Celebrate the holidays with the ones you love at any of these festive events!
Even if you’re pining for a white Christmas, every Floridian is grateful at some point for our mild winters. If you’ve ever shoveled a sidewalk or defrosted a frozen windshield at 7 a.m., you know what I’m talking about. Sure, the vast blankets of freshly fallen snow are beautiful… for, like, a day. Give me some manufactured “snow” (quote marks necessary) and crisp, 60-something evenings, and I am a happy Orlando girl.
These mostly outdoor events celebrate our privileged tropical climate. Where else can you check out Christmas lights while driving down a racetrack with the windows down? Go ice skating for the full winter effect, and then swap your skates for sandals for a lovely nighttime stroll. No matter what you’re doing during the holidays, as long as your family is there by your side, you’re sure to have a truly good time. Or set up your babysitter or nanny with an excellently planned outing with the kids. Enjoy the season at any of these great events!
Light Up UCF
Dates & Times: Nov. 17 – Dec. 31 | Click here for details on specific events.
Address: 12777 Gemini Blvd. N, Orlando, FL 32816
Phone: 407-823-6006
Fees: Free | Click here for ticket prices to individual attractions.
Now in its 10th year, Light Up UCF includes an ice skating pavilion, a chance to see “snow” and meet Santa, and cool rides like an ice slide and Ferris wheel. The Holiday Film Festival includes classic films like “Home Alone,” “A Christmas Story,” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” all shown on an extra-large two-story screen. The Light Up UCF Holiday Market on Dec. 16 features local artisans and is a great way to shop local for your loved ones. Throughout the festivities, the Holiday Light Show kicks off at 7 p.m. nightly and runs every hour through closing. Watch the lights dance to a synchronized musical holiday performance!
Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway
Dates & Times: Nov. 17 – Dec. 31, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Address: 441 Midway Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Phone: 800-PITSHOP
Fees: Car with up to 9 passengers, $20 in advance or $25 at the gate | Bypass the line with a Dash Pass, $40 in advance or $45 at the gate
The World Center of Racing at the Daytona International Speedway transforms into the Magic of Lights for the holidays. This display is among seven in the country that hosts the 1.5-mile spectacle of lights. Guests can drive through this experience that actually takes them inside what the website calls the “world’s only motorsports stadium.” Bring the whole family for this one, as they charge by the car, not per person. They even have pricing for a limo or party bus! ($40-$65) A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Florida Hospital Foundation.
Winter in the Park
Dates & Times: Ice skating open Nov. 18 – Jan. 7 | Monday – Thursday, 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Friday, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Sunday, noon – 8 p.m. (Open noon – 6 p.m on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)
Address: N. New York Avenue & W. Morse Boulevard, Winter Park, FL 32789
Phone: 407-599-3203
Fees: All-day general admission, $13 (includes skate rental)
The ice skating rink for Winter in the Park is set up in the park spot at the Central Park West Meadow. Kids are safe to hang out here for as long as they’d like, and there are plenty of street refreshments to be had nearby. Check out the website for extended skating hours during the local schools’ winter break. Parents will love its proximity to all the delicious restaurants Winter Park has to offer. There’s also a Holiday Windows contest all up and down Park Avenue. So if you’re not into ice skating or want to take a break, stroll down the avenue and check out the entries for free!
St. Augustine Night of Lights
Dates & Times: Every night, Nov. 18 – Dec. 31
Address: 1 Cathedral St., St. Augustine, FL, 32084 (Near the Bridge of Lions)
Phone: 904-829-1711
Fees: Light display, free | Click here for things to do during the Night of Lights.
Come check out about 3 million lights across St. Augustine’s historic district during the holidays. Businesses will stay open longer during the Night of Lights, so you’ll have some great opportunities to finish up your Christmas shopping in a festive atmosphere. Tours on trolleys, trains, segways, and more are offered during this time, but check here first for availability. There’s a sailing tour, a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not tour, and lots more. Visit the Christmas tree in the center of the Plaza de la Constitución for some great photo ops. Several buildings throughout the historic district offer exquisite light displays, including Flagler College, the Lightner Museum, the Tini Martini Bar, and Casablanca Inn.
Downtown for the Holidays
Dates & Times: Nov. 19 – Jan. 6 | Click here to view details on specific events.
Address: Most events happening at Walt Disney Amphitheater in Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St., Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407-246-2555
Fees: Free
Downtown Orlando offers plenty of free events for families throughout the holiday season. Eola Wonderland features a six-story-tall Christmas tree, which illuminates with a synchronized light and music show every night at 5:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m., and 9:45 p.m. Events at the Walt Disney Amphitheater include “The Nutcracker” performed by the Russian Ballet Orlando on Dec. 16 and a viewing of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on Dec. 22. And don’t forget to go see Santa Claus on select nights at Eola House!
If you’ve had enough of Lake Eola, take a walk down Orange Avenue to see the 600-pound Jack Kazanzas Star. It has been hanging since 1955, when two competing department stores decided to combine forces and celebrate the holidays in style. You can also view this map to see which businesses have decked out their windows with lights and color for Deck the Downtown.
Christmas at Gaylord Palms and ICE!
Dates & Times: Nov. 21 – Jan. 7 | Times vary, check calendar here
Address: 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Phone: 407-586-4423
Fees: Adults, $29.99 ($28.99 in advance) | Seniors, $28.99 ($26.99 in advance) | Kids, $16.99 ($14.99 in advance) | Kids ages 3 & under, free with paid adult admission
At ICE! this year, you’ll experience “Christmas Around the World” as you check out more than 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. While it’s pretty interesting to watch these artisans from China at work, your kids will be most excited about the five, two-story-tall ice slides. With the worldly theme for 2017, everything is focused on celebrating cultures and traditions from across the globe. Guests can even “travel” to the North Pole, where they might run into Santa and his helpful elves. The Nativity scene made of crystal-clear ice is extra impressive. Check the website for lots of hotel package deals.
Now Snowing in Celebration
Dates & Times: Nov. 25 – Dec. 31 | Nightly snow falls at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. 8 p.m. & 9 p.m.
- Ice rink open daily through Jan. 1, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Address: 701 Front St., Celebration, FL 34747
Phone: 407-566-4007
Fees: Click here for pricing for individual events.
If you want to see “snow” in Central Florida, this is always your best bet. There’s lots of the white, fluffy stuff in Celebration, and it’s happening every night through the end of the year! You’ll love the Charles Dickens carolers, who always make for a classic Christmas feel. Horse-drawn carriage rides and the Celebration Express train only add to that cozy, festive atmosphere Celebration does best. There are two great holiday concerts to look forward to: The Radio Disney Holiday concert on Dec. 9 and the Countdown to Christmas Concert on Dec. 16. Even if you can’t make it either of those nights, Celebration is always a lovely time to just stroll around and enjoy the mild winters we know and love.
North Pole Express
Dates & Times: Nov. 30, Dec. 1-3, 7-10, & 14-18 | Trains depart at 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and return at 8:25 p.m. & 9:45 p.m., respectively. | Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure.
Address: 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish, FL 34219 (Florida Railroad Museum)
Phone: 941-776-0906
Fees: Click here for pricing on tickets for adults & kids ages 1-11. | Kids under 1, Free
The Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish is a little off the beaten path — about two hours southwest of Orlando — but the North Pole Express is worth the trip. Taking the train is a great way to experience Santa’s hometown. Carolers can be found singing their way through the cars during the trip. And you’ll arrive to complimentary hot chocolate and cookies for everyone! Once you’re at the North Pole, there will be plenty of activities for the whole family, including dinner options, campfires, and meeting with Santa himself.
They stress the importance of arriving on time so you don’t miss the train’s departure. You should be there 45 minutes before departure, and boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. Be sure to check and double check all the details on the website before heading out. And only First Class cars have a/c or heating, so be sure to dress for the open train cars and “North Pole” weather!
The Singing Christmas Trees at First Baptist Church Orlando
Dates & Times: Dec. 8-10 & 14-17 | Presentations on Thursday & Friday, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, 2:30 p.m. | Sunday, 5 p.m.
Address: 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL 32805
Phone: 407-425-2555
Fees: Tickets depend on seat location, $7 – $19 | Meal packages available at some presentations, $49 | Click here to purchase tickets.
Three-hundred choir singers serve as “ornaments” on two 45-foot Christmas trees during this musical performance at the First Baptist Church of Orlando. More than 250,000 lights sparkle as the 50-piece orchestra plays out the “true meaning of Christmas.” Dancers, children, and other performers take the stage as the trees sing behind them. New this year, the Bethlehem Village is a great draw for kids, where they’ll get to meet animals in the petting zoo. Come an hour before showtime for the Village’s live nativity and a meet-and-greet with characters from the Christmas Story.
Green Meadows: The Great Christmas Light Adventure & Train
Dates & Times: Dec. 9-10, 16-17, 21-24 | 6 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Address: 1368 S. Poinciana Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34746
Phone: 407-846-0770
Fees: General admission (ages 13+), $23 | Florida resident, $21 | Ages 3-12, $20 | Seniors (62+) & military, $19 | Age 2, $5 | Under 2, free
Green Meadows Farm will be lit up with thousands of lights to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Enjoy themed holiday light displays like Christmas Under the Sea, Country Christmas, and Christmas Luau, among others. The Jingle Bell Express takes kids and families on a ride through the twinkling forest, and of course Santa will be on hand for free photos! This special event also offers crafts for kids. And on Dec. 9 and 10, the first 150 wearing an ugly Christmas sweater will get a special surprise!
Did we list all the best holiday events around Central Florida? Let us know in the comments below!
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