While the Florida weather may not be the best signal that the holiday season is approaching, there are a variety of events located around central Florida to get you feeling merry & bright.
Dazzling Nights
Just north of downtown Orlando in the Audubon Park neighborhood lies one of Orlando’s most popular holiday events, Dazzling Nights. From now through January 9th the 50 acre Leu Gardens is transformed into a sophisticated winter wonderland featuring lights, music and several interactive elements. While tickets are a bit pricey at $22/person, the almost mile long experience has an 8,000 square foot maze constructed out of Christmas lights, a forest of dancing lights and various other displays that make the price worth it. Make sure to reserve your timed ticket ahead of time though because they’re sure to sell out!
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
Lake Nona Town Center will become Peppermint Square this holiday season as it plays hosts to a variety of fun offerings. A nightly snowfall will shower over guests as they soak in the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Have your picture taken with family and friends in front of the 24-foot-tall Christmas tree that looms over Peppermint Square, or with Mr. and Mrs. Claus inside of their welcoming holiday village. After checking out all of the festive sweets and treats offered by featured vendors, guests can dance the night away to live musical performances in front of the Starlight Stage. Last but not least, what’s Christmas without a big, beautiful tree? Take a fresh Christmas tree home with you after a night of holiday cheer from the Peppermint Forest Christmas tree lot next to Boxi Park. What’s better than a one-stop shop to get everyone in the Christmas spirit!
Night of a Million Lights
We’ve written about this event before, but it’s one that can’t be overlooked when talking about Christmas activities in the Orlando area. Every year the Give Kids the World Village turns into a magical, holiday wonderland of lights all to raise money for the 89 acre nonprofit resort. Venture through an incredibly decorated holiday village that features a 360 degree dancing light show, sparkling tree trail, out of this world holiday displays and more. Even Santa Claus himself makes regular visits to the Village to greet and take photos with visitors. This is an amazing event to attend if you’re wanting to have some meaningful family fun while soaking up the Christmas cheer and magic. Don’t miss out! It’s running nightly now through January 2nd.
Downtown for the Holidays
Experience the best of what Christmas has to offer at downtown Orlando’s annual Downtown for the Holidays event. Looking to finish off (or get started on) your spouse’s’ Christmas wishlist? A holiday makers market, hosting local vendors displaying unique goods and crafts, is one of several events that will be popping up throughout the month of December. This is perfect for anyone looking for the finishing touches to their holiday shopping! Care for a holiday hit movie downtown under the stars? Event organizers will be showing various holiday favorite films on the East Lawn of Lake Eola on select Saturday nights. Another option for free entertainment is a performance of the Nutcracker by the Russian Ballet Orlando on the Walt Disney Amphitheater stage. This is a great opportunity to experience a holiday classic with the family without having to break the bank for tickets.
Whether it’s holiday markets, shopping for gifts for your loved ones or taking in the bright, gleaming lights, everyone has something that makes Christmas feel a little more, well, Christmas-y! What are your favorite things to do in and around Orlando during the holidays?
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