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.
FREE Orlando Holiday Events
“Holinights Celebration” at Promenade – Sunset Walk
- Dates: November 19 – December 25, 2026
- Location: Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Live Music and tree lighting hightly, snowball fights with the mischievous elves, Holinights craft and street markets, a Car Show, and More.
Winter Wonderland Market
- Dates: November 25, 2026 – January 2, 2027, 5-9 p.m.
- Location: Grande Lakes Orlando, Da Vinci 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.
Snow Falling Nightly in Celebration
- Dates: November 28 – December 31, 2026, with nightly snowfall hourly at 5:30 p.m.
- Location: 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.
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
- Dates: December 4-20, 2026
- Location: Lake Nona Town Center
This year’s winter wonderland features a lively lineup of school and youth performances, from choirs and dance teams to musical showcases. It’s a heartwarming celebration of local talent and holiday spirit, all taking place on the main stage at Lake Nona Town Center.
Downtown for the Holidays
- Dates: December 4, 2026 – January 6, 2026
- Location: 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.
Holiday Light Displays at Cranes Roost Park
- Dates: Light Up the Holidays Event on December 5, 2026, 5-8 p.m.
- Location: 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!.
The Christmas lights and holiday displays at 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.
Pro-Tip: 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.
Hanukkah Celebration of Lights
- Dates: December 6, 2026, 6-9 p.m.
- Location: Lake Nona Town Center
Celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah as they 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
2026 St. Lucia Festival
- Dates: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 12-4 p.m.
- Location: Museum of Seminole County History, 300 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
Light Up SoDo
- Date: Saturday, December 20, 2026, 12-6 p.m.
- Location: 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
- Dates: December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27, 2026, 6-9 p.m.
- Location: 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 Winter Garden
- Date: Friday, December 4, 2026, 6-9 p.m.
- Location: 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 Tree Lighting Ceremony in Lake Concord Park
- Dates: December 5, 2026, 5-8 p.m.
- Location: 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.
Light Up the Holidays
- Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5-9 p.m.
- Location: 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.
Light Up DeLand
- Date: 2026 TBA
- Location: 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
- Date: 2026 TBA
- Location: Lake Eola
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.
Holiday Display at Dover Shores Neighborhood Center
- Date: 2026 TBA
- Location: Dover Shores Neighborhood Center, 1400 Gaston Foster Road, Orlando, FL 32812
The Dover Shores Neighborhood Center features a stunning national park-themed holiday display. Think twinkling lights, winter-wonderland trails, and all the cozy adventure vibes. If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot to enjoy the season, this is it. Add it to your holiday must-see list and go explore!
FREE HOLIDAY PARADES
I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting
- Date: November 20, 2026, 6 p.m.
- Location: 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 with special guests, the Blue Man Group!
Winter on the Avenue
- Date: December 4, 2026, 5-9 p.m.
- Location: 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
- Date: December 4, 2026, 6-9 p.m.
- Location: Sunset Park, 230 West 4th Avenue, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Family street party featuring music and shopping. 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!
Winter Garden Christmas Parade
- Date: December 5, 2026, 10 a.m.
- Location: Dillard Street
The Winter Garden Christmas Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. 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. Remember to look for the Big Guy himself at the end of the parade!
DeLand Rotary Christmas Parade
- Date: December 5, 2026, 6 p.m.
- Location: Downtown DeLand
Enjoy a time-honored tradition at the annual DeLand Christmas parade presented by the Rotary Clubs of DeLand.
36th Annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
- Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Location: 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).
74th Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade
- Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026, starts at 9 a.m.
- Location: Central Park, Park Avenue, Winter Park
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 74th annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade. The event has been held each December for more than 70 years, making it the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida.
Avalon Aglow
- Date: December 5, 2026, parade at 3 p.m., festival at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
- Location: 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
- Date: December 5, 2026, 3 p.m.
- Location: 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 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, and will feature stunning cars, seasonal characters, bands, and much more.
44th Annual Winter Wonderland – Parade and Tree Lighting
- Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4-8 p.m.
- Location: 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, businesses, and the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Maitland Season of Light
- Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5-8:30 p.m.
- Location: 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, games, and a visit from Santa.
Annual Cracker Christmas
- Date: 2026 TBA
- Location: 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.
Celebrate the Season
- Date: Friday, December 11, 2026, 6-9 p.m.
- Location: Reiter Park, Longwood
This holiday street party will feature an array of activities including photo opportunities with Santa, music by DJ Dennis, live performances, an inflatable snow maze, giant fun slides, a Snow Flurry Zone, a trackless train, food trucks, and a NEW fireworks show to close out the event!
Sanford Parade of Lights
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 6-8pm
- Location: Downtown Sanford
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
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 6pm
- Location: 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 Annual Holiday Boat Parade
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 6pm
- Location: 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.
FREE Christmas and Holiday Events Near Orlando’s Theme Parks
Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Decorations
- Dates: Early November through January 1, 2027
- Location: 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
- Dates: 2026 TBA
- Location: 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.
Cheap and Affordable Holiday Events in Orlando
Here are a few affordable Christmas things to do in Orlando with the family!
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.
Young People’s Concert: Bach to the Future
- Dates: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 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.
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.
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.
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland
- Dates: November 30 – December 25, 2026
- Location: Wekiva Island
- Cost: $5 admission fee
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. Anyone who loves the unique mash-up of tropical Florida vibes with the holidays will love Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland. There are also plenty of other fun activities for an additional cost.
Holiday Festival
- Date: 2026 TBA
- Location: Palmer’s Feed & Seed, 912 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32805
Sip, shop, and craft with glee, plus play in the snow! Snap a pic with Santa, feel the cheer, and even buy a farm-fresh Christmas tree at this holiday festival.
Sanford Joyfest
- Date: 2026 TBA
- Location: Magnolia Square in Downtown Sanford
Get ready for a joyful night in the heart of Downtown Sanford as the Sanford Police Department, Sanford Fire Department, and community partners bring a festive holiday celebration to Magnolia Square. Enjoy music, dancing, hot cocoa, caroling, and meet-and-greets with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the always-popular Sanford Police Elves.
Berry Bazar
- Date: 2026 TBA
- Location: 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 Holiday Market 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.
