Go Downtown for Orlando Christmas Cheer!

So, you’re coming to Orlando for Christmas. Great choice. There’s simply nothing to compare to a Sunshine State Yuletide festivity, and you will be on the fast track to the merriest of memories in our favourite destination. But, if you think the festive period is all about the theme parks at this time of year, then prepare to be amazed at how much there is to see and do when you go beyond the obvious seasonal celebrations at Disney and Co.

Yes, you’ll still want to sample the Jingle Bells scene at the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Universal Studios and SeaWorld (especially SeaWorld – their Christmas programme is one of the very best). But you definitely shouldn’t miss the likes of Winter Park, Winter Garden, Celebration, downtown Orlando and Lake Nona, and here’s why:

Winter Park

The oldest winter celebration in Central Florida dates back 73 years and is still a fresh and captivating sight in this Orlando suburb named for its original establishment as a winter hideaway for the well-to-do of the north-east United States. Today, the festivities are centred on the annual Winter Park Christmas Parade, which takes place on Saturday December 6 at 9am along the main thoroughfare of Park Avenue. This longest-running continuous holiday parade involves more than 80 local organisations participating in the half-mile-long cavalcade, including marching bands, local police and fire departments, scouting groups, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus. The full length of Park Avenue is also a delight to see in December.

Celebration

This Disney-inspired town just off Kissimmee’s Highway 192 has been a source of Christmas cheer pretty much from Day One back in 1996. Centred along Market Street and around the central lake, Now Snowing is the title of this multi-faceted evening presentation, which includes a Snow Village that offers ice-skating, carriage rides, train rides, photos with Santa, strolling carol singers and the signature “snowfall” at 6, 7, 8 and 9pm nightly. Just be aware parking is at a premium, especially as we get nearer to Christmas. You will also want to do a slow cruise along the town’s residential streets as the locals go in for some of the most elaborate house decorations you are likely to see!

Lake Nona

This relative newcomer to the Orlando scene can be found just south of the Orlando International Airport, but makes up in style what it might lack in terms of tradition. The uber-smart and tech-savvy small town stages its Oh What Fun Festival from December 5 to 21 and gives a modern twist to many regular favourites, including live shows at the weekends, Storytime with Santa and Mrs Claus, and live music with themed menus at the Boxi Park entertainment hub. There is a charming Holiday Market, the Evergreen Tree Trail, lots of eye-catching photo ops, and the highlight of the December 13 Light Parade through the Town Center, filled with twinkling floats, holiday music and joyful surprises.

Winter Garden

In many ways, our favourite local hot-spot has become THE place to be for all the sights and sounds of the season, with a comprehensive array of live events and stunning lighting right across the downtown area (along Plant Street, from Dillard Street to S. Park Avenue) for their extensive Yuletide programme, ’Tis The Season. The zany Christmas Golf Cart Parade (December 6 at 6pm) is very much a local institution and really has to be seen to be believed, and that is followed by a series of special events that keep the town rocking all the way to December 30. From horse-drawn carriage rides to the Merry Winter Garden Light Show (a projection display on City Hall), and from Cocoa & Cookies with Santa to live Holiday Music with Dickensian carol singers, this is a cavalcade of all things merry and bright!

Downtown Orlando

For sheer size and scope, the Christmas wonderland of Lake Eola Park is Orlando’s undoubted highlight. The centrepiece of the Downtown for the Holidays programme of seasonal sizzle, the Lake’s one-mile circular trail is lit up in totally festive fashion, inviting visitors to stroll through a dazzling array of lights and (artificial) snow. The 72ft Christmas Tree is another highlight, complete with synchronised light and music shows at 5.45, 6.45, 7.45, 8.45 and 9.45 each evening, and it is backed by the truly astounding Clemwood Lights display – a touching tribute to the lives lost during the Covid-19 pandemic – at the Eola House end of the park, where the snowfalls occur on Fri-Sun at 6, 6.30, 7, 7.30, 8, 8.30 and 9pm.

Lake Eola is also the setting for the Merry Market every Friday to Sunday from December 5 to 21, as well as the chance to Meet Santa at Eola House and take a ride on the Holiday Train, again on weekends from December 6 to 21. There are also seasonal films on the big screen on the East Lawn, featuring the likes of Frozen, Elf and Christmas with the Kranks, in addition to a free concert from the performers of Violectric on the Amphitheatre stage on December 13. The event will be emceed by Grammy-Nominated artist, Ms. Meka Nism, with appearances by Santa and Mrs Claus for photos and family fun. Guests are encouraged to bring a donation to support children’s charity the Norelli Family Foundation, which also supports a wide range of social, human services and other charitable purposes.

Finally, be sure to check out the official Holiday Stroll, a festive journey between Lake Eola Park and the vibrant Central Business District of downtown Orlando. The path is adorned with whimsical ornaments and oversized holiday decor, transforming the cityscape into a genuine winter wonderland. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere through the heart of downtown, taking in the dazzling lights and joyful decorations that line the route. This holiday stroll promises a delightful fusion of nature, urban charm and festive spirit, creating merry memories along the way from December 5 to January 6.

Have you been to any of our festive destinations in the past? Tell us about it on our Facebook, X and Instagram pages.