No matter your culture or family traditions, everyone has their own special way of getting into the holiday spirit.
Whether hosting a family gathering, attending a community feast, or volunteering, the holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate old traditions and create new ones.
If you’re seeking new festive ways to celebrate, House District 42 has a variety of events that capture the magic of the season. This holiday season, there is something for everyone to make it memorable!
Check out the holiday events in Central Florida below, and let’s make this holiday season unforgettable!
Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive
Now through December 9th, Dropoff time varies by location.
Celebrating 14 years of giving, the Orange County Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive invites the community to continue the tradition of spreading joy by supporting youth and family agencies and nonprofits—last year’s efforts collected over 11,500 toys for those in need.
Christmas on Park
Now through January 1st
761 Old England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
This year, Park Avenue District’s holiday décor will reflect the spirit of a Winter Park Christmas by honoring our city’s history and embracing the timeless charm of our downtown. The District aim to create a multi-sensory experience that brings the magic of the holidays to life for both residents and guests. Festive décor will sparkle along Park Avenue with over 150,000 lights, wreaths on lamp posts, a cathedral of lights in Central Park, a children’s carousel beginning November 29, and so much more.
Jingle Eve 2024
November 23rd from 4:30pm to 9:00pm
Gaston Edwards Park, 1236 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804
Jingle Eve spans Orange Avenue, Virginia Drive, and Gaston Edwards Park, offering free Holiday festivities for families and adults, including beer gardens, live music, local artisans, food trucks, a children’s holiday village, special promotions by Ivanhoe Village businesses, and a fireworks finale over Lake Ivanhoe, with an optional ticketed “12 Wines of Christmas” walk available.
Dazzling Nights
November 29th through January 5th
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
In 2024, some of your favorite immersive environments return. Plus, a brand-new, large-scale light show. Hundreds of hanging Moroccan Lanterns, Interactive pads that light up when you jump on them, A forest with thousands of laser beams, A brand new light show with 100, 10’ light tubes synced to music, A 30’ tree in splendid, shimmering gold, Upgraded food and drinks and, of course, snow!
Holiday Friday Nights
November 29th, December 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm
The Morse Museum of American Art, 445 North Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art will offer free admission on Fridays in December, including Friday, November 29 and December 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 4 to 8 p.m., and feature live music from 5 to 8 p.m., for its Holiday Friday Nights at the Morse. In addition, Christmas Eve will offer free museum admission from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live music from 1 to 4 p.m.
Winter Youth Music Festival
November 30th to December 1st from 1:00pm to 9:00pm
Wall Street Plaza, 27 Wall St, Orlando, FL 32801
The Winter Youth Music Festival showcases young talent from Central Florida and offers professional development workshops on songwriting, music marketing, and music law, along with band photoshoots. Admission is donation-based, with a fundraising goal of $10,000 to support Project No Labels mental health initiative and provide instruments for Bethany’s work with foster and juvenile detention youth
46th Annual Christmas in the Park
December 5th from 6:15pm to 8:30pm
150 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789 *The event is held in the northern section of Central Park—about a block from the Museum—near the intersection of Garfield and Park avenues.
The City of Winter Park and The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art continue a holiday tradition with the 46th Annual Christmas in the Park, Thursday, December 5. The two-hour program begins at 6:15 p.m., in Central Park, creating the beautiful backdrop for the lighting of turn-of-the-century Tiffany windows as the Bach Festival Choir, Brass Ensemble and Youth Choir perform in concert on the main stage.
Winter on the Avenue
December 6th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
150 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789
Central Florida residents are invited to kick off the holiday season at Central Park with a tree and menorah lighting, featuring Christmas carolers, snow slides, s’mores, and a visit from Santa, as Downtown Winter Park transforms into a pedestrian plaza for the festivities.
2024 Tree Lighting Celebration
December 6th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
195 N Rosalind Ave Orlando, FL 32801
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyes invites residents of Central Florida to ring in the holiday season with the lighting of the City of Orlando’s Christmas tree! The event will include holiday performances, food trucks, a holiday market at International Plaza, and of course a highly anticipated Christmas tree lighting!
Popcorn Flicks in the Park
December 6th at 7:00pm
150 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789
Presented by the CRA and produced by Enzian Theater, Popcorn Flicks in the Park, featuring Home Alone, will take place in Central Park, Friday, December 6th, at 7pm Bring your family and friends, and don’t forget to pack a blanket, picnic or snacks.
Annual Leadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast
December 7th from 7:00am to 10:30am
Central Park, Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Before and during the Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, Leadership Winter Park will host the Annual Leadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast, at the Central Park Main Stage from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and beverages for just $7 per person. Proceeds benefit the Winter Park Improvement Foundation to provide scholarships for adult and youth leaders enrolled in Leadership Winter Park programs.
72nd Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade
December 7th from 9:00am to 10:30am
110 S Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Join the family-friendly “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade along Park Avenue, featuring festive floats, local heroes, and Santa Claus, hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce—don’t miss Team Anna marching in the parade!
Krampusfest
December 8th from 2:00pm to 9:00pm
425 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
The Milk District Main Street organization invites you to kick off the holiday season at Krampusfest, one of the nation’s largest Krampus-themed festivals, offering a unique twist to your holiday celebrations.
Holiday Concert by Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
December 8th at 6:00pm
Central Park Main Stage, Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
A special Holiday Pops concert, performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, will take place Sunday, December 8, at 6 p.m., on the Central Park Main Stage. Bring your blanket and a picnic for a concert program of holiday favorites that will be sure to put everyone in the spirit of the season. This free concert is made possible by the Charlotte Julia Hollander Trust.
Curry Ford West Tree Fest
December 11th to December 14th
PO Box 53333, Orlando, FL 32853 / Primary Address: 2904 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806
For a $50 donation, businesses and residents will receive a 6-foot wooden tree to decorate and display at their home or business. Throughout the season, Curry Ford West will promote these trees on social media, encouraging the community to vote for the “Best Tree in the West!”
Santa Shift Open House
December 11th 5:00pm to 7:00pm
343 W. Canton Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
On Wednesday, December 11, from 5 to 7 p.m., bring the kids to the Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department’s Station 61, 343 W. Canton Avenue, for a Santa Shift Open House. Enjoy cookies and coloring, explore the trucks, and meet Firefighter Claus!
Chanukkah Festival
December 15th from 10:30am to 12:30pm
Congregation of Reform Judaism, 928 Malone Dr, Orlando, FL 32810
Join us to celebrate with fun Chanukkah games & activities, Latkes & sufganiyot, and more. Its fun for the whole family.
A Classic Christmas
December 15th from 2:00pm to 3:30pm
1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Experience the magic of the season at our Classic Christmas Concert in the serene Knowles Memorial Chapel, featuring cherished hymns and beloved carols for an intimate and enchanting celebration of Christmas spirit.
Merry Everything; The Gayest Time of the Year
December 15th at 4:00pm and 16th at 7:30pm
425 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
A celebration of the holidays filled with peace, love, and connection. Embracing friends and family of all kinds—whether traditional, extended, or chosen—the event focuses on faith, hope, inclusivity, and understanding. The chorus brings these themes to life through joyful music, wrapping the season in merriment and song.
Kwanzaa Celebration
December 26th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Winter Park Community Center, 721 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Enjoy food, drumming, special dance and musical performances, and support black-owned businesses by shopping at the SOKO Marketplace.
Chanukah on the Park
December 25th at 5:00pm
Central Park, 150 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789
Entertainment, kids’ activities, food and a grand menorah lighting.