Family Events in Orlando all December long

There is so much to do in Orlando this December! Christmas in Orlando may not be white and snowy, but it’s certain to be holly and jolly. We want you to have a blast and make tons of memories. But also, remember we are advocating for no overload! Pick a few that sound the most awesome to you. And if you’re looking for where to meet Santa in Central Florida check out our list here!

Arts & Culture

The arts in Orlando are alive and thriving. With special holiday programming for you to enjoy, you’ve got tons to choose from. Also, if you’re looking for an activity with dedicated ‘no-talking’ time this is definitely it. Save the talking for after once your mind has been blown and you can’t wait to talk about what you’ve seen.

Film

A Muppet Christmas Carol – The Enzian Theater

When: December 8, 2019 Noon

You and the kids will enjoy watching a movie on the big screen with a special holiday cafe menu. Children will receive a letter writing kit to make their wish list for Santa. Santa will stop by to pick up the letters and take photos!

Museum

Holiday Gingerbread House Workshop – Art & History Maitland

When: December 14, 2019 several times and seatings

Build your own gingerbread house while sipping on cocoa and eating cookies. Walk through the museum grounds prior-to your workshop for some unique architectural inspiration.

Orlando Ballet / Photo: Michael Cairns Professional Photographer

Nutcracker

Central Florida Ballet – December 14 & 15, 2019

Orlando Ballet – December 13 – 23, 2019

Russian Ballet Orlando – December 14, 2019

FREE – Russian Ballet Orlando at Lake Eola – December 21, 2019

Theater

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley – Orlando Shakes

Playing: December 4 – 29, 2019

In this playful pretend sequel from the classic Pride & Prejudice, Mary Bennet takes center stage and finally gets the love story she deserves. This charming play is full of holiday cheer. It’s got a PG rating and is best for middle-schoolers and up.

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story at Christmas – Garden Theatre

Playing: November 22 – December 22, 2019

The classic Charles Dickens tale gets a beautiful staging in Winter Garden. In the story, A swirling chorus of ghosts weave through this uplifting holiday story of redemption, magic, and hope as the greedy Scrooge learns the error of his ways. It is a ghost story so use your judgement on whether its appropriate for your littles.

Miracle in Bedford Falls – Orlando Repertory Theatre

Playing: November 11 – December 29, 2019

Based on the iconic It’s a Wonderful Life, in musical form. George Bailey dreams of a bigger life but on Christmas Eve an angel will show him just how much he means to those around him. Christmas magic abounds in this new spin on a classic movie. This show is suitable for your whole family.

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown – Winter Park Playhouse

Playing November 15 – December 15, 2019

Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip comes to life in this joyful, classic Broadway musical. This show is suitable for kids 11 and up!

A Christmas Story – Central Florida Community Arts

Playing: November 22 – December 15, 2019

Based on the movie, in musical format! Little Ralphie wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas and everyone is just sure ‘You’ll shoot your eye out!’ but will Santa deliver? This fun spin on the classic

Free & Cool

67th Annual Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade

When: December 8, 2019 9am – 10:30am

More than 100 bands, dance troupes, floats, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus, will delight the young and young-at-heart.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art – Winter Park

When: December 6, 13, 20, 27, 2019 5 – 8pm / December 24, 2019 9am – 4pm

Visit the museum’s stunning collection of Tiffany glass and other american classics. On these dates the museum provides FREE admission for all community members.

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail – Lake Buena Vista

When: November 22, 2019 – January 5, 2020

Walk along your merry way and discover 22 Disney-themed trees!

Light up the Holidays – Altamonte Springs

When: December 7, 2019 5 – 9pm

Fireworks and Mr. & Mrs. Claus…what more could you ask for? The event also includes live music, train rides, and 200,000 christmas lights throughout the park.

Winter on the Avenue – Winter Park

When: December 6, 2019 5 – 10pm

Join in the tradition of Winter Park holiday festivities as Park Avenue is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a tree lighting, carolers, and a visit from Santa.

Winter Garden Christmas Parade – Winter Garden

When: December 7, 2019 1 – 3pm

The streets will fill with floats and holiday cheer! Bring a chair and check it out.

Ice Skating & Snow Activities

Light up UCF

When: November 22, 2019 – January 5, 2020

This year’s festival offers 45 nights of ice skating, a world-class choreographed light show with music, free holiday movies, live entertainment, and rides!

Now Snowing – Celebration

When: November 30 – December 31, 2019

Offers one of the area’s only synthetic ice rinks, special community performances by some of the area’s top young talent, and special concert events throughout the season. Also includes horse drawn carriage rides, ice skating, train rides, and nightly snowfall!

Snow Fest – RDV Sportsplex

When: December 14, 2019

Events include Ice Skating, Real Snow, Kids’ Snow Slide, Bounce Houses, Face Painting, Curling & Family Fun!

Light Displays

The Lights on Jeater Bend – Visit Celebration for a magical display of holiday cheer.

Johanessen Lights – This next level light display landed this family on TV’s the ‘Great Christmas Light Fight!’

Magic of Lights at Daytona Speedway – Pile everyone into the car and experience Magic of Lights from the comfort of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of more than one million lights!