Central Florida Holiday Guide for Families
Central Florida is jam-packed, full of family friendly events, and activities during the Holidays. Which is why we have created the Central Florida Holiday Guide for Families. In this ultimate resource you have access to direct links for most of the events, making it quick and easy for you to get the information you need. Be sure to bookmark us, or save on Pinterest so you can stay up to date, as we will be continuing to update our guide for you. Now, we hope you find happy during your Holiday time!!
Central Florida Holiday Guide by Location
Apopka Holiday Guide
Tree Lighting at Apopka Farmers Market
Event takes place in Kit Land Nelson Park during the city’s weekly Farmer’s Market, therefore vendors will be taking part for the tree lighting.
Thursday December 3rd 5:30 – 8:00pm FREE
Apopka Farmers Market: Holiday Market & Craft Fair
Shop for the Holidays at the Apopka Farmers Market and support small businesses and local makers.
Thursday December 10th & 17th 5:30 – 8:00pm FREE
44th Annual Apopka Christmas Parade
The Foliage Sertoma Club of Apopka & The City of Apopka present this year’s theme, “Health, Hope & Unity.” The route will run northbound on Park Avenue from First United Methodist Church of Apopka to Votaw Road.
Saturday December 12th 10:00am – 12:00pm FREE
Clermont Holiday Guide
This year Clermont will be showing their Light Up virtually on both Youtube and Facebook Live.
Friday December 4th 6:00pm Online
Clermont Holiday Enchanted Forest
In place of Clermont’s parade, the community will be coming together to create a Holiday Enchanted Forest in Victory Pointe Park. Over 40 different Christmas trees decorated by schools, businesses, families, and organizations. Nightly Holiday music, photo opportunities, and kids can mail a letter to Santa.
Saturday December 5th – Sunday January 3rd Every day – 10:00pm Victory Pointe Park
Clermont Cookies & Cocoa Walk
Join us for an evening stroll to sample varieties of holiday cookies along with some yummy cocoa while visiting participating businesses in Downtown Clermont!
Friday December 11th 6:00 – 9:00pm FREE
Deland Holiday Guide
Athens Theatre Presents Plaid Tidings
Stuart Ross’s musical silliness, Plaid Tidings. Inspired by the “heavenly” Rosemary Clooney, familiar goofily comic characters from Forever Plaid return to earth and transform today’s dissonance and discord into mellifluous harmonies—sounds and songs appropriate to a season of brotherhood and joy.
Chortle and hum along to their version of an Ed Sullivan variety show featuring The Chipmunks, The Vienna Boy’s Choir, and The Rockettes—all of it “Plaid” style–as we are entertained by amusingly altered favorites highlighted by “White Christmas,” “The Carol of the Belles,” “Twas the Nite B4,” “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” and a hilarious calypso tune with “in excelsis da-a-ay-o” serving as a refrain. This is a show for holiday theater goers of all ages.
Multiple days and times starting Friday November 28th – Sunday December 20th Tickets available through Athens Theatre
Deland Drive Through Christmas Parade
Santa really wants to see all the boys and girls in DeLand this year, and we want to keep everyone safe! Santa really loves seeing all the floats too, so this year we are going to have a drive through parade. Santa’s elves have been working with Mr. Aaron Goldy and Dr. Carr at DeLand high school, and we are going to have the floats parked there, along with Santa and all the boys and girls can have their parents drive them through and experience “A winter wonderland down Mainstreet” (just at the high school this year). We want to see your most magical float to make Deland a winter wonderland.
Saturday December 5th 6:00pm FREE
Eustis Holiday Guide
Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest
Located in rural Eustis, Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest offers pre-cut trees, or even cut your own tree down. Plus, lots of activities to choose from, like bounce pillow, mazes, zip lines, hayride, petting zoo, horse/pony rides, and more. Activities may vary for 2020 due to mask mandate at the farm. Multiple different ticket choices, and you can find all the details on their website HERE.
November 21st – December 13th You can find days and hours of operation HERE
Light Up Eustis
Eustis kicks-off the Holiday season with the 33rd annual celebration hosted by the City of Eustis, lighting up Downtown Eustis and Ferran Park for a celebration full of fun activities for the whole family. Plenty of Holiday entertainment, vendors, food, and fun!!
Friday November 27th 5:00pm FREE
Ice Skating in Ferran Park
CANCELLED FOR 2020
Groveland Holiday Guide
Catherine’s Nightmare Before Christmas Maze
Catherine’s Nightmare Before Christmas Maze comes to life. Her Haunted Halloween creatures are taking over Christmas on the farm. Navigate through the dark, creepy maze to find your way to Christmas Land. Do you dare to enter?
Friday & Saturday Nights November 27th – December 19th 6:00 – 10:00pm
$10 in advance on their website, or $12 on location if available
Catherine’s Santa’s Enchanted Forest & Holiday Scavenger Hunt
The Enchanted Forest includes a hayride to and from the forest and a walking trail with a beautiful display of lights, classic Christmas music and scavenger hunt. Along the way, you will visit Santa, Rudolph and Buddy the Elf for free photo opportunities and write letters and Christmas lists to give to Santa. After completion of the scavenger hunt, redeem your prize in Santa’s Workshop! Get crafty to create a take home Christmas souvenir. It is fun for the whole family in Santa’s Enchanted Forest!
Friday & Saturday Nights November 27th – December 19th 6:00 – 10:00pm
$8 per adult and $4 for children 12 and under, if purchased in advance (children 3 years and under are free.) Or $10 per adult and $6 for children on location if available.
Kissimmee Holiday Guide
Gaylord Palms I Love Christmas Movies!
Walk-thru the most iconic scenes from your favorite Christmas movies in our all-new, multi-sensory experience. Interact and capture moments with the characters, sets and moments you know-and-love, with over 13 fully immersive scenes complete with replicas of film props, audio clips, and more. Featuring THE POLAR EXPRESS™, A CHRISTMAS STORY™, ELF™, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION™, and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS™.
Our friends at Detail Oriented Travelers were able to attend the I Love Christmas and more at Gaylord Palms. Full guide can be found HERE
November 13th – January 3rd 10:00am – 9:00pm I Love Christmas Movies! is a ticketed attraction and you can grab your tickets HERE.
Night of a Million Lights at Give Kids the World
For the first time ever, guests can experience the childlike wonder of our magical, whimsical Village during a walk-through, fully immersive holiday light spectacular. Stroll the 84-acre nonprofit resort, aglow with more than three million lights.
Guests will experience a 150-foot lighted tunnel, the entire Avenue aglow, 45 decorated resort villas, 150 larger-than-life holiday-themed wireframe displays; an enchanting, illuminated gingerbread arch; and four photo spots in addition to the Village itself being a picturesque backdrop for your holiday memories. Santa will spread holiday cheer from a socially distant location. There’s more to do than just enjoy the lights! In addition to your walk-through experience, three of our accessible attractions along with ice cream and hot chocolate are included with ticket price.
If you’re not familiar with Give Kids the World, they have been bringing joy to critically ill children and their families from around the world for 34 years. This place holds a special place in our hearts because we personally know families who’ve been blessed by this wonderful non-profit. Also, we’ve taken part of the Christmas decorating in the past with one of our homeschool groups.
Holiday Drive-In Movies
Relive the fun and nostalgic feeling of watching a movie from the comfort of your car. This family friendly event is perfect for all ages and a great opportunity to watch hit Holiday movies on the big screen. Stop by your favorite Old Town shop or restaurant to pick up snacks, popcorn, and drinks before reclining back and enjoying the movie.
TICKETS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON-SITE. Event parking opens at 4:30pm and is first come, first serve with limited availability. The movie begins at 6:00pm and is located in Old Town’s large parking lot. Sound will be transmitted through your FM Radio. FM Channel will be displayed on movie screen prior to movie.
Sunday November 29th and December 6th 4:30 – 8:00pm Price not listed
Leesburg Holiday Guide
Christmas Stroll
Downtown Leesburg will transform into a Magical Christmas Winter Wonderland for the popular Christmas Stroll with a few changes to help keep you safe! Social distancing has been incorporated and hand sanitizers will be available. Stroll through the Streets of Historic Downtown Leesburg as snow falls and see dazzling holiday lights and displays. Catch the lighting of the 24-foot high magical dancing lights Christmas Tree. Kids will be able to meet with Santa, who will be wearing a mask, in a fun yet socially distant way. Two large chairs separated but side by side and get a free photo!! There will be performances, festive foods, hayrides, stilt walkers, a juggler, and more, including some inflatables for the kids! Shoppes and restaurants will be open and full of holiday joy too! Enjoy the traditions of the Holiday season in a safe way at the Leesburg Christmas Stroll.
Friday November 27th 6:00 pm FREE but fees for some games and rides.
Leesburg Christmas Parade
Kick-off the Christmas Season at the 53rd annual Leesburg Christmas Parade. Kids will marvel at the fun and creative floats and get a chance to see Santa. Plus see fabulous performances, marching bands, and more. Festive foods will be available. The parade travels down Main Street between 11th St. and Canal St. in Historic Downtown Leesburg so there will be ample room for social distancing. The parade will also be broadcast live on LakeFront TV!
Saturday December 5th 6:00pm FREE
Light Up Venetian Gardens
This event has not been confirmed yet, so I will update if information becomes available.
Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy a great breakfast while watching a classic Holiday movie, take pictures with Santa, sing-a-longs and more! Tickets are available for $7 for both children and adult (children under 1 FREE).
Saturday December 19th 9:00 – 10:30am Presale tickets $7 each, seating limited.
Longwood Holiday Guide
Celebrate the Season at Reiter Park
A Longwood Holiday tradition with live entertainment, food trucks, Santa’s Workshop, and a holiday shopping experience for kids. Fireworks at 8:30pm.
Friday December 4th 6:30 – 9:00pm
Mount Dora Holiday Guide
Celebrate the Season in Downtown Mount Dora
In coordination with Lake Cares Food Pantry, the City of Mount Dora, the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Merchants Association, a special day is planned to “Celebrate the Season”.Shoppers will enjoy the sidewalk sales, in-store discounts and restaurant specials offered by participating merchants. The Donnelly Building will be alive with activity throughout the day.Live music entertainment, a large-scale model railroad train will be on display compliments of the Lake County Model Railroad Club. Festive holiday decorations will adorn the building along with a 125 piece Santa Collection.Free giftwrapping will be provided with your receipt and participants can enjoy a free holiday snack and drink while you wait.For more information contact 352-383-2165 or visit LakeCares.org
Saturday November 21st 10:00am – 6:00pm FREE
39th Annual Light Up Mount Dora
CANCELLED FOR 2020!!
Although the Light Up event is cancelled for 2020, Downtown Mount Dora will still remain lit up with over 2 million Christmas lights. Plus, you can still find the musical tree on the corner of 4th and Alexander, right neat Sunset Park.
Annual Mount Dora Christmas Walk
A family friendly street party in downtown Mount Dora featuring live music, dancing, shopping and Santa. Stroll the streets to enjoy the lights, vendors, live reindeer, and a chance to meet Santa in front of the Sunset Park Tree. One of our favorite local events during the Holidays! Several streets are blocked off, which makes it much easier to just stroll the streets!
Friday December 4th 5:00 – 9:00pm FREE
Mount Dora Christmas Parade
A festive Christmas Parade that brings together the spirit of Community. Presented by The Lions Club of Mount Dora the parade marches down Donnelly Street into the downtown corridor featureing bands, local organizations, local law enforcement, firefighters, Mount Dora City Council members, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus! We enjoyed many years of our girls walking in the Christmas parade.
Saturday December 5th 10:00 – 11:00am FREE
Night of Lights for Tykes at Mount Dora Marina
If you bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots to the Mount Dora Marina, you can walk to marina grounds. Why is this such a big deal? Because Mount Dora Marina boasts the largest private display of Christmas decorations and lights. Some is shown in our video from outside the property.
Saturday December 5th 6:00 – 9:00pm Bring a donation toy
30th Annual Lighted Boat Christmas Parade
Come out to the shores of Lake Dora for the 30th Annual Lighted Boat Christmas Parade! Every year it is a sight to behold as boaters float across Lake Dora into Mount Dora with their vessels reflecting on the water with decorations and bright holiday lights. There is plenty of space to view the parade and observe social distancing to enjoy the holidays.
Saturday December 5th 7:30pm FREE
Mount Dora Snow in The Park
Enjoy all kinds of events, vendors, bounce houses and sledding down the hill at Donnelly Park.
Saturday December 12th 3:00 – 9:00pm FREE
Christmas at the Market: Renninger’s Flea Market & Antique Center
A wonderful gathering of vendors selling antiques, vintage and crafts themed for Christmas decorating, entertaining, and giving. Food and goodies throughout the market and over the entire weekend.
Saturday & Sunday December 19th & 20th 9:00am – 5:00pm FREE
Orlando Holiday Guide
Santa’s Workshop Experience at ICON Park
The Central Florida Santa you’ve come to know and love is now at ICON Park. More fun includes train rides, holiday drinks and treats, wheel rides, and much more. Photo packages available, and advance reservations are recommended.
Friday November 6th – Thursday December 24th ICON Park
Holidays in the Courtyard by CFCArts
CFCArts Holidays in the Courtyard series features local Central Florida performers making spirits bright with music and fun this holiday season! A new line up each weekend, Join us in-person for these outdoor cabarets in an enchanted festive atmosphere or enjoy the performance from the comfort of your own home!
Fridays & Saturdays November 13th – December 19th 7:30pm Tickets available on the CFCArts website
Light Up UCF
CANCELLED FOR 2020
Light Up Baldwin Park
No information available for this event this year.
What’s Up Downtown for the Holidays!
It’s time for our annual holiday edition of What’s Up Downtown! Pack up your lunch and join the Downtown Development Board at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park. Here, you’ll experience song and dance performances by Mad Cow Theatre, The Russian, Ballet Orlando, and Opera Orlando. To ensure the safety of guests and participants, seating will be limited to the first 347 people (no RSVP’s). Seating will open at 11:00 am.
Thursday December 3rd 11:30am FREE
Singing Christmas Trees
No information available on the website yet this year.
Orlando Ballet Nutcracker
Orlando Ballet presents the beloved Holiday tradition, The Nutcracker. As the lights dim and the music soars, let the magical world of Clara’s dreams take you on a journey through sparkling snowflakes, waltzing flowers and dancing sweets! We will be attending the full length version for the first time this year.
Multiple dates and time beginning Friday, December 4th at Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Baldwin Park Winter Spark Parade
No information about the event this year.
Sanford Holiday Guide
3rd Annual Jingle Jam Community Holiday Party
This event is not happening this year.
Sanford Lake Monroe’s Lighted Boat Parade
Has not been decided if the event is happening this year.
Tavares Holiday Guide
Tavares Christmas Parade and Celebration
The magic of Christmas comes to Downtown Tavares with live music, activities and more.
Saturday December 5th 5:00pm FREE
Umatilla Holiday Guide
The Ol’ Packing House Holiday Open House
Holiday Open House at The Ol’ Packing House! All day long they will be having food, music, kid’s cookie decorating station, and giveaways! There will be a toy and can drive to help those in need in the community. Bring a wrapped or unwrapped gift and/or 5 cans of non perishable food to be entered to win a $25 shopping spree at The Ol’ Packing House.
Saturday December 12th 9:00am – 5:00pm at 690 S Central Ave in Umatilla
45th Annual Cracker Christmas Parade and Festival
Organized by the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce, enjoy Holiday activities and the 45th Annual Cracker Christmas Parade in the heart of Umatilla.
Saturday December 12th 11:00am – 3:00pm FREE
Winter Garden Holiday Guide
33rd Annual Light Up Winter Garden
Details are still in the works. Updates coming soon.
Winter Garden Christmas Parade
Working on the details, so I will share as soon as I get the information.
A Very Merry Farmer’s Market
Waiting on the details for these events.
Horse Drawn Carriage Tours
Updates on whether these will be happening coming soon.
A Merry Winter Garden Light Show
Winter Garden is working on final decisions for Holiday events.
Winter Park Holiday Guide
Annual Christmas in the Park
This event will not be happening this year.
Winter on the Avenue
Winter Park Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, strolling Christmas carolers, live jazz music, holiday art contest winners announced, and holiday Popcorn Flicks in the Park. “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” and “The Polar Express,” from 7-9 p.m. Social distancing will be required, and we ask everyone to please wear a mask at all times.
Friday December 4th 5:00 – 9:00pm FREE
68th Annual Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host a socially-distanced holiday parade this year. The 68th annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade is presented by Grafton. It is the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida. Enjoy colorful floats, marching bands, neighbors, friends and Santa Claus from a socially-distanced sidewalk “pod.” Registration details to reserve a “pod” coming soon.
Saturday December 5th 9:00 – 10:30am FREE
Holiday Boat Parade
Have not confirmed this event for 2020.
Central Florida Holiday Guide by Dates
And, just in case you’d rather have the events by date, here you go. Be sure to scroll down to the end for events with multiple dates.
November 6th
Santa’s Workshop Experience at ICON Park Opens
November 13th
Night of a Million Lights at Give Kids the World Opens
Gaylord Palms: I Love Christmas Movies! Opens
CFCArts Holidays in the Courtyard
November 14th
CFCArts Holidays in the Courtyard
November 20th
CFCArts Holidays in the Courtyard
November 21st
Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest Opens
Celebrate the Season in Downtown Mount Dora
CFCArts Holidays in the Courtyard
November 27th
Eustis Light Up
Catherine’s Nightmare Before Christmas Maze AND Santa’s Enchanted Forest & Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Leesburg Christmas Stroll
CFCArts Holidays in the Courtyard
November 28th
Athens Theatre Presents Plaid Tidings Opens
Catherine’s Nightmare Before Christmas Maze AND Santa’s Enchanted Forest & Holiday Scavenger Hunt
CFCArts Holidays in the Courtyard
November 29th
Kissimmee Holiday Drive-In Movies
December 3rd
Apopka Tree Lighting
What’s Up Downtown for Holidays
December 4th
City of Clermont Virtual Light Up
Catherine’s Nightmare Before Christmas Maze AND Santa’s Enchanted Forest & Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate the Season at Reiter Park in Longwood
Annual Mount Dora Christmas Walk
CFCArts Holidays in the Courtyard
Orlando Ballet Nutcracker at Dr Phillips Center Opens
Winter on the Avenue in Winter Park
December 5th
City of Clermont’s Holiday Enchanted Forest Opens
Deland Drive Thru Christmas Parade
Catherine’s Nightmare Before Christmas Maze AND Santa’s Enchanted Forest & Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Leesburg Christmas Parade
Mount Dora Christmas Parade
Night of Lights for Tykes at Mount Dora Marina
30th Annual Lighted Boat Parade in Mount Dora
Tavares Christmas Parade
68th Annual Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade in Winter Park
December 6th
Kissimmee Holiday Drive-In Movies
December 10th
Apopka Farmer’s Market: Holiday Market & Craft Fair
December 11th
Light Up Clermont Cookies & Cocoa Walk
Catherine’s Nightmare Before Christmas Maze AND Santa’s Enchanted Forest & Holiday Scavenger Hunt
CFCArts Holidays in the Courtyard
December 12th
Apopka Christmas Parade
Catherine’s Nightmare Before Christmas Maze AND Santa’s Enchanted Forest & Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Mount Dora Snow in The Park
CFCArts Holidays in the Courtyard
The Ol’ Packing House Holiday Open House in Umatilla
45th Cracker Christmas Parade and Festival in Umatilla
December 17th
Apopka Farmer’s Market: Holiday Market & Craft Fair
December 18th
Catherine’s Nightmare Before Christmas Maze AND Santa’s Enchanted Forest & Holiday Scavenger Hunt
CFCArts Holidays in the Courtyard
December 19th
Catherine’s Nightmare Before Christmas Maze AND Santa’s Enchanted Forest & Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Breakfast with Santa in Leesburg
Christmas at the Market: Renninger’s Flea Market & Antique Center
CFCArts Holidays in the Courtyard
December 20th
Christmas at the Market: Renninger’s Flea Market & Antique Center
Events With Multiple Dates
November
Athens Theatre Presents Plaid Tidings
Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest
Catherine’s Nightmare Before Christmas Maze AND Santa’s Enchanted Forest & Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Night of a Million Lights at Give Kids the World
Gaylord Palms: I Love Christmas Movies!
Santa’s Workshop Experience at ICON Park
December
Clermont’s Holiday Enchanted Forest
Athens Theatre Presents Plaid Tidings
Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest
Catherine’s Nightmare Before Christmas Maze AND Santa’s Enchanted Forest & Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Night of a Million Lights at Give Kids the World
Gaylord Palms: I Love Christmas Movies!
Santa’s Workshop Experience at ICON Park
Orlando Ballet Nutcracker at Dr Phillips Center
We hope you find our Central Florida Holiday Guide for Families to be helpful in making your Holidays more magical!
If you are down near Disney, check out
Holiday Hotel Hopping Around Disney’s Bay Lake
Top 3 Holiday Activities at Epcot
Pingback: Top 3 Holiday Activities at Epcot - How We Find Happy
WOW! This is a great central Florida holiday guide for families! I had no idea there is so much to do. We have been to the Gaylord Palms ICE event, which was great. We need to visit some of these events.
I learned about a lot of new things during my research too!! Definitely some new ones I need to check out!!
Wow This is an incredible list of great stuff to do! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!
I honestly had no idea there were so many unique activities!
What a great detailed guide! So many fun things to do. That Polar Express Train ride looks awesome!
We’ve enjoyed that on for many years!! Even as the girls get older, the still love to ride!
Wow, it looks like there is lots to do in Florida prior to Christmas. One thing that struck me is the poster that says it’s going ahead rain or shine. It would be hard to get used to Christmas without snow!
Yeah, when we moved here, we thought it would be weird too. Until we spent our first Christmas at the beach. We got used to it pretty quick!
What a great guide! I will definitely refer back next time we visit Florida in the winter.
I highly recommend people experience some of these small town gems outside the park areas!
Looks like there are so many festive events in Orlando! Fun!
There sure are!! I need to check out more of these myself!
There is so much to do I think I would have trouble zeroing in on just a couple a day. I’d be running from activity to activity. I do love the Christmas Express and ice skating though.
I was thinking the same thing as I was making the list. So many new things I’d like to see, but don’t want to miss out on the others we’ve enjoyed in the past.
Wow that is amazing and so helpful! There is so many fun things to do in Orlando area! I wish I was headed there this Christmas!
We are truly blessed with so many things to do during the Holidays. It wears us out!
Great list!!! I like how it is specific to central Florida
Thanks!! And close to all the theme park resorts!
There is just so much to do! I’d love to do the polar express experience with my kids!
I would encourage everyone to find one near them to ride. It’s so magical. I want to do one in the snowy mountains.
Oh my goodness such fun stuff to look forward to!!
It’s a tough life, lol
Wow! So much to do for the holidays in that area. It seems like Disney gets all the attention but most people don’t realize there is so much more to that area. Thanks for sharing.
Exactly!! We love all the Disney activities too, but there is so much more!!
When you think of central Florida you think Disney, not necessarily Christmas. Love that there are some many great festive things to do there
My hope is that people see the gem that Central is outside the theme parks too!
What an amazing post of SO MANY Christmas activities! I just love the Polar Express, Nutcracker, and of course DISNEY!
It’s tough to choose on those days with multiple events!!
Wow! What an ultimate guide for holiday hopping in central Florida. Really informative! If I still lived there, I’d use this for sure.
Thanks!! Happy to be helpful!!
This is a great guide. There is so much to do. I would start with Cookies With Santa at Eustis Historical Museum!
Sad my girls won’t be home for that one.
Wow! There is so many choices! I think I’ll do… ALL OF THEM! Thank you so much for putting this list together!
I can’t wait to check out some new stuff this year!