Free & cheap things to do in Orlando this weekend

There’s so much to do in the City Beautiful — and plenty of ways to experience it without breaking the bank.

If you’re going out to any of these events, it’s a good idea to call first. Events are subject to change at any time. Some events listed require you to make a reservation or purchase tickets in advance.

Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland

Ready or not, the holiday season is upon us! There are so many fun events, celebrations, and festivals to experience this time of year and we’ve gathered some of our favorite budget-friendly things to do this weekend for you to enjoy. We wish you and your family health, happiness, and plenty of cheer this holiday season. 

Share your events with us: add to our calendar of events.

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Free & cheap things to do in Orlando this weekend

Note: Sometimes, things change after we post an event. It’s always a good idea to check directly with venues and event organizers to confirm before you go. 

Photo: City of Orlando

Downtown for the Holidays: Holiday Movies in the Park – “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Friday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m.

The holiday festivities continue at Lake Eola Park this month with a FREE showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”  Bring your own blankets, chairs, and snacks to enjoy with the whole family. Plus, you can spend time before or after the movie walking around Lake Eola and taking in the sights of beautiful holiday light displays, including the festive Christmas tree in front of the Walt Disney Amphitheater. 

Check out our list of other Free and cheap holiday movies near Orlando for more seasonal showings. 

Photo: Southern Hill Farms

Southern Hill Farms Presents Ten Days of Christmas
Select Dates including Friday, Dec. 20, through Sunday, Dec. 22

Your favorite fall festival destination is hosting for the holidays, too! This ticketed event includes snow showers, access to the Kid Zone with carnival rides and games, festive décor, photo ops, and more.

Santa and friends will be around to greet guests, and every night at 7 p.m., you can catch a special movie showing of holiday favorites like “The Polar Express” and “Elf.”

Treats like s’mores kits, popcorn, hot cocoa, food truck fare, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Tickets are $24.95 for guests 3+ and children under 3 are free. 

Photo: Milk Mart

Milk Mart Holiday Market 
Sunday, Dec. 22 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Still finishing up your holiday shopping? Stop by the FREE Milk Mart Holiday Market to shop from over 250 local artists across 7 venues. Enjoy live music while you indulge in a tasty drink or treat and get everyone out of the house for some festive holiday cheer. Shop local this holiday season as you cross every last name off your list. 

Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens

Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens 
Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025

This spectacular holiday light event returns to Orlando for a fifth year. Kicking off this Friday, Dazzling Nights tours visitors through breathtaking immersive light displays with music, snowfall, and more. Holiday drinks (including adult beverages) and seasonal treats are available for purchase. Tickets start at $19 for kids and $22 for adults. Get tickets here.

Now Snowing in Celebration
Saturday, Nov. 30 – Tuesday, Dec. 31

Now Snowing is a beloved winter festival in the charming town of Celebration, Florida. This FREE event features nightly snowfalls on the hour from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., festive decorations, and holiday shopping. Activities like ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and Santa photos are available for purchase. 

Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland

Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland
Select nights from Sunday, Dec. 1 – Tuesday, Dec. 24

Wekiva Island is transforming into a Winter Wonderland for the season, kicking off with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, lighted holiday stilt walkers, and access to Santa’s Workshop for festive photos with Santa himself. Check out their Event Schedule to see what other activities are planned throughout December. Admission is $5 per person, with select events requiring an additional ticket.  

More Orlando and Central Florida Holiday Events

• Free & cheap holiday events in Orlando
• Where to see Christmas lights in Orlando
• Central Florida holiday concerts and shows
• Holiday parades in and around Orlando
• Free holiday movies near Orlando

Looking for more free and cheap things to do in and around Orlando this weekend?

Check out our list of the Best free and cheap things to do in Orlando and Central Florida for ongoing events and ideas of budget-friendly ways to pass the time.