By Juliana Octavini
I've told you many times here on the blog that Christmas in Orlando is magical! And I'm not just talking about the theme parks.
Americans really know how to get into the Christmas climate and make the date something really unforgettable, especially for tourists.
During this period, there are several events – many of them, free! – scattered around the city for everyone to truly enter the Christmas climate.
And today I came to tell you a little bit about them.
If you are in Orlando during this period, it is worth programming and participating in at least one of them.
There are traditional Christmas parades, shows with lots of lighting, plus meetings with Santa Claus and, of course, lots of snow!
Shall we check it out?
Free Christmas Parades
Winter Park
Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade
When: December 7, 2024 (Saturday)
Schedule: 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Location: Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Winter Garden
When: December 7, 2024 (Saturday)
Schedule: 10am to 11am
Location: South Dillard Street and West Plant Street, Winter Garden
Sanford
When: December 14, 2024
Schedule: from 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: 150 East Firts Street, Sanford, FL 32771
Orlando
61st Annual Christmas Parade Toys on Toof
When: December 7, 2024 (Saturday)
Schedule: from 10h to 12h
Location: St. Cloud, FL 34769
When: December 7, 2024 (Saturday)
Schedule: 15h to 21h (fireworks at 21h)
Location: 3801 Avalon Park E. Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32828
Christmas parade, train rides, food trucks and many live performances.
When: December 14, 2024
Schedule: from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Kissimmee Lakefront Park – 201 Lakeview Drive
Christmas parade, cookie decoration, photos with Santa Claus and snow recreation area
Other Christmas celebrations in Orlando and the region
In addition to the parades, there are several other events for you and your family to participate in that will certainly make your trip even more unforgettable. See below:
Now Snowing
The Now Snowing event, held at the Celebration Town Center, is one of the most popular Christmas attractions in the Orlando region. It is a charming celebration that brings many attractions to the whole family.
Every night, there's a snowstorm with artificial snow falling on the main street of Celebration. In addition, there are skating rinks on the gel, carriage rides (Cinderella style) and train, photos with Santa Claus and art exhibitions. Seriously, don't miss it!
When: November 30 to December 31, 2024
Schedule: from 6 pm to 10 pm
Night snow: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 h
Location: 610 Sycamore Street, Suite 310, Celebration, FL 34747
What it costs: free
Jingle Eve
This traditional party that has been going on in Orlando for 20 years brings activities for the whole family to have fun outdoors. From handcrafted breweries to music, local crafts, food trucks, bars and restaurant, as well as a holiday village with lots of fun for the kids such as bouncing and craft activities.
When: November 23, 2024
Schedule; 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Place: 1236 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804
What it costs: free
Dazzling Nights
The event is back at Leu Gardens bringing hundreds of Christmas lights in a fully immersive spectacle. The entire garden of the Leu Garden is bright, with many sculptures and songs for the whole family to enjoy.
When:
November: 29 and 30
December; 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
January: 3, 4 and 5
Hour: 5:30 to 9:15
Location: Harry P. Leu Gardens – 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
How much does it cost; $ 19 (children from 3 to 12 years) and US$ 22 (adults)
Parking: US$ 15
Merry Winter Garden Light Show
In addition to the traditional Christmas parade, the city of Winter Garden holds on selected dates the Merry Winter Garden Light Show, a screening show on the City Hall facade. The show lasts approximately 25 minutes and is performed in continuous looping from 18h to 21h.
When: 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 December 2024.
Schedule: from 6 pm to 9 pm
Location; 300 W. Plant St.
What it costs: free
Oh, What Fun! – The Holiday Festival
Lake Nona (close to Orlando airport) hosts this outdoor Christmas event, with night blizzards, live shows, handicraft stands, food stalls, as well as meetings with Dad and Mother Christmas.
When: from 6 to 22 December 2024
Schedule: 12h to midnight
Location: Lake Nona Town Center
What it costs: free
These are just some of the events that take place in Orlando and the region. Stay tuned here on the blog and also on the social networks of the JO because I will always be bringing you all the events and celebrations that take place in the city!
