By Jim Carchidi
August 26, 2026
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is bringing back an outdoor holiday celebration that earned the rank of “tradition” after only one year. Details of the 2026 Frontyard Holiday Festival have been posted and festivities will begin earlier than last season.
Dynamic debut
The arts center, in partnership with AdventHealth, presents a holiday wonderland with light displays, vendors, music, and nightly snowfalls throughout the Frontyard and Seneff Arts Plaza. An estimated 154,333 guests enjoyed the 2025-26 programming, which ran from Dec. 4 to Jan. 4. Free live music, games, photo ops and story times with Santa and Mrs. Claus rounded out the holiday hoopla.
A Dr. Phillips Center representative told The Orlando Real more than 87 artists, including students and professionals, performed during the inaugural festival and more than 100 seasonal jobs were created. Food and beverage vendors also attracted their share of attention with a gross revenue of $1,050,000.
The event is part of Dr. Phillips Center’s Arts for Every Life mission and the goal of producing 1,000 free community events every year.
“These events are designed to bring our community together while creating new opportunities that attract visitors and contribute to Orlando’s vibrant tourism economy,” said Dr. Phillips Center President and CEO Kathy Ramsberger.
By the numbers
The success of the first season surprised the community and arts center staff. The numbers behind the festival tell the tale.
168 live performances
5 holiday-themed movies
711 guests through 8 community giveback activations
7,500 s’mores toasted at the fire pits
4,000 holiday ornaments
1,250 Letters to Santa and 500 letters written to AdventHealth patients at the Little Elves’ Workshop
700+ guests participated through eight community giveback programs
More than 372 volunteer hours contributed by Dr. Phillips Center volunteers
Top food item: Curley fries 7,800 sold
3,580+ burgers sold
3,000+ brisket sandwiches sold
Top beverage item: hot chocolate, 8,300+ sold
Top specialty cocktail: Coquito, 1,520+ sold
Return engagement
This year’s events will begin on Nov. 27 and run through Dec. 31. Guests can expect to see much of what made the first season so successful, including the only movable carillon in North America. The one-of-a-kind instrument is made up of nearly four tons of bronze bells in a unique musical experience.
Guests will also find a schedule of seasonal performances during Celebrate the Holidays at Dr. Phillips Center. The lineup features Lindsey Stirling, The Nutcracker, Vienna Light Orchestra, Irish Christmas in America, and unique performances like The Unauthorized Hallmarkish Parody.
For tickets and schedules, log onto drphillipscenter.org.
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.
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