Kick Off the Holidays: Central Florida Events Nov 22-23

Get ready, Central Florida! The holiday season officially begins this weekend, November 22-23, 2025, with an incredible lineup of festive events across the region. From dazzling light displays and musical performances to cultural festivals and family fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we kick off the most wonderful time of the year.

Your Guide to Central Florida’s Holiday Kickoff Celebrations

Central Florida is coming alive with holiday spirit! This jam-packed weekend promises lights, music, parades, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Discover the perfect event to start your festive season.

Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild

Step into a world of glowing artistry at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. This limited-time, after-hours event features handcrafted, illuminated lanterns along a three-quarter-mile trail, showcasing undersea wonders, mythical creatures, and more. Seasonal food and drinks are available for purchase.

• Dates: November 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026 (open this weekend!)
• Entry Times: 6 p.m., 7 p.m., or 8 p.m. (online tickets only)
• Location: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
• Highlights: All-new lantern scenes, ice dragons, unicorns, cultural blend, explore until 10 p.m.

Light Up Mount Dora 2025

A beloved Mount Dora tradition returns, transforming three downtown parks with thousands of twinkling lights. Enjoy live entertainment, a spectacular tree lighting, fireworks, and even a holiday drone show, creating an enchanting atmosphere for all ages. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late.

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025
• Time: 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Location: Donnelly Park, Evans Park & Sunset Park – Mount Dora

Event Schedule

• 5–7 p.m. — Live Music & Entertainment
• 7 p.m. — Tree Lighting & Fireworks
• 7–9 p.m. — Photos with Santa
• 8 p.m. — Holiday Drone Show

Light Up Ocala

Celebrate 41 years of Ocala’s biggest holiday tradition! This event draws thousands with over 100 vendors, festive food, live entertainment, and an interactive kids’ zone. Don’t miss the Junior Sunshine Parade and a special appearance by Santa.

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025
• Time: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Location: Downtown Ocala

Event Highlights

• 3 p.m. — Junior Sunshine Parade
• Local performers, dance groups & school bands
• Food trucks, arts & crafts vendors
• Special appearance by Santa
• 6 p.m. — Downtown lighting ceremony

An Evening Under the Stars — Lake Nona

Enjoy a magical night of music performed by the OPO Brass & Percussion of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. This free outdoor concert at Crescent Park is perfect for unwinding with family and friends. Bring chairs and blankets, and enjoy food trucks in a relaxed atmosphere.

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025
• Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Location: Crescent Park, Lake Nona
• Admission: Free

Tavares Holiday Grinch Fest

Get into the holiday mischief with a Grinch-themed festival! Wooton Park will host 70 local crafters, vendors, food trucks, and provide fantastic photo opportunities with The Grinch himself. It’s a family-friendly event ideal for holiday shopping and festive photos.

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
• Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Location: Wooton Park, Tavares
• Highlights: 70+ local vendors, food trucks, Grinch meet-and-greet

Viva! Clermont — Latin Music & Culture Festival

Immerse yourself in a full day of vibrant music, delicious food, dancing, and rich culture at Waterfront Park. This free admission festival features live performances from Frankie Negrón, Rika Rumba, and many more, alongside salsa classes, a Kids’ Club, and pony rides.

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
• Time: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Location: Waterfront Park – 330 3rd Street, Clermont
• Admission: Free

Live Performances Include:

• Frankie Negrón
• Rika Rumba
• Landy Cabrera
• Ultimate Santana Tribute Band
• Santin y Sus Títeres
• Plus salsa classes and more!

Festival Features:

• Authentic Latin food
• Food trucks & drinks
• Kids’ Club & “Bouncy House City”
• Pony rides
• Non-stop entertainment

Weekend Event Overview

Event	Location	Date(s) This Weekend	Cost	Key Features
Asian Lantern Festival	Sanford	Nov 22-23, 2025 (and beyond)	Ticketed	Illuminated artistry, mythical creatures
Light Up Mount Dora	Mount Dora	Sat, Nov 22, 2025	Free	Tree lighting, fireworks, drone show, Santa
Light Up Ocala	Ocala	Sat, Nov 22, 2025	Free	Junior Sunshine Parade, 100+ vendors, Santa
Evening Under the Stars	Lake Nona	Sat, Nov 22, 2025	Free	Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, food trucks
Tavares Holiday Grinch Fest	Tavares	Sun, Nov 23, 2025	Free entry (vendors extra)	Grinch meet & greet, local crafters, food
Viva! Clermont	Clermont	Sun, Nov 23, 2025	Free	Latin music, dancing, food, kids’ zone

Frequently Asked Questions About Central Florida Holiday Events

• Are tickets required for all these events?
  No, many of the events like Light Up Mount Dora, Light Up Ocala, An Evening Under the Stars, Tavares Grinch Fest, and Viva! Clermont offer free admission. The Asian Lantern Festival requires online tickets.
• What kind of entertainment can I expect?
  You’ll find a wide range, including live music (orchestral, Latin, local bands), parades, fireworks, a drone show, dance performances, and character meet-and-greets.
• Will there be food and drink options available?
  Yes, most events feature food trucks, arts & crafts vendors, or offer seasonal food and drinks for purchase, ensuring plenty of dining choices.
• Are these events suitable for families with children?
  Absolutely! All the listed events are designed to be family-friendly, offering kid-focused activities, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere perfect for all ages.

No matter what you choose, embrace the festive spirit and make lasting memories with friends and family this Central Florida holiday kickoff weekend!

Central Florida Holiday Season Kickoff Events