Christmas Events in Orlando (that aren’t theme parks!)
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When most people think of Christmas in Orlando, they immediately picture the incredible holiday celebrations at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. And don’t get me wrong—I’m a huge fan of Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. But those festive events also come with pretty hefty ticket prices!
The good news? There are plenty of amazing Orlando Christmas events that don’t require a theme park ticket. From dazzling Christmas light displays and festive gardens to boat parades, holiday markets, and even surfing Santas, you’ll find lots of ways to celebrate the season throughout Central Florida. Whether you’re looking for free Christmas activities in Orlando or unique holiday experiences worth splurging on, this list has you covered. Let’s get in the holiday spirit!
Gingerbread Houses at the Disney Hotels
Dates: Coming Soon
Every holiday season, several of Walt Disney World’s deluxe resorts transform their lobbies with spectacular larger-than-life gingerbread displays, making this one of my favorite free Christmas activities in Orlando. The most famous was the iconic gingerbread house inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where guests could even purchase fresh gingerbread treats. Sadly, after disappearing during the 2025 lobby renovation, Disney announced the beloved Grand Floridian gingerbread house has officially been retired beginning in 2026. What gives, Disney?
Fortunately, several other Disney resorts still create incredible holiday displays. Keep an eye out for things like gingerbread giraffes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or a charming 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: Coming soon. Usually late November through early January.
Let’s face it—Orlando temperatures don’t always make it feel like Christmas! Thankfully, Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens brings plenty of holiday magic. This beautiful botanical garden transforms into one of the most enchanting Christmas light displays in Orlando, complete with a 70-foot light tunnel, interactive displays, giant ornaments, nightly snowfall, and seasonal treats 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 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027
No list of Christmas events in Orlando would be complete without the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. It’s one of the best free things to do in Orlando at Christmas, especially if you’re looking for festive photo opportunities. 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
If you’re from somewhere that gets snow during the holidays, a lighted boat parade may sound unusual—but here in Florida, it’s a beloved holiday tradition. Several Christmas boat parades near Orlando take place throughout the season, and Florida Rambler has a comprehensive Holiday Boat Parade Calendar. The 36th Annual Mount Dora Lighted Boat Christmas Parade will be held on December 5, 2026.
Orlando Science Center Dinos in Lights
Dates: December through 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. The four-minute show runs every 30 minutes from 11 AM to 3:30 PM.
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 2026
If you’re looking for free Christmas events in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park should absolutely be on your list. 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! With over 80,000 animated lights and a 64-foot Christmas tree, it’s sure to get you in your festive feels!
ICE! Gaylord Palms Resort
Dates: November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027
One of the most popular Christmas attractions near Orlando, ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort is packed with holiday magic. If you want to be cold for Christmas in Orlando, this is the spot! The 2026 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms features The Polar Express™. Slide down ice slides, marvel at larger-than-life ice sculptures, and wander through ice tunnels.
The resort offers other activities like POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, Ice Tubing, photos with Santa, gingerbread decorating, tubing on Snow Flow Mountain, and Snowball Build & Blast.
Admission to ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort costs $21-$40/person. Prices for other activities vary, and bundle ticket options let you combine multiple activities for better pricing.
Festival of Trees
Dates: November 13-22, 2026
The Orlando Museum of Art’s Annual Festival of Trees is one of the area’s longest-running holiday events in Orlando and a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season. 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 39th year, is a fun and festive way to kick off the Christmas season!
Surfing Santas
Dates: December 24, 2026
Looking for one of the quirkiest Christmas events near Orlando? Head to Cocoa Beach on Christmas Eve for Surfing Santas. 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: Coming Soon
If you’re searching for one of the best drive-through Christmas lights near Orlando, Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway is well worth the drive. This drive-through holiday light display 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 2026 pricing is coming soon.
Miracle® on Orange Popup Bar
Dates: Coming soon, usually starting mid-November
Need a break from all the family-friendly festivities? Miracle® on Orange Pop-Up Bar serves festive holiday cocktails in one of Orlando’s most Instagram-worthy Christmas settings. 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, the Chief Travel Officer for Mostly Solo Travel! I created this site for solo (and would-be solo) female travelers. My goal is to inspire your trips, give you practical advice on how to plan, and to ease your fears so you can explore the world on your own.
