Confession time: I struggle to get into the holiday spirit. Halloween and Thanksgiving are my favorite holidays, so saying goodbye to fall is always tough for me. But this year, I’m determined to change that by diving headfirst into as many holiday activities as possible. So after some online searching, I discovered enough free Christmas events in Orlando to keep me busy until January.
From tree lightings and parades to Christmas light displays and historical celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So let’s (grudgingly, in my case) embrace the holiday season with this list of 30 free Christmas events in Orlando.
1. Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs
One of the most anticipated Christmas events in Orlando is the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. This yearly event features themed Christmas trees inspired by Disney animated films, Star Wars, and Marvel scattered throughout the shopping and dining center.
While you’re there, don’t miss the nightly snowfall and holiday entertainment at Disney Springs. And be sure to browse through Disney’s holiday merchandise and treats available for purchase.
The Christmas Tree Stroll runs from November 8-December 30.
Location: 1486 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
2. Christmas at the Disney World Resorts
This is one of the best free Christmas events in Orlando. The Disney World resorts go all out with their decorations.
They feature huge Christmas trees and other elaborate displays in their lobbies. Tourists and locals alike flock to these festive displays every year.
If you’re new to Disney hotel-hopping, I recommend getting on the monorail and visiting the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian resorts. The Contemporary has a 17-foot-tall gingerbread display this year. And at the Grand Floridian, you can marvel at the massive gingerbread house in the lobby.
Other Disney World resorts have their own unique displays. You can find a gingerbread carousel at the Beach Club Resort and gingerbread animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge. And over at Fort Wilderness, guests like to deck their golf carts out for the holidays. Really, pick any hotel and you’re sure to find some holiday magic.
TIP: If you want to park at the hotels, you’ll have to be a hotel guest or have a meal reservation. Otherwise, catch a free bus from Disney Springs to the hotels.
3. Now Snowing Nightly
Now Snowing Nightly, celebrating its 26th anniversary in 2024, bills itself as “Florida’s longest-standing holiday event.”
Every evening, downtown Celebration is transformed as snow falls on the hour. While the “snow” is actually tiny soap bubbles, there’s something charming about the experience.
If you’re over by Disney and looking for some festive fun, Now Snowing Nightly is worth checking out. I have fond memories of attending this event when my parents lived out here, and I’m still nostalgic about it.
Now Snowing Nightly takes place from November 30-December 31 from 6-9pm.
Location: Celebration Town Center
4. Downtown for the Holidays
Looking for free Christmas events in Orlando? Downtown for the Holidays offers many events wrapped into one big extravaganza.
Here’s a taste of the free events at Downtown for the Holidays:
- The City of Orlando Christmas tree lighting
- The Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show, a light and music display at Lake Eola Park
- Installation of the Jack Kazanzas Star, a huge retro-style star that lights up Orange Avenue
- Holiday movies and concerts at Lake Eola Park
- A cirque-style show
- A holiday drone show
- A sensory-friendly Christmas event
- Snowfall on Friday-Sunday nights
- Christmas markets
Downtown for the Holidays runs from November 17-January 6. If you’re not in the Christmas spirit by the end of it, you might just be the Grinch.
Location: Varies; check the link above for details.
5. Jingle Eve
Ring in the holiday season at Ivanhoe Village with Jingle Eve. This festive event has been taking place for over 20 years in this artsy neighborhood close to downtown Orlando. It’s one of the most classic Christmas events in Orlando.
Jingle Eve happens November 23 from 4:30-9pm. This year’s event features a children’s holiday village, food, and fireworks.
Location: North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32804
6. I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting
Head over to Icon Park on November 22 for the I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting. The Orlando tourist complex will mark the beginning of the holiday season at 6pm with the lighting of a massive 50-foot Christmas tree. Blue Man Group will be there as a special celebrity guest.
Location: 8375 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
7. Oh What Fun!
Oh What Fun! is Lake Nona’s yearly holiday festival for the whole family. During the event, Lake Nona Town Center transforms into a winter wonderland called Peppermint Square.
Along with a Christmas tree trail and photo opportunities, they have different entertainment on each night of the event. They have an acrobatic show on Fridays, snowfall on Saturdays, and family activities on Sundays.
Oh What Fun! takes place from December 6-22 (6-10pm on Fridays and 2-9pm on Saturdays and Sundays).
Location: Lake Nona Town Center
8. Avalon Aglow
If you’re on the UCF side of town, stop by Avalon Aglow in downtown Avalon Park. The event kicks off on December 7 with a parade at 3pm and ends with fireworks at 9pm. In between, there’s a bounce park, food trucks, and live entertainment.
Location: Downtown Avalon Park
9. Winter on the Avenue
Winter on the Avenue is Winter Park’s annual holiday event.
The event starts with Christmas tree and menorah lighting ceremonies in Central Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive later in the evening.
The event also features carolers, snow slides, a screening of “Home Alone” in the park, and more.
Winter on the Avenue takes place on December 6 from 5-9pm.
TIP: This is one of the more popular Christmas events in Orlando, so parking can be challenging. Get there early to find parking (map), or take the Sunrail train to the Winter Park station.
Location: 251 S. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
10. Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade
The Winter Park Christmas Parade is the oldest continuously running holiday parade in Central Florida, celebrating its 72nd anniversary in 2024.
This charming tradition takes place along Park Avenue (starting at Cole Avenue and ending at Lyman Avenue) on December 7 from 9-10:30am.
Location: Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
11. Holiday Golf Cart Parade at Old Town
Old Town is a shopping and entertainment complex near Disney that hosts weekly classic car cruises. On December 7 from 6:30-8:30pm, they’re featuring a Holiday Golf Cart Parade before the car cruise. So get ready to see some seriously festive golf carts!
Location: 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34746
12. Kissimmee Festival of Lights
The Kissimmee Festival of Lights brings the holiday spirit to Kissimmee City Hall on December 14. From 4-7pm, children will have the opportunity to write a letter to Santa and enjoy kid-friendly activities.
Then, at 7pm, the Festival of Lights Parade begins. Floats created by local businesses and groups will travel through Kissimmee Lakefront Park and Historic Downtown Kissimmee.
Location: 201 Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34741
13. Light Up the Holidays at Cranes Roost Park
Light Up the Holidays marks the official beginning of the holiday season in Altamonte Springs.
This event features Christmas lights formed into holiday figures, such as candy canes and snowflakes. It’s a popular Christmas events in Orlando, attracting many people to the park.
Cranes Roost Park is also home to a 60-foot-tall Christmas tree, a fountain show that runs at 8 and 9pm nightly, and other holiday events such as free movie nights. The park is the perfect place to hang out with friends while you walk around the lake admiring the decorations.
The kickoff ceremony takes place on December 7 from 5-9pm, although the lights are up from the first week of December. Light Up the Holidays runs until January 1.
Location: 274 Cranes Roost Boulevard, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
14. Winter Wonderland 2024
Winter Wonderland 2024 takes place at the Winter Springs Town Center on December 7 from 4-8pm. This event features a tree lighting, holiday parade, and a visit from Santa Claus. Guests can also enjoy local entertainment and food.
Location: 1126 E. State Road 434, Winter Springs, FL 32708
15. Light Up Central Winds!
Light Up Central Winds! is a drive-through event happening at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs. Get ready to be dazzled by Christmas light tunnels and other themed lighting displays.
From December 15-20 from 7:30-9:30pm, you can enjoy the event from the comfort of your car. But on December 21 from 5-8:30pm, Light Up Central Winds! becomes a walk-through event. Meet Santa, grab some food from local food trucks, and watch a screening of the movie Elf.
Location: 1000 Central Winds Drive, Winter Springs, FL 32708
16. Home for the Holidays at Lake Concord Park
Lake Concord Park in Casselberry is one of my favorite local Christmas light displays. The park may be small, but it’s covered in lights and filled with cute displays. See it for yourself at Home for the Holidays at Lake Concord Park.
This event takes place on December 13 from 5-9pm. It features food trucks, a visit from Santa, and a seasonal glass exhibit from the Art Glass Guild of Central Florida. You can also do some gift shopping at the event’s holiday market.
Location: 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry, FL 32707
17. Christmas Vacation Tree Lighting Experience
Calling all Christmas Vacation fans! Get ready for a special event dedicated to the classic holiday comedy at Center Lake Park in Oviedo.
In addition to Santa and live reindeer, the Christmas Vacation Tree Lighting Experience will have character lookalikes and a Cousin Eddie impersonator contest.
The event takes place on December 5 from 5-9pm, with the tree lighting happening at 6:30pm.
Location: 299 Center Lake Lane, Oviedo, FL 32765
18. Celebrate the Season at Reiter Park
The city of Longwood invites you to Celebrate the Season at Reiter Park. This event is scheduled for December 13 from 6-9pm. It features visits with Santa, games, food trucks, and more.
Location: 311 W. Warren Avenue, Longwood, FL 32750
19. Carols & Cocoa: Yuletide in Historic Longwood
Attention, history buffs: Join the Longwood Historical Society for its second annual Carols & Cocoa event.
This free gathering kicks off with an open house tour of several buildings in the Longwood Historic District, including the Bradlee-McIntyre house and the supposedly haunted Inside-Outside House.
The event also includes a hot cocoa and apple cider reception and a Christmas tree lighting. Join the festivities on November 30 from 3:30-6:30pm.
Location: 135 W. Church Avenue, Longwood, FL 32750
20. Apopka Tree Lighting
The Apopka Tree Lighting takes place at Kit Land Nelson Park on December 6 from 6-8pm. This event features photos with Santa and kid-friendly activities.
Location: 10 S. Forest Avenue, Apopka, FL 32703
21. Holiday in the Park
Don’t miss out on Lake Mary’s annual Holiday in the Park, happening on December 6 from 6-9pm. This event includes a skating rink, light shows, a chance to meet Santa Claus, and a tree lighting.
Location: 100 N. Country Club Road, Lake Mary, FL 32746
22. Light Up Sanford
Light Up Sanford brings Christmas cheer to Sanford’s historic district. The evening includes a tree lighting in Magnolia Square, along with live entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus. The event is scheduled for December 6 from 6:30-8pm.
Location: Historic Downtown Sanford
23. 2024 Parade of Lights
Expect a good crowd at historic downtown Sanford for the 2024 Parade of Lights.
The annual parade is set for December 14 at 6pm. It features decorated floats and vehicles from local businesses and organizations.
Location: Historic Downtown Sanford
24. Mount Dora Christmas Walk
The historic town of Mount Dora is known for its great Christmas displays. You can view the beautiful lights and decorations at the town’s annual Christmas Walk. The event takes place on December 6 from 6-9pm.
The Christmas Walk is a holiday street party where local businesses stay open until 9pm. It’s a great opportunity to support small businesses while celebrating the season. While you’re there, stroll over to Sunset Park to check out the huge Christmas tree.
Location: 230 W. 4th Avenue, Mount Dora, FL 32757
25. 13th Annual Christmas Light Ride
Grab your bike and join the 13th Annual Christmas Light Ride, sponsored by Retro City Cycles. This 6-mile bike ride takes participants on a Christmas light tour of Ivanhoe Village and College Park.
The ride takes place on December 7. It benefits One Heart for Women and Children, Orlando’s largest food pantry. If you want to donate, check out the event’s Facebook page for needed items.
Location: 399 E. New Hampshire Street, Orlando, FL 32804
26. Tis the Season at Winter Garden
Get ready to celebrate the holidays in Winter Garden. Like Orlando’s Downtown for the Holidays, Tis the Season at Winter Garden is packed with events. And don’t worry if you miss one—there’s always something happening the next day.
Many of the events are free, including:
- Light Up Winter Garden (December 6 from 6-9pm)
- Winter Garden Christmas Parade (December 7 at 10am)
- Winter Garden Christmas Golf Cart Parade (December 7 at 6pm)
- A Merry Winter Garden Light Show (December 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22 from 6-9pm)
The festival runs from December 6-January 5.
Location: Historic Downtown Winter Garden
27. Winter WonderDeLand
Winter WonderDeLand is a holiday celebration happening in downtown DeLand until early January. The historic district is decorated with Christmas lights and giant toy soldiers. Various events will take place throughout December, including:
- Light Up DeLand (December 6 from 5-8pm)
- DeLand Christmas Parade (December 7 at 6pm)
- Residential lighting contest, with locations entered into Google Maps for everyone to visit
Location: Historic Downtown DeLand
28. Light Up Clermont
The city of Clermont hosts its Christmas celebration on December 6 from 5:30-9pm. Light Up Clermont includes a tree lighting ceremony, live music, and food trucks.
Location: Downtown Clermont
29. The Enchanted Forest of Trees
While you’re in Clermont, explore the Enchanted Forest of Trees at Victory Pointe Park. Over 70 Christmas trees, each decorated by local businesses and groups, will be on display from November 23-January 3. It’s bound to be a magical experience.
Location: 1050 Victory Way, Clermont, FL 34711
30. Cracker Christmas
Cracker Christmas is the highlight of the year at Fort Christmas Historical Park. Now in its 46th year, this event celebrates Florida pioneer life with historical demonstrations such as weaving, blacksmithing, and lace making. Try some down-home food from the vendors, and browse the local crafts for sale.
Cracker Christmas takes place on December 7-8 from 10am-4pm.
Location: 1300 Fort Christmas Road, Christmas, FL 32709
Conclusion: 30 Fun, Free Christmas Events in Orlando for 2024
From dazzling light displays to holiday markets, there’s no shortage of free Christmas events in Orlando this holiday season. So step away from trimming the tree and wrapping presents, put on your most festive T-shirt (this is Florida, after all), and get into the holiday spirit.