Holidays in Central Florida are a big deal, and not just in tourism districts. Community events, hometown parades, and downtown gatherings offer plenty of fun, food, and festivities in every county. The Orlando Real presents five local event calendars that will kick the season off to a merry start.
Oh, What Fun!
Lake Nona Town Center and Boxi Park, 6955 Lake Nona Blvd., Dec. 5-21
Lots of festive photo ops at Oh, What Fun! in Lake Nona Town Center. Image courtesy of Lake Nona Town Center
Now in its 9th year, Oh, What Fun! offers a calendar of special events every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Dec. 5-21. Guests can enjoy snowfalls, a holiday market, and themed menus and entertainment at Lake Nona Town Center and at Boxi Park. Acrobats and aerialists perform on Fridays and Saturdays while Sundays feature family activities and musical entertainment. A holiday parade rolls through Lake Nona Town Center at 6 p.m. on Dec. 13, and the Celebrate Hanukkah event is at 5 p.m. on Dec. 21 with a special ceremony, entertainment, and traditional foods. Log onto the event website for schedules and information.
Downtown for the Holidays
Downtown Orlando, events through Jan. 6
The sights and sounds of the Lake Eola Christmas Tree are on display though Jan. 6. Image courtesy of City of Orlando
Orlando residents and visitors will be Downtown for the Holidays with events at Lake Eola Park and Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Events and attractions include: the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree with synchronized light and music through Jan. 6; the Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center with live performances, light displays, and nightly snowfalls; and the Merry Market at Lake Eola Park East Side every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5:30-9:30 p.m. through Dec. 21; and more! Find the complete schedule of events on the Downtown Orlando event page.
‘Tis the Season 2025
Downtown Winter Garden, Dec. 5-Jan. 4
The Merry Winter Garden Light Show is a yearly must-see with holiday music and festive animation. Image courtesy of City of Winter Garden
Winter Garden’s small-town celebration, ‘Tis the Season, features live music, street performers, and a projection show at City Hall each weekend. The schedule kicks off with Light Up Winter Garden on Friday, Dec. 5, from 6-9 p.m. and the Winter Garden Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. Check the event page for more schedules and information.
Holiday events in Winter Park
Park Avenue, events through Dec. 26
Holiday light displays backdrop the events along Park Avenue in Winter Park. Photo by Jim Carchidi
The month-long schedule features events presented by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and the City of Winter Park. Park Avenue gets into the spirit during the Winter on the Avenue holiday street party and the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, both happening on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5-9 p.m. The 73rd Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade returns to Park Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 9 a.m. And a Holiday Pops concert by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will take place Saturday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. on the Central Park Main Stage. For more events and information, check the City of Winter Park event calendar and the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce website.
Now Snowing in Celebration
Celebration Town Center, 610 Sycamore Street, Kissimmee, events through Dec. 31
Christmas decor illuminates the waterfront at Celebration Town Center. Image courtesy of Experience Kissimmee
Throughout December, Now Snowing in Celebration features a synthetic ice rink, concerts, and hourly snowfalls from 6-9 p.m. Guests can experience a traditional family holiday with strolling Charles Dickens-style carolers, photos with Santa, and horse-drawn carriage and train rides. For more information, visit the event page at CelebrationTownCenter.com or call (407) 566-4007.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
Leave A Comment