Winter on the Avenue
Guests gather for an annual holiday tree lighting countdown and a Chanukah menorah lighting ceremony, alongside outdoor snow slides and s'mores. Park Avenue transforms into a pedestrian plaza featuring strolling carolers, stilt-walking elves, children's choirs, and glowing bubbles from The Bubble Bus. Families can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and settle in for outdoor movie screenings in the park.
What to Expect
Holiday tree and menorah lightings, snow slides, and downtown street festivities.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Winter Park
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce
Food & Drink
S’mores are offered, and visitors can bring dinner from a local restaurant for a picnic in the park.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free admission; open to the public.
- Hours: 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.; Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 6:30 p.m. and are available for visits and photos until 8:00 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- Bring your own blanket or chairs for Popcorn Flicks in the Park, and pick up dinner from a local restaurant to picnic while the movies play.
- Start the evening at the tree lighting in Central Park, just east of the Winter Park train station, where the mayor leads the countdown.
- Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with Winter Park Fire-Rescue partway through the evening and leave before it ends, so plan your Santa photos around that.
- Stop in at the Morse Museum, which has free admission during Friday Nights at the Morse and live music inside the museum during the event.
- Walk Park Avenue, which becomes a pedestrian plaza, to find the strolling carolers, The Bubble Bus and the stilt-walking elves who pose for photos.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free admission to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art during Friday Nights at the Morse, plus live music at the museum.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do?
There's the tree lighting, a Chanukah menorah lighting, strolling carolers, s'mores, snow slides, children's choirs and The Bubble Bus. You'll also find stilt-walking elves, Popcorn Flicks in the Park and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Can kids meet Santa?
Yes. Santa arrives courtesy of the Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department. He and Mrs. Claus are then available for visits and photos for part of the evening.
What should we do about dinner?
Pick up dinner from a local restaurant and have a picnic in the park during Popcorn Flicks in the Park. There are s'mores too.
What should I bring?
Bring your own blanket or chairs if you plan to watch the movies at Popcorn Flicks in the Park, which is presented by the Enzian Theater.
Is there a Chanukah celebration?
Yes. Rabbi Dovid Dubov of Chabad Orlando leads a menorah lighting ceremony to usher in Chanukah, as part of the tree lighting program.
More Christmas Events Near Winter Park
More Christmas Events near Winter Park
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.