Christmas Events in Orlando (that aren’t theme parks!)
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Christmas in Orlando may bring to mind the magical theme park decorations at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida and I’m a big fan of Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but those come with a high price tag! A notable attraction during the holiday season is the giant LEGO Christmas tree at Legoland Florida, featuring an impressive 360-degree light show. But today I’m sharing some of my favorite alternative ways to enjoy Christmas in Orlando without having to buy a theme park ticket! Let’s get in the holiday spirit!
Gingerbread Houses at the Disney Hotels
Dates: Grand Floridian opened November 6, 2024, Animal Kingdom Lodge November 24, 2024, BoardWalk November 12, 2024, Contemporary Resort November 8, 2024, Wilderness Lodge November 21, 2024
Every holiday season, several of Walt Disney World’s deluxe resorts decorate their lobbies with larger-than-life gingerbread creations. The largest and most well-known of these gingerbread creations is the larger gingerbread house in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa that serves as a seasonal shop to sell, you guessed it, gingerbread treats! The other hotels do thematic gingerbread displays and you may see a gingerbread giraffe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or a gingerbread lighthouse at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.
Visiting these hotels is free, but parking is restricted, especially during the holiday season. Your best bet is to park at Disney Springs and take the free shuttle bus to the resorts of your choice.
Bok Tower Bells Show
Dates: dates coming soon
The Singing Tower at Bok Tower Gardens is a carillon, an instrument of at least 23 tuned bells in chromatic series. The Singing Tower plays daily Carillon concerts at 1 pm and 3 pm with short selections played on the hour and half-hour. During the holiday season, festive music is played during some of these concerts.
Admission to Bok Tower Gardens is $20 for adults and $10 for children.
Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Let’s face it, the temperatures in Orlando don’t always make the holiday season feel festive, but Leu Gardens brings the Christmas cheer with Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens! This 20-acre botanical garden offers a special nighttime light show to celebrate the season. As far as seasonal shows go, this one is absolutely charming! There’s a 70’ long Christmas light tunnel, interactive light displays, a play area with giant Christmas ornaments, and, of course, snow all night long! Holiday treats are available for purchase.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $25 for adults and $22 for children.
Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs
Dates: November 8 through December 30, 2024
Christmas in Orlando wouldn’t be complete without the Christmas Tree Stroll! Christmas trees decorated in fun Disney themes (think Star Wars, Pixar, and classic Disney characters) are placed throughout the Springs and you’ll get a map to guide you on your stroll. It’s a fun way to get your steps in and a great way to spend some time outside in the pleasant weather that is a key component of Christmas in Orlando! While you’re there, head to Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar for some fun holiday-themed snacks and cocktails including a pricey but delicious hot cocoa flight!
Admission to Disney Springs is free and free parking is available.
Things to Do in Orlando on a Rainy Day
Ice Cream Breakfast with Santa Give Kids the World Village
Dates: Saturdays in December
Indulge your sweet tooth and say hello to the big guy at the Ice Cream Breakfast with Santa at Give Kids the World Village. Meet Santa Claus, make-your-own sundae, create fun holiday crafts, and more at this festive, fun Christmas celebration!
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children.
Orlando Christmas Boat Parades
Dates: various; The Winter Park Boat Parade happens December 14 from 6-8 PM on Lake Virginia in Winter Park
If you’re from someplace where it snows at the holidays, a boat Christmas parade may not have been something you’ve ever imagined, but in Florida, they’re a fun Christmas tradition! These unique Christmas celebrations take place in a variety of locations on different dates and Florida Rambler has a comprehensive Holiday Boat Parade Calendar.
Orlando Science Center Dinos in Lights
Dates: usually mid-November through early January
See some of your favorite creatures from the Cretaceous in a whole new light with the family-friendly Dinos in Lights show at Orlando Science Center! Stan the T-Rex and his dino friends, decked out in festive holiday lights, show off their talent in a dazzling display of music and twinkling lights.
Admission to Orlando Science Center is $30 for adults and $23 for children. If you are a Bank of America cardholder, they typically offer free admission on the first weekend of the month with their Museums on Us program.
Lake Eola
Dates: starting mid-November 2024
Located in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a fun spot for some free Christmas in Orlando cheer! From the Merry Market for your holiday shopping needs to the giant nutcrackers that make for Instagram-worthy photos to the holiday movies, Lake Eola Park is the perfect park to enjoy some fun holiday traditions!
ICE! Gaylord Palms Resort
Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 4, 2025
ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort is full of holiday magic! If you want to be cold for Christmas in Orlando, this is the spot! The 2024 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms features Elf(tm)! Slide down ice slides, marvel at larger-than-life ice sculptures, and wander through ice tunnels.
The resort offers other activities like Cirque: Spirit of Christmas, a TwElf Days of Christmas Scavenger Hunt, and Ice Tubing.
Admission to ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort costs $21-$40/person. Prices for other activities vary and there are bundle ticket options that let you combine multiple activities for better pricing.
Festival of Trees
Dates: November 16-24, 2024
Orlando Museum of Art’s Annual Festival of Trees is a unique event where chefs, designers, entertainers, and decorators create unique Christmas trees showcasing their talents that are then available for purchase by event attendees. Pop-up shops, wreaths, and gingerbread creations are also available for purchase and this event, in its 38th year is a fun and festive way to kick off the Christmas season!
Surfing Santas
Dates: December 24, 2024
When you think Santa, surfing isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind but after seeing the Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach on Christmas Eve, you’ll change your mind! Several hundred surfers don their Santa finery and hit the waves on Christmas Eve morning. There are costume contests, live music, hula dancers, and more!
This is a free event, however donations are accepted. You may also need to pay for parking in the area.
Magic of Lights Daytona
Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Magic of Lights Daytona is a drive-through holiday light display at the Daytona International Speedway that feels like it’s made of a million lights! LED technology and digital animations make this light show fun for all ages!
Admission is priced per car, not per person, and 2024 pricing is coming soon.
Miracle® on Orange Popup Bar
Dates: Starting November 12, 2024
Fancy a holiday cocktail? Miracle® on Orange Popup Bar is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar serving holiday cocktails. Located in the festively decorated Courtesy Bar in Orlando, the kitschy Christmas pop-up bar is the perfect place for gatherings during the festive holiday season.
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Lori Barbely
Hi, I’m Lori. But you can call me Lors. I’m a middle-aged New Jersey-born gal, currently based in Orlando, Florida. My background is in editorial travel photography and writing and I've been to more than 30 countries. I’m obsessed with tropical locales and my favorite city is Tokyo. Have camera, will travel! I’m a Disney adult, Lord of the Rings fan, certified crazy cat lady, and sushi addict! I hope this blog inspires your wanderlust. Feel free to follow me on Instagram for snippets of daily life on and off the road.
