2020 Events might be a little different this year, but Greater Orlando will still be delivering holiday cheer!
Special events
Thursday, December 3rd
What’s Up Downtown for the Holidays
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola
11:30 a.m.
Pack up your lunch and join the Downtown Development Board on Thursday, December 3 at 11:30 am at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park for this free event. Here, you’ll experience song and dance performances by:
-Mad Cow Theatre
-The Russian Ballet Orlando
-Opera Orlando
To ensure the safety of guests and participants, seating will be limited to the first 347 people (no RSVP’s). Seating will open at 11:00 am.
Tree Lighting at Apopka Farmers Market
Kitland Nelson Park
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The City of Apopka welcomes you to join them for our annual Tree Lighting, as we light up Kit Land Nelson Park for the holidays.
Plan to shop at the weekly Apopka Farmers Market Holiday Market from 5:30 PM to 8 PM
Orlando Winter Fest at the Orlando Orange County Convention Center
December 3rd - 6th
A magical winter wonderland of festive tradition, attractions, live events and shopping await you. The winter scene and celebration will be the backdrop of a memorable experience for all ages this holiday season! Admission $13 (one day); $26 (unlimited), kids $6 (one day); $12 (unlimited).
Friday, December 4th
The Milky Way | Krampus is Coming
Market on South
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Explore The Milky Way, a neighborhood crawl through The Milk District.
Find the adventure in your own backyard! This new event that takes you through The Milk District, with stops at favorite spots and exciting new places!
Due to group size restrictions during COVD, they will not be hosting the annual Krampusfest this year, so here's your chance to dress up and celebrate all things Krampus.
Tickets are only $10 and include a tasty sample-sized drink at each participating business. Purchase tickets here.
Christmas in the Square Virtual Tree Lighting
Sanford Square
7 p.m.
Virtual Event Live Streaming on City of Sanford Facebook page @SanfordFlCityGovt - join the City of Sanford as they flip the switch on the City of Sanford's Christmas Tree located in Magnolia Square in Historic Downtown Sanford.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical
December 4th & 5th
A Christmas Carol is a spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens’ most well-known story, as Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly encounters come to life in this thrilling stage adaptation. Broadway heavy hitters, Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s The Little Mermaid) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Once on This Island), breathe fantastic life into the classic tale of A Christmas Carol.
Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.
There are 3 performances: Friday December 4, at 7pm, Saturday December 5, at 2pm & 7pm. Purchase tickets here.
Saturday, December 5th
Santa’s Little Helper Puppy Paddle
9a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Let's have a Christmas Puppy Parade!
Even if you've never paddleboarded before and neither has your pup, this will be a great event to try it out. There are multiple instructors on hand to make sure everyone is safe and successful and the pictures will be Epic!! Paddle beautiful Lake Ivanhoe, a gator free spring-fed lake in the heart of Orlando.
Dress up in your Christmas attire and celebrating. This event lends itself naturally to social distancing but we'll wear masks during the lessons.
Event fee covers all equipment, lesson and guided tour with multiple instructors. If you have your own board, please join us for $10. This fee covers administration costs of listing our events, insurance and paying our awesome guides. Purchase tickets here.
Winter Park Christmas Parade
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 68th annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade. The event has been held each December for more than 60 years, making it the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida.
Pinots & Poinsettias
Swirlery Wine Bar 3 p.m. - 8p.m.
Presented by the Sodo Disrict presents and featuring beautiful plants from Harris Ladscaping and Pinot Noirs from Swirlery Wine Bar.
Live Holiday Music by: St. John’s Station from 6PM-8PM.
Avalon Aglow
Avalon Park
3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This free community event is open to the public and will begin at 3 p.m. with east Orlando’s premier holiday parade and wrap up at 9 p.m. with a fireworks show. The day will feature community performances, pictures with Santa, bounce park, real snow, vendors and train rides.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and friends to enjoy an evening of holiday fun.
Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Downtown Orlando
4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
The 4th annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl hopes to bring some joy & happiness to you & the bar industry. Get that Goodwill sweater, find those tacky holiday pants, and get ready to jingle bell ROCK. Purchase tickets here.
Krampusnacht Paddle
Lake Ivanhoe
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The folklore of Krampusnacht goes back at least a thousand years. Although Krampus is relatively new to the U.S., this alpine legend is the original bad Santa. Krampus is the counterpart to the good St. Nicholas and On December 5th, St. Nick comes to town to kick of the Christmas season. If they’ve been good, he’ll reward them with presents and treats. But if they’ve been bad, they’ll get a lot more than a lump of coal—they’ll have to face Krampus.
You can, if you like, dress as Krampus, an ice queen, St.Nicholas or his elves. It's not necessary, just for fun!
Event fee covers your paddleboard or kayak, lesson or refresher, guided tour of Lake Ivanhoe and some Christmas cheer! Event is just $10 with your own vessel. Get tickets here.
9th Annual Christmas Light Ride
Retro City Cycle
8 p.m.
Ride through Ivanhoe Village and College Park to take in the great light displays. Ride starts/finishes at Retro City Cycles and will be about 6 miles at a casual pace, all bikes welcome! Don't forget to decorate your bike!
Partnering with One Heart for Women and Children, to help bring Christmas to those who might not otherwise be able to celebrate. One Heart's biggest need this year is gift cards and presents for teenagers and preteens. They have over 500 preteens they will be helping over the holidays, and ALL gifts and donations are welcome.
Virtual Tree Lighting Lake Eola
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Ring in the holiday season with Mayor Buddy Dyer at the City of Orlando’s Tree Lighting Celebration.
To comply with COVID-19 safety precautions, this event will now be hosted virtually. Stream live at clickorlando.com at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, or catch an encore presentation during the 11 o'clock news on News 6 WKMG.
The virtual Tree Lighting Celebration will feature a stage show taped at the Lake Eola Park band shell, starring Mayor Dyer, the News 6 morning team, and Reverend Billy Brath, with music performed by the Orlando Concert Band. The show's finale will be the first official lighting of the new Christmas tree at Lake Eola Park.
After the tree is officially lit, you can catch the synchronized light and music Christmas Tree Show each night at Lake Eola Park starting at 5:45 p.m. The show runs each hour until 9:45 p.m.
Sunday, December 6th
Santa Scramble
Dubsdread Golf Course
7 a.m.
Get your holiday wear out and join Ladies Links for an 18 hole scramble with brunch to follow at the Tap Room (not included in the $35 per person price) Bring a $15 wrapped gift for the white elephant gift exchange. Email annetaylor1216@gmail.com to sign-up.
Thursday, December 10th
Apopka Farmer’s Market
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Shop for the holidays at the Apopka Farmers Market and support small businesses and local makers.
Enjoy the Holiday Market and Craft Fair under the holiday lights at Kit Land Nelson Park on Thursday, December 10 and December 17, 2020 from 5:30 PM to 8 PM. Both dates will feature food vendors, makers, and more!
Friday, December 11th
Winter Park Market
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Don’t worry Park Avenue District has you covered this year with a fun & safe outdoor shopping experience to shop for all your loved ones this holiday season. Make sure to reserve your Free Ticket into the Holiday Market on December 11th! Open from 10am-6pm. Tickets are first come first serve here.
December 11th- 20th
The TwELF Days of Christmas
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
In an effort to provide a safe and carefree environment, The TwELF Days of Christmas is a contactless, socially distanced event, allowing visitors to stay in their vehicle as they drive alongside North Pole Elves on a journey to create the greatest gift for Orlando. Featuring the perfect mix of traditional Christmas themes, extraordinary holiday lights, live music, and comedic vignettes brought to life by local actors, this free event is a gift to the community that aims to fill the hearts of all who experience it with the love, light and life that is Christmas.
While this event is free, tickets are required to help manage capacity. Reserve tickets per car and print or show your confirmation email once you arrive on site here.
Holiday Movie - The Santa Claus
Lake Eola Park
7 p.m.
Pack your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy Santa Claus. This free, family-friendly event is a fun and safe way to enjoy the holidays.
Movie Theme: Bring your best holiday Santa Hat.
Saturday, December 12th
2020 Elf Classic Running Festival
Moss State Park
7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Heralded as the best off road running venue in Florida, this is a MUST for anyone who considers themselves a runner. More information here.
Jingle 5k
RDV Sportsplex Maitland
7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Families and friends celebrate this annual tradition of giving in a fun fitness format. Dress for fun, or dress to run the tree-lined streets of Maitland. Since 1998 RDV Sportsplex has benefitted the Central Florida community and the Boys & Girls Clubs through its holiday run, raising more than $200,000 for the kids at the Joe R. Lee Branch in Eatonville. Register here.
Hourglass District Holiday Market
12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The Hourglass Collective Holiday Market is back for the 2nd year! 40+ Local Vendors will be there to bring you a wonderful mix of vintage and hand crafted items that will make the perfect Christmas gifts! Look forward to live music while you shop, and food trucks, photo ops and carolers!
Deck Your Board Paddle
Calallisia Creek
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Come check out the Christmas Lights and sing carols along the houses on the canals and spread holiday cheer!
Deck your boards and/or yourself with holiday lights, put on your favorite Santa or Elf hat, and bring your best singing voice.
Launch from Callalisa Park, 598 S. Peninsula Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. at 5:30 p.m. We will travel across the main waterway and into some of the adjacent canals and then back into the main waterway as we return to the launch. Purchase tickets here.
12 Wines of Christmas
Ivanhoe Village
5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Enjoy curated wines from Tim's Wine Market at up to 20 locations in Ivanhoe Village. With a red and a white at each stop, attendees can choose at each location. Attendees receive a reusable wine glass to be used at each location throughout the night. Purchase tickets here.
8th Annual Violectric Holiday Show at 7 p.m.
Lake Eola Walt Disney Amphitheater
Enjoy a holiday show that truly rocks at this special concert!
Free and open to the public, with seating capacity limited by 50% for enhanced safety, the 90-minute live concert will feature traditional holiday songs mashed up with classic rock tunes and modern hits, delivering a fun-filled, energetic and highly unique holiday show unlike anything you’ve seen or heard before. This concert is presented by the City of Orlando - Government Department of Families, Parks and Recreation and benefits Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. Please bring a donation of an item or a few dollars for homeless pets.
Sunday, December 13th
Santa Scramble
Dubsdread Golf Course
7 a.m.
Get your holiday wear out and join Ladies Links for an 18 hole scramble with brunch to follow at the Tap Room (not included in the $35 per person price) Bring a $15 wrapped gift for the white elephant gift exchange. Email annetaylor1216@gmail.com to sign-up.
Tuesday, December 15th
Noel: The Carols of Christmas
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Part of our one-of-a-kind Frontyard Festival™—six months of live, outdoor entertainment and unique experiences in a socially distant environment, presented by AdventHealth Orlando. Purchase tickets here.
Join members of the CFCArts Community Choir and Symphony Orchestra, as they present a traditional and spirited celebration of The Christmas Story, told through dramatic narration and the most beloved Christmas carols. Featuring magnificent and brilliant arrangements of Christmas’ most treasured carols, NOEL is an inspiring collection of arrangements from award-winning and renowned conductor and arranger, Derric Johnson.
Wednesday, December 16th
Grinchmas
The Brass Tap Waterford Lakes
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
All grinch trivia, green cocktails and Christmas cookies! Win gift cards!
Thursday, December 17th
Apopka Farmer’s Market
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Shop for the holidays at the Apopka Farmers Market and support small businesses and local makers.
Enjoy the Holiday Market and Craft Fair under the holiday lights at Kit Land Nelson Park on Thursday, December 10 and December 17, 2020 from 5:30 PM to 8 PM. Both dates will feature food vendors, makers, and more!
Mistletoes @ The Front Porch Series
The Plaza Live
6 p.m.
The Mistletones are a pop and jazz holiday vocal group created by a cappella luminaries Shalisa and Jeremy James. They have performed throughout Florida for over 25 years, and have enjoyed sharing the stage regularly with Mannheim Steamroller! Purchase tickets here.
Friday, December 18th
SWITCH 80's Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
Tin Roof Orlando
6 p.m. to late
Celebrate the holidays and the end of 2020 with SWITCH one last time this year at The Green Room / Tin Roof Orlando.
Reservations are recommended - you can book a table online and be guaranteed a seat. Full menu available for eats!
Doors Open - 6:00 PM; Opening Act - 6:30 PM; SWITCH - 8:30 till about 12:30 AM; DJ after the show
Holiday Movie: Elf
Lake Eola
6 p.m.
Join the Downtown Development Board as they present Elf at Lake Eola Park. Don't forget your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy. This free, family-friendly event is a fun and safe way to enjoy the holidays.
Movie Theme: Don't forget your ugly holiday sweater!
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Virtual Concert
8 p.m.
This year, Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be hosting a live stream performance.
We all have a front row seat this holiday! Stream from home and get tickets here
Ugly Sweater Party
Player 1 Video Game Bar
8 p.m.
Show up in your Best....or Worst holiday sweater!
Raffle tickets to all ugly sweaters, the more extreme, the more tickets you get!
Raffles all night long for free drinks!
$3 CandyCane Jello Shots
$6 Thin Mint Cookies
$8 Special Event Drink!
Lake Conway Boat Parade
8 p.m.
This year, Friday, December 18th will kick off the weekend of 3 Lake Conway boat parades. Parade starts at 8:00 PM at the South side of the Nela Bridge and will run clockwise. Save the date! Start planning your backyard watch party.
Saturday, December 19th - 20th
Bazaar Botanica’s Yule Market
Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company
9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Grab your horns and get your tail to Bazaar Botanica’s 1st annual Yule Market! Celebrate festivus with the rest of us, no matter what you celebrate join us as we end the year with a bang! 30 Local Artisans and vendors come together to bring you an artistic and immersive Craft, vintage, & Oddity market, conveniently nestled in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village.
Dress up as the fabled Krampus and earn your chance to win a gift basket loaded with goodies from our amazing batch of local artisans and vendors!
ELF Christmas Afternoon Tea
The Tea Room Experience
11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
Join the ELF for a Meet and Greet Holiday Inspired Afternoon Tea Experience with a Selection of Finger Sandwiches, Freshly Baked Scones served with Devonshire Cream & Preserves, Assorted Sweet and Savory Miniature Pastries, Loose Leaf Tea & a Cranberry Mimosa on US
$35 Adult & $20 Children (under 10), purchase tickets here.
Sunday, December 20th
Milk Mart Holiday Mask-querade
The Nook on Robinson
12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
* THIS IS AN OUTDOOR, MASK MANDATORY EVENT! * Those who are unable to wear a proper face covering should not plan to attend.
Need a last minute gift for your holiday celebrations? Trying to shop local during these trying times? Looking for any excuse to get out of the house? Then this is the place to be!
This will be the holly-est, jolly-est, and kind of only-est event of the year, featuring a wide array of vendors with a gift for everyone on your list. This event is family friendly, with many fabulous bars and restaurants to venture between as you shop. All your BFF's from the Milk District will be there as well, including The Nook on Robinson, Etoile Boutique, Rebel Reprints, Echo Base Collectibles, Sportstown, Framework Craft Coffee Bar, and a slew of local artists and vendors.
Wednesday, December 23rd
Storytime with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Reunion Resort. More information here.
Thursday, December 24th
Encore’s Jingle Bell 5K Walk/Run on Dec. 24 at Reunion Resort. More information here.
Downtown Orlando
Lake Eola Wonderland
Through January 3rd
Catch the synchronized light and music Christmas Tree Show each night at Lake Eola Park starting at 5:45 p.m. The show runs each hour until 9:45 p.m.
Miracle on Orange Christmas Bar
Courtesy Bar
Through Christmas Eve
Holiday "pop-up" Bar is taking over The Courtesy. Get in to see all things Christmas and enjoy a menu filled with holiday themed cocktails!
Dazzling Nights : Immerse in the wonder of holiday light
Leu Gardens
December 1 - January 3
Immerse yourself in a million lights at ‘Dazzling Nights,’ an interactive holiday event at Leu Gardens. Presented by AdventHealth and brought to you by Creative City Project and Memoir Agency.
When you arrive at Leu Gardens, you will have a photo opportunity in front of a unique, 30’ tall towering Christmas tree. Interactive lights on the ground light up and ring like holiday bells when stepped upon. Immerse yourself in a 65’ long tunnel of wondrous light. And the evening wouldn’t be complete without snow and holiday tunes, plus so much more!
Dinos In Lights Festive Holiday Show
Orlando Science Center
Through December 24
Add some sparkle to the holiday season and see some of your favorite creatures from the Cretaceous in a whole new light with the Dinos In Lights show at Orlando Science Center!
Join Stan the T-Rex and his fossil friends in DinoDigs as they show off their twinkling talent in a festive display of music and light. Each family-friendly show will run for four minutes.
This dazzling light show is included in general admission for a limited time so don't miss out! Be sure to see it multiple times on your visit as the experience is different from every angle.
Shows begin every 30 minutes between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily. Purchase tickets here.
Season of Sparkle at Albert Park
Every Saturday until December 19th
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
FREE holiday event series in College Park.
-- Live music in the Gazebo
-- Artisan vendors
-- Safe activity for kids
-- Masks required!
November 28, December 5, 12, and 19.
For details click here.
Kissimmee
Holiday Magic at the Gaylord Palms Orlando
Through January 3rd
Gaylord Palms is offering several ways to celebrate the holiday season. First, a new, interactive event, I Love Christmas Movies™, invites you to walk through scenes from some of your favorite holiday films, including The Polar Express, A Christmas Story, Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and The Year Without a Santa Claus. Other Christmas attractions include Snow Flow Mountain, Snowball Build and Blast, and more. You can get tickets here.
Jolly Creek Resort Holiday Festival
Through January 2nd
Explore a Christmas Village featuring live music by the Society Orchestra and more.
Enjoy thousands of dazzling lights, artificial snowfall every hour, shopping, dining, crafting, and even meet Santa Claus!
A portion of the proceeds of this event go to benefit the Second Harvest Central Florida food bank.
Night of a Million Lights
Give Kids the World Village
Until January 3rd
For the first time ever, guests can experience the childlike wonder of the magical, whimsical Village during a walk-through, fully immersive holiday light spectacular. Stroll the 84-acre nonprofit resort, aglow with more than three million lights; savor delicious treats; and enjoy the accessible rides and storybook attractions that have brought happiness and hope to critically ill children and their families from around the world for 34 years.
Guests will experience a 150-foot lighted tunnel, the entire Avenue aglow, 45 decorated resort villas, 150 larger-than-life holiday-themed wireframe displays; an enchanting, illuminated gingerbread arch; and four photo spots in addition to the Village itself being a picturesque backdrop for your holiday memories. Santa will spread holiday cheer from a socially distant location. Purchase tickets here.
Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park
Through December 24
Join us for the all-new Santa Workshop Experience and continue the tradition you’ve come to know and love! Get tickets here.
Experiences include:
- Free covered parking
- Free Wheel ride in private holiday capsules for all children with photo purchase
- 50% off admission offer for additional riders
- Unlimited cell phone and video use with your advance reservation
- Train ride available on Santa’s North Pole Express
- Holiday beverages and treat offerings
- 40+ restaurants, shops, and attractions to explore around the park
Celebration
Sippin Santa Christmas Bar
Melia Orlando Suite Hotels
The festive tiki holiday pop-up begins on November 27th through January 3rd at Meliá Orlando Celebration.
Visit the 360 American Bistro & Bar and experience the Tiki Christmas ambiance and signature Sippin' Santa cocktails! Cocktail mugs and glasses available for sale on-site.
Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth
Disney Springs
Through December 30th
As in year’s past, each tree is themed to a popular Disney character, attraction, or story, with trees now spread throughout all four Disney Springs neighborhoods.
The jolly holiday scavenger hunt that allows you to safely wander and explore the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. The scavenger hunt is complementary and collateral can be picked up from select retail stores, Disney Springs Welcome Center, and Disney’s PhotoPass Studio. As you explore, don’t forget to take advantage of special discounts and offers available on the back of your map from select retail and dining locations. Once you complete your scavenger hunt, bring it to a redemption location for a special surprise.
Lake Nona
Oh! What Fun Holiday Festival
Lake Nona Town Center
December 5 – 27
It's the most wonderful time of the year when Oh, What Fun!® transforms the heart of Lake Nona into a winter wonderland complete with outdoor skating, snow, twinkling lights and dazzling decorations, festive treats, and one-of-a-kind performances guaranteed to spread some much-needed holiday cheer.
This year, we’ve taken extra steps to keep your health and safety in mind as we gather for the festivities and create merry moments together. The festival’s signature open-air skating rink is moving near The Beacon where there will be a special interactive experience. We don’t want to spoil the surprise, but here’s a hint: Santa is bringing more of his friends from the North Pole this year! Live entertainment and musical performances will take place every hour throughout the evenings on the Town Center lawn beginning at 6 p.m. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and friends will visit each night for a special show where you’ll get a chance to take your holiday photos from a safe distance. Oh, What Fun!® favorites the “Merry Measures” are back again for a variety of enchanting performances. Find the perfect location for your holiday Instagram-able moments and family photos among the festival’s holiday trimmings, Christmas trees, oversized presents and ornaments, and don’t forget to have the little ones bring their letters for Santa to drop in the larger-than-life mailbox. Time it right and you might even get caught in the occasional scented snowfall!