25 Free Kid-Friendly Christmas Events and Holiday Celebrations in Orlando
Seeing the magic of the holiday season through the eyes of your child, or children, is so special. And thankfully there are plenty of FREE Christmas events and holiday celebrations all around Orlando. We’ve narrowed down the long list of events to our top 25 that are the best for kids and families, many of which are taking place this weekend!
From Christmas light displays to cheerful parades, and more, there are lots of free holiday events in Orlando to make spirits bright.
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Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
Fridays – Sundays December 6-22, 2024
Experience the magic of the Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival in Lake Nona Town Center, December 6–22! From live entertainment and festive treats to Santa’s Cottage Experience and nightly snowfall, there’s something for everyone. Make it extra special with a Stay & Play package at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel—use code OHFUN24 for exclusive perks.
FREE Christmas and Holiday Events Near Orlando’s Theme Parks
Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Decorations
November 15, 2024 through January 1, 2025
Multiple Walt Disney World Resorts
Each Walt Disney World Resort is decorated for the holidays. Families will LOVE hopping aboard the monorail for a DIY tour of the decorations. Or head to Disney’s Boardwalk to tour gingerbread displays and decorations in multiple hotels.
Note: Parking at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels is for the exclusive use of guests with confirmed rooms, dining, and recreation reservations.
However, bus transportation is available from each of the four parks and Disney Springs. Guests may also park at the Ticket and Transportation Center and visit Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort via the Walt Disney World Resort Monorail.
Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs
Friday, November 9, 2024 through January 1, 2025
Disney Springs
The Christmas Tree Stroll takes place throughout Disney Springs. Maps for the Stroll can be obtained at House of Blues, 12 Days of Christmas Store, The Marketplace Co-Op, and The Welcome Center.
Each tree is inspired by a Disney character or theme. Kids will surely find a favorite, and maybe you will too.
FREE Orlando Holiday Events This Weekend 2024
Casselberry Lights in Lake Concord Park
Lights and decorations November 15 through December 26, 2024
Lake Concord Park, Casselberry
95 Triplet Lake Dr, Casselberry, FL 32707
Stroll through Lake Concord Park to enjoy charming vignettes of holiday displays and brilliant lights.
This small community park is perfect for a simple evening of enjoying light displays where kids have lots of space.
“Holinights Celebration” at Promenade – Sunset Walk
November 21 – December 25, 2024
Promenade at Sunset Walk
3251 Margaritaville Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Live Music & Tree Lighting Nightly, Snow Ball Fights with the Mischievous Elves, Holinights Craft & Street Markets, Car Show and More
Holiday Light Displays at Cranes Roost Park
November 28, 2024 – January 3, 2025
Light Up the Holidays Event on Saturday, December 7, 2024 – THIS WEEKEND!
Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Enjoy over 200,000 lights on more than 100 holiday displays powered by Duke Energy. Displays can be viewed all around Cranes Roost Park nightly until January 1, 2025.
The Christmas lights and holiday displays are Cranes Roost Park are an absolute MUST-DO for families in Orlando – and visitors too! There is lots of space and it makes for a great 30 minute stroll around the park seeing all the displays. Just note, that there is only one restroom.
Parking is available at Uptown Altamonte Shopping Plaza and nearby office parks, but check for parking restriction signage. You can also park at the Altamonte Mall and use the Cranes shuttle during certain hours.
The lights are turned on each night at dusk. Be sure to check the City of Altamonte’s calendar as some nights have appearances of Santa Claus, snow fairies, and more.
Snow Falling Nightly in Celebration
November 30, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Nightly snowfall hourly from 6- 9pm
Celebration Town Center
610 Sycamore St Suite 220, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Celebration Town Center offers “Now Snowing-Celebration’s Winter Wonderland”, a family-friendly holiday experience with some of the best “snow” you can find in Central Florida. Festive music, decorations, and adorable shops make this a great holiday tradition.
Downtown for the Holidays
December 6, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Lake Eola Park
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season in Downtown Orlando with a month-long celebration throughout December. Downtown Orlando welcomes everyone to enjoy a variety of free holiday events at your convenience.
Admire the stunningly lit Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree as it dances to beloved holiday melodies. Step into a winter wonderland with artificial snowfall and explore unique local offerings at the holiday Merry Market.
Plus there are FREE train rides! The train usually runs on the North East Lawn at Lake Eola Park on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.
FREE HOLIDAY PARADES
Sanford Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 14, 6pm
This parade is special since it is held at night and most parade floats are illuminated. Grab an early dinner at one of the many wonderful restaurants or head to one of the breweries for a cup of Christmas cheer after the parade.
DeLand Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 6pm
Whitehair Bridge
Celebrate Christmas in true Florida style! The festive boats will start at the Whitehair Bridge (State Road 44) and travel south on the St. Johns River to Lake Beresford.
Winter Park Boat Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 6:15 pm
Dinky Dock Park
Organized by the Winter Park Rotary Club, head to Dinky Dock Park to see the impressive boat and dock holiday decorations created by residents and local business sponsors. Parking is extremely limited, we recommend using a ride share service.
Winter Garden Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10am
The Winter Garden Christmas Parade kicks off at 10:00 am on Dillard Street at the Palmetto Street intersection (by Wells Fargo) proceeds north on Dillard Street, then heads west/left on Plant Street through historic downtown and concludes at Park Avenue. Do not forget to look for the Big Guy himself at the end of the parade!
Annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 7, 2024, Starts at 7pm
Lake Dora, Mount Dora
Come enjoy the lighted Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Dora beginning at the Lighthouse across from Gilbert Park on Tremain Street and Liberty Street. Best places to view include Grantham Point (311 S Tremain Street) and Elizabeth Evans Park (100 N Donnelly Street).
FREE HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland
December 1 – December 25, 2024
Wekiva Island
Nightly snow flurries plus extra entertainment and activities are offered on select days and evenings, including outdoor movies and visits from Santa Claus.
A $5 admission fee applies on most days, so this is not exactly a free holiday event, but it is still worth mentioning in our list. Anyone who loves the unique mash-up of tropical Florida vibes with the holidays will love Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland.
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from December 6-22, 2024
Lake Nona Town Center
This year’s winter wonderland features photos with Santa, holiday movies, a Christmas tree lot, live entertainment, special holiday events and more. Nightly snowfall too!
Home for the Holidays
Friday, December 13, 5-9pm
Lake Concord Park
95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry
Casselberry invites you to a special night of holiday cheer, family fun, and exciting activities at Lake Concord Park. The park will be lit with over 150,000 lights for guests to enjoy during this festive event. Food trucks will be on site while you enjoy a free concert of holiday music from the VFW Community Band. Families can visit with Santa for a special photo. If that wasn’t enough, their Holiday Market is back and full of amazing vendors offering unique handmade items for those special people in your life. You’ll find ceramics, jewelry, soaps, sponges, hand carved wood, clothing, artwork, and tons of other unique and one of a kind items.
FREE
2024 St. Lucia Festival
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 12-5pm
Museum of Seminole County History
Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773
Food, fun, music, and a good time for the entire family! Free and open to the public. Donations for the museum are accepted
For more information, please visit: www.sanfordstlucia.com
Hanukkah Celebration of Lights
Saturday, December 28, 2024, 7-10pm
Lake Nona Town Center
Celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah as theyr bless and light the menorah in a special Rabbi led ceremony featuring traditional songs to celebrate the festival of lights. Additional entertainment includes live music, a children’s group performance, a stilt walker, face painters and more themed entertainment. Enjoy traditional kosher food while the kids make dreidels and learn the history of the holiday.
Discover more: 15 Orlando’s Best Christmas Lights
Light Up SoDo
Saturday, December 8, 2024, 2-6pm
Kimco’s SoDo Shopping Center
120 W Grant St, Orlando, FL 32806
This event is family and pet-friendly—so grab the kids and your furry friends and head on down for an afternoon full of holiday fun! Get ready to experience Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday maker’s market, food trucks and vendors, appearances from local SoDo businesses, performers, music, face painting, stilt walkers, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, beer and wine garden, live performances and SO MUCH MORE!
Orlando Area Tree Lighting Ceremonies
The Christmas and holiday season in Orlando shines bright as these tree lighting ceremonies light up the night this weekend!
A Merry Winter Garden Light Show at City Hall
December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 2024, 6-9pm – THIS WEEKEND!
Winter Garden City Hall
Enjoy a very merry light show at Winter Garden’s City Hall. Plus, there will be a Winter Wonderland area for children at City Hall on the nights of the light show. The entire downtown Winter Garden area will be festive and decorated.
Light Up DeLand
Friday, December 6, 2024, 5-9pm
Downtown DeLand
Santa will ride in on a fire engine to light the beautiful DeLand City Hall (120 S Florida Ave., DeLand) Christmas tree at 5:30. He will continue on to Pioneer Park (corner of E. Rich Ave. & N. Woodland Blvd.) at 6pm to light the Downtown wreath.
City of Orlando Tree Lighting Celebration
Friday, December 6, 2024, 5-9pm
Ring in the holiday season with Mayor Buddy Dyer at the City of Orlando’s Tree Lighting Celebration. The event will include holiday performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, food trucks, a holiday market, and an opportunity to meet Santa until 9pm at the Eola House.
Light Up Winter Garden
Friday, December 6, 2024, 6-9pm
Winter Garden City Hall
300 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden
The lighting will take place at 6:15 pm at City Hall followed by various activities. Kids and parents alike will love all there is to do during the holidays in Winter Garden.
Casselberry Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree Lighting Ceremony, Saturday, December 7, 2024, 5-8pm
Lake Concord Park, Casselberry
95 Triplet Lake Dr, Casselberry, FL 32707
Stroll through Lake Concord Park to enjoy charming vignettes of holiday displays and brilliant lights.
Light Up the Holidays
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 5-9pm – fireworks at 6:30pm
Cranes Roost Park
Watch as the park comes alive with spectacular holiday displays featuring 200,000 lights and a 60-foot tree decorated with thousands of ornaments and over a mile of garland. Plus, fireworks, ice skating, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
This event can get crowded. So if you’d rather have more space for your kids to enjoy then visit Lake Eola Park throughout the month of December to enjoy the Christmas lights and holiday decorations.
Festive Events and Parades
Celebrate the Season
Friday, December 13, 6-9pm
Reiter Park, Longwood
This holiday street party will feature an array of activities including photo opportunities with Santa, music by DJ Dennis, performances by One School of the Arts, an inflatable snow maze, giant fun slides, a Snow Flurry Zone, a trackless train, 10+ food trucks and a major laser light show throughout the event.
A Twisted Christmas Holiday Movie Party
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 10am – 1pm
The Abbey
100 S. Eola Drive Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32801
Which is the better celebration: The Holidays or Halloween? Come find out at this Family Friendly event where your hosts of Mrs. Claus and a Whimsical Wicked Witch will lead families through ghoulish games, creative crafts, some festive treats, and a FREE screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas to answer this age-old question. Feel free to dress up in your favorite festive gear, whether it’s Halloween or the Holidays!
FREE
Winter Wonderland Market
December 20, 21, 27, & 28, 2024, 5-9pm
Grande Lakes Orlando, Valencia Lawn
Discover the bliss of the holiday season with the Winter Wonderland Market. Stroll amongst European-inspired chalets featuring traditional holiday delicacies, tasty beverages, and local artisan crafts. This holiday affair includes hourly snowfall and many advent surprises for the entire family to enjoy,
FREE
Put on your calendar for next year…
I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting
November 22, 2024, 6pm
ICON Park on International Drive
Kick off the Holiday Season with the I-Drive District at ICON Park! Check out how I-Drive Dazzles with a glittering lighting ceremony of the 50-ft Holiday Tree. Special performances by the I-Ride Trolley Chords, Dr. Phillips High School Dance In Motion Company & Orlando Ballet. Make a reservation at The Santa Workshop Experience to meet and take holiday photos with Santa and the Jolly old elf!
Annual Light Up Viera Holiday Parade
WORTH THE DRIVE! Saturday, November 30, 2024, 6pm
Downtown Viera
This wonderful annual community event begins with a fireworks display at 6 p.m. The parade begins immediately following the fireworks. Music along the parade route will be presented by 5 High School Marching Bands.
Winter on the Avenue
Friday, December 6, 2024, 5-9pm
Central Park on Park Avenue, Winter Park
An annual tree-lighting, strolling carolers, and jazz on Park Avenue, the announcement of holiday art contest winners and Santa Claus.
Christmas Walk – Mount Dora
Friday, December 6, 2024, 6-9pm
Sunset Park
230 West 4th Avenue, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Family street party featuring music, & shopping (shops open until 9:00 PM). Don’t forget to visit Sunset Park to enjoy the Main Street Leasing Christmas Tree! Visit the Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina, their display is always outstanding!
46th Annual Cracker Christmas
December 7 & 8, 2024, 10am-4pm
Fort Christmas Historical Park
Experience early period 1800’s-1900’s Florida Christmas in the Country at Cracker Christmas. Stroll through the five-acre complex and experience seasonal decor, music and traditions in 10 original buildings. You can purchase holiday keepsakes from craft vendors and community clubs.
Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7, 2024, starts at 9am
Central Park Park Avenue, Winter Park
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 72nd 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.
Avalon Aglow
Saturday, December 7, 2024, parade at 3pm & Fireworks at 9pm
Avalon Park Town Center
3891 Avalon Park E Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828
Gather together to enjoy loads of holiday fun in Avalon Park. Activities include a bounce park, food truck, special performance, a parade, and fireworks.
Longwood Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7, 2024, starts at 3pm
Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Longwood
The City of Longwood will host the 7th annual Christmas Parade through Longwood by way of Ronald Reagan Blvd., north of SR 434. The parade will kick off at 3:00 pm on Saturday, December 7, and will feature stunning cars, seasonal characters, bands, and much more.
Winter Wonderland – Parade and Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 4-8pm
Winter Springs Town Center
1126 East State Road 434
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Enjoy an annual Christmas parade starting at Keeth Elementary. Then enjoy entertainment by local youth groups and Winter Springs Dancers with Class, and the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Things do get a little complicated with shuttle buses running at 3 p.m. at Winter Springs Elementary. The last shuttle will depart from the Winter Springs Town Center at 8:30pm. But it is all part of the fun of this charming holiday celebration.
Maitland Season of Light
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 5-8:30pm
Lake Lily Park
701 Lake Lily Dr, Maitland, FL 32751
Bring the family for games and activities, vendors, live music, a tree lighting ceremony, fireworks, and a visit from Santa. Music and entertainment will be provided by the Maitland Symphony Orchestra, Maitland Middle School, Lake Sybelia Elementary School, Dommerich Elementary School and Chance 2 Dance.
