ORLANDO, Fla. — From sparkling light displays to carolers, concerts and theatrical productions, Central Florida is teeming with festive ways to enjoy this special time of year with family and friends. Some activities are free, and others require tickets.

Check out our event guide below. We’ll be adding to it as the season goes on.

Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort
Through Dec. 31

Disney World has two separately ticketed holiday events, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (SOLD OUT) and Disney Jollywood Nights on select nights throughout December.

Additionally, Disney World has plenty of holiday offerings through all four of its theme parks for guests of all ages to enjoy. At Magic Kingdom Park, visitors can look forward to the Frozen Holiday Surprise celebration at Cinderella Castle and the holiday-themed Jungle Cruise — known as Jingle Cruise. Park goers can also experience nightly holiday projections at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood Tower Hotel, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays and Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition and festive decor throughout all of the parks.

Universal Orlando Holidays Celebration
Through Jan. 4

The festivities will run daily and include Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, Grinchmas, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and more. The holiday events are included as part of admission to the theme parks. In addition, all of Universal’s hotels will be adorned with holiday décor and offer seasonal experiences.

Holidays at Legoland
Select dates through Dec. 31

This year at Holidays at Legoland, guests can visit a new large Lego brick-built Christmas Tree, featuring almost 360,000 Lego and Duplo bricks towering over 30 feet tall — perfect for photo opportunities. There will also be additional new Lego decor this year, as well as new and returning shows and activities. Visitors can meet the festive Lego crew, comprised of Lego Santa Claus and others. Festive treats will also be in store for guests to enjoy, which include a menu of flavors available for a limited time. At the Kids’ New Year’s Eve event, there will be rides, activities and an early dazzling fireworks display.

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration
Select dates through Jan. 5

SeaWorld Orlando will transform into a winter wonderland as the park’s Christmas Celebration returns this holiday season. This year features an outdoor ice rink at Bayside Stadium and a “Sea of Trees,” along with a 70-foot centerpiece holiday tree at the heart of the display. Guests can also visit Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen, view the “Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale” display, enjoy the Sesame Street Christmas Parade with favorite characters.

ORANGE

Christmas in the Park
Dec. 4 | 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. | Winter Park and The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art continue a holiday tradition. The two-hour program begins at in Central Park, creating the beautiful backdrop for the lighting of turn-of-the-century Tiffany windows as the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble perform in concert on the main stage.

Olrando Tree Lighting Celebration at Lake Eola
Dec. 5 | 5 to 9 p.m. | Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer invites Central Florida residents and visitors to ring in the holiday season and help countdown to the lighting of the City of Orlando’s Christmas tree. Enjoy snowfall in Florida, shop local from over 30 vendors and be sure to stop by for a visit with Santa!

Orlando’s Downtown for the Holidays
Through Jan. 6 | Various Events | 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.

Apopka Tree Lighting
Dec. 5 | 6 to 8 p.m. | This free, family friendly event at Kit Land Nelson Park will feature holiday music, local vendors, and fun activities for kids. Craft vendors will be stationed around the park, offering a variety of unique holiday gifts. Guests can shop, browse local business booths, and enjoy a selection of savory and dessert food trucks. The Apopka Christmas Parade will also take place on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

73rd Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade
Dec. 6 | 9 a.m. | Park Avenue comes to life as this family-friendly occasion showcases holiday-themed floats, Santa Claus and well-known local figures as they make their way down the avenue on an adjusted route.

Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens
Through Jan. 4 | 5:30 to 10 p.m. | Step into the magic of the holidays at the Gardens, where sparkling lights and vibrant seasonal displays bring every evening to life. Enjoy nightly live entertainment, indulge in sweet treats, and sip festive holiday beverages—including special drinks just for adults!

Crayola Experience’s Colorful Christmas
Through Jan. 5 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Make handmade gifts from the heart, complete a seasonal scavenger hunt, pose in holiday photo-ops, and more! Create holiday memories this season. Activities included with general admission.

Orlando Science Center’s Dinos in Light
Through Jan. 6 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 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.

Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center
Through Jan. 4 | Various Events | 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.

‘Tis the Season in Winter Garden
Through Dec. 30 | Various Events | Downtown Winter Garden transforms into a magical Holiday Wonderland as the sights and sounds of the season complement its historic small town-charm. On select dates, enjoy holiday events, live music, projection light shows, street performers, and more.

BREVARD

Space Coast Holiday Food Fest & Craft Fair
Dec. 6 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | This festive celebration at Wickham Park brings together the best local restaurants, food trucks, and vendors for an unforgettable weekend of food, fun, and holiday cheer.

Cocoa Beach WinterFest
Dec. 6 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Enjoy pictures with stilt walking elves, food trucks, unique vendors, live music and games for the kids line the street in downtown Cocoa Beach. Free event, everyone welcome.

Brevard Zoo Holiday Kickoff Weekend
Dec. 6 & 7 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with joyful music, delicious seasonal food and beverages—including cozy hot cocoa and themed cocktails and mocktails.

Light Up Rockledge
Dec. 7 | 4 to 7 p.m. | Kick off the holiday season with festive cheer, family fun, and a visit from Santa himself. Admission is FREE, but they ask that you bring a nonperishable food item to support our holiday food drive.

Kennedy Under the Stars
Dec. 19 & 20 | 6 p.m. | A festive, after-hours experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Enjoy live entertainment, a holiday dance party, festive décor, and a brand-new holiday drone show that lights up the night sky. Do not miss this return of this favorite event, this time with a holiday twist.

FLAGLER

20th Annual Fantasy Lights
Through Dec. 30 | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Enjoy a dazzling showcase of  lights and holiday scenes throughout Central Park at Town Center. Free admission. A holiday market will be held on Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

OSCEOLA

Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Ongoing until Jan. 7 | Various Events | Experience So Much Christmas with dazzling displays, tempting treats, holiday shows, and festive activities. ICE! features beloved scenes from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ brought to life through colorful, colossal ice sculptures.

Holinights Celebration
Through Dec. 25 | 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Join the Promenade at Sunset Walk for their annual Holinights Celebration, featuring Santa Claus and his Mischievous Elves, towering toy soldiers, and the nightly lighting of their 40-foot animated Holinights Christmas tree.

SEMINOLE

Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Through Jan. 18 | 6 to 10 p.m. | This holiday season, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will glow once again. Step into a world of light and color like you’ve never seen before. Wander the three-quarter-mile pathway filled with all-new, handcrafted lantern scenes, each glowing with thousands of LED lights.

Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland
Through Dec. 25 | Times Vary | Snow flurries, dazzling trees, festive characters, Santa’s Workshop, and holiday cheer for the whole family.

VOLUSIA

Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway
Through Jan. 3 | 6 to 10 p.m. | Guests can enjoy a dazzling drive-through experience featuring more than two million holiday lights and displays. Spanning over a mile and a half, the event is designed for you to take in the magic from the comfort of your vehicle.

Celebrate The Season in West Volusia
Through Dec. 31 | Various Events | West Volusia knows how to throw a good holiday bash. Brimming with lively events, craft fairs, parades, and a warm, welcoming community spirit, it’s a fantastic place to celebrate the season. So, corral the family, pack the car, and spend a few days experiencing what makes this part of Florida so special. 

For more events going on in your area, check out our Community Calendar