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 22, 2021.
You might also be interested in:
Where to see Christmas lights in Orlando
Best places to meet Santa in Orlando
Where to go ice skating in Orlando
Free & cheap things to do this weekend in Orlando
Cheap things to do with kids in Orlando
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HOLIDAY LIGHTS, EVENTS, MUSIC & PARADES
Cranes Roost Holiday Lights
November 25, 2021 – January 3, 2022
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. Meet elves, stilt walkers, Santa and more! Check the schedule.
Home for the Holidays
Saturday, November 27 at 3:30pm and 7:30pm
Festival Park, Orlando
$10-$40 general admission tickets for an outdoor holiday concert by Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Buy 3, get 1 ticket free.
43rd Annual Christmas in the Park
Thursday, December 2 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 eight turn-of-the-century Tiffany windows. Check out the schedule of all the holiday events in Winter Park.
City of Orlando Christmas lights.
2021 Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 3, 5pm – 9pm
Washington Plaza, Lake Eola Park
FREE Tree Lighting Celebration with Mayor Buddy Dyer featuring performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, food trucks, a holiday market and meet and greets with Santa at the Eola House.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Winter on the Avenue
Friday, December 3, 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 3 at 6pm
St. Cloud City Hall
FREE community event with pictures with Santa, carolers, crafts and more!
69th annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 4 at 9am
Downtown 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 4, 3pm – 5pm
Longwood Historic District
FREE parade with festive floats, cars, characters and local bands.
Jingle Jam Holiday Event
Saturday, December 4, 4pm-10pm
Historic Downtown Sanford
FREE event with live music on 3 stages, carnival games, holiday vendors and more!
The Nutcracker-Family & Sensory Friendly Show
Saturday, December 4 at 11am
Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, Orlando
Tickets start at $24 for a one-hour, family-friendly rendition of The Nutcracker.
Light Up the Holidays
Saturday, December 4, 5pm-9pm
Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
FREE event with fireworks, ice skating, live music and more!
Holiday Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 4, 4pm – 8pm
Ocoee Lakeshore Center
FREE event with a countdown to the tree lighting, Santa’s Village, a kids’ zone, special guests and more.
Avalon Aglow
Saturday, December 4, 3pm-9pm
Downtown Avalon Park, Orlando
FREE event with a bounce park, food trucks, community performances and more.
Winter Garden Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 4 at 10am
South Dillard Street & Plant Street, Winter Garden
FREE parade with an appearance by Santa Claus at the end.
Holiday Pops by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Sunday, December 5 at 5pm
Central Park, 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.
Holiday Friday Nights at the Morse
Fridays through December 31, 2021, 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 4, 11 & 18, 7pm – 9pm
Cranes Roost Park, Eddie Rose Amphitheater
FREE outdoor holiday music performances.
Celebrate the Season
Friday, December 10, 6pm – 9pm
Reiter Park, Longwood
FREE holiday street party with a Tree Lighting Ceremony, live music, dance performances, ice skating ($1 per person), pony rides ($7), shopping, and a laser light show finale.
Holiday on the Drive
Saturday, December 11, 12pm – 4pm
Edgewater Drive, College Park
FREE street party with bubble snow, Santa, crafts and train rides.
Celebration’s Winter Wonderland
November 27 – December 31, 2021
Downtown Celebration
Kick off the 23rd Annual Snowing event with the town of Celebration on November 27, 5pm – 9pm. 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.
Winter Garden’s ‘Tis the Season
Weekends in December
Downtown Winter Garden
Downtown Winter Garden will be aglow with festive lighting and decorations, light shows, holiday music on Friday nights, and a host of outdoor seasonal activities for all ages! Check out the Winter Garden holiday schedule.
The 8th Annual Violectric Holiday Show
Saturday, December 11 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.
Christmas lights display in downtown Lake Mary.
Lake Mary Holiday Lights
Starts November 22, 2021
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 3, 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
November 20 – December 19, 2021
Santa’s Farm, Eustis
$5 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.
Apopka Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 2 at 6pm
Kit Land Nelson Park, Apopka
FREE to watch the City light up for the holidays.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Center Lake Park
Thursday, December 2, 5pm – 9pm
Center Lake Park, Oviedo
FREE Frozen themed tree lighting experience with free photos with Santa, live reindeer, food trucks and holiday surprises at the Oviedo Amphitheater.
Light Up Sanford
Friday, December 3 at 7pm
Magnolia Square, Downtown Sanford
FREE to kick off the season with the City of Sanford.
Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 4, 4:30pm – 8pm
Winter Springs Town Center
FREE festive event with a holiday parade, tree lighting, performances and an appearance by Santa Claus.
Winter Wonderland of Lights
December 5, 10, 11 & 12, 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. In the middle of the route, wave to Santa at his workshop.
Mount Dora’s 61st Annual Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 4 at 10am
FREE Christmas parade through the streets of downtown Mount Dora.
Mount Dora Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 4.
31st Annual Mount Dora’s Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, December 4 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 4 at 6pm
FREE to find a spot along the Halifax River and watch the festive boats float by.
Snow in the Park
Saturday, December 11, 4pm – 9pm
Donnelly Park, Mount Dora
FREE for kids to slide through snow.
City of Sanford Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 11 at 6pm
Downtown Sanford
FREE holiday parade through the streets.
Holiday Pops concert by Orlando Philharmonic
Saturday, December 11, 5pm – 7pm
Apopka Amphitheater
FREE Annual Holiday Pops concert. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sounds of the season.
Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade
Saturday, December 11, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
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.
The Nutcracker
December 3-5 & 16-19
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
You might also be interested in: Where to see Christmas lights in Orlando
HOLIDAY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES ALL MONTH LONG
Brand new holiday event, Dazzling Lights, at Leu Gardens.
Dazzling Nights
November 19, 2021 – January 9, 2022
Leu Gardens: Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando
- A newly redesigned show is coming in 2021!
- Leu Gardens transforms into a magical wonderland featuring dazzling lights, magical displays and a light maze.
- Timed entry. $25 per person.
- On-site parking is available for $12. Complimentary parking and a shuttle will be provided off-site Audubon Park School.
Give Kids the World Village Night of a Million Lights. Photo instagram @gktwvillage
Night of a Million Lights
November 12, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Give Kids the World Village, Kissimmee
- The Night of a Million Lights is returning to Give Kids the World Village! The destination is inviting the public to experience the wonder and magic they have provided to critically ill children for more than 35 years.
- For 52 nights, GKTW transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with more than 3 million lights, entertainment, rides and holiday treats.
- Tickets start at $25 per adult, $15 per kid and must be purchased in advance. Holiday and peak times are more expensive.
You might also want to check out: where to ice skate in Orlando.
Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland.
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland
December 3 – 25, 2021
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 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022
- Gaylord transforms into a winter wonderland for the season with incredible decorations and activities.
- Choose from a variety of experiences like the Snow Flow Mountain, Cirque: Spirit of Christmas show, snowball build and blast, and photos with Santa.
- Discounts to Snow Flow Mountain at Gaylord Palms
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll & Map Activity
Now through the New Year
Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista
FREE to park and pick up a Christmas Tree Map to search Disney Springs for Disney-themed Christmas trees.
Here is a discount for Gaylord Palms Snow Flow Mountain.
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail.
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail
Open daily through the holiday season
- FREE admission and parking to walk through some of the best decorated Disney inspired Holiday Trees.
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience, Florida Mall.
Crayola’s Colorful Christmas
November 20 – January 3
Crayola Experience, Florida Mall
- Enjoy a musical light show, seasonal crafts, ornament workshop and more. Holiday activities included in admission price: $23.99 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
- Santa Tuesdays at Cranes Roost
- Mall at Millenia Santa Experience
- Wall Crawl Orlando
- Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland
Evening with Santa
Friday, December 3, 6:30pm – 9pm
Ocoee Lakeshore Center
FREE event with a meet and greet with Santa, a magician show, arts and crafts, and other fun activities. Pizza and light refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is required, space is limited.
Give Kids the World Village Night of a Million Lights. Photo instagram @gktwvillage.
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
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Now through January 16, 2022, 6pm-10pm
Central Florida Zoo, Sanford
Tickets start at $18.50. More than 30 unique, hand-crafted illuminated lanterns around the zoo.
Here are a few places to check out Christmas lights that are totally worth the drive from the Orlando area.
Magic Lights of Daytona
November 19, 2021 – January 1, 2022
Daytona International Speedway
St. Augustine Nights of Lights
November 20, 2021 – January 31, 2022
FREE OUTDOOR HOLIDAY MOVIES
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. Reservations may be required.
Winter Park, Popcorn Flicks
Second Thursday of the month at 7pm
Central Park, Winter Park
FREE. Brin your own chairs and snacks.
- Dec. 3: The Santa Clause
Altamonte Springs Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema
Select Saturday evenings at 7pm
Cranes Roost Plaza in Altamonte Springs
FREE. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Food and beverages available for purchase.
- Dec. 9: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Dec. 16: Elf
Holiday Movies in the Park
Select nights at 7pm
Lake Eola Park, downtown Orlando
FREE outdoor holiday movies.
- Dec. 4: Elf
- Dec. 10: The Polar Express
- Dec. 17: The Santa Clause
Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland
Select nights at 7pm
Wekiva Island, Longwood
$2 per person.
- Dec. 5: The Polar Express
- Dec. 12: The Santa Clause
- Dec. 19: The Grinch
Movie in the Park
Select nights at 7pm
Reiter Park, Longwood
FREE outdoor movie.
- Dec. 18: Film TBA
Very Merry Movie: A Christmas Story
Waterford Lakes Town Center at 7:30pm
FREE outdoor movie.
- Dec. 10: A Christmas Story
Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom® Park, Part of Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando (© Disney)
HOLIDAYS AT ORLANDO THEME PARKS
Disney Very Merry After Hours
November 8 – December 21
Enjoy a magical Christmastime parade to Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks and even enjoying shorter wait times at more than 20 attractions. Best of all, it’s the absolute perfect time to join the festivities — during the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration!
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Orlando Resort
November 13 – January 2
Join the celebration of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with festivities in both lands. Catch the larger-than-life balloons of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida.Enjoy The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular starring The Grinch at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Save with discounted tickets to Universal Orlando Resort.
Holidays at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort Near Orlando.
Holidays LEGOLAND Florida Resort
November 26 – December 31
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
November 13 – January 2
The park transforms into a winter wonderland sparkling with holiday cheer and over 3 million beautiful lights this holiday season. Experience award-winning entertainment like the show stopping ice-skating extravaganza, Winter Wonderland on Ice. Meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or head to Wild Arctic to visit with Santa himself.
Save with discounted tickets to SeaWorld Orlando.
MORE THINGS DO IN ORLANDO
- Where to see Christmas lights in Orlando
- Best places to meet Santa in Orlando
- Where to go ice skating in Orlando
- Free & cheap things to do this weekend in Orlando
- Cheap things to do with kids in Orlando
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