per vehicle.
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Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland.
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland
December 2 – 25, 2022
1014 Miami Springs Drive in Longwood
(407) 862-1500
- Wekiva Island turns into a fun holiday destination along the river with activities throughout the season.
- Check out the full Winter Wonderland schedule here. $2 admission fee.
Christmas at Gaylord Palms.
Christmas at Gaylord Palms
November 18, 2022 – January 1, 2023
- Gaylord transforms into a winter wonderland for the season with incredible decorations and activities.
- ICE! returns this holiday season. Step into a wonderland carved by expert artisans out of two million pounds of colorful ice. You’ll see the story of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!™
- Choose from a variety of experiences like the Snow Flow Mountain, Cirque: Spirit of Christmas show, snowball build and blast, and photos with Santa.
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Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail.
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
Now through December 30, 2022
Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista
- FREE to park and pick up a Christmas Tree Map to search Disney Springs for Disney-themed Christmas trees.
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience, Florida Mall.
Crayola’s Colorful Christmas
November 19 – January 3
Crayola Experience, Florida Mall
- Enjoy a musical light show, seasonal crafts, and more. Holiday activities are included in the admission price: $24.99 each when purchased online.
Meet Santa at Wall Crawl Orlando.
WHERE TO MEET SANTA
Check out our full list of where to meet Santa in Orlando.
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro
- The Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park
- Mall at Millenia Santa Experience
- Wall Crawl Orlando
- Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland
Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens.
WHERE TO SEE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN ORLANDO
Check out our full list of the best Christmas lights in Orlando here.
- Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
- Night of a Million Lights at Give Kids the World Village
- Downtown Lake Mary
- Downtown Orlando
- Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs
- Downtown Mount Dora
- Jeater Bend Drive in Clermont
- Celebration
FREE OUTDOOR HOLIDAY MOVIES 2022
Snuggle up and bring your own snacks, chairs, or blanket for a memorable night in Orlando.
Note: please make sure to check each website before you go because events are always subject to change.
Winter Park, Popcorn Flicks
Central Park – Main Stage, Winter Park
FREE. Bring your own chairs and snacks.
- Dec. 3: Mickey’s A Christmas Carol followed by It’s a Wonderful Life
Altamonte Springs Holiday Movie Nights
Select Thursday evenings at 7pm
Cranes Roost Plaza in Altamonte Springs
FREE. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
- Dec. 8: The Santa Clause
- Dec. 15: Yogi’s First Christmas
- Dec. 22: The Polar Express
Holiday Movies in the Park
Select nights at 7pm
Lake Eola Park, downtown Orlando
FREE outdoor holiday movies.
- Dec. 9: The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Dec. 16: Four Christmases
- Dec. 23: The Grinch
Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland
Select nights at 7pm
Wekiva Island, Longwood
$2 per person.
- Dec. 4: The Polar Express
- Dec. 11: A Christmas Carol
- Dec. 18: The Grinch
Movie in the Park
Select nights at 7pm
Reiter Park, Longwood
FREE outdoor movie.
- Dec. 17: The Polar Express
Free Holiday Movie
Waterford Lakes Town Center at 6:30pm
FREE outdoor movie.
- Dec. 9: The Santa Clause
Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom​® Park, Part of Walt Disney World​® Resort in Orlando (© Disney)
HOLIDAYS AT ORLANDO THEME PARKS
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Get ready for a magical holiday gathering during the specially-ticketed event. 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. Delight in the amazingly festive Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show, then gather to watch Disney Characters give a yuletide nod to the season during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort.
If you want to scream, laugh, and shout your jingle bells off, you’ve got to awesome up your season with Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort. Join the celebration of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, see larger-than-life balloons float through the streets of Universal Studios Florida in Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and get together with the resident Whos in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where you can enjoy the music and fun of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring the Grinch.
Save with discounted tickets to Universal Orlando Resort.
Holidays at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort Near Orlando.
Holidays LEGOLAND Florida Resort
At LEGOLAND Florida Resort, this jolly time of year features a giant LEGO Christmas tree, unforgettable seasonal shows, holiday characters, special treats, LEGO activities, twinkling lights, and more during Holidays at LEGOLAND. An extra special gift for you: This festive event is included in general admission!
Save with discounted tickets to LEGOLAND Florida.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld Orlando’s award-winning 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. 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 firework show.
Save with discounted tickets to SeaWorld Orlando.
MORE THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO
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