HOLIDAY GUIDE: Central Florida light displays, parades, events to get in the spirit this 2025 season

ORLANDO, Fla. – The time to take in the cool nights and enjoy holiday lights is finally here!

From markets to festivals to drive-through displays, the options are endless when it comes to holiday fun.

If you have any events you’d like added to the list, please send information to web@wkmg.com.

And if you’re taking pictures, send them to us! Use PinIt! on ClickOrlando.com or the News 6 App. HERE’S HOW.

Brevard County

Holiday Market and Snowfest in Melbourne

• When: Friday, Nov. 21 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: Melbourne Auditorium
• What: Step into the magic of the holiday season at our Holiday Market. Browse for the perfect holiday gift with our local makers, take photos with Santa, and enjoy live entertainment! Click here for more.

Festival of Trees in Melbourne

• When: Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Where: Wickham Park Community Center
• What: Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland filled with dazzling trees, wreaths and festive décor. Enjoy shopping, delicious treats and family-friendly activities. Click here for more info.

Jingle: The Big Band Holiday Spectacular in Satellite Beach

• When: Saturday, Nov. 29, at 2 p.m.
• Where: Satellite High School, 300 Scorpion Court
• What: This festive concert overflows with holiday cheer, offering a dazzling mix of classic carols, soulful ballads, and big band favorites guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. Click here to learn more.

Light Up Viera Christmas Parade and Fireworks

• When: Saturday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m.
• Where: Stadium Parkway to Viera Boulevard, ending at Manatee Elementary
• What: A holiday fireworks display will kick off the evening with the parade following soon after, according to the sheriff’s office. A new route this year will give everyone “a chance to see all the incredible floats, high school bands, and beautiful displays!” To learn more, click here.

Light Up Rockledge

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Where: Rockledge Civic Hub
• What: Live music, reindeer games, vendors, Santa and more! While the event is free, visitors are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to support Rockledge’s holiday drive. Click here to learn more.

Space Coast Holiday Food Fest & Craft Fair

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Wickham Park in Melbourne
• What: Enjoy festive holiday décor and lights, delicious holiday-themed foods and a market with handmade items. Click here to learn more.

Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade

• When: Saturday, Dec. 13, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Where: Cocoa Village
• What: Check out boats decked out for the holidays as they compete for awards. Click here for more.

Christmas in the Park in Melbourne

• When: Friday, Dec. 12, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Eddie Lee Taylor Sr. Community Center
• What: An evening of holiday music, twinkling decorations, performances, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a tree lighting and special activities. Click here for more.

Holidays in Space

• When: Dec. 19-20
• Where: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
• What: This year’s out-of-this-world holiday event features an all-new drone show, cosmic mini golf, a rocket tree trail scavenger hunt and more. Click here to check out more and tickets.

Flagler County

Palm Coast Tree Lighting Ceremony

• When: Saturday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m.
• Where: Central Park Town Center
• Families can enjoy an evening filled with food trucks, photos with Santa, kids’ crafts, and Santa’s Village, complete with hot cocoa and marshmallow toasting. Click here for more.

Fantasy Lights Festival

• When: Nov. 29-Dec. 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Central Park Town Center
• What: Every night will feature dozens of lighted exhibits, live music and themed nights. Click here to see all the details.

Holiday Market at Flagler County Fair Grounds

• When: Saturday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Where: Flagler County Fair Grounds
• What: Come out and shop from over 100 local vendors and food trucks. Santa will be on site as well. Click here to see more.

Holiday at the Beach Parade

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: Flagler Beach Pier
• What: Bring your family, friends and beach chairs to enjoy our beloved community parade rolling down Flagler Beach with festive floats, marching bands, classic cars, first responders, twirlers, pets and plenty of holiday cheer. Click here for more.

Bunnell Christmas

• When: Friday, Dec. 12, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: JB King Park
• What: Music, games and crafts with special appearances from The Grinch, Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. Click here to see more.

Holiday Boat Parade

• When: Saturday, Dec. 13, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Coast
• What: Shimmering lights will transform the Intracoastal Waterway as decorated boats participate in the holiday parade. Click here for more.

Lake County

Light Up Mount Dora

• When: Saturday, Nov. 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Donnelly Park, Evans Park & Sunset Park
• What: This beloved event promises festive fun, dazzling lights and entertainment for all ages across three parks. Click here to see schedule.

Light Up Lady Lake

• When: Saturday, Nov. 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: Snooky Park
• What: Step into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights, a 34-foot Christmas tree, Santa and more. Click here for info.

Light Up Eustis

• When: Friday, Nov. 28, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Ferran Park
• What: Enjoy food and craft vendors in the park, FREE pictures with Santa and more. Click here for timing.

Leesburg Christmas Festival & Parade

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m.
• Where: Leesburg Towne Square
• What: Enjoy delicious food and warm drinks to fill your holiday spirit. There will also be free ice skating, live music and meet and greets with Santa! There will also be appearances from The Grinch and Elf on the Shelf for “mischievous fun.” Click here for more.

Lady Lake Christmas Parade: Santa’s Toy Workshop

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m.
• Where: Old Dixie Highway
• Experience the charm of Lady Lake’s annual Christmas Parade! This year’s theme, “Santa’s Toy Workshop,” brings the North Pole to life with festive floats and cheerful music. Click here for more.

Light Up Montverde

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Where: Town of Montverde Town Hall
• What: Sing-along Christmas carols, hot dogs and chili, Santa visit and a movie under the Christmas lights! Click here for more.

Marion County

A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition

• When: Nov. 1-Jan. 11, 2026
• Where: Appleton Museum of Art
• What: One of Ocala’s most beloved holiday traditions is back, adorning the first floor of the museum in full holiday cheer. “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition” is the private collection of Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban and their daughters Katie, Kristie, Kassie and Karlie, who have lived in Ocala since 1989. Click here to learn more.

Light Up Ocala

• When: Saturday, Nov. 22, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: Downtown Ocala
• What: Light Up Ocala will have over 100 vendors including crafts, art and plenty of food options to choose from! Live entertainment will fill the air with festive sounds and an interactive kids zone will keep the whole family entertained. Click here to learn more.

Winter Wonderland at the World Equestrian Center

• When: Nov. 28-Dec. 23
• Where: World Equestrian Center
• What: Step into the magic of the season as over one million twinkling lights transform World Equestrian Center – Ocala into a dazzling Winter Wonderland. Click here for details.

Symphony Under the Lights

• When: Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Tuscawilla Park
• What: Complimentary holiday concert. Bring chairs, a blanket, some hot chocolate, and enjoy the sounds of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, joined by the Ocala Youth Symphony, for holiday favorites. Click here for more.

Downtown Ocala Christmas Golf Cart Parade

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Where: Downtown Ocala
• What: Check out decked-out golf carts taking over downtown for the annual event. Click here for more.

Ocala Christmas Parade

• When: Saturday, Dec. 13, at 5:30 p.m.
• Where: The route begins at the intersection of SE 25th Avenue and Ft. King Street, moving north to E Silver Springs Blvd. It turns left/west onto the Boulevard and goes 1.6 miles to NE 8th Avenue. The parade then turns right/north onto 8th Avenue, ending at NE 3rd Street, just before Tuscawilla Park.
• What: Celebrate the holiday season with festive fun! Click here to learn more.

Orange County

Dazzling Nights

• When: Nov. 28-Jan. 4
• Where: Leu Gardens in Orlando
• What: Dazzling Nights is returning for its sixth year at the gardens, promising “more lights” and a “longer path for the biggest Dazzling Nights yet!” Click here for everything you need to know.

College Park Holiday on the Drive

• When: Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Edgewater Drive
• What: This enchanting event offers something for everyone - from activities for the little ones to an artisan vendor village for unique holiday gift hunting. Santa will be there to spread cheer, and the air will be alive with music and entertainment. Click here for more.

Christmas in the Park

• When: Thursday, Dec. 4, from 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Where: Central Park main stage in Winter Park
• What: The City of Winter Park and The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art continue a holiday tradition with the 47^thAnnual Christmas in the Park. Click here to learn more.

Oh, What Fun! Lake Nona Holiday Festival

• When: Dec. 5-21
• Where: Lake Nona Town Center
• What: Watch as Lake Nona Town Center transforms into a winter wonderland, with a calendar full of celebrations and events. Click here for the full lineup.

Orlando 2025 Tree Lighting Celebration

• When: Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Lake Eola Park
• What: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer invites Central Florida residents and visitors to ring in the holiday season and help count down to the lighting of the city of Orlando’s Christmas tree at Lake Eola Park’s Washington Plaza. Returning again at Lake Eola is the downtown Merry Market, available each weekend through Dec. 21. Click here to learn more.

Apopka Tree Lighting

• When: Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: Kit Land Nelson Park
• What: Join the city of Apopka as the community comes together to celebrate the holiday season with festive lights, holiday displays, and a special tree lighting ceremony. Click here to learn more.

Light Up Winter Garden

• When: Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Winter Garden City Hall
• What: The momentous flipping of the switch to turn on the holiday lights and watch downtown glow. Holiday activities and entertainment for all to enjoy will continue through the evening. Click here for more.

Winter Garden Christmas Parade

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m.
• Where: S Dillard Street and W Plant Street
• What: The Winter Garden Christmas Parade is a long-standing community holiday tradition that delights spectators and brings in holiday cheer! Do not forget to look for the Big Guy himself at the end of the parade. Click here for more info.

Winter Garden Holiday Night Market

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: Downtown Pavilion
• What: The Holiday Night Market transforms the Downtown Pavilion area into a festive, open-air market bustling with market stalls of vendor booths of holiday goods and treats, Come enjoy the market and merry activities amidst a picturesque Holiday Wonderland! Click here for details.

Winter Park Christmas Parade

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, at 9 a.m.
• Where: Park Avenue
• What: This family-friendly occasion showcases holiday-themed floats, Santa Claus and well-known local figures as they make their way down the avenue on an adjusted route. Click here for more.

Maitland Season of Light

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Where: Lake Lily Park
• What: Bring the family for games and activities, vendors, live music, a tree lighting ceremony, fireworks, and a visit from Santa. Admission is free. Click here for more.

Osceola County

Now Snowing

• When: Nov. 29-Dec. 31
• Where: Celebration Town Center
• What: Now Snowing is a month-long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles-Dickens-style Carolers, photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides, ice skating and nightly snowfall. Click here to learn more.

St. Cloud Holiday Festival

• When: Dec. 6-7
• Where: Downtown St. Cloud
• What: Vendors, food, kids zone and more for holiday fun.

Festival of Lights Festival & Parade

• When: Saturday, Dec. 13, from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Where: Kissimmee City Hall
• What: A kids zone, family-friendly activities and the Festival of Lights Parade will “take the lights and holiday cheer along Broadway, Sproule Street, Church Street, and Stewart Avenue, bringing the spectacle even closer to the heart of downtown Kissimmee.” Click here to learn more.

Polk County

Lakeland Christmas Parade

• When: Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m.
• Where: Lake Mirror
• What: The event will start with a dazzling fireworks display over Lake Mirror at 7 p.m. At the same time, the parade will leave the RP Funding Center, making its way down Lemon Street, twisting and turning through Downtown Lakeland. Click here for more.

Havendale Christmas Parade

• When: Friday, Dec. 5, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Spring Haven Retirement Center along Havendale Boulevard
• What: The cities of Auburndale and Winter Haven will join together for the annual Havendale Christmas Parade. Click here for more.

Seminole County

Asian Lantern Festival

• When: Nov. 14-Jan. 18
• Where: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
• What: Handcrafted lanterns lit by more than 10,000 LED lights will take over the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford. Click here for more.

Oviedo Tree Lighting

• When: Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Center Lake Park
• What: Details TBA. Click here to learn more.

Longwood Concert & Tree Lighting

• When: Thursday, Dec. 4, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Reiter Park
• What: Join for tree lighting and a holiday jazz concert featuring Groove Slayers! Click here for more.

Lake Mary Holiday in the Park

• When: Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Central Park at City Hall
• What: Food, vendors, entertainment, kids zone and a skating rink with light shows. Click here for more.

Light Up The Holidays Altamonte Springs

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Cranes Roost Park
• What: Celebrate the tradition of lighting up Cranes Roost Park with live music, entertainment, fireworks, train rides, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Watch as the park comes alive with spectacular holiday displays featuring 200,000 lights and a 60-foot tree decorated with thousands of ornaments and garland. Click here to learn more.

Longwood Christmas Parade

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m.
• Where: Ronald Reagan Boulevard
• What: Come join us for our Longwood Christmas Parade featuring stunning cars, seasonal characters, bands, food and much more. Click here to learn more.

Oviedo Winter Parade

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Route begins at the Oviedo Gym south on Oviedo Boulevard, west on Center Lake Lane and north on Windy Pine Way, ending at Boardwalk.
• What: Brightly lit floats, marching bands and other groups celebrate the holiday season.

Wekiva Island’s Winter Wonderland

• When: December
• Where: Wekiva Island
• What: In addition to our well-loved activities like daily “snow” flurries, the Christmas tree forest and our 30-foot tall tree, and visits from your favorite Christmas characters, and Santa is inviting all the good boys and girls to his Workshop. Click here for more.

Longwood Celebrate the Season

• When: Friday, Dec. 12, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Reiter Park
• What: This holiday street party will feature an array of activities including live music, dance performances, snow maze, giant slides, train rides, food available for purchase and more. Click here for details.

Sumter County

Lake Sumter Landing Tree Lighting Festival

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Lake Sumter Landing Market Square
• What: Live music, dancing, Santa’s Village and more. Click here for complete details.

Brownwood Tree Lighting Festival

• When: Dec. 4 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Brownwood Paddock Square
• What: Live music, stilt walkers and more. Click here to check it out.

Volusia County

Magic of Lights Daytona

• When: Nov. 21-Jan. 3, 2026
• Where: Daytona International Speedway
• What: Daytona International Speedway will transform into a winter wonderland with a drive-through light display and a new “enchanting Reindeer Rest Stop.” Click here to learn more.

Light Up DeLand

• When: Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: Volusia County Historic Courthouse
• What: This memorable night will include ice skating, Santa’s Workshop with Christmas crafts for children, pictures with Santa, and more! The best part of the night: watching Santa skydive in from above to light our tree! Click here for more.

Light Up Orange City

• When: Friday, Dec. 5, starting at 5 p.m.
• Where: Block of City Hall
• What: Enjoy the tree lighting, food trucks, kid zone, train ride, Santa photos, and a holiday movie. The city will provide free hot cocoa and cookies. Food trucks will have food available for purchase. Click here to learn more.

Light Up Flagler Avenue

• When: Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach
• What: Tree lighting, holiday craft station for the kids, trackless train rides, as well as our annual golf cart parade and pooch parade! Click here for more.

Canal Street Christmas Parade

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m.
• Where: Flagler Avenue to Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach
• What: Holiday festivities to celebrate the season.

Port Orange Christmas in the Park

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: City Center Park
• What: This evening will feature a performance of holiday classics, a meet & greet with Santa, a “tree farm” crafting station, and hay rides under the beautiful lights of City Center Circle. Here are the details.

Orange City Christmas Parade

• When: Saturday, Dec. 13, at 5 p.m.
• Where: Volusia Avenue
• What: Line up along Volusia Avenue, beginning at French Avenue and ending at Ohio Avenue, to enjoy this year’s Christmas Parade! Click here for more.

Holiday Boat Parade

• When: Saturday, Dec. 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: South of Menard-May Park in Edgewater through New Smyrna Beach
• What: Watch over 50 vessels decorated for the holiday season. Click here for more.