Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival
Lake Nona Town Center transforms into a festive holiday destination featuring hourly snowfalls and a 24-foot centerpiece Christmas tree. Visitors can browse rotating vendors at the Holiday Market, explore the decorated Evergreen Tree Trail, and take pictures at themed photo walls and oversized ornaments. Entertainment includes live bands on the Town Center Stage, outdoor holiday movies at Boxi Park, and seasonal drinks from the walk-up Festive Wine Wall.
What to Expect
Lake Nona's winter wonderland with hourly Florida snowfalls and live entertainment.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Lake Nona
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Lake Nona
Food & Drink
Holiday-themed food and beverages are available for purchase, including themed menus at Boxi Park, wine and child-sized hot chocolate at the Festive Wine Wall, and seasonal cocktails or spiked hot chocolate at the Fa La La La Bar.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children and holiday-market browsers
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Open to the public and is a non-ticketed event.
- Parking: Parking is available in the Town Center garages. Laureate Park residents can also use Bird bikes or scooters from the Village Center.
- Pets: Lake Nona Town Center is pet-friendly; only service animals are permitted in Santa’s Cottage and inside restaurants, except for Boxi Park.
Tips & Advice
- Book Santa's Cottage in advance, because same-day spots aren't guaranteed and each time slot seats only up to 30 people.
- Buy a Santa's Cottage ticket for every child and adult in your party, and split groups larger than 12 into separate transactions.
- Bring blankets on Fridays for the Holiday Blockbuster movie at Boxi Park, where you'll settle in on the volleyball courts under the stars.
- Come on a Friday or Saturday for live bands on the Town Center Stage, or on a Sunday for family activities and local school performances.
- Keep the night going at Boxi Park, which stays open after the festival wraps up each evening.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening Night and Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 4 kicks off the 10th annual festival.
- The first Oh, What Fun! 5K Run is on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 5, and every runner gets a medal and T-shirt.
- Hanukkah Celebration of Lights on Sunday, Dec. 6 brings a menorah lighting, a DJ, a stilt walker, face painters and traditional foods.
- Crescent Park Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 12 is a block party, so deck out your golf cart and drive over.
- Holiday Blockbuster movie nights at Boxi Park on Fridays: The Grinch (Dec. 4), Home Alone (Dec. 11) and Elf (Dec. 18).
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation to see Santa?
Yes. The festival itself is open to the public with no tickets, but Santa's Cottage needs a reservation. Everyone in your group needs their own ticket, kids and adults alike.
Can we just get photos with Santa and skip the sing-along?
No. Santa's Cottage includes story time, a sing-along, a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and digital photos. It's the only place to get photos with Santa at Oh, What Fun!
How often does it snow?
The "Lake Snow-na" snowfall happens once every hour on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights of the festival.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Lake Nona Town Center is pet-friendly. Only service animals are allowed inside Santa's Cottage and inside restaurants, except at Boxi Park.
How can I become a vendor?
Email tecevents@tavistock.com with information about what you offer.
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