Ava McDonnell
From glittering light displays to snowfalls in the most unexpected places, Central Florida is glowing. Whether you’re chasing the Grinch through Lake Eola, strolling under giant illuminated lanterns, or meeting Santa at ICON Park, this year’s holiday lineup is bigger, brighter, and jollier than ever.
So grab a peppermint latte, throw on your most outrageous Christmas sweater, because this is your one-stop sleigh ride through all the season’s best events!
Dazzling Nights
Dates/Times: Friday, November 28, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026; 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Ave, Orlando
The gardens become a luminous holiday wonderland with hundreds of thousands of lights across landscaped grounds, festive displays, “falling snow,” seasonal music, and food/drinks. A magical outing for families, couples, or friends who enjoy lights and a warm holiday atmosphere.
Dinos in Lights
Dates/Times: November through early January
Location: Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando
A fun and uniquely Orlando tradition! The Science Center’s giant T. rex and Triceratops skeletons come to life with a synchronized dino-themed holiday light show. Expect flashing lights, festive music, and a playful prehistoric twist. It is great for families, STEM-loving kids, and anyone looking for a nontraditional holiday outing.
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
Dates/Times: Friday, November 7, 2025 – Monday, January 5, 2026; Select dates.
Location: SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando
The park transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of holiday lights, a “Sea of Trees,” a huge central holiday tree, snow-effect shows, ice-skating, and a fireworks finale. There will also be live holiday-themed shows and performances. This event is great for those who want theme-park rides and holiday magic.
Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park
Dates / Times: November – Wednesday, December 24, 2025; roughly 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: ICON Park, 8375 International Drive, Orlando
Families can meet Santa and take holiday-themed photos with a festive workshop setup. Kids under 13 also get a free ride on the Carousel on the Promenade when purchasing a photo package. Additionally, there are discounts to other nearby attractions (like SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium & Madame Tussauds Orlando) for participating families.
Light Up Winter Garden
Dates/Times: Friday, December 5, 2025; 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Winter Garden City Hall & Historic Downtown, 300 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden
A festive evening to launch the holiday season with a “light-flip” ceremony, holiday lights across downtown, and live entertainment including music, strolling performers, and holiday characters. Also, photo spots, a children’s “snow area,” and general family-friendly fun. It is a free, community-oriented holiday welcome event.
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Dates/Times: November – Sunday, January 18, 2026; Select nights from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W. Seminoe Blvd, Sanford
A magical nighttime 3/4 mile stroll through the Zoo transformed by hundreds of gigantic, hand-crafted illuminated lanterns depicting animals, mythical creatures, and glowing landscapes. There are holiday-themed light displays, seasonal food & drink, live music, and a festive ambiance for all ages. Tickets are required.
Holiday Night Market Downtown
Dates/Times: Saturday, December 6, 2025; 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue, Winter Garden
An open-air holiday market with vendor booths selling holiday goods, treats, and artisanal gifts. There will also be live music and carolers, trolley rides around downtown, visits with Santa, and general holiday merriment. It is great for shopping, family fun, and getting into the festive spirit.
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll (presented by AdventHealth)
Dates/Times: November 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026; 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Location: Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista/Disney-area
A festive stroll featuring dozens of elaborately decorated Christmas trees inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars themes. Visitors can pick up a free map, hunt for the trees, and redeem a little ornament/prize after finishing the stroll. Plus holiday lights, seasonal entertainment, shopping, and “snoap” (snow-like effects) evenings make for a full holiday vibe.
Frontyard Holiday Festival
Dates/Times: Thursday, December 4, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026
Location: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Seneff Arts Plaza, Downtown Orlando
The event is free with holiday light displays, nightly tree-lighting, fake snow, cozy fire pits, and seasonal treats. Over 80 live performances like Dr. Phillips Center’s Quarter Notes and Four Counts, Opera Orlando, Central Florida Community Arts, Orlando Gay Chorus, Brass Band of Central Florida, Central Florida Vocal Arts’ Belles and Beaux, and several local high school ensembles. Along with movie showings of classic films like Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, The Polar Express, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Story, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Deck the Seas
Dates/Times: November – Sunday, January 4, 2026
Location: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, 8449 International Drive, Orlando
An underwater holiday wonderland: walk through decorated habitats, enjoy festive seasonal decorations, learn fun facts about marine life, and take part in holiday-themed activities such as “Scuba Claus” appearances. Guests can also collect stamps along the journey for a special prize as part of the event’s festive fun. Tickets required.
Grinch’s Lair/Meet the Grinch
Dates/Times: Friday, December 5 – 21, 2025; Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Lake Eola Park, Orlando (Near Eola House)
Photo-ops and meet-and-greets with the holiday character “Grinch,” along with a festive atmosphere, holiday decor, and part of the larger downtown holiday celebrations at Lake Eola. This event is perfect for kids and families.
Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
Dates/Times: Friday, December 5 – 21, 2025; 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Lake Nona Town Center, 6955 Lake Nona Blvd/Tavistock Lakes Blvd, Orlando
A festive, open-air holiday celebration: nightly “snowfall,” a 24-foot Christmas tree centerpiece, live acrobatics & entertainment shows, a holiday market with vendors and seasonal treats, photo-ops (holiday-themed décor, oversized ornaments, photo walls), a Santa’s Cottage meet-and-greet (with storytime & sing-alongs), and family-friendly activities.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or just treating yourself to some seasonal cheer, there’s an event waiting to make your December bright. So go forth, be merry, and make the most of every sparkling moment because the holiday season only comes once a year.
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