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.
Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Image: Quay Hu.
FREE AND CHEAP HOLIDAY EVENTS IN ORLANDO
If there is a holiday event we’ve missed, please send to news@orlandoonthecheap.com. Updated: November 19, 2023.
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HOLIDAY LIGHTS, EVENTS, MUSIC & PARADES 2023
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.
Light Up Mount Dora
Saturday, November 25, 3:30pm – 9pm
Elizabeth Evans Park, Mount Dora
FREE to enjoy an evening surrounded by holiday lights in the park. Meet Santa in Sunset Park, 6:30pm – 9pm. You can find all of Mount Dora’s holiday events here.
Home for the Holidays
Saturday, November 25 at 3:30pm and 7:30pm
Dr. Phillips Center
Tickets start at $30 and are $20 for students or first responders/teachers/students.
45th Annual Christmas in the Park
Thursday, November 30 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.
The SunRail operates during the weekdays if you’d like to take the train to Winter Park or other holiday destinations during the holiday season.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Center Lake Park
Thursday, November 30, 5pm – 9pm
Center Lake Park, Oviedo
FREE tree lighting event with live reindeer, carolers, 10 food trucks, and live entertainment.
The City of Orlando Christmas lights. Image: City of Orlando.
Orlando Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 1, 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.
Every weekend in December at Lake Eola, you can check out the downtown Merry Market with a nightly Florida snowfall, 30 vendors, and visits from Santa. Check out all of Orlando’s holiday happenings.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Winter on the Avenue
Friday, December 1, 5pm – 9pm
Central Park, Winter Park
FREE. Tree lighting, Menorah lighting, Santa Claus, Popcorn Flicks in the Park (7pm featuring Frosty’s Winter Wonderland & The Muppet Christmas Carol), live music, snow slides for the kids, s’mores from the Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department, and so much more.
Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
Friday, December 1, 6pm – 9pm
St. Cloud City Hall
FREE community event with musical performances, visits with Santa, crafts, a snow slide, and the lighting of the tree.
Apopka Tree Lighting
Friday, December 1 at 6pm
Kit Land Nelson Park, Apopka
FREE event with holiday music, kids’ activities and the official lighting of the City’s tree. Check out Apopka’s list of holiday events.
Light Up Sanford
Friday, December 1, 6:30pm – 8pm
Magnolia Square, Downtown Sanford
FREE outdoor event to kick off the season with a lot of holiday lights, entertainment, live music and visits with Santa.
Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade. Image: City of Winter Park
71st annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 2 at 9am
Park Avenue, Winter Park
FREE to watch the 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 2 at 3pm
Longwood Historic District
FREE parade with festive floats, cars, characters, and local bands.
Avalon Aglow
Saturday, December 2, 3pm-9pm
Downtown Avalon Park
FREE event with a bounce park, food trucks, community performances, pictures with Santa, 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 9, 16 & 23
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 2, 5pm-9pm
Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
FREE event with fireworks, live music, Santa, and more!
Light Up Winter Garden
Friday, December 1, 6pm – 9pm
Winter Garden, City Hall
FREE to officially welcome the holiday season with a tree lighting at 6pm and activities and entertainment throughout the evening.
Lake Mary Holiday in the Park
Friday, December 1, 6pm – 9pm
Central Park at City Hall, Lake Mary
FREE evening of holiday merriment with a tree lighting, 1 million dancing holiday lights in Central Park, food trucks, visits with Santa, and a synthetic ice rink (for a fee).
Tis the Season 2023 Winter Garden
Now through December 30, 2023
Downtown Winter Garden
Downtown is transformed into a Winter Wonderland for the season. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage tours, strolling performers, live music, light shows, and more. Here is the complete list of holiday happenings in Winter Garden.
Winter Garden Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 2 at 10am
Dillard Street & Plant Street, Winter Garden
FREE parade with an appearance by Santa Claus at the end. The City also hosts a Holiday Golf Cart Parade on Saturday, December 2 at 6pm.
Mount Dora’s 63rd Annual Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 2 at 10am
FREE Christmas parade through the streets of downtown Mount Dora. Learn more about Mount Dora’s holiday events here.
Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 2, 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 3 at 5pm
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. Image: Morse Museum.
Holiday Friday Nights at the Morse
Every Friday through April 2024, 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.
Holiday on the Drive
Thursday, December 7, 5pm – 9pm
Edgewater Drive, College Park
FREE holiday street party with kids’ activities, vendors, food trucks, holiday music and visits with Santa.
Live Holiday Music
December 8, 15 & 22, 7pm – 9pm
Cranes Roost Park, Eddie Rose Amphitheater
FREE outdoor holiday music performances with a visit from Santa too.
Celebrate the Season
Friday, December 8, 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.
Holiday Pops in Apopka
Saturday, December 9, 5pm – 7pm
Apopka Amphitheater
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.
Jolly Jamboree & Tree Lighting Event
Saturday, December 9, 3pm – 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.
Annual Violectric Holiday Show
Saturday, December 9 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. Check out all of Orlando’s holiday happenings.
Celebration’s Winter Wonderland
November 25 – December 31, 2023
Downtown Celebration
FREE 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.
A Christmas Carol with Orlando Shakes
Now through December 24
Orlando Shakes
Gather together for some Christmas magic with A Christmas Carol presented by Orlando Shakes. Tickets start at $27.30.
Christmas lights display in downtown Lake Mary. Image: City of Lake Mary.
Lake Mary Holiday Lights
City Hall: 152 N 4th St, Lake Mary, FL 32746
FREE to experience 1 million lights dancing to music in the park every evening, 6pm-11pm.
Cut down your own Christmas tree at Santa’s Farm in Eustis. Image: Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest.
Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest
Select days through December 17, 2023
Santa’s Farm, Eustis
Admission tickets are $5-$8 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 – 23, 2023
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.
Light Up Central Winds!
December 8, 9, 10, 15 & 17, 7pm – 9pm
Winter Springs Town Center
FREE to drive through Central Winds Park to view holiday lights from the comfort of your car. On the evening of December 16, you can walk through the display.
Snow in the Park
Saturday, December 9, 4pm – 9pm
Elizabeth Evans Park, Mount Dora
FREE for kids to slide through the snow.
City of Sanford Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 9 at 6pm
Downtown Sanford
FREE holiday parade through the streets of Historic Sanford.
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.
Jingle Jam Holiday Event
Saturday, December 16, 1pm – 7pm
Historic Downtown Sanford
FREE event with multiple stages of live music, carnival games, food trucks, holiday vendors, and more!
CENTRAL FLORIDA HOLIDAY BOAT PARADES 2023
Mount Dora Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2.
Mount Dora’s Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, December 2 at 7pm
FREE parade begins at Lighthouse on Grantham Point, Across from Gilbert Park on Tremain Street and Liberty Avenue, Downtown Mount Dora.
Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade
Saturday, December 9 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.
Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 16 at 5:30pm
Halifax Harbor Marina
FREE to find a spot along the Halifax River and watch the festive boats float by.
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2023 HOLIDAY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES ALL SEASON LONG
Dazzling Nights Orlando
November 24 through January 6, 2024
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando
Dazzling Nights Orlando at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Image: Quay Hu.
- 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).
- 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
November 17 – January 14, 6pm – 10pm
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 $22.99.
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Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island in Longwood. Image: Wellons Communications.
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland
December 3 – 26, 2023
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.
- $5 admission fee.
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Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience, Florida Mall. Image: Crayola Experience.
Crayola’s Colorful Christmas
November 18 – January 7
Crayola Experience, Florida Mall
- Enjoy a musical light show, seasonal crafts, and more. Holiday activities are included in the admission price: $25.99 each when purchased online.
Meet Santa at Wall Crawl Orlando. Image: Wall Crawl.
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
- Downtown Lake Mary
- Downtown Orlando
- Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs
- Downtown Mount Dora
- Celebration
A movie under the stars. Image: Kristen Manieri.
FREE OUTDOOR HOLIDAY MOVIES 2023
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. 1: Frosty’s Winter Wonderland & The Muppet Christmas Carol
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. 7: Yogi’s First Christmas
- Dec. 14: Unaccompanied Minors
- Dec. 21: Fred Clause
Holiday Movies in the Park
Select nights at 7pm
Lake Eola Park, downtown Orlando
FREE outdoor holiday movies.
- Dec. 8: The Polar Express
- Dec. 15: Elf
- Dec. 22: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland
Select nights at 7pm
Wekiva Island, Longwood
$5 per person.
Movie in the Park
Select nights at 7pm
Reiter Park, Longwood
FREE outdoor movie.
- Dec. 15: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
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