Orlando Christmas Event Guide 2025

Orlando is the place to be during the holidays. From world-famous theme parks to charming neighborhoods, the city offers an incredible mix of classic traditions and fresh seasonal fun. 

You’ll always be able to find twinkling light displays, lively parades, or places to shop and sip with friends in Orlando. We’ve done the heavy lifting of searching for the best and most talked-about events this year, so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying.

These events are not ranked in any particular order. Each one is included because it’s popular or worth knowing about.

1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Magic Kingdom)

The ultimate Disney holiday experience features exclusive parades, fireworks, holiday shows, and Disney characters in festive attire. Plus experience Christmas magic with snow falling on Main Street. Tickets sell out quickly, so book early and expect plenty of surprises.

• Dates: Select nights, November 7–December 21, 2025
  
• Address: Magic Kingdom, 1180 Seven Seas Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (separate ticket)
  
• Website: disneyworld.disney.go.com
  
• Insider tip: Weeknights tend to be less crowded, and free cookies and cocoa are included.

2. Universal Orlando’s Holiday Celebrations

Celebrate big with the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s balloons, Grinchmas stage show, and Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Seasonal treats and music fill the parks for a one-of-a-kind holiday vibe.

• Dates: November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026
  
• Address: Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (park ticket required)
  
• Website: universalorlando.com
  
• Insider tip: Catch the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular early in the day while Hogsmeade is stunning after dark.

3. Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens

Fifty acres of gardens transform into an immersive light show with tunnels, giant trees, and live entertainment. Experience this perfect spot for date night or a peaceful family stroll.

• Dates: November 28, 2025–January 4, 2026
  
• Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: dazzlingorlando.com
  
• Insider tip: Aim for after 7:30 PM for easier parking and the best photos. Tickets are available starting September 29th. 

4. Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival at Lake Nona

Lake Nona turns into a winter village with a market, outdoor rink, “snow,” Santa’s Cottage, and local performances. This mix of classic holiday charm and Florida sunshine is the perfect reason to get out and add a festive night to your calendar.

• Dates: Evenings in December (TBA)
  
• Address: 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: ohwhatfunlakenona.com
  
• Insider tip: Go early for free parking and snowfall. The best cocoa is at Peppermint Square.

5. Haven Holiday Market (Winter Haven)

Browse 250+ vendors, food trucks, live music, and crafts at Central Florida’s biggest pet-friendly holiday market. Go out with the family or with girlfriends for gift shopping and an afternoon outdoors.

• Dates: November 15, 2025 (10 AM–4 PM)
  
• Address: 469 W Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL 33881
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: havenholidaymarket.com
  
• Insider tip: Get there before 1 PM for the best shopping and food truck options.

6. Winter Park Christmas Parade & Winter On the Avenue

Historic Winter Park comes alive with a festive parade, Santa’s sleigh, and live entertainment. The “Winter On the Avenue” event adds tree lighting, music, and great shopping. This is the perfect event to add to your family traditions.

• Dates: Winter On the Avenue starts December 5, 2025; Parade – December 6, 2025
  
• Address: Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: cityofwinterpark.org
  
• Insider tip: Central Park is the place to snag the best parade views.

7. Holiday Market at Lake Eola

Enjoy artisan booths, food stalls, gifts, and a nightly tree light show in one of Orlando’s most iconic parks. This relaxed, festive setting for holiday shopping is also a great place to see lights and have a bite to eat.

• Dates: Fridays, December 2–23, 2025
  
• Address: 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: downtownorlando.com
  
• Insider tip: Arrive at sunset to catch the Eola Wonderland light show.

8. Holinights at Sunset Walk (Kissimmee)

This free celebration features a tree lighting, market, and plenty of live entertainment at Sunset Walk’s bustling dining district. Visit a lively spot for food and family fun, a short way away from the bustling city of Orlando.

• Dates: November 20–December 25, 2025 (select nights)
  
• Address: 3251 Margaritaville Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: sunsetwalk.com
  
• Insider tip: Sundays are calmer and ideal for photos with Santa.

9. Cranes Roost Park Light Up the Holidays (Altamonte Springs)

Walk the lakeside paths beneath 200,000+ twinkling lights, with Santa sightings and food trucks along the way. Avoid crowds and chaos in this relaxed, family-friendly escape after holiday shopping.

• Dates: December 6, 2025–January 3, 2026
  
• Address: 283 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: altamonte.org
  
• Insider tip: Early December offers lighter crowds, and the floating tree makes a great photo backdrop.

10. A Merry Winter Garden Light Show

Downtown Winter Garden sparkles with coordinated lights, a kids’ Winter Wonderland, and decorated shops. On the outskirts of Orlando, this cheerful, low-key event is a favorite for families.

• Dates: Select nights, Dec 2025 (TBA)
  
• Address: 300 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: downtownwg.com
  
• Insider tip: Stop by City Hall’s Winter Wonderland for little ones, then grab dinner before the show.

Unlock New Holiday Traditions in Orlando

These events showcase Orlando’s holiday spirit, from theme park magic to neighborhood celebrations. Finding something that everyone in your group will love is a feat, which is why we hope our list saved you from sifting through Instagram ads and city flyers. 

Let us save you even more time! Join our email list for the best Christmas events, tips, and traditions delivered straight to your inbox. Follow us on Instagram @thechristmascom for extra holiday inspiration. 

Have an event to add or see an update we should make? Email us at info@thechristmas.com.

Photo Credit: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-world-christmas-ultimate-guide/