Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the joy of the season in Winter Park with our ultimate guide. For those who breathe Winter Park air daily and those just sampling it, our guide brings holiday magic to life.
Popular events abound during this festive season, starting with the 71st Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade, which showcases dazzling floats and community spirit. Another highlight is Holidays at Universal Orlando, where you can enjoy breathtaking decorations and festive shows that create an unforgettable experience. And definitely don't forget Winter on the Avenue, where the charming atmosphere of Park Avenue transforms into a winter wonderland. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Winter Park Holiday Light Displays
Lake Eola Christmas Tree
- What to Expect
- Spectacular animated light display with live performances.
- Description
- The Lake Eola Christmas Tree is a 6-story tree adorned with 88,000 animated lights, featuring holiday performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, food trucks, and a holiday market on International Plaza.
- Where
- Orlando | More Info : Lake Eola Christmas Tree
Winter Park Holiday Shows and Entertainment
71st Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse local participation.
- Description
- The 71st Annual Winter Park "Ye Olde Hometown" Christmas Parade is a cherished holiday tradition featuring over 80 participating organizations, including marching bands, local police and fire departments, scouting groups, and Santa Claus. The parade winds its way down picturesque Park Avenue from Cole Avenue to Lyman Avenue, showcasing festive floats and community spirit.
- Where
- Winter Park | More Info : 71st Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade
Christmas in the Park
- What to Expect
- Illumination of historic Tiffany windows with live music performance.
- Description
- The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art presents Christmas in the Park, a free event where the Tiffany windows in Central Park are illuminated, accompanied by a concert featuring the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble. This annual celebration honors the museum's benefactors, Hugh and Jeannette McKean, who started the tradition in 1979 to share their rare Tiffany collection in an informal setting.
- Where
- Winter Park | More Info : Christmas in the Park
Holiday Pops Concert
- What to Expect
- Free outdoor holiday concert with a picnic-friendly setting.
- Description
- The Holiday Pops Concert in Winter Park features a free outdoor concert by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, performing holiday favorites. Bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Winter Park | More Info : Holiday Pops Concert
Orlando Big Band Christmas Concert
- What to Expect
- Large ensemble performance with diverse musical genres.
- Description
- The CFCArts Big Band presents a holiday concert featuring a wide variety of music, including traditional swing, funk, rock, and Latin styles. The event promises a delightful array of musical surprises that will delight audiences of all ages.
- Where
- Winter Park | More Info : Orlando Big Band Christmas Concert
Holidays at Universal Orlando
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experiences in themed lands.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Universal Orlando with festive decorations, live entertainment, and special events like Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s balloons.
- Where
- Orlando | More Info : Holidays at Universal Orlando
ICE Winter Wonderland at Gaylord Palms Resort
- What to Expect
- Interactive ice sculptures and thrilling frozen slides.
- Description
- At Gaylord Palms Resort, ICE features larger-than-life sculptures and thrilling frozen slides, bringing the beloved holiday movie "Elf" to life with 2 million pounds of intricately carved ice.
- Where
- Orlando | More Info : ICE Winter Wonderland at Gaylord Palms Resort
A Christmas Carol at Orlando Shakes
- What to Expect
- Visually striking adaptation with a giant hollow-faced puppet.
- Description
- A classic adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" by Jim Helsinger, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. This heartwarming holiday production includes skeletal figures representing Ignorance and Want, and a giant hollow-faced puppet for the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
- Where
- Orlando | More Info : A Christmas Carol at Orlando Shakes
Winter Park Other Holiday Activities
Winter on the Avenue
- What to Expect
- Annual tree lighting ceremony with diverse holiday activities.
- Description
- Winter on the Avenue is a holiday celebration in Central Park featuring the annual tree lighting, strolling carolers, Chanukah menorah lighting ceremony, s'mores, snow slides, holiday art contest winners, children's choirs, and Popcorn Flicks in the park.
- Where
- Winter Park | More Info : Winter on the Avenue
Light Up Hannibal Square
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with Santa and community activities.
- Description
- Light Up Hannibal Square is a holiday event featuring a free photo opportunity with Santa Claus, the Cupcake Challenge sponsored by Dress for Success, and other festive activities.
- Where
- Winter Park | More Info : Light Up Hannibal Square
Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade
- What to Expect
- Decorated boats on Lake Virginia.
- Description
- The Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade is a festive event where decorated boats sail across Lake Virginia, showcasing the creativity of the local boating community. Residents and spectators can enjoy the holiday lights and decorations from their backyards or Dinky Dock Park.
- Where
- Winter Park | More Info : Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade
Chanukah on the Park
- What to Expect
- Multicultural holiday celebration with menorah lighting and festive activities.
- Description
- Join us for Chanukah on the Park, featuring a Chanukah menorah lighting ceremony, strolling carolers, and activities like s'mores and snow slides. Enjoy the Bubble Bus, Popcorn Flicks in the park, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event is a celebration of the holiday season with a mix of cultural and festive activities.
- Where
- Winter Park | More Info : Chanukah on the Park
Santa's Workshop at ICON Park
- What to Expect
- Exclusive Santa photo session with complimentary Wheel ride.
- Description
- At ICON Park, Santa's Workshop offers an exclusive photo session with Santa, a complimentary ride on The Wheel in a private holiday capsule, and discounted admission for additional riders. Enjoy free covered parking and valet parking after 4 PM. Make unforgettable memories with your family.
- Where
- Orlando | More Info : Santa's Workshop at ICON Park