Events in Central Florida

Step into a world of holiday magic and watch the most famous reindeer of all save Christmas—like never before! Wander through scenes carved from over 6,000 blocks of ice, glowing with festive wonder. Zoom down thrilling ice slides, strike a pose with the lovable Bumble, and wave to Rudolph in one of the longest ice sculptures ever created — stretching more than 32 feet! It’s your favorite Christmas moments brought to life in a dazzling frozen spectacle.

Celebrate the season at this enchanting storybook festival. Discover wonders around every corner, bask in the glow of a spectacular tree, stroll through snowfall, capture picture-perfect moments and enjoy holiday entertainment and performances at this free festival for the whole community.

Come early, stay late and come often to delight in every merry moment.

LIVE CONCERTS ON THE STORYBOOK STAGE

Experience the spirit of the season take center stage. Enjoy a festive lineup of daily live performances, featuring holiday carolers sponsored by Massey Services, Inc., ensembles, dancers and more, bringing joyful sounds and unforgettable moments to the main stage on Seneff Arts Plaza.

SANTA’S ENCHANTED OUTPOST

Be there when Santa himself arrives each evening and share in the holiday cheer. Enjoy a festive moment with the jolliest visitor of the season as he brings smiles and magic to the festival.

THE WINTERGLOW TREE

Marvel at our brilliantly illuminated tree, a radiant centerpiece that lights up the Seneff Arts Plaza with shimmering color, warmth and holiday wonder.

ALL IS BRIGHT CELEBRATION

Feel the magic each evening as we illuminate the festival tree in a sparkling, choreographed lighting moment powered by OUC – The Reliable One. Gather with loved ones, enjoy the glow and take part in a nightly tradition that brightens the entire plaza.

SUNDAY MOVIE NIGHTS

Cozy up with your favorite holiday movie under the stars every Sunday night on Seneff Arts Plaza with two showtimes to choose from. No ticket purchases necessary.

Get ready for a holiday light show 65 million years in the making! Orlando Science Center celebrates the holiday season with its annual Dinos in Lights show. 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. This dino-mite dazzler will have your whole family ROARING with cheer as you welcome the holiday season! Included with general admission throughout the holidays, you don’t want to miss this unforgettable display. Be sure to see it multiple times as the experience is different from every angle with three different shows being offered.

Dinos in Lights begins every day at 11:00 am and brief shows run every 30 minutes until 3:30 pm. Come for Dinos in Lights and stay to experience four floors of wonder and discovery with exhibits, giant screen films, science shows and special activities. Don’t miss Life, our massive exhibit on nature and conservation featuring animals and immersive habitats or explore mind-bending math in motion with 2theXtreme!

You can also enjoy hands-on exhibits about space, food, engineering and physics, and make something special in The Hive: A Makerspace. Little learners can enjoy a space just for them in KidsTown, with interactive areas where they can play to learn. There are also special dino-themed activities planned throughout the holiday season. Make no bones about it, Orlando Science Center has holiday fun down to a science!

INFO HERE

Step into a world of holiday magic and watch the most famous reindeer of all save Christmas—like never before! Wander through scenes carved from over 6,000 blocks of ice, glowing with festive wonder. Zoom down thrilling ice slides, strike a pose with the lovable Bumble, and wave to Rudolph in one of the longest ice sculptures ever created — stretching more than 32 feet! It’s your favorite Christmas moments brought to life in a dazzling frozen spectacle.

Celebrate the season at this enchanting storybook festival. Discover wonders around every corner, bask in the glow of a spectacular tree, stroll through snowfall, capture picture-perfect moments and enjoy holiday entertainment and performances at this free festival for the whole community.

Come early, stay late and come often to delight in every merry moment.

LIVE CONCERTS ON THE STORYBOOK STAGE

Experience the spirit of the season take center stage. Enjoy a festive lineup of daily live performances, featuring holiday carolers sponsored by Massey Services, Inc., ensembles, dancers and more, bringing joyful sounds and unforgettable moments to the main stage on Seneff Arts Plaza.

SANTA’S ENCHANTED OUTPOST

Be there when Santa himself arrives each evening and share in the holiday cheer. Enjoy a festive moment with the jolliest visitor of the season as he brings smiles and magic to the festival.

THE WINTERGLOW TREE

Marvel at our brilliantly illuminated tree, a radiant centerpiece that lights up the Seneff Arts Plaza with shimmering color, warmth and holiday wonder.

ALL IS BRIGHT CELEBRATION

Feel the magic each evening as we illuminate the festival tree in a sparkling, choreographed lighting moment powered by OUC – The Reliable One. Gather with loved ones, enjoy the glow and take part in a nightly tradition that brightens the entire plaza.

SUNDAY MOVIE NIGHTS

Cozy up with your favorite holiday movie under the stars every Sunday night on Seneff Arts Plaza with two showtimes to choose from. No ticket purchases necessary.

Get ready for a holiday light show 65 million years in the making! Orlando Science Center celebrates the holiday season with its annual Dinos in Lights show. 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. This dino-mite dazzler will have your whole family ROARING with cheer as you welcome the holiday season! Included with general admission throughout the holidays, you don’t want to miss this unforgettable display. Be sure to see it multiple times as the experience is different from every angle with three different shows being offered.

Dinos in Lights begins every day at 11:00 am and brief shows run every 30 minutes until 3:30 pm. Come for Dinos in Lights and stay to experience four floors of wonder and discovery with exhibits, giant screen films, science shows and special activities. Don’t miss Life, our massive exhibit on nature and conservation featuring animals and immersive habitats or explore mind-bending math in motion with 2theXtreme!

You can also enjoy hands-on exhibits about space, food, engineering and physics, and make something special in The Hive: A Makerspace. Little learners can enjoy a space just for them in KidsTown, with interactive areas where they can play to learn. There are also special dino-themed activities planned throughout the holiday season. Make no bones about it, Orlando Science Center has holiday fun down to a science!

INFO HERE

Experience the sights and sounds of the season when visiting Downtown for the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. Throughout the entire month of December, downtown Orlando is offering free holiday events for all to enjoy!

Experience the enchantment of the holiday stroll. Spread cheer by shopping locally at the Merry Market. Embrace the magic of the season at the Eola Wonderland. Enjoy a snowy Florida wonderland at Lake Eola Park. Encounter Santa himself at the Eola House.

Activities vary by date. See the linked event website for full dates, times, and details for the following festivities:

Tree Lighting Celebration | Dec. 5, 2025

Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show | Dec. 5 – Jan. 6

Clemwood Lights | Dec. 5 – Jan. 6

Holiday Stroll | Dec. 5 – Jan. 6

MORE INFO HERE.

Get ready to ring in the New Year with a bang at the New Years Prost Festival – it’s going to be a night to remember! Ring in 2026 with German Tradition, DJ Oompah, and a Prost Kick-off!

Event Details

Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM EST

Location: Krush Brau Brewery & Biergarten

Ages: All Ages Welcome! (21+ to drink)

About the Event: A Festive Kick-off to 2026! Start your New Year on a high note with Krush Brau’s New Year Prost! Festival! Join us for a cozy, festive evening steeped in joyous German New Year (Silvester) traditions. We’re bringing the heart of Bavaria to you with an unforgettable celebration perfect for family, friends, and colleagues.

What to Expect:

Highlights of the Celebration: DJ Oompah – German Music and games to bring in the new year.

Complimentary ‘Prost!’: Your ticket includes a free ceremonial beer/champagne, or cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage for a grand, collective “Prost!” toast to the New Year!

Save the date! Florida Fire & EMS Conference is scheduled for January 5-9, 2026 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. We are listening to your feedback and we have big plans in store for 2026!

The Florida Fire & EMS Conference seeks to become a leading provider of fire and EMS education, hands-on-training and vendor network by creating an event for the fire service community that actively addresses the current needs of the industry. Currently hosted in Orlando, Florida known for its extensive offering for leisure and entertainment, the Florida Fire & EMS Conference is more than education or an event – it is an experience.

MORE INFO HERE.

We’re celebrating 10 years of winter festivals, and we’re excited to announce that Winter Mini–Fest is back!

Join us January 7–11, 2026 for a fun-sized dose of all things Fringe. This cozy, curated version of our May festival will feature popular works from past festivals, new works from well-received Fringe artists, and brand-new creatives scouted from the national and international Fringe circuit.

Winter Mini–Fest is the perfect way to kick off the new year and reconnect with your Fringe community.

All Winter Mini–Fest shows are 70 mins or less, and are $15 each, with a one-time purchase of a $3 button.

MORE INFO.

TICKETS HERE.

This gathering swaps chili for goulash, a rich, slow‑simmered stew loved in Germany and Central Europe. Come taste several different Goulash Goulash Fest: A Hearty Twist on a Classic German Tradition Forget the chili cook-off — this gathering swaps chili for goulash, the rich, slow-simmered stew beloved across Germany and Central Europe!

Join us for a delicious day of food, fun, and friendly competition as German chefs and home cooks showcase their best goulash recipes — from traditional Bavarian-style beef to creative modern twists. Guests will sample each dish and vote for their favorite, crowning the 2025 Goulash Champion!

Pair your tastings with seasonal German lagers, fresh-baked pretzels, and a festive atmosphere filled with live music and laughter. Whether you’re a foodie, beer lover, or just looking for a warm bowl of comfort, Goulash Fest is the perfect fall event for you.

Enjoy smooth sounds and soulful performances at UCF’s annual jazz celebration.

Date: February 21, 2026 – February 22, 2026

Recurrence: Recurring daily

Price: $25 general admission, $10 UCF faculty and staff, free for OUCF students with a valid ID

Time: 8 p.m.

More info.

Brew knowledge at the fifth annual Science on Tap, where science and suds mix! This family-friendly event will feature a diverse range of craft beers and brew tasting from Central Florida’s local breweries for those over 21, as well as lawn games and hands-on experiences for guests of all ages.

Get ready to explore a variety of flavors, from sippable ciders to ribust ales, rich IPAs, and so much more! Plus, enjoy science demonstrations and live music. Between thirst-quenching flights, grab some light bites from local food trucks. Cheers to a happy new year!