Planning to spend the holidays in Orlando? Do not leave without reading this

ORLANDO, FLORIDA — November 13, 2026 — The City of Orlando is preparing to welcome the holiday season with a packed calendar of Christmas celebrations, dazzling light displays, live music, outdoor movies and family-friendly activities throughout November and December.

From the lighting of the city’s towering Christmas tree at Lake Eola Park to free concerts, festive markets and visits with Santa Claus, residents and visitors will have numerous opportunities to celebrate the season across downtown Orlando and surrounding neighborhoods.

According to a holiday events announcement from the City of Orlando, festivities begin this weekend and continue through the end of December, with several attractions extending into January 2027.

Orlando’s 64-Foot Christmas Tree Returns to Lake Eola

One of the city’s most anticipated holiday traditions will return to Lake Eola Park.

Installation of Orlando’s 64-foot Christmas tree is scheduled for November 17–20 at Washington Plaza, located at 195 North Rosalind Avenue.

The tree will feature approximately 2,000 ornaments and an elaborate lighting system synchronized with music and the Lake Eola fountain.

The official City of Orlando Annual Tree Lighting Celebration will take place on Friday, December 4.

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony scheduled for 8 p.m.

The tree will feature 88,000 animated lights, creating a spectacular centerpiece for the city’s holiday celebrations.

The evening will also include holiday performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, food trucks and a holiday market.

Beginning December 4, the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show will feature synchronized music and lighting displays every hour from 5:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

A Million Holiday Lights at Leu Gardens

Harry P. Leu Gardens will once again transform into a holiday destination with the return of Dazzling Nights.

Running from November 20 through January 3, 2027, the attraction will feature approximately one million lights, illuminated forests, artistic installations, music, sculptures and interactive experiences.

Families can also enjoy character appearances, a children’s play area and new lighting displays.

A separate daytime attraction, Holidays at Leu Gardens, will feature seasonal flowers, thousands of poinsettias and decorative garden displays across the property’s 50 acres.

Visitors can also participate in a scavenger hunt featuring eight whimsical yetis.

Admission tickets and additional information are available through the gardens’ event websites.

Free Holiday Concerts and Live Entertainment

Orlando’s holiday schedule includes several musical performances, including events that are free to attend.

On Sunday, November 15, the Messiah Choral Society of Central Florida will present Handel’s Messiah at 3 p.m. inside Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

The annual concert is free to the public and features professional soloists, a full orchestra and a volunteer choir.

On December 4, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a free outdoor Holiday Pops concert at Della Phillips Pavilion in the Packing District beginning at 7 p.m.

The city’s entertainment calendar also includes the annual Violectric Holiday Show at Lake Eola Park on December 12 at 7 p.m., featuring electric string performances and local student musicians.

Snowfall, Santa Claus and Christmas Markets at Lake Eola

Families looking for holiday experiences without leaving Central Florida will find several attractions around Lake Eola Park.

Beginning in early December, visitors can enjoy scheduled artificial snowfall near the Eola House.

Snowfall experiences are scheduled on select evenings from December 5 through December 20.

The area will also feature a holiday train, seasonal shopping opportunities at the Merry Market, and opportunities to meet Santa Claus and the Grinch.

Santa visits at the Eola House are advertised as free.

The holiday train is scheduled to operate on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Free Holiday Movies Under the Stars

Orlando will also host several outdoor movie nights throughout December.

Scheduled screenings include:

• December 5: How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Lake Eola Park, 7 p.m.
• December 6: Elf at Seneff Arts Plaza, 7:45 p.m.
• December 12: Elf at Lake Eola Park, 7 p.m.
• December 13: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Seneff Arts Plaza, 6:30 p.m.
• December 16: The Polar Express at Luminary Green Park, 7 p.m.
• December 19: A Christmas Story at Lake Eola Park, 7 p.m.
• December 20: The Year Without a Santa Claus at Seneff Arts Plaza, 6:30 p.m.

Families are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs where appropriate.

Holiday Celebrations Across Orlando Neighborhoods

Festivities will extend beyond downtown Orlando.

On November 19, City District’s Deck the District on Church will bring holiday activities, live music, Santa photographs and a Christmas tree lighting to Church Street Plaza beginning at 6 p.m.

The following evening, November 20, the historic Orlando Utilities Commission building in Ivanhoe Village will illuminate its annual “Happy Holidays” sign.

On November 21, Ivanhoe Village will host Jingle Eve, featuring food trucks, local artists, vendors, live entertainment and fireworks above Lake Ivanhoe. General admission is free, although a premium wine event requires payment.

On November 22, the city will continue another longstanding tradition with the installation of the Jack Kazanzas Star above Orange Avenue and Pine Street.

The approximately 600-pound golden star will hang 50 feet above the downtown intersection.

Small Business Saturday Brings Holiday Shopping Opportunities

Orlando’s 12 Main Street districts will participate in Small Business Saturday on November 28.

Neighborhood markets, independent retailers, restaurants and local artisans will offer opportunities for residents to shop locally.

Events include markets in Thornton Park and Curry Ford West, as well as the annual Shop Small Sip and Stroll in Audubon Park.

The city will also host its Districts of Cheer holiday window decorating contest, encouraging residents to explore participating neighborhoods and support local businesses.

Special Sensory-Friendly Holiday Celebration

Orlando is also planning a sensory-friendly holiday event at Lake Eola Park on Sunday, December 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The event will feature reduced music levels, quiet spaces, noise-canceling headphones, sensory toys and organized lines for meeting Santa Claus and the Grinch.

The goal is to create a more comfortable holiday environment for visitors with sensory sensitivities and their families.

Holiday Festivities Continue Into January

Several holiday attractions will remain available beyond Christmas.

The Luminary Green Park Holiday Projection Show is scheduled through January 8, 2027, while other seasonal attractions at Leu Gardens and downtown Orlando will continue into early January.

With dozens of events planned, the city is encouraging residents and visitors to explore its parks, cultural venues, shopping districts and public spaces during the holiday season.

Some activities are free, while others require tickets or paid admission. Visitors should check event organizers’ websites for updated schedules, admission information and possible changes.