Holiday Events Near Orlando
If you’re looking for a winter wonderland, you’ll have a hard time finding one that compares to Florida. Oh sure, this state doesn’t get much snow — but where else in America can you watch a holiday concert beside a giant sinkhole? Or take in holiday-themed fireworks as they burst over a replica of Cinderella Castle? Read on for a more comprehensive guide to the amazing holiday events in Florida, specifically Greater Orlando.
Holidays at Bok Tower Gardens
The magnificent Bok Tower Gardens, which were landscaped by none other than Frederick Law Olmsted — the mind behind New York’s Central Park — play host to a magnificent holiday display and fascinating programs. Traditional carillon players perform in the bell tower, seasonal flowers bloom, and the historic on-site Pinewood Estate invites visitors to take a house tour.
Eola Events
The area around Orlando’s Lake Eola is a veritable holiday-festivity capital come December, with nightly light shows around a 72-foot Christmas tree and a moving holiday concert by the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra. On select evenings, you can even take in outdoor holiday movies like “Elf” or “A Christmas Story.”
Christmas Boat Parades
Pretty much every Florida city with a marina puts on a dazzling holiday light display in December, when its vessels are festooned with Christmas lights and topped with light sculptures. Three of the biggest ones are held in Tampa, but we also recommend the regattas in Mount Dora, Dunedin, Sanford, Apollo Beach, and Winter Park.
Disney World and Disney Springs Events
Disney World boasts a staggering amount of holiday programs, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, featuring holiday-themed fireworks over the castle, and EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays, including a candlelight procession and Christmas meals. At nearby Disney Springs, you can attend a holiday gift hunt and stroll along the charming Christmas Tree Trail.
Now Snowing in Celebration
If you do wish to have a more traditionally wintry experience while visiting Florida, visit the town of Celebration, which offers a December festival called “Now Snowing in Celebration.” As a part of this event, a nightly fake snowfall is accompanied by light shows, horse-drawn-carriage rides, train rides, and visits from Santa.
Plan Your Visit
Want to enjoy these Orlando events? Check out the special offers at Balmoral Resort Florida and start planning your trip.
