ORLANDO, Fla. - It's the most wonderful time of the year! If you're looking to have a holly, jolly time with family and friends this holiday season, be sure to check out this list of Christmas events taking place in Orlando and across Central Florida during the first weekend of December.
Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Lake Eola Park
Ring in the holiday season and help countdown to the lighting of the City of Orlando's Christmas tree at Lake Eola's Washington Plaza. The event will feature holiday performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, food trucks, and a holiday market.
When: Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: (Lake Eola Park) 195 North Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Design a Snowman Pillow
Bring the kiddos out for a fun day at the Orlando Museum where they'll get to design a snowman pillow friend. The event features learning simple sewing techniques to bring their holiday pal to life. To register for the event, click here.
When: Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: (Orlando Museum of Art) 2416 N. Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803
Lake Nona's Oh, What Fun!
From Dec. 7 – Dec. 24, gather in Lake Nona Town Center, or as it’s known for the holidays, "Peppermint Square," for Lake Nona’s Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival. Immerse yourself in all things merry and bright by visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus in their whimsical winter cottage, shopping the holiday market featuring local vendors and artisans, snacking on sweet holiday desserts, and enjoying captivating showcases featuring professional performers and local school groups. Visit www.ohwhatfunlakenona.com for the full lineup of events.
The Nutcracker
Bring the family or a friend out to see the Orlando Ballet's annual favorite. The show kicks off on Dec. 2. Tickets can be purchased here.
When: Dec. 2-18, 2022 | Steinmetz Hall | 2 p.m., 7p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (445 South Magnolia Avenue Orlando, FL 32801)
Take a photo with Santa Claus
Capture a memory with Santa at the following malls:
Altamonte Mall: Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Book a time slot here.
Mall at Millenia: Now through Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022. Book a reservation here.
Volusia Mall: Now through Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022. Reserve a visit here.
Seminole Towne Center: Now through Dec. 24, 2022: Book a photo experience here.
Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade in Winter Park
Winter On The Avenue is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 2, 2022, along Park Ave. and at Central Park. The city will hold its annual tree-lighting, with strolling carolers, s'mores, snow slides, the announcement of holiday art contest winners, children's choirs, The Bubble Bus, Popcorn Flicks in the park, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will also be a Chanukah menorah lighting ceremony.
The annual parade is back. More than 80 organizations will participate in the holiday tradition, including marching bands, local police and fire departments, scouting groups, local dignitaries and – Santa Claus! When: Dec. 3, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Where: Park & New England Avenues in Winter Park
Winter Garden Christmas Parade
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and head to your favorite spot for this annual holiday event. The Winter Garden Christmas Parade kicks off on Dillard Street at the Palmetto Street intersection (by Wells Fargo) proceeds north on Dillard Street, then heads west/left on Plant Street through historic downtown and concludes at Park Avenue.
When: Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 10 a.m.
Where: South Dillard Street & Plant Street, Historic Downtown
Holiday Jazz Concert
The Orlando Jazz Orchestra will have guests singing along to holiday favorites including Jingle Bells, Sleigh Ride, and many more. Special guest include the award-winning acapella group RESOLVE and vocalist Chantelle Johnson. Tickets can be purchased here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Where: (Harriett Coleman Center for the Arts Main Stage) 901 Highland Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
UCF's Knights Season of Joy
Join the University of Central Florida's choir for a holiday night to remember. Tickets can be purchased here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at 7 p.m.
Where: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (445 South Magnolia Avenue Orlando, FL 32801)
Holly Jolly Holiday Party
The Abbey will be the host of a festive family day, featuring games, a screening of the movie "The Polar Express," an appearance from Santa Claus, and holiday-themed drinks for kids and adults.
When: Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Abbey (100 S. Eola Drive Orlando, FL 32801)
Ocoee Jolly Jamboree & Tree Lighting
The City of Ocoee will host its Jolly Jamboree and Holiday Tree Lighting event on Saturday, December 10, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on McKey Street in Downtown Ocoee, City Hall, and the city’s historic Withers-Maguire House. The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. at the new City Hall located at 1 North Bluford Avenue. The holiday event is open to the public. There will be a small fee for some of the activities including the horse and carriage rides, craft vendors, downtown merchants, and food trucks. All other activities are free. There will be a variety of fun things to do including an ice-skating rink, bubble bus, tea cups, axe throwing, Dickens Carolers, Spring Lake Elementary Sonidos, Ocoee High School Band, a jazz pianist, and more. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will visit the historic Withers-Maguire House from 5:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Oviedo Tree Lighting at Island of Misfit Toys
The City of Oviedo will present the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the "Island of Misfit Toys" on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 5 p.m. at Center Lake Park, and the tree will come alive with lights at 6:30 p.m. The event is themed after the stop-animation children's classic Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Families can come together for free photos with Santa, live reindeer, live carolers, food trucks, and much more. Characters from the movie, such as Rudolph and all his misfit toy friends will be there to greet the children! Food, drinks, and alcohol are available for purchase.