50+ Festive and Free Holiday Events in Orlando for 2024
You don't have to break your budget to have festive fun. It’s time again for our annual list of the best free holiday events in Orlando! We just love the holiday season in Orlando.
This list of free holiday events in Orlando is sure to get you on the nice list with your honey.
2024 details are added as announcements are made. And if you've got kids along, check out 25 Free Kid-Friendly Christmas Events in Orlando.
Free Holiday Lights and Displays
Walt Disney World Resort Hotel DecorationsNovember 15, 2024 through January 1, 2025Multiple Walt Disney World ResortsEach Walt Disney World Resort is decorated for the holidays.Check out our Top 5 of the Disney hotels with the best holiday decorations.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 SpringsFriday, November 9, 2024 through January 1, 2025Disney SpringsThe Christmas Tree Stroll has each tree at its own individual location. 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.
Holiday Light Displays at Cranes Roost ParkNovember 22, 2024 - January 1, 2025 (2024 TBA)Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701Enjoy 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, 2024. 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.
Image credit: City of Altamonte
Snow Falling Nightly in CelebrationNovember 30, 2024 through December 31, 2024Nightly snowfall hourly from 6-9pmCelebration Town Center610 Sycamore St Suite 220, Kissimmee, FL 34747Celebration 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.
I-Drive District Holiday Tree LightingNovember 22, 2024, 6pmICON Park on International DriveKick 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!
Light Up DeLandFriday, December 6, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMDowntown DeLandJoin the City of DeLand & Main Street DeLand Association as they reimagine the DeLand tradition of Light Up DeLand as part of the City of DeLand's Winter Wonder DeLand season-long festivities!
Light Up Clermont 2024 – Tree LightingFriday December 6, 5:30-9pmDowntown ClermontSchools, organizations, businesses, and families will be showing their creativity by individually decorating over 50 trees. Drop letters to Santa in Santa’s Mailbox which will be delivered to the North Pole and enjoy holiday photo ops.
Light Up Winter GardenFriday, December 6, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMWinter Garden City Hall on W. Plant StreetThe tree lighting will take place at 6:15 pm at City Hall followed by various activities for all to enjoy.
City of Orlando Tree Lighting Celebration2024 TBARing 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 and a holiday market, and an opportunity to meet Santa until 9pm at the Eola House.
Image credit: City of Orlando
Casselberry Annual Tree Lighting CeremonyTree Lighting Ceremony, Saturday, December 7, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Lights and decorations mid-November through December 26, 2024Lake Concord Park, Casselberry – 95 Triplet Lake Dr, Casselberry, FL 32707Stroll 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 and a lakeside park. Santa will light the tree at 5:35pm.
Avalon AglowSaturday, December 7, 2024, parade at 3pm Fireworks at 9pmAvalon Park Town Center3891 Avalon Park E Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828Gather together to enjoy loads of holiday fun in Avalon Park. Activities include a bounce park, food truck, special performance, a parade, and fireworks.
Looking for more free holiday events? Check out our guide to Where to Find Orlando’s Best Holiday Lights
Winter Wonderland – Parade and Tree LightingSaturday, December 7, 2024, 4-8pmWinter Springs Town Center1126 East State Road 434Enjoy 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. Shuttle buses will begin running at 3 p.m. at Winter Springs Elementary. The last shuttle will depart from the Winter Springs Town Center at 8:30pm.
Light Up the HolidaysDecember 7, 2024, 5-9pm – fireworks at 6:30pmCranes Roost Park274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701Watch 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.
A Merry Winter Garden Light Show at City HallDecember 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 2024, 6-9pmWinter Garden City Hall on W. Plant StreetEnjoy 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.
Citrus Tower Holiday Light Show2024 TBACitrus Tower, Clermont141 North Hwy 27, Clermont, FL 34711The Citrus Tower's enchanting light show, a cherished tradition started by the Homan family, is back and brighter than ever! While the light show itself is a gift to the community, for those looking to add a bit more sparkle to their evening, the tower offers rides to the top along with delicious treats like hot cocoa and sugar cookies for purchase.
FREE HOLIDAY PARADES
Annual Light Up Viera Holiday ParadeSaturday, November 30, 2024, 6pmDowntown VieraThis 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 Garden Christmas ParadeSaturday, December 7, 10amThe 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!
DeLand Rotary Christmas ParadeSaturday, December 7, 6pmDeLand High SchoolEnjoy a time-honored tradition at the annual DeLand Christmas parade presented by the Rotary Clubs of DeLand.
Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas ParadeSaturday, December 7, 2024, starts at 9amCentral Park Park Avenue, Winter ParkThe 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 65 years, making it the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida.
Annual Lighted Christmas Boat ParadeSaturday, December 7, 2024, Starts at 7pmLake Dora, Mount DoraCome 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).
Sanford Parade of Lights2024 TBAMost 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.
Sanford Parade of Lights – Dani Meyering
Winter Park Boat Parade2024 TBADinky Dock ParkOrganized by the Winter Park Notary 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.
20th Annual Light Up the Lake Boat Parade2024 TBALake Fairview MarinaThis isn't just a boat parade – it is a party! Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy live music while waiting for the boat parade to start.
DeLand Christmas Boat Parade2024 TBAWhitehair BridgeCelebrate 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.
FREE HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
Winter on the AvenueFriday, December 6, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMCentral Park on Park Avenue, Winter ParkAn annual tree-lighting, strolling carolers, and jazz on Park Avenue, the announcement of holiday art contest winners and Santa Claus.
44th Annual Cracker ChristmasDecember 7 & 8, 2024, 10am-4pmFort Christmas Historical ParkExperience 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 Christmas WalkFriday, December 6, 2024, 6-9pmDowntown Mount DoraEnjoy this family-friendly street party in downtown Mount Dora featuring music, food vendors, toy vendors, shopping (shops open until 9pm), Free pictures in Sunset Park with Santa! Entertainment includes Mount Dora High School jazz band, carolers, bungee jump, rock climbing, stilt walkers, jugglers, and more!
Wekiva Island's Winter Wonderland December 1 – December 25, 2024Wekiva IslandNightly snow flurries plus extra entertainment and activities are offered on select days and evenings, including outdoor movies and visits from Santa Claus. Be sure to check out Wekiva Island’s website for more details.*Note: a $5 admission fee applies
Image credit: Wekiva Island
Oh, What Fun! Holiday FestivalFridays, Saturdays and Sundays from December 6-22, 2024Lake 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!
2024 St. Lucia FestivalSaturday, December 14, 2024, 12pm – 5pmMuseum of Seminole County HistoryEslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773, United StatesFood, fun, music, and a good time for the entire family! Free and open to the public. Donations for the museum are acceptedFor more information, please visit: www.sanfordstlucia.com
“Holinights Celebration” at Promenade – Sunset Walk2024 TBAPromenade at Sunset Walk3251 Margaritaville Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747Live Music & Tree Lighting Nightly, Snow Ball Fights with the Mischievous Elves, Holinights Craft & Street Markets, Car Show and More
Light Up Sanford2024 TBADowntown Sanford
Maitland Season of Light2024 TBALake Lily ParkThis annual event will include live music performances, carnival games, fireworks, snow sledding, a tree lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa. Entertainment will feature the Maitland Middle School wind ensemble, jazz band, orchestra and chorus/music theater as well as the Suzuki Music School and chorus groups from Dommerich Elementary School and Lake Sybelia Elementary School.
Light Up SoDo2024 TBASODO Shopping CenterThis event is Family-Friendly and Pet-friendly so grab the kids and your furry friends and head on down to the SoDo Shopping Center for a night full of Holiday Fun!
Hanukkah Celebration of LightsWednesday, December 25, 2024 (to be confirmed)Lake Nona Town CenterThe first of the eight nights of Hanukkah as the menorah is blessed and lit in a special ceremony featuring traditional songs to celebrate the festival of lights. Additional entertainment includes a live DJ, stilt walker, children’s performers, face painters, and more. Enjoy traditional foods while the kids make dreidels and learn the story of the holiday.
Celebrate the Season2024 TBAReiter Park, LongwoodThis holiday street party will feature an array of activities including the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony presenting the City’s holiday tree in Reiter Park, live music, dance performances, and a laser light show at the end of the night. Snow maze for $2 per person, petting zoo $2 per person, food, and shopping are also available.
Chanukah on the Park2024 TBACentral Park in Winter ParkFeaturing an amazing Art Acrobat Show, Menorah Parade, our Famous Chasidic Dancers, Strolling Magic, the freshest Sufganiyot Donuts in town, and of course the Grand Menorah Lighting!
Jingle Jam Community Holiday Party2024 TBADowntown SanfordFeaturing multiple stages of live music, award-winning food trucks, carnival games, holiday artisanal vendors, drink specials and more! See Santa himself and create lifelong memories and take some family pictures.
HOLIDAY MARKETS
First Annual Orlando Holiday MarketDecember 7 – 8, 2024Dezerland Park Orlandohis festive event will feature over 150 talented artisans and crafters showcasing an incredible array of handcrafted gifts and treasures, perfect for holiday shopping. As the largest indoor holiday craft event in Orlando, the Orlando Holiday Market promises a unique shopping experience with a diverse selection of handcrafted holiday gifts, including home decor, jewelry, artwork, holiday decorations, and much more. Whether you are looking for a special gift for a loved one or unique decor to bring holiday cheer to your home, you'll find it here. Enjoy the convenience of free parking and the joy of discovering one-of-a-kind items created by local and regional artists
A Very Merry MarketSaturdays – December 7, 14, 21, 8am-1pmWinter Garden Downtown Pavilion104 S Lakeview Ave, Winter Garden, FL 34787Shop for holiday/gift-related hand-crafted ítems at special guest vendors.Santa visits on December 14 and 21
Milk Mart Holiday MarketSunday, December 22, 2024, 12-6pmThe Nook on RobinsonEat, shop, and be merry in The Milk DistrictFREE
Kaleidoscope Artisan Market at Celery City Craft Sanford2024 TBACelery City Craft, SanfordShop 10 unique vendors of handmade items and art in downtown Sanford, with great food and drink from Celery City available to purchase.
Saturday Sounds Concert Series & Artisan Night Market (Free Concert)2024 TBAApopka AmphitheaterConcert plus local artists, vendors, food, & drinks.
DeLand Indie Market Holiday Edition2024 TBADeLand Indie Market at Artisan AlleyStroll and browse over 70 Vendors with live music, food vendors, and more.
Holiday Gift Market2024 TBAThe Verandah Thornton Park DistrictLocal vendors and finish off your last minute holiday shoppingFREE
FREE HOLIDAY EVENTS: HOLIDAY MOVIES
Holiday Movie Nights at Cranes Roost ParkThursday, December 12 & 19, 2024, 7:00 p.m.Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte SpringsEenjoy holiday movies in the Cranes Roost Park Plaza, great for the whole family. Admission is free. Food and beverages are available for purchase.December 12 – “A Christmas Story”December 19 – “Elf”
Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland MoviesSelect Sunday evenings in December 2024, 7pmWekiva IslandEnjoy an outdoor movie in the winter wonderland of Wekiva Island.Sunday, December 8th – The Polar ExpressSunday, December 15th – Dr. Seuss’ The GrinchSunday, December 22– The Santa Clause
Image credit: Wekiva Island
Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park – The Nightmare Before Christmas2024 TBALake Eola, Downtown OrlandoJoin the Downtown Development Board as they present Elf at Lake Eola Park. Don't forget your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy.
Popcorn Flicks in the Park2024 TBACentral Park, Winter ParkBring a blanket or some chairs to enjoy this outdoor holiday movie.
There are even more movies to see in our Guide to Holiday Movies in Orlando.
FREE CONCERTS, PLAYS, AND SHOWS
Christmas Eve CelebrationSunday, December 24, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-4pmEnjoy free admission to the Morse Museum galleries with live music from 1-4pm.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park, Florida © Charles Hosmer Morse Foundation, Inc.
Holiday Friday Nights at Morse MuseumMost Friday Nights November 29, 2024 – December 27, 2024, 5-8pmCharles Hosmer Morse Museum of American ArtReceive free admission every Friday night, November through December, and special holiday performances during the holiday season. Live music enhances the gallery experience.
Fridays on the Plaza Holiday MusicDecember 6, 13, 20, 27, 7-9pmDowntown Winter GardenEnjoy the classic sounds of holidays of old as live music serenades shoppers at the plaza of downtown Winter Garden.
December 6- Light Up Winter Garden
December 13- Juniper Club (Christmas, Holiday Music)
December 20- Safia Valines Quartet (Christmas, Holiday Music)
December 27- L & G Live (Pop, Holiday Music)
Holiday PopsSunday, December 8, 2024, 6:00 p.m.Central Park, Winter Park251 South Park Avenue, Winter Park , FL 32789Featuring the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Bring your blanket and a picnic for a concert program of holiday favorites that will be sure to put everyone in the spirit of the season!
Holiday Pops in OrlandoSaturday, December 14, 2024, 6:00 p.m.Della Phillips Pavilion2002 Packing District Way, Orlando, FL 32804Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy seasonal holiday favorites performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Music Director Eric Jacobsen.
Holiday Concerts at Cranes Roost ParkDecember 13 & 20, 2024 7-9pmEnjoy live music from artists performing holiday hits and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Plaza. Food and beverages available for purchase. Admission is free.
Holiday Concert With Santa Featuring Groove Slayers
Holiday Concert With Santa Featuring BlueMoon
Violectric Holiday ShowSaturday, December 14, 2024, 7pmWalt Disney Amphitheatre at Lake Eola ParkFREE and open to the public, the 90-minute live concert presented by the City of Orlando Department of Families, Parks and Recreation will feature traditional holiday songs like O Christmas Tree, The First Noel and Hanukkah, O Hanukkah mashed up with classic rock tunes and modern hits like Born to Run, Heroes and Sweet Dreams, delivering a fun-filled, energetic and highly unique holiday show unlike anything seen and heard before and simulcast all around Lake Eola.
READ MORE: 10 Free Holiday Concerts, Plays, And Shows in Orlando
Feature image credit: Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce
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