Kick Off the Holidays Early: Central Florida’s Festive Lineup
Forget waiting until December! Central Florida is already buzzing with holiday cheer, offering a sleigh-full of festive events and attractions to get you into the spirit weeks before Christmas. From dazzling light displays to unique Santa encounters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.
Dazzling Light Festivals and Immersive Experiences
Central Florida transforms into a spectacle of lights and wonder this holiday season. Prepare to be amazed by these illuminated attractions:
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
Visit the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford after dark for their annual Asian Lantern Festival. Walk a 3/4-mile loop to see incredible handcrafted lanterns, featuring everything from majestic dragons and flying unicorns to manatees, all glowing with thousands of LED lights. It’s a unique way to experience a cherished tradition right in our backyard.
- Dates: Now through January 18, 2026
- Location: Central Florida Zoo, Sanford
- Admission: Single tickets $26.99, family four-pack $88. Zoo passholder discounts available.
Light Up Mount Dora
Experience the historic downtown Mount Dora transform into a “winter wonderland” filled with lights, music, and family activities. Enjoy a performance from the Stetson University Symphony Orchestra at 5:30 p.m. at Donnelly Park, followed by a Christmas tree lighting and fireworks display at Sunset Park at 7 p.m. The free event also includes a holiday drone display over downtown at 8 p.m. (Note: Pets are not allowed).
- Date: November 22, 5:30-9 p.m.
- Location: Downtown Mount Dora
- Admission: Free
Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
Creative City Project brings its annual Dazzling Nights back to Harry P. Leu Gardens with its largest display yet. Wander through a mile-long path illuminated by over a million lights across the 50-acre botanical gardens. Highlights include a 50-foot star in the Rose Garden, “The Cathedral” stained-glass installation, and a crystal kingdom complete with Yetis.
- Dates: November 28 – January 4, 2026
- Location: Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando
- Admission: $31.50-$39.50 for adults, $29.50-$37.50 for children ages 4-12. Children 3 and under are free.
More Unique Holiday Adventures Across Central Florida
Beyond the grand light displays, discover a variety of themed holiday fun:
Dinos In Lights at Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center offers a prehistoric twist on holiday cheer. See favorite dinosaur replicas in the DinoDigs area come to life with a festive display of music and dancing lights. Four-minute shows run every half hour from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the holiday season.
- Dates: Now through January 6
- Location: Orlando Science Center
HoliNights Celebration at Promenade at Sunset Walk
This celebration brings holiday cheer with appearances from Santa Claus, live music, mischievous elves, towering toy soldiers, and a Pearl Express Train Tour. Guests can enjoy nightly tree lightings, craft vendors, car shows, and more. Admission and parking are free, and it’s a pet-friendly event!
- Dates: Select nights through December 25
- Location: Promenade at Sunset Walk
- Admission: Free
Christmas Wonderland at Dezerland Park
Dezerland Park on International Drive transforms into a Christmas Wonderland, featuring an indoor “ice” skating rink, themed activities, and visits from Santa. Enjoy festive treats and a train ride, plus live performances from local choirs on Friday and Saturday evenings in November and December.
- Dates: Now through December 24
- Location: Dezerland Park, International Drive
Deck the Seas at Sea Life Orlando Aquarium
Dive into holiday fun at Icon Park’s Sea Life Orlando Aquarium. Enjoy a collectible stamp scavenger hunt, festive fun, and special visits from Scuba Claus in the Atlantic Ocean habitat on select dates (1 p.m. on Dec. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, and 18). Activities are included with admission.
- Dates: Now through January 4, 2026
- Location: Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, Icon Park
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience
The Crayola Experience adds seasonal joy to its more than 20 hands-on attractions. Look for a holiday scavenger hunt, festive photo opportunities, and craft stations to create handmade holiday gifts. All activities are included with admission.
- Dates: Now through January 5, 2026
- Location: Crayola Experience, The Florida Mall
Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland
Wekiva Island lights up Longwood this December with a “Winter Wonderland” theme. Enjoy daily “snow” flurries and a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree. Special events on select dates include a holiday market, ornament decorating, breakfast with Santa, outdoor movies, and stories with Mrs. Claus (some activities may require separate tickets).
- Dates: Select dates November 30 – December 25
- Location: Wekiva Island, Longwood
Classic Holiday Magic: Snow & Santa Sightings
For those who love traditional holiday charm, Central Florida offers plenty of opportunities to meet Santa and even see snow.
Now Snowing in Celebration
Experience the magic of falling “snow” nightly at 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m. in Celebration. This annual event also features strolling carolers, ice skating, train rides, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Don’t miss the tree lighting ceremony on November 29 at 5:50 p.m.
- Dates: November 29 – December 31
- Location: Celebration Town Center
Meet Santa Early: Photo Opportunities
Get your holiday photos done early with Santa at these popular locations:
- The Mall at Millenia: Santa photos available now through December 24 by reservation ($15 deposit). Professional portraits and prints are extra.
- Icon Park’s Santa Workshop Experience: Step into a festive scene through December 24. Reservations required; photo packages available for purchase.
- The Florida Mall: Santa photo experience through December 24. Special pet photo sessions on November 23 and a sensory-friendly session for children with special needs on December 7. Reserve ahead and pre-purchase packages.
Holiday Event Quick Comparison
| Event Name | Location | Key Dates | Primary Attraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asian Lantern Festival | Central Florida Zoo, Sanford | Now – Jan 18, 2026 | Handcrafted LED lanterns of animals & scenes |
| Light Up Mount Dora | Downtown Mount Dora | Nov 22 | Tree lighting, fireworks, drone show |
| Dazzling Nights | Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando | Nov 28 – Jan 4, 2026 | Mile-long walk through millions of lights |
| Now Snowing | Celebration Town Center | Nov 29 – Dec 31 | Nightly “snow,” ice skating, carolers |
Frequently Asked Questions About Central Florida Holiday Events
- When do holiday events in Central Florida typically begin?
Many festive celebrations, especially light festivals and Santa photo ops, kick off in mid-November, well before Thanksgiving. - Are there any free holiday events for families in the Orlando area?
Yes, events like Light Up Mount Dora, HoliNights Celebration at Promenade at Sunset Walk, and Now Snowing in Celebration offer free admission and parking, though some specific activities might have costs. - Can I bring my pets to these holiday events?
Some events are pet-friendly, such as the HoliNights Celebration at Promenade at Sunset Walk and Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland. However, others like Light Up Mount Dora specifically state that pets are not allowed. Always check specific event guidelines before you go. - What kind of unique experiences can I find beyond traditional lights and Santa?
Central Florida offers unique options like the Asian Lantern Festival with illuminated animal sculptures, Dinos In Lights at the Science Center, and Scuba Santa at Sea Life Orlando Aquarium.
No need to wait for December 25th; Central Florida is already sparkling with holiday cheer. Start planning your festive outings now to make the most of this magical season!
Central Florida Lights Up Early for the Holidays
