When it comes to Christmas, Orlando has enough ho-ho-Holiday style to fill Santa’s sack several times over. This is simply THE place to be each December, as the whole city turns on the Jingle Bells vibe to make it genuinely the most wonderful time of the year.
The theme parks are positively packed with winter wonderland décor while whole areas like downtown Orlando, International Drive and the Disney-inspired town of Celebration are covered in cheerful frills and seasonal sizzle.
But there is also a whole raft of places where you can soak up the merry-making without having to put your hand in your pocket, and have a jolly fine time as well. We’ve put together our top 10 of these festive freebies that should definitely jingle all the way:
10. Lighted Boat Parade, Mount Dora: The 35th annual outing of this eye-catching spectacle on Lake Dora takes place on December 6 and is definitely one that has to be seen. It assembles on neighbouring Lake Beauclair at 5.30pm and then makes its way behind the Boat Committee’s lead boat (complete with giant alligator!) along the Mount Dora shoreline. Look up details on this link.
9. Christmas Tree Stroll, Disney Springs: Walt Disney World’s big set-piece event at their shopping/dining complex is certainly an extensive offering, featuring live entertainment, Santa’s Marketplace and special sips and treats, and you can happily wander the full one-mile length of it for free throughout December. The highlight is the elaborate Christmas Tree Stroll, a collection of 19 glittering trees, all themed to different Disney characters, Pixar films and theme park favourites. Start with a festive map and collect stickers for all 19 locations for a special treat! Find out more on this link.
8. I-Drive Tree: ICON Park: is very much the heart of the fab tourist-centric corridor that is International Drive these days, and it underlines the fact with a spectacular 50ft tree at its main entrance. The classic scene is enhanced with nightly “snowfalls,” carolers and the Santa Workshop Experience, which is always a big hit with families.
7. Kissimmee Festival of Lights Parade: Come along to this annual highlight in downtown Kissimmee on December 13 and you might just see us (as part of the Give Kids The World walking parade!). This festive cavalcade takes place from 7.30pm along Broadway Avenue, Sproule Street, Church Street and Stewart Avenue, featuring a variety of illuminated floats and colourful characters. Find out more on this link.
6. Christmas Golf Cart Parade, Winter Garden: A must-see event held each year in scenic Winter Garden is this mind-boggling parade of golf carts all dressed to the nines and given elaborate themes, like gingerbread houses, Santa’s sleigh and even the Polar Express! It takes place at 6pm on December 6 this year through the heart of Plant Street and people stake out spots along the kerb an hour or more in advance. Come for the Parade but stay for the lights along Plant Street and the live entertainment on select nights. See more on this link.
5. Lake Eola Park Tree: When it comes to fabulously fancy trees, downtown Orlando boasts one of the biggest with its massive 72ft Lake Eola Park creation. This takes centre stage of what is now an extensive one-mile lighted trail around the lake, full of glitter and sparkle, and is exactly the kind of experience we love our UK visitors to discover. Beginning December 5, the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree comes alive with synchronised light and music at 5.45, 6.45, 7.45, 8.45 and 9.45pm daily.
4. “Oh What Fun” Festival, Lake Nona: Head over to this rapidly-growing residential area south of the international airport and enjoy a thoroughly charming evening with the locals, and their imaginative Christmas backdrop from December 5-21. With live entertainment at weekends, appearances from Santa and Mrs Claus, a Christmas Parade (Dec 13) and a colourful Christmas Market, this is a one-stop-shop for seasonal delights. See all the details on this link.
3. Winter Park Christmas Parade: You have to be up early for this one on December 6, but it’s worth it as Winter Park’s event has been held each December for more than 70 years, making it the oldest continuous festive parade in Central Florida. It travels down Park Avenue from 9am, starting at Cole Avenue, and proceeds south, ending at Lyman Avenue around 10.30. More than 80 organisations take part, from marching bands, local police and fire departments and scouting groups to local dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus.
2. Now Snowing in Celebration: This long-standing festive showcase remains one of our faves for its all-out Christmas blitz, from nightly snowfalls to elegant carriage rides (the latter for a fee). Market Street in Kissimmee’s neighbour town of Celebration is where you’ll want to be after dark at 6, 7 ,8 and 9pm every night until December 31. ‘Now Snowing’ is a month-long winter wonderland featuring strolling Charles Dickens style Carolers, photos with Santa, train rides, ice skating and the signature nightly snowfall. It’s a true throwback to the traditional family-style holidays of yesteryear. See more on this link.
1. A Merry Winter Garden Light Show: Just because Winter Garden is now THE must-see Yuletide destination for locals and visitors alike, it deserves two spots in our top 10 because there is SO much to see and enjoy throughout December. Part of the Main Street Holiday Stroll from Dec 5 to Jan 4, the Merry Winter Garden Light Show is just one of many highlights, with its super-cute projection show on Dec 5-7, 12-14, 19-21 and 26-27. The front façade of City Hall becomes the canvas for a spectacular animated display synchronised to holiday music, with a 25-minute display running in a continuous loop from 6-9pm.
What would you most like to see in Orlando this Christmas? Tell us about it on the friendly AttractionTickets.com Community Facebook page, on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.
