Stetson Mansion’s “Christmas Spectacular!” Holiday Home Tours are back for their 14th season, running from November 1st to January 18th and this year’s theme is “Sounds of Christmas”, with each room inspired by a classic holiday song. Their address is 1031 Camphor Lane, Deland, FL, 32720. There is no photography allowed at this free parking event with staggered entry times, and ticket prices ranging from $15 to $39.50, plus tax and booking fees. Please visit www.stetsonmansion.com or call 386-785-3961 for more information and to book your tours.
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center will present ICE! Featuring Rudolf, the red nosed reindeer located at 6000 W Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746. The discount code for our community is SOLIVITA which is valid for 20% off Monday – Friday, 10% off all Sundays and November 15th, November 22nd, and January 3rd. All other Saturdays are excluded. Tickets must be purchased online as they no longer print tickets on-site; everything is virtual via QR code. If you would like to attend, please book ahead of time online by visiting www.christmasatgaylordpalms.marriott.com/ice.
The Asian Lantern Festival located at 3775 W. Seminole Blvd; Sanford will be running from November 14th through January 18th. This immersive event transforms the zoo into a glowing wonderland with over 50 hand-crafted lantern displays, each illuminated by thousands of LED lights along a scenic ¾-mile walking path. Tickets are only available for sale online, so please visit www.centralfloridazoo.org to purchase tickets and for more information.
Festival of Trees located at the Orlando Museum of Art; 2416 N. Mills Ave. Orlando will be running from November 15th through the 23rd. At this event you can experience designer-decorated trees, live entertainment, workshops, and shopping opportunities. Please visit https://councilof101.org/ for more information.
Experience “snow” in Florida with nightly flurries, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a charming holiday market nightly from November 29th through December 31st at Celebration Town Center located at 610 Sycamore St, Celebration, FL 34747. Please visit https://celebrationtowncenter.com/ for more information.
Dazzling Nights at Harry P Leu Gardens in Orlando, FL (1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803) transforms the gardens into a breathtaking winter wonderland from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Guests can enter between 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM, with timed entry every 15 minutes. Tickets range from $22–$28 for adults and $19–$24 for children, with kids under 3 admitted free. On-site parking is available for $16, and valet for $30, both plus fees and taxes. This immersive experience features millions of lights, interactive displays, and festive treats—perfect for a magical holiday evening. Please visit https://www.dazzlingorlando.com/ for more information and to purchase tickets.
Christmas in the Park in Winter Park is a beloved annual tradition hosted by The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, in partnership with the City of Winter Park.This free entry event is open to the public and is in Central Park located at 11 South Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789 on December 4th from 6:15 to 8:30pm. Please bring your own chairs while enjoying Illuminated Tiffany stained-glass windows displayed throughout the park and Live performance by the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble. Please visit http://www.morsemuseum.org/, or call 407-645-5311 for more information.
Holiday Music Evenings at the Morse Museum
Enjoy the sounds of the season with free live music at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art on five consecutive Friday evenings, from November 28 to December 26, 2025, between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. These festive performances offer a perfect pairing with the museum’s stunning collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany glass and holiday decorations. Please visit Friday Nights at the Morse Museum in Winter Park, Florida for more information.
Christmas Vespers at Rollins College will be held in the historic Knowles Memorial Chapel, located at 1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. This cherished annual tradition features candlelit processions, scripture readings, and stunning performances by the Rollins College Department of Music. The event takes place over two evenings: Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6, with doors opening at 5:30 PM, a prelude at 6:00 PM, and the main program beginning at 6:30 PM. General admission tickets are $22, with discounts available for alumni (e.g., $16 with promo code FOXYCHRISTMAS before November 11). Seating is unassigned, and parking is available in the Rollins College Truist Parking Garage off Park Avenue. Please visit https://www.rollins.edu/christmas-vespers/ or call 407-646-2145 for more information.
First Night of Kwanzaa in Lakeland
On December 26 at 5:00 PM, St. Mark United Methodist Church in Lakeland will host a free, public celebration for the first night of Kwanzaa, welcoming guests to reflect on the principle of Umoja (Unity). Located at 1640 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, the event features a keynote address by Dr. Kristopher Childs, a candle-lighting ceremony, African dancing, and poetry readings. Organized by longtime community advocate Yvonne McShay and the church’s cultural engagement team, the evening aims to uplift and inspire through storytelling, tradition, and youth participation. For more information, visit St. Mark United Methodist Church’s website, https://www.stmarklakeland.com/.
The 25th Anniversary of Central Florida's Kwanzaa Celebrations will take place on Thursday, December 26, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the Winter Park Community Center, located at 721 W New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789. This milestone event honors the rich cultural heritage and principles of Kwanzaa through music, dance, storytelling, and community engagement. Hosted by the Association to Preserve African American Society, History and Tradition (PAST), the celebration invites families and individuals to come together in unity and reflection. For more details and updates, you can visit the official website at www.pastinc.org.
Jewish Heritage Night with the Orlando Magic
While details are still pending, the Orlando Magic will once again host their annual Jewish Heritage Night during the Hanukkah season. This event typically includes themed entertainment, special recognitions, and community outreach, celebrating Jewish culture and identity in partnership with local organizations. Though the date and programming for 2025 have not yet been announced, fans can expect a meaningful evening that blends sports and tradition. To stay updated, check the Orlando Magic’s official site at https://www.nba.com/magic or follow their social media channels for announcements.
Parades, Fairs Festivals, Trees, Lights and Shopping:
Winter on the Avenue will light up Park Avenue and Central Park in Winter Park, FL on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This beloved community event kicks off the holiday season with a festive lineup including the annual Christmas tree lighting, a Chanukah menorah ceremony, strolling carolers, children’s choirs, snow slides, s’mores, and even a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus at 6:30 PM. The evening also features the Bubble Bus, stilt-walking elves, and Popcorn Flicks in the Park—so bring a blanket and grab dinner from a local restaurant for a cozy movie night under the stars. Best of all, admission is free and open to the public. Please visit https://www.winterpark.org/winter-on-the-avenue/ for more information.
Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade, the 73rd annual edition—will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Winter Park, FL, along the charming stretch of Park Avenue, beginning at Cole Avenue and ending at Lyman Avenue. Hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, this beloved tradition is the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida, featuring over 80 participating organizations, including marching bands, scout troops, fire and police departments, and of course, Santa Claus. The parade kicks off at 9:00 AM, and admission is free, making it a perfect way to start your holiday season with festive cheer and community spirit. You can find more details on the 73rd Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade - Dec 6, 2025.
Lakeland Christmas Parade will take place in Downtown Lakeland, FL, beginning at the RP Funding Center (701 W Lime St, Lakeland, FL 33815) on Thursday, December 4, 2025, starting at 7:00 PM. The evening kicks off with a dazzling fireworks display over Lake Mirror, followed by the parade winding through Lemon Street and the heart of downtown. This year’s theme is “Rockin’ Around Lakeland!”, and you can expect festive floats, marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event is free and open to the public, making it a perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Please visit https://www.lakelandgov.net/departments/communications/christmas-parade/ for more information.
The Wonderland of Lights Drive-Through Light Show in Auburndale, Florida is a festive holiday event held at International Market World, located at 1052 US Highway 92 West, Auburndale, FL 33823. Running on select nights from December 4 to December 28, 2025, the show features dazzling illuminated displays and themed attractions. It operates from 6 PM to 9 PM on December 4–7, 11–14, and 18–28. Ticket prices are $30 per passenger vehicle (up to 8 people), $50 for limos or mini-buses (9–25 people), and $75 for a season pass, which includes unlimited visits with a windshield sticker. A $5 military discount is available with valid ID. Visitors can also enjoy Santa’s Village and support Polk County Toys for Tots. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the official website at The Wonderland of Lights — Drive Through Light Show.
Downtown Winter Garden, Florida located at 300 W Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787 becomes a festive wonderland each December, offering a magical lineup of Christmas events for the whole family. Please visit https://www.cwgdn.com/ or call 407-656-4111 for more information about both events listed below:
The season begins with Light Up Winter Garden on December 5, where twinkling lights, snow play areas, and live music fill the streets with holiday cheer.
On December 6, the beloved Winter Garden Christmas Parade rolls through historic downtown at 10 a.m., featuring dazzling floats, marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself. Later that day, the Holiday Night Market invites visitors to shop local vendors, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak in the joyful atmosphere from 4 to 8 p.m. Throughout December, guests can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, festive opera performances, and the charming Main Street Holiday Stroll, making Winter Garden a must-visit destination for holiday magic.
Haines City’s annual Christmas Parade is a beloved holiday tradition that brings festive cheer to the heart of the community. Scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, the parade begins at 4:30 p.m., starting at the intersection of C Street and Hwy 17-92, and winds its way through downtown, ending at the Lake Eva Event Center. Spectators can expect a joyful procession of decorated floats, marching bands, and holiday performers, culminating in the city’s Glitter, Glisten, and Snow celebration—complete with a Christmas tree lighting, snow play areas, and a visit from Santa. The event is free and family-friendly, offering a magical evening for all ages. For full details and updates, visit www.hainescity.com or call (863) 421-3700.
Make It Magical will enchant visitors in historic downtown Lake Wales, FL, at Main Street Lake Wales (314 E Stuart Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853) on Friday, December 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This free, family-friendly holiday celebration transforms the downtown area into a sparkling wonderland with twinkling lights, festive music, holiday treats, and interactive activities for kids. Guests can enjoy carriage rides, snow slides, crafts, and visits with Santa—all at no cost. Local vendors and shops also join in the merriment, making it a perfect evening to stroll, shop, and soak in the holiday spirit. For updates and full event details, check out the https://visitcentralflorida.org/events/make-it-magical/ website.
Davenport Winterfest and Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Tom Fellows Community Center, located at North Blvd W & County Rd 547, Davenport, FL 33837. The Winterfest festivities run from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featuring holiday vendors, live entertainment, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. The Christmas Parade begins promptly at 6:00 PM, winding through downtown Davenport with festive floats, marching bands, and a visit from Santa Claus. Admission is free, making it a joyful and accessible way to celebrate the season with the whole community. Please visit www.davenportiowa.com for updates and more information.
Christmas in the Cloud will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Amazing Animals Inc. Wildlife Preserve, located at 4235 Rambler Ave, St. Cloud, FL 34772. This festive, family-friendly event blends holiday cheer with animal encounters, featuring a petting zoo, food trucks, fake snow, over 25 holiday animal inflatables, and meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is $10 per person at the door, with free entry for children under 2. Teachers, military personnel, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs receive $2 off with valid ID, and guests who bring a bag of dog treats for Florida Little Dog Rescue get free admission (one bag per person). For full details and updates, visit www.experiencekissimmee.com.
The Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade will set sail on Saturday, December 6, 2025, beginning at 6:30 PM in Winter Haven, FL, with the launch point at Lake May (near 1580 S Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33880). This dazzling annual tradition features festively decorated boats cruising through Lake May, Lake Shipp, and Lake Howard, offering prime viewing from spots like Harborside Restaurant, Tanner’s Lakeside Bar & Grill, Old Man Franks, and Twisted Prop. The event is free and open to the public, making it a perfect evening for families and holiday lovers to enjoy lights on the water. For updates and route details, visit www.mywinterhaven.com.
The Annual APV Christmas Parade and Celebration will be on December 13th at 11am. Even if you’re not attending, you will most likely want the date due to traffic. Please visit www.apvcommunity.com for more information.
