Your Guide to Central Florida’s 2025 Holiday Season
The holiday spirit is officially here, transforming Central Florida into a dazzling wonderland of lights, festive parades, and community events. From spectacular light displays to charming local markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the 2025 season unfolds. Get ready to embrace the cool nights and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
Central Florida’s Festive Calendar: County by County Highlights
As the air turns crisp, communities across Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties are lighting up with holiday cheer. Whether you’re seeking grand spectacles or intimate local gatherings, our comprehensive guide will help you navigate the season’s best.
Brevard County
- Holidays in Space (Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex): Experience an out-of-this-world holiday event featuring an all-new drone show, cosmic mini golf, and a rocket tree trail scavenger hunt. (Dec. 19-20)
- Holiday Market and Snowfest (Melbourne Auditorium): Browse for unique gifts, take photos with Santa, and enjoy live entertainment. (Fri, Nov. 21)
- Light Up Viera Christmas Parade and Fireworks: A dazzling fireworks display kicks off this parade featuring incredible floats and high school bands. (Sat, Nov. 29)
- Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade: Watch boats decked out for the holidays compete for awards along Cocoa Village. (Sat, Dec. 13)
Flagler County
- Palm Coast Tree Lighting Ceremony (Central Park Town Center): Enjoy food trucks, photos with Santa, kids’ crafts, and Santa’s Village with hot cocoa. (Sat, Nov. 29)
- Fantasy Lights Festival (Central Park Town Center): Every night features dozens of lighted exhibits, live music, and themed nights. (Nov. 29-Dec. 30)
- Holiday at the Beach Parade (Flagler Beach Pier): A beloved community parade with festive floats, marching bands, and plenty of holiday cheer. (Sat, Dec. 6)
Lake County
- Light Up Mount Dora (Donnelly Park, Evans Park & Sunset Park): Festive fun, dazzling lights, and entertainment across three parks. (Sat, Nov. 22)
- Light Up Eustis (Ferran Park): Enjoy food and craft vendors, free pictures with Santa, and more. (Fri, Nov. 28)
- Leesburg Christmas Festival & Parade (Leesburg Towne Square): Features free ice skating, live music, and meet and greets with Santa, The Grinch, and Elf on the Shelf. (Sat, Dec. 6)
Marion County
- A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition (Appleton Museum of Art): One of Ocala’s most beloved holiday traditions, adorning the museum’s first floor. (Nov. 1-Jan. 11, 2026)
- Light Up Ocala (Downtown Ocala): Over 100 vendors, live entertainment, and an interactive kids zone. (Sat, Nov. 22)
- Winter Wonderland at the World Equestrian Center: Over one million twinkling lights transform the center into a dazzling spectacle. (Nov. 28-Dec. 23)
Orange County
- Dazzling Nights (Leu Gardens in Orlando): Returning for its sixth year with more lights and a longer path for the biggest display yet. (Nov. 28-Jan. 4)
- Orlando 2025 Tree Lighting Celebration (Lake Eola Park): Join Mayor Buddy Dyer to light the city’s Christmas tree and explore the downtown Merry Market. (Fri, Dec. 5)
- Winter Park Christmas Parade (Park Avenue): This family-friendly occasion showcases holiday-themed floats, Santa Claus, and local figures. (Sat, Dec. 6)
- Oh, What Fun! Lake Nona Holiday Festival (Lake Nona Town Center): Transforms into a winter wonderland with a full calendar of celebrations. (Dec. 5-21)
Osceola County
- Now Snowing (Celebration Town Center): A month-long Winter Wonderland Spectacular with strolling Carolers, Santa photos, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating, and nightly snowfall. (Nov. 29-Dec. 31)
- Festival of Lights Festival & Parade (Kissimmee City Hall): Features a kids’ zone, family activities, and a parade through downtown Kissimmee. (Sat, Dec. 13)
Polk County
- Lakeland Christmas Parade (Lake Mirror): Kicks off with a dazzling fireworks display over Lake Mirror before the parade winds through Downtown Lakeland. (Thu, Dec. 4)
- Havendale Christmas Parade (Havendale Boulevard, Auburndale/Winter Haven): The cities of Auburndale and Winter Haven join forces for this annual parade. (Fri, Dec. 5)
Seminole County
- Asian Lantern Festival (Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens): Handcrafted lanterns lit by more than 10,000 LED lights take over the zoo. (Nov. 14-Jan. 18)
- Light Up The Holidays Altamonte Springs (Cranes Roost Park): Celebrate with live music, entertainment, fireworks, train rides, Santa, and spectacular holiday displays. (Sat, Dec. 6)
- Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland: Features daily “snow” flurries, a Christmas tree forest, visits from holiday characters, and Santa’s Workshop. (Throughout December)
Sumter County
- Lake Sumter Landing Tree Lighting Festival (Lake Sumter Landing Market Square): Enjoy live music, dancing, and Santa’s Village. (Sat, Dec. 6)
- Brownwood Tree Lighting Festival (Brownwood Paddock Square): Features live music and stilt walkers. (Dec. 4)
Volusia County
- Magic of Lights Daytona (Daytona International Speedway): Transforms into a winter wonderland with a drive-through light display and a “Reindeer Rest Stop.” (Nov. 21-Jan. 3, 2026)
- Light Up DeLand (Volusia County Historic Courthouse): Ice skating, Santa’s Workshop, photos with Santa, and Santa skydiving in to light the tree! (Fri, Dec. 5)
- Light Up Flagler Avenue (New Smyrna Beach): Tree lighting, holiday craft station, trackless train rides, and annual golf cart and pooch parades. (Fri, Dec. 5)
Major Light Displays to Watch For
While many events offer festive lighting, some stand out for their sheer scale and immersive experiences. Here’s a quick look at some of the must-see light displays this season:
| Event Name | County | Key Feature | Typical Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holidays in Space | Brevard | New drone show, cosmic mini golf | Mid-December |
| Fantasy Lights Festival | Flagler | Dozens of lighted exhibits, themed nights | Late November |
| Winter Wonderland at WEC | Marion | Over one million twinkling lights | Late November |
| Dazzling Nights | Orange | More lights, longer walking path | Late November |
| Asian Lantern Festival | Seminole | 10,000+ LED handcrafted lanterns | Mid-November |
| Magic of Lights Daytona | Volusia | Drive-through light display | Late November |
Frequently Asked Questions About Central Florida Holiday Events
- When do most holiday events in Central Florida typically begin?
Many events kick off in late November, with some starting as early as mid-November and others continuing into early January 2026. - Are these events generally family-friendly?
Absolutely! Most events are designed for all ages, featuring kids’ zones, opportunities for photos with Santa, holiday crafts, live entertainment, and more. - Are there any opportunities to see “snow” in Central Florida?
Yes! “Now Snowing” in Celebration Town Center offers nightly snowfall, and Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland promises daily “snow” flurries for a truly magical experience. - How can I submit my own holiday event photos?
You can often share your festive photos using community platforms like PinIt! on ClickOrlando.com or through local news applications.
No matter where you are in Central Florida, the 2025 holiday season promises a spectacular calendar of events designed to bring joy and festive cheer to you and your loved ones.
Central Florida Holiday Season Guide
