10 Affordable Christmas Events in Orlando and Other Ways to Celebrate the Holidays with Family

This time of year is so special, and yet we can feel stretched thin and our budget feels overloaded. Great news… Besides the many free holiday events in town, there are quite a number of affordable Christmastime events in Orlando.

And don’t forget to view the best Christmas lights in Orlando while you’re enjoying the season.

Affordable Christmas Events in Orlando and Seasonal Fun

Pomp, Snow, and CIRQUEumstance

• Dates: Daily, November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027, various times
• Location: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, 6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL
• Cost: $26 per person

This dazzling live show combines jaw-dropping acrobatics, aerial feats, and festive music for a family-friendly holiday experience like no other. Kids and parents alike will be amazed as talented performers bring a heartwarming Christmas story to life with incredible stunts and plenty of sparkle.

Asian Lantern Festival

• Dates: Select nights, November 13, 2026 – January 17, 2027 (select nights)
• Location: Central Florida Zoo, 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771
• Cost: $25 per person or 4 Pack for $79.96, Includes four (4) tickets at a selected date and time

Watch the zoo light up at night with never-before-seen handcrafted lantern scenes, celebrating art, culture, nature, and imagination. This beautiful experience brings the night to life with thousands of LED lights glowing around you as you stroll along a 3/4-mile trail.

Take your time! There is no need to rush from one display to another. Try to pace yourself, make the experience last about an hour and a half to really soak it all in. Purchase a s’mores kit about halfway through and enjoy the fire pit for a while.

Pro Tip: Enjoy special evenings, including Sensory Nights with adjusted sound and lighting elements on December 1 and January 12, and adults-only evenings on December 10 and January 5, for a special date night out.

Annual Festival of Trees

• Dates: November 14-23, 2026
• Location: Orlando Museum of Art
• Cost: $26.38 per adult, $17.85 per person

Over 30 designer-inspired decorated trees, stylish holiday wreaths, exceptional gingerbread houses, and more await inside the Festival of Trees. Plus there are holiday pop-up shops, daily entertainment, and lunch available in the on-site holiday café.

Young People’s Concert: Bach to the Future

• Dates: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 12 p.m.
• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
• Cost: $11.80 per person

Imagine this: A time machine has broken, and the only way to save the day is through the power of music! Enjoy this interactive show filled with twists and turns and a live orchestra, presented by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in partnership with Orange County Public Schools.

Related: Family-Friendly Holiday and Christmas Performances in Orlando 2026

Ornament Painting + Dining Experience at JoJo’s Shake Bar

• Dates: Select dates, November 16 – December 24, 2026
• Location: 9101 International Dr #1208, Orlando, FL 32819
• Cost: $36 per person

Paint your own ornament while enjoying an entrée of your choice and a festive shake or hot chocolate! This fun experience includes your choice of entrée, Winter Wonderland Biggie Shake or Peppermint Party Hot Chocolate, an acrylic ornament, and painting supplies.

Colorful Christmas

• Dates: November 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Location: The Crayola Experience
• Cost: $30.99 per person

Deck the halls and enjoy holiday fun the Crayola way! Pose with a life-sized snow globe, watch a light show starring Scarlet and her singing reindeer friends, complete a seasonal scavenger hunt, craft handmade gifts from the heart, enjoy live entertainment, holiday treats, and more. There’s even a singing light show! Activities included with general admission.

Santa’s Farm

• Dates: Select dates, Saturday, November 21 – December 20, 2026
• Location: 35317 Huff Road, Eustis, FL 32736
• Cost: $10 per person online

Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm in Eustis, Florida, offers a range of family-friendly activities that make it a fun holiday outing. Kids can enjoy the large slides, tractor-train rides, tricycles, and a small zip-line overlooking the tree forest.

There’s also a petting zoo with goats and donkeys, plus pony rides, a wooden maze, and a jump pad to burn off extra energy. For extra fun, children can pick a rubber duck for racing at the water pumps. After exploring, parents can relax with a Merry Berry Float from the Thirsty Elf Bar while the kids enjoy popsicles or soft drinks.

Related post: New Year’s Eve Events for Kids

Central Florida Community Arts Performances

• Location: Varies based on performance
• Cost: Varies by performance, average $25 per person

We are so fortunate to have such talented entertainers in Orlando. The Central Florida Community Arts brings together talented performers for affordable productions, great for families.

Here are some upcoming holiday performances at CFCArts:

• Believe: A Christmas Celebration: December 3, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
• A Big Band Christmas: December 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
• A Christmas Carol the Musical, December 18, 2026, 7 p.m.

A Holiday Evening in The Packing District (Family Version)

• Date: Friday, Dec. 4, Tree Lighting, 5-6 p.m., Holiday Pops Concert, 7 p.m.
• Location: Great Southern Box Co. Food Hall & The Grove Park
• Cost: FREE

Start your evening at Great Southern Box Co. Food Hall from 5-6 p.m. for the First Annual Holiday Tree Lighting in The Packing District, then head to The Grove Park for a free Holiday Pops concert with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at 7 p.m. Grab dinner, enjoy the lights, and bring a blanket for an evening of music and holiday magic the whole family will love. Free parking is available at both locations.

Ice Princess Royal Breakfast

• Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 a.m.
• Location: Millie Moo’s
• Cost: $20 per child

Indulge in a breakfast fit for an ice prince or princess! Join Anna and Elsa for a meal and a 2-hour play session. Plus, every child will take home a crown or sword to keep the fun going. Note: Everyone will need a separate ticket for this event, including each adult.

Winter Summerland Miniature Golf

• Dates: Daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Location: At Walt Disney World, 1548 W Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

The holiday season at Walt Disney World is pure magic, and thankfully there’s a place on property that is easy to get into the spirit year-round!

Affordable Christmas Events to Be Announced

ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Festival at Aquatica Orlando

Select nights, November 8, 2025 – January 31, 2026, 6–10 p.m.
Aquatica Orlando
This brand-new lantern festival turns Aquatica Orlando into a glowing family adventure without breaking the budget. With tickets starting at just $29.99, families can enjoy five radiant realms of light, colorful lanterns, and hands-on fun like the Lantern Craft Zone and Kiwi Santa meet-and-greet.

Affordable food lanyards make it easy to sample festive treats such as Brisket Mac & Cheese and Apple Cider Churros while soaking up all the holiday magic together.

Cost: Tickets start at $29.99 (discounts for Pass Members)

Winter Fest at Amber Brooke Farms, Eustis

• Dates: 2026 TBA
• Location: Amber Brooke Farms
• Cost: TBA

Bring the family to a winter wonderland filled with fresh strawberries! At Winter Fest, enjoy picking your own juicy berries, fun family activities, delicious food, and live music. It’s a perfect way to create special holiday memories together!

Holiday Kickoff Weekend

• Date: 2026 TBA
• Location: Brevard Zoo
• Cost: TBA

Welcome the holiday season as festive decorations are unveiled at Brevard Zoo! Joyful music, delicious seasonal food and beverages—including cozy hot cocoa and themed cocktails and mocktails, ready to enjoy.

Jumpstart your holiday shopping at the Zoo pop-up shop and enjoy complimentary sustainable gift wrapping for your purchases. All activities included in zoo admission.

Winter Summerland has two distinct 18-hole adventures themed around Santa and his elves’ off-season fun. The “Winter” course offers snowy scenes with holiday decorations, while the “Summer” course brings a tropical twist with sandcastles and surfboards.

Both courses are filled with whimsical details, interactive surprises, and festive music, making it a delightful experience for families and guests of all ages. This spot is perfect for those looking to add a touch of holiday magic, Disney-style.

Cost: $19 per Adult, $12 per Child (Ages 3–9)

The Historic Holiday Experience

• Date: 2026 TBA
• Location: Orange County Regional History Center

A unique interactive and intimate holiday experience with seasonal activities, caroling, storytelling, and a private visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. During this one-hour experience, guests will enjoy decorating ornaments, making festive-themed crafts, writing letters to Santa, and playing reindeer games, all while enjoying delicious milk and cookies.

Christmas Festival at The Vineyards at Black Willow

Dates: 2026 TBA
Location: 2350 Black Willow Trail, Mims, FL

Enjoy a fun filled Christmas festival at Black Willow! Food trucks, vendors, foam snow, bounce house, photo ops, craft stations and more! Free wine slushies or sangria for adults.
$10 per person, kids are free

As the holiday season kicks into full swing, there’s no shortage of festive fun and unique family experiences waiting for you. Gather your loved ones, make cherished memories, and celebrate the season together at these unforgettable holiday spots!